Nate Clements getting snaps at Safety

[Be Weary of Query]

It's unknown whether this is an experiment or if the Bengals are thinking of starting Clements at safety. The Bengals definitely want to see what Clements looks like at that spot because he split his snaps on the first-team defense at cornerback and safety.

This could be a way of extending the career of the 32-year-old Clements, who is a strong tackler. It would allow the Bengals a chance of getting their five best defensive backs on the field. The Bengals have been looking for a strong safety since releasing Chris Crocker in early April.

Bengals' Clements seeing time at safety - NFL Nation Blog - ESPN

:ss:

 

[Cincyfan78]

It's unknown whether this is an experiment or if the Bengals are thinking of starting Clements at safety. The Bengals definitely want to see what Clements looks like at that spot because he split his snaps on the first-team defense at cornerback and safety.

This could be a way of extending the career of the 32-year-old Clements, who is a strong tackler. It would allow the Bengals a chance of getting their five best defensive backs on the field. The Bengals have been looking for a strong safety since releasing Chris Crocker in early April.

Bengals' Clements seeing time at safety - NFL Nation Blog - ESPN

:ss:

What a dumb move. This NEVER works, and teams should NEVEr look at this option.

Only the Bengals

(end sarcasm)

 

[DanBengalfan]

hopefully, this is for injury insurance only.

 

[flamingrey]

It's fine to look at it, but evidence suggests it won't work, and it probably won't.

But nice to see your arguments are still evolving.

 

[bengaldoug]

Hmmmmmmm.......who in the hell would be dumb enough to think that has a chance to work?

:ss::ss::ss:

 

[cincygrad]

Again..... Outside of a few players (many that actually switched in their primes), a move from corner to safety doesn't work. Why do you folks think Nate's declining skill set will suddenly be masked in a position he has never played before?

The question has never been whether you could convert a corner to safety, but whether you should convert a corner to safety.

 

[bengaldoug]

I think we should wait and see. When questioned about the move Nate says he has studied all secondary positions all along. His only declining skill is his footspeed. He is still a solid tackler and still has ball skills.

 

[cincygrad]

I think we should wait and see. When questioned about the move Nate says he has studied all secondary positions all along. His only declining skill is his footspeed. He is still a solid tackler and still has ball skills.

Were he and Ced Benson friends?

 

[bengaldoug]

lol.................

 

[bengaldoug]

Apparently Mike Zimmer must believe he has a chance to play safety or he wouldn't try him there....

 

[flamingrey]

Or our current safeties simply blow - c'mon we're talking Robert Sands and Jeromy Miles here - and it's a shot in the dark that Clements may be able to play the position better than them, even though he would still suck.

 

[cincygrad]

Bobbie Williams was playing center for us a few preseasons ago.... I wouldn't read too much into it.

 

[bengaldoug]

Bobbie Williams was playing center for us a few preseasons ago.... I wouldn't read too much into it.

They backed off that experiment in a hurry....we'll see what happens with this one.....

 

[Servo]

Charles Woodson is now GB's starting safety. I like that they're putting Clements there. We'll see how it plays out, it could be a huge fail...but I think he's got the skill set to be a good safety.

 

[Cincyfan78]

It couldn't hurt to have him in there on obvious passing plays. If you figure the current depth chart stands, Mays is your starting safety outside of Nelson. On passing downs that are obvious, sliding Clements in there would upgrade the passing defense, and he's a solid tackler, so even on a draw/short screen, you're not going to lose a lot.

 

[flamingrey]

It couldn't hurt to have him in there on obvious passing plays. If you figure the current depth chart stands, Mays is your starting safety outside of Nelson. On passing downs that are obvious, sliding Clements in there would upgrade the passing defense, and he's a solid tackler, so even on a draw/short screen, you're not going to lose a lot.

Pretty much this. The odds are heavily favored against him, but considering the circumstances, he'll have to do.