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I actually wasn't expecting much and its similar to the last game of a preseason in terms of what it probably meant to either team, but I was pleasantly surprised about a few things:
1) Thought Frederick at C and Leary at LG looked pretty solid. Arkin looked better to me than I remember him last yr or as a rookie. If Free can just somehow play average, I feel pretty good about 4/5 of our OL right now, assuming they all stay healthy.
2) Really liked how the new 4-3 looked. They looked much better coached/prepared. They didn't bust assignments left and right. Tackling was good for most of the night and really liked how we saw a number of guys converge on the ball carrier/receivers most of the game. The pass rush, despite not having any of the starting 4 out there looked pretty good. They didn't have to blitz much and still got good penetration/pass rushes on a lot of plays.
3) JJ Wilcox and Matt Johnson look the part of NFL caliber safeties. Both are big and rangy. Both tackle extremely well. Johnson has gotta figure out how to stay healthy. Wilcox just needs reps. I like the upside of both guys. Also liked the UDFA Jakar Hamilton.
4) I think we are super deep at LB. Love the potential of Holloman and Magee can fly. Also can see why Broaddus was talking up Taylor Reed. I thought he looked better than McSurdy at MLB.
5) Obviously the RB's had a great night. Tanner was superb. Randle and Dunbar look really solid. We are 4 deep at RB for sure. Wont surprise me if they get calls at the end of preseason about Tanner if he continues to run this way. Liked the solid commitment to the run game.
The things I didn't like:
1) We need Parnell to get healthy. Have zero confidence any of the backup T's we saw last night could play for even a few series on game days.
2) Wasn't overly impressed with either of the backup QB's. They each had a decent throw or two, but not sure if either shows enough to warrant using a spot on the 53 to keep them. Practice squad seems more likely IMO.
3) Wasn't overly impressed with Cole Amendola, err Beasley either. Definitely is not worth using on ST. Also looked like he had a very catchable pass go right through his hands on one play.
Overall not bad for an opener. I hope we see continued improvement.
1) Thought Frederick at C and Leary at LG looked pretty solid. Arkin looked better to me than I remember him last yr or as a rookie. If Free can just somehow play average, I feel pretty good about 4/5 of our OL right now, assuming they all stay healthy.
2) Really liked how the new 4-3 looked. They looked much better coached/prepared. They didn't bust assignments left and right. Tackling was good for most of the night and really liked how we saw a number of guys converge on the ball carrier/receivers most of the game. The pass rush, despite not having any of the starting 4 out there looked pretty good. They didn't have to blitz much and still got good penetration/pass rushes on a lot of plays.
3) JJ Wilcox and Matt Johnson look the part of NFL caliber safeties. Both are big and rangy. Both tackle extremely well. Johnson has gotta figure out how to stay healthy. Wilcox just needs reps. I like the upside of both guys. Also liked the UDFA Jakar Hamilton.
4) I think we are super deep at LB. Love the potential of Holloman and Magee can fly. Also can see why Broaddus was talking up Taylor Reed. I thought he looked better than McSurdy at MLB.
5) Obviously the RB's had a great night. Tanner was superb. Randle and Dunbar look really solid. We are 4 deep at RB for sure. Wont surprise me if they get calls at the end of preseason about Tanner if he continues to run this way. Liked the solid commitment to the run game.
The things I didn't like:
1) We need Parnell to get healthy. Have zero confidence any of the backup T's we saw last night could play for even a few series on game days.
2) Wasn't overly impressed with either of the backup QB's. They each had a decent throw or two, but not sure if either shows enough to warrant using a spot on the 53 to keep them. Practice squad seems more likely IMO.
3) Wasn't overly impressed with Cole Amendola, err Beasley either. Definitely is not worth using on ST. Also looked like he had a very catchable pass go right through his hands on one play.
Overall not bad for an opener. I hope we see continued improvement.
