A harder throw would've been preferable, but that was still a ball that has to be caught. If McElroy can hit an NFL caliber receiver in the hands like that, it'll be a touchdown.
It doesn't matter how hard the ball is thrown, If it bounces off the receiver's hands, it should have been caught.
Watching McElroy made me feel like I was watching chad after 2 shoulder surgeries on every deep ball, otherwise he looked very solid. A young seventh rounder and seems to have his head on straight, but he really needs to work on that duck of a deep ball.
Powell is going to be a really good back, and I'm very happy he's on this team. Love the way he runs, and should be a great compliment to Greene after LDT goes on his way. The pass he dropped over the middle was a waste anyway, so it really doesn't bother me much, esp. when he looked smooth catching balls in the flat. Cumberland was pretty smooth out there too, definitely a better option than Mulligan. As for McElroy, I can't remember the last time I saw a QB progress so much through the course of one football game. He'll never be a star/starter, but he has every tool to be a top quality game managing backup. I think the key will be limiting mistakes at this level, which is good because it's never been a problem for him in the past.
McElroy looks pretty solid for a backup. That was a good performance for a QB in his spot. If he were a first round pick, then we might have some concerns. This was also his first NFL game. Yeah, his arm is weak, but if he ever sees the field, all he needs to do is manage the game and let the defense carry the load. I was impressed by his poise. Except the last play. That was funny.
I'm disappointed with Payne and Campbell... both had significant drops. McKnight pass protection was bad... he'll need a lot of work on that. Cumberland / Powell / Turner / Baker (TE)... also a honorable mention to Landolt (#72). Liked what I saw from McElroy considering it's his first NFL game and Ducasse was in turnstile mode...
I don't doubt that. I should have made it clearer in my OP, all his deep throws were soft. He needs to step into the pass a little more. He floats them down the field. You guys are harping on this a little too much. I loved the job he did tonight.
I think down the road he has the potential to be a starter actually... he needs to work in the gym a lot but why not? Many QBs don't throw great downfield balls but are capable starters in this league (Orton).
McElroy is known for not having a strong arm. He's a game manager. But his intangibles are pretty damn nice. Good rookie start for the kid. Cumberland gets his blocking to a decent point and he'll see time. He's got some nice speed. And he's tough to tackle. Powell has a sweet burst, and Kerley is going to beast. I liked what I saw out of McKnight. He made me look correct all offseason with looking like an NFL RB. He fought for yards, he hit the hole. He looked sure of himself. His pass pro is going to need polishing, but he's a young, skinny kid. It'll get a little better.
Moreso Payne. I couldn't give two shits about Campbell. He's not making the roster or the PS. Payne had a lot of good buzz about him in camp and he did nothing to earn a spot on the team. I wouldn't give an honorable mention to Landolt. He struggled pretty mightily.
I can't remember if at the end of the game it was #72 or #77 that got burnt badly twice... I seem to remember it was #77 but I could be mistaken... (#72 is Landolt). Agreed on Payne... hopefully he improves in the other preseason games... but as of now advantage Turner.
Agreed. He did drop a very catchable ball and Brooks Reed fucked him up on a blitz, but those aren't serious mistakes. I have a feeling Westhoff told our returners to bring out every ball possible - so I'm not going to knock McKnight for brining that kick out of the back of the endzone. Mike Campbell's drop was a serious mistake. He'll probably be gone when he gets off the plane.
I only heard the 2nd quarter on the radio. It sounded like he was very capable tonight. I heard them say on TV he was shaken up, but I was assuming it wasn't much because not a lot was said about it.
Payne made a great tackle on special teams, but that was basically erased when he dropped an easy pass from McElroy. Patrick Turner > Logan Payne
oh yeah, starters haha. He looked fantastic for a makeshift OL. Took a sack when needed, and the slants were perfect. Sad that rush got him on the 3rd and 6. He proabably would have gotten a TD out of it.
