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- Reaction score
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Much better effort, without question. Was really curious to see how our defense would do with their O, and how our OL would block their front seven. Even with 2/5th of our OL out, they looked pretty good. The defense gave up some dink and dunk plays, but even without the 4 best pressure players we have in the front 7 (Ratliff, Hatcher, Ware & Spencer) the defense had a great night.
1) Still dont think Arkin is starting material this year, but he is getting better and could be the swing G/C on gamedays unless they go out and get a veteran. He got called for a few penalties (2 holds and a downfield call) but the first hold I thought was pretty picky, the 2nd one they may have changed to someone else, as when they showed the replay he was in the middle and wasnt blocking anyone when they showed it. Bernadeau looked like he had a really nice half too. Got some push in the run game and looked solid in pass pro. Free slipped once allowing a pressure by Shaun Phillips, but otherwise looked pretty good. Ty Smith had one bad play (run play, resulted in TFL) but otherwise was unbeatable. Definitely an encouraging performance, and cant wait till we see all 5 starters together.
2) Loved the CB play. Even without Jenkins I didnt see any of their starters get open on our 3 guys (Carr, Claiborne and Scandrick). Looked like the safeties handled their assignments too, I dont recall seeing Gates open much (if any) downfield.
3) Demarco Murray looks like a real star in the making at RB. He runs with tremendous power and quickness, and his cutting ability is really good. Great hands out of the backfield. Looks like they hit a real homerun with this pick.
4) Romo had a nice night. Much more time to throw and took what the defense gave him. Even without Austin and Witten he didnt have problems finding open guys.
5) The backup WR and TE spots look pretty good. I really think Hanna could end up having a role in the regular offense (2 TE sets) as he runs like a WR and looks like he has really good hands. Ogletree, Beasley and Harris all looked great last night.
6) Dont think Connor is even remotely close to Carter for the ILB job. Also think Chapas' two missed blocks sealed his fate. Was probably going to be tough to keep 2 FB's anyway, but he blew it bad on those pass pro plays IMO.
7) Kyle Orton is a massive upgrade as a backup QB, and that isnt a knock on Kitna. Its just that Orton is so much bigger and has a much stronger arm. I wouldnt be surrpised at all if some borderline playoff team loses its starter before the trade deadline that they might call and offer something of pretty good value for Orton, although I know we'd refuse. The even better news is I think Orton is signed with us for 2 or seasons. Orton is probably better than a number of teams starters.
8) This Teddy Williams guy is one of the absolute worst football players I've ever seen. I know they love his size and speed, but the experiment is over IMO. This guy just cant play a lick, in any role. One of the worst kick return guys ever, and his CB skills are pathetic. Pretty sure the AOA experiment is over too. Had a really poor night at CB.
9) Mario Butler had a really nice game, and he is an outstanding tackler. Gonna be really hard to release him I think. The good thing with him though is they've been training him for both the CB and safety role, so he can save a spot potentially.
10) Really felt bad for Steven McGee last night. He made a couple bad throws but he got absolutely no help from the backup OL's. The blocking was dreadful for him. I highly doubt they keep 3 QB's.
11) Tyrone Crawford appeared to have a really nice game, so did Josh Brent at NT. I saw one pass play where Brent assisted on a tackle 7-8 yds downfield.
12) Sick catch by Bryant in the endzone. His route running is also far better. He looks really quick in and out of his cuts now. If he stays healthy, I can definitely see him having a 80+ catch, 1200+ yds 10+ tds type season.
Hopefully we see more improvement next week. Doesnt sound like Austin is gonna practice or play (again) and obviously Witten is out, but still would be nice to see starting O get a couple of 1st half tds vs St Louis.
1) Still dont think Arkin is starting material this year, but he is getting better and could be the swing G/C on gamedays unless they go out and get a veteran. He got called for a few penalties (2 holds and a downfield call) but the first hold I thought was pretty picky, the 2nd one they may have changed to someone else, as when they showed the replay he was in the middle and wasnt blocking anyone when they showed it. Bernadeau looked like he had a really nice half too. Got some push in the run game and looked solid in pass pro. Free slipped once allowing a pressure by Shaun Phillips, but otherwise looked pretty good. Ty Smith had one bad play (run play, resulted in TFL) but otherwise was unbeatable. Definitely an encouraging performance, and cant wait till we see all 5 starters together.
2) Loved the CB play. Even without Jenkins I didnt see any of their starters get open on our 3 guys (Carr, Claiborne and Scandrick). Looked like the safeties handled their assignments too, I dont recall seeing Gates open much (if any) downfield.
3) Demarco Murray looks like a real star in the making at RB. He runs with tremendous power and quickness, and his cutting ability is really good. Great hands out of the backfield. Looks like they hit a real homerun with this pick.
4) Romo had a nice night. Much more time to throw and took what the defense gave him. Even without Austin and Witten he didnt have problems finding open guys.
5) The backup WR and TE spots look pretty good. I really think Hanna could end up having a role in the regular offense (2 TE sets) as he runs like a WR and looks like he has really good hands. Ogletree, Beasley and Harris all looked great last night.
6) Dont think Connor is even remotely close to Carter for the ILB job. Also think Chapas' two missed blocks sealed his fate. Was probably going to be tough to keep 2 FB's anyway, but he blew it bad on those pass pro plays IMO.
7) Kyle Orton is a massive upgrade as a backup QB, and that isnt a knock on Kitna. Its just that Orton is so much bigger and has a much stronger arm. I wouldnt be surrpised at all if some borderline playoff team loses its starter before the trade deadline that they might call and offer something of pretty good value for Orton, although I know we'd refuse. The even better news is I think Orton is signed with us for 2 or seasons. Orton is probably better than a number of teams starters.
8) This Teddy Williams guy is one of the absolute worst football players I've ever seen. I know they love his size and speed, but the experiment is over IMO. This guy just cant play a lick, in any role. One of the worst kick return guys ever, and his CB skills are pathetic. Pretty sure the AOA experiment is over too. Had a really poor night at CB.
9) Mario Butler had a really nice game, and he is an outstanding tackler. Gonna be really hard to release him I think. The good thing with him though is they've been training him for both the CB and safety role, so he can save a spot potentially.
10) Really felt bad for Steven McGee last night. He made a couple bad throws but he got absolutely no help from the backup OL's. The blocking was dreadful for him. I highly doubt they keep 3 QB's.
11) Tyrone Crawford appeared to have a really nice game, so did Josh Brent at NT. I saw one pass play where Brent assisted on a tackle 7-8 yds downfield.
12) Sick catch by Bryant in the endzone. His route running is also far better. He looks really quick in and out of his cuts now. If he stays healthy, I can definitely see him having a 80+ catch, 1200+ yds 10+ tds type season.
Hopefully we see more improvement next week. Doesnt sound like Austin is gonna practice or play (again) and obviously Witten is out, but still would be nice to see starting O get a couple of 1st half tds vs St Louis.
