Stephenson did a good job against some decent but unspectacular pass rushers today. Wonder how he'd handle the right side...

Actually Carolina has two very good defensive ends. Charles Johnson is a monster.

I was impressed.

I agree, they both have over 8 sacks on the season, they aren't elite though. I probably could have used a better word than unspectacular...

Charles Johnson is absolutely elite. He has flown under the radar for three seasons.

In fact he is the 2nd highest rated DE on PFF.

#2 overall, or pass rush only?

#2 overall and #2 in pass rush. 2nd in QB pressures and T-2nd in sacks.

Charles Johnson is a monster as well as Jon Beason. They just play for an unspectacular defense in Carolina so they don't get much exposure.

As for Stephenson, he played pretty well today. I don't remember many pressures at all while our downfield passing game was probably the best we've seen all season. Plenty of 5 step drops and Quinn holding onto the football. One thing I will say though is that we seemed to have far more success running to the right than we did the left.

All in all he played pretty well.

I'd say Albert is as good as gone.

yea, he missed once really bad ... total whiff


but overall he has done a very solid job

Stephenson is definitely been one of the few pleasant surprises this year. We have makings of a good, young line with Stephenson, Allen, Hudson, Asamoah, with Albert and Winston (who has done better the last few weeks). Now keeping Albert is a key. Lilja doesn't need to be starting next year if he's back though.

they will let Albert walk because of Stephenson's progression

Yeah that has happened 10 times this year. Its not because of DEN, its because the Chiefs QB's are a joke.

I doubt they let Albert walk.

I wonder what Alberts trade value is. a 2nd or a late 1st?

If they don't tag Albert but do tag Bowe, wouldn't they not be able to trade Albert due to him becoming a FA?

That's what I'm talking about.