2013 white vs black starter position battles

[referendum]

Its a little early, but I can't resist jumping the gun on my favorite category, white vs black starting position battles in the NFL. Of course, in many cases, if a player loses a battle, he will still be involved quite a bit, especially in a tight end or defensive player battle where there are lots of rotations, but less so for QB and O line of course, and thats where so many battles are. These are mostly cases where I've actually read about potential battles going into training camp.

Arizona, College vs. Cooper, OG
Atl, Mike Johnson vs Holmes, OT
Baltimore, Dennis Pitta vs Dickson. Obviously both will play alot, question is will Pitta be clear number one tight end.
Buffalo, QB Kevin Kolb vs Manuel, also maybe Pears vs Hairston. At one point I saw a depth chart with Hairston starting, but now Pears is listed as starter on most depth charts.
Carolina, Geoff Hangartner vs Kugbila or Williams, OG
Chicago, Shea Mcclellin vs others for starting DE.
Cincy, Eifert vs Greshem, don't know if this is an official battle, but seems like it should be. Also, Magnus Hunt vs others for starting D-line.
Dallas, Costa and Arkin for one of the OG positions currently with a black starter. Matt Johnson vs Allen and Underwood for FS.
Det, Jason Fox vs Hilliard, OT.
Hou, Ben Jones vs Brooks, OG, like last year.
Indy, Werner vs Mathis ROLB.
KC, Schwartz vs Allen, OG.
Minn, Cole or Mauti vs Henderson, MLB
NY Jets, Sanchez, who is whiter than most Mexicans, vs Smith, QBWinters vs Colon, OG.
Philly, Foles and Barkley vs Vick, QB
SF, Dahl vs Reid, FS, earlier I saw one report about Daniel Kilgore with a shot at center vs Goodwin, but Goodwin resigned so I don't know how likely that is.
St Louis, Barret Jones vs Smith, OG. Jones is listed as backup center, but could play guard, and Smith would be most likely takeover position.
TB, Carimi vs Dotson, OT, Gibson vs Spence DT. Both listed as starters by ourlads, but this being Tampa Bay, wonder if that can last. Tempting to list Freeman vs Glennon, but think this might be wishful thinking for now.
Tenn, Schwenke vs Velasco, center.
Wash, Doughty vs others, FS. Doughty is always fighting for his starting position, hopefully he makes it another year.

I'm not including Woodhead vs Mathews at SD, because even if he was named the "starter" he wouldn't be an every down back. I'm hoping he's used a respectable amount.

 

[dwid]

Its a little early, but I can't resist jumping the gun on my favorite category, white vs black starting position battles in the NFL. Of course, in many cases, if a player loses a battle, he will still be involved quite a bit, especially in a tight end or defensive player battle where there are lots of rotations, but less so for QB and O line of course, and thats where so many battles are. These are mostly cases where I've actually read about potential battles going into training camp.

Arizona, College vs. Cooper, OG
Atl, Mike Johnson vs Holmes, OT
Baltimore, Dennis Pitta vs Dickson. Obviously both will play alot, question is will Pitta be clear number one tight end.
Buffalo, QB Kevin Kolb vs Manuel, also maybe Pears vs Hairston. At one point I saw a depth chart with Hairston starting, but now Pears is listed as starter on most depth charts.
Carolina, Geoff Hangartner vs Kugbila or Williams, OG
Chicago, Shea Mcclellin vs others for starting DE.
Cincy, Eifert vs Greshem, don't know if this is an official battle, but seems like it should be. Also, Magnus Hunt vs others for starting D-line.
Dallas, Costa and Arkin for one of the OG positions currently with a black starter. Matt Johnson vs Allen and Underwood for FS.
Det, Jason Fox vs Hilliard, OT.
Hou, Ben Jones vs Brooks, OG, like last year.
Indy, Werner vs Mathis ROLB.
KC, Schwartz vs Allen, OG.
Minn, Cole or Mauti vs Henderson, MLB
NY Jets, Sanchez, who is whiter than most Mexicans, vs Smith, QBWinters vs Colon, OG.
Philly, Foles and Barkley vs Vick, QB
SF, Dahl vs Reid, FS, earlier I saw one report about Daniel Kilgore with a shot at center vs Goodwin, but Goodwin resigned so I don't know how likely that is.
St Louis, Barret Jones vs Smith, OG. Jones is listed as backup center, but could play guard, and Smith would be most likely takeover position.
TB, Carimi vs Dotson, OT, Gibson vs Spence DT. Both listed as starters by ourlads, but this being Tampa Bay, wonder if that can last. Tempting to list Freeman vs Glennon, but think this might be wishful thinking for now.
Tenn, Schwenke vs Velasco, center.
Wash, Doughty vs others, FS. Doughty is always fighting for his starting position, hopefully he makes it another year.

I'm not including Woodhead vs Mathews at SD, because even if he was named the "starter" he wouldn't be an every down back. I'm hoping he's used a respectable amount.

Goodwin still had another year left on his contract if I am not mistaken, and he took a pay cut. He could lose his starting job. I always thought he was overrated. He is 34 now, blacks don't hold up that long.

Dahl always seems to be underrated and fighting for a spot as well

Matt Johnson looked like the real deal, I wonder if he will get a fair shot. I'd like to see Cole win the spot in Minny, although I hope Mauti can get healthy and earn a spot somewhere down the line. I got see him play in high school, he is a great player. The thing is, I have seen players just as good, if not better than him. I am wondering if his dad playing for Penn State helped him out any. He was a good return man for the Saints. I don't know what he did for the Lions. If only more ex White players had sons. I know Dicky Lyons probably had some influence with getting his son a shot a Kentucky. I am pretty sure that Brandon Stokley's dad had some influence with some NFL teams, of course he had influence at ULL, being the coach. You would think something would click in these coaches' brains that White players can play, even if they don't have the "bloodlines" like the Matthews etc. It sure didn't help Steve Korte get a chance though, son of former Saints player. A big back that never saw a carry in college that ran a 4.3 at LSU pro day.

as far as the other battles, Shea McCllelin is out of position in my opinion with them wanting him to play LDE in a 4-3, I think he is more suited OLB in a 3-4 but hopefully I am proven wrong. Werner would probably have been a better fit as a 4-3 DE but hopefully proven wrong with that as well. It seems odd that a lot of White players are not put in their best position to succeed. Rob Ninkovich was like this, with the Saints as a 4-3 DE. He is doing well withe Patriots, but not every White player can wind up with the Patriots, although I wouldn't mind seeing them have a 53 man roster with nothing but Whites.

 

[Don Wassall]

Kiko Alonso will hopefully have his own thread soon if he proves to be the real deal, but this is a good place to post this short article as he looks to be a three-down starter in the middle for the Bills right from the get-go. A lot of fans will probably think Alonso's "hispanic," i.e. some kind of non-White because of his name and origin, but that should change over time. Most thought the same initially about WR Anthony Gonzalez, but eventually realized he's White. Alonso looks 100% of European ancestry to me.


Alonso appears to have inside track

Posted by Chris Brown on July 8, 2013 – 10:08 am

The middle linebacker role in Mike Pettine’s defense is technically up for grabs, but rookie second-round pick Kiko Alonso appears to have a pretty good grip on the job heading into training camp. We previewed the competition at the position in Bills Focus today (Monday).

Pettine has clearly been impressed with Alonso’s play in the spring practices. He had him running with the starting unit for the last three weeks of OTA and minicamp practices in late May and June.

“He’s NFL ready,” said Pettine. ”He understands the concepts that we’re playing, they played a lot of them in college. And from a physical standpoint, it’s hard in shorts to get a great feel for it, but he’s off to a good start. It’s a lot to absorb, but we’re pleased with the start he’s had and we have high expectations for him.”

Alonso’s approach has been unaffected by the amount of time he’s received in practices with the starting unit on defense.

“My mentality hasn’t changed,” he said. ”I’m here to just compete and give my best every single day and get better every single day.”

http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2013/07/08/alonso-appears-to-have-inside-track/

 

[Thrashen]

Kiko Alonso will hopefully have his own thread soon if he proves to be the real deal, but this is a good place to post this short article as he looks to be a three-down starter in the middle for the Bills right from the get-go. A lot of fans will probably think Alonso's "hispanic," i.e. some kind of non-White because of his name and origin, but that should change over time. Most thought the same initially about WR Anthony Gonzalez, but eventually realized he's White. Alonso looks 100% of European ancestry to me.

With his pale skin, light blue eyes, straight dirty-blond hair, and slender cranium and nasal structure, Alonso is, without question, of entirely white-Spanish ancestry (a family who obviously never mixed with Arabs). He would fit interchangeably into my own family (Swiss-German), who all feature similar attributes. Alonso’s real first name is “Kristian,” and “Kiko” is merely his nickname. After watching Alonso last season at Oregon, I was curious and read a revealing article concerning his ethnicity…

The nickname stuck after constant teasing over Alonso's given first name of Kristian, pronounced "Krees-tee-AHN." Grade school teachers routinely mispronounced it "KRIS-tin" during roll call. "Kids would tease me all of the time that I had a girl's name," Alonso said. The mispronunciation of continued in college, and today he simply introduces himself as Kiko Alonso. "Kiko" came from his parents. His father, Carlos, was born in Cuba before moving to Puerto Rico. His mother, Monica, is from Colombia.

CAPTION: Alonso Joins Asphalt-Black Bills

The surname “Alonso,” of course, is of Spanish origin and very popular in places such as Spain, Portugal, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and South America. Alonso has been arrested for DUI, felony burglary, criminal mischief and criminal trespassing (the latter three charges were all the same incident, I believe), but he appears to have cleaned up his act over the past 2 years. With his “exotic” name, the racially-obtuse DWF’s will likely think of him as a white-Hispanic amalgam who is only athletic due to his “Latino” lineage.

 

[referendum]

For some reason I didn't mention the battle at guard between Bengals Clint Boling and Trevelle Wharton. Most sites had Wharton ahead of Boling, but now the Bengals have released Wharton, so Boling should be starter again this year as he was last year when Wharton was injured.

 

[Freethinker]

A battle yet mentioned is the KC Chiefs tight end job. The incumbent is the less than impressive Tony Moeaki and he is being pushed by FA signee Anthony Fasano and draftee Travis Kelse. Seems like our guys are doing well.

The Kansas City Star expects rookie Travis Kelce to compete with Tony Moeaki to be the "move" tight end in the Chiefs' offense.

Anthony Fasano is viewed as "line of scrimmage guy" by OC Doug Pederson, while Moeaki and Kelce will compete to be the flex tight end. The Star believes the team is more "committed to Fasano and Kelce." Moeaki could be trade bait late in camp if he lasts through August healthy. Talented Kelce is a potential TE2.

 

[Truthteller]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned here or not, but the Rams signed Matt Giordano last month and it seems like he has a decent chance to start. He's competing against a group of undistinguished blacks, including a wildly over-hyped rookie from USC.

Giordano, like Michael Zordich in the 1990's, is a very rare white safety who actually gets the chance to start and hang around for a while after being let go once or twice early in his career. Most white safeties (i.e. Dustin Fox, Rich Coady, Brannon Condren, Scott Shields, Sabby Piscatelli, ect.) are completely "run out of the NFL" for good if they do not become an entrenched starter, or Pro Bowl caliber special teams "goy", by the age of 26 or 27.

Speaking of white safeties getting screwed, what's the deal with Corey Lynch and Eric Smith? Both still on the streets? Hard to believe Lynch didn't get a contract after playing fairly well last season, when he was asked to start next to Eric Weddle.

 

[referendum]

Another battle is in Arizona where it looks like Nate Potter might be in the mix for one of the OT jobs. Cards just signed Winston who will probably start as one, and Potter has a chance at the other spot.

 

[Thrashen]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned here or not, but the Rams signed Matt Giordano last month and it seems like he has a decent chance to start. He's competing against a group of undistinguished blacks, including a wildly over-hyped rookie from USC.

I did hear that Giordano signed with St. Louis, but I figured at age 30, and playing for his 6[SUP]th[/SUP] different franchise (IND, GB, NO, OAK, now STL) in 9 seasons, that he’d sit behind some plodding African. The Packers or Saints would have been wise to keep him. Matt played extremely well for the Raiders in 2011 and 2012, registering 7 picks in 2 seasons. Here are some career highlights, which further substantiate the fact that he may have the best “closing speed” in the NFL...

[video=youtube;J9QVfFzCc3A]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9QVfFzCc3A[/video]

After Giordano gained so much ground during Devin Hester’s kickoff return for a touchdown in the opening moments of the Colts-Bears Superbowl XLI, one AOL writer questioned if Matt was the “NFL’s Fastest Man,” a taboo-beyond-belief kind of statement. That particular highlight comes around 30 seconds into the video…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SorIlcZ7pC4

He only ran a 4.5 40-yard dash, which is a great time, but he certainly seems to play faster. After losing Craig Dahl to the Caste-seasoned 49ers this off-season, hopefully the Rams will start Giordano in 2013.

 

[referendum]

Its great to have an actual position battle on the defensive side for once. Also, I'm looking at a potential battle to unseat the Packers lone black O-lineman, Marshall Newhouse. Don Barclay might have a chance to do so.

 

[referendum]

Hate to have to add this one, but looks like Dan Connolly will be in a position fight against Cannon at guard for New England. The all white O-line may be in jeopardy. On the injury front Geoff Schwartz may have taken a leg up in his battle for starting guard at KC, as his rival Allen suffered some kind of injury today.

 

[referendum]

A string of bad news of late. 1. the Cooper situation in Philly. 2. Geoff Hangartner getting cut in Carolina. 3. Bulaga going down in GB means Newhouse is likely staying on as a starter
4. Today Mike Johnson on Atlanta was injured, possibly a severe on. The QB battles are not going well either, no surprise there.
Better news. A second white player, Rob Turner, may be in the mix for starting Titans center. If Gronk is out for the start of the year, Sudfeld is a possible replacement. Also, in Dallas Costa may take one of the starting guard spots.

 

[celticdb15]

Packers have announced Bakhtiari at LT Barclay at RT

 

[FootballDad]

Packers have announced Bakhtiari at LT Barclay at RT

Wow, that was quick. Maybe Aaron Rodgers stepped in and told them no way is he going to be on his back all game with the sumo Newhouse "ole"-ing defenders on his blind side.

 

[Leonardfan]

Barclay played well last year, I believe he was an UDFA. It sucks that Bulaga is out for the year. Bakhtiari is of Iranian descent so it's better than a sumo playing.

 

[Freethinker]

Bakhtiari is of Iranian descent so it's better than a sumo playing.

Indeed.

The bruthas will see him as a "creepy-ass cracka" and DWFs as a stiff, nonathletic White guy.

 

[backrow]

i know his younger sister, they have some Persian in them. i didn't even know David played football as well, i knew about his brother Eric, the LB

 

[referendum]

Found another battle that I didn't even know a white guy had a chance for. Seattle guard, Paul Mcquistan vs Carpenter. I thought Carpenter was the automatic starter once he was healthy, but apparently not, as whites are allowed to compete on the O-line on coach Caroll's plantation.
Also, found a mention of Eben Britton as a potential starting tackle over J'Marcus Webb for the Bears at some point. I don't know if I'd call it a position battle just yet, but may become one over time.

 

[referendum]

Two new ones to add, at Denver Stewart Bradley vs Irving for MLB duties, and in Atlanta Ryan Schrader might be in the mix to replace Johnson at tackle but sumo Lamar Holmes is the favorite for the job I believe.

 

[PHillisFan]

With his pale skin, light blue eyes, straight dirty-blond hair, and slender cranium and nasal structure, Alonso is, without question, of entirely white-Spanish ancestry (a family who obviously never mixed with Arabs). He would fit interchangeably into my own family (Swiss-German), who all feature similar attributes. Alonso’s real first name is “Kristian,†and “Kiko†is merely his nickname. After watching Alonso last season at Oregon, I was curious and read a revealing article concerning his ethnicity…

CAPTION: Alonso Joins Asphalt-Black Bills

The surname “Alonso,†of course, is of Spanish origin and very popular in places such as Spain, Portugal, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and South America. Alonso has been arrested for DUI, felony burglary, criminal mischief and criminal trespassing (the latter three charges were all the same incident, I believe), but he appears to have cleaned up his act over the past 2 years. With his “exotic†name, the racially-obtuse DWF’s will likely think of him as a white-Hispanic amalgam who is only athletic due to his “Latino†lineage.

I think there's a chance a guy like him could have some amerindian ancestry with his mother being from colombia. Anyway, I like Alonso. He's going to be a great player for Da charcoal bills.

 

[Freethinker]

Speaking of white safeties getting screwed, what's the deal with Corey Lynch and Eric Smith? Both still on the streets? Hard to believe Lynch didn't get a contract after playing fairly well last season, when he was asked to start next to Eric Weddle.

Lynch just signed with Tennessee. He'll be fighting for a roster spot, probably for special teams only. Let's hope he makes it.

 

[Leonardfan]

Tommy Bohannon won the starting FB job over Lex Hilliard. Now if the Jets will only realize their best QB is Greg McElroy they may be onto something.

Sounds like Idzik is pushing hard for Geno Smiff over the Spickchize.

 

[Freethinker]

The Packers will have an all-White offensive line again! The snow plow is complete by Don Barclay beating out sumo Newhouse for the RT spot.

Don Barclay is expected to open the season as the Packers' starting right tackle.

Green Bay's first-team front five is taking shape, from left to right reading LT David Bakhtiari, LG Josh Sitton, C Evan Dietrich-Smith, RG T.J. Lang, and RT Barclay. Barclay has outplayed Marshall Newhouse in practice and preseason games, and is one of the team's top run blockers. His winning of the job is good news for Eddie Lacy, who is going to be a 2013 offensive focal point.

 

[Leonardfan]

That's great news Freethinker. It is a shame about Bulaga though. Ted Thompson has really whiffed on Derek Sherrod.

Really becoming a fan of Barclay - he played well last season as a UDFA.

 

[Awake in America]

This is fantastic news. In their base I formation offense they will have the 5 whites on the line, plus QB, FB and WR. That makes 8. Am I missing anything? Too much to ask for a white TE in Green Bay?