I want to take a step away from the utter panic (rightfully so) that seems to be setteling in on this board, and try to focus on some of the positive things I have seen in the pre-season games. We all know the O-line is the weakest link in the first two PRE-SEASON games, but lets look at some other guys who minght have a break-out year *Jordan White The guy is your classic possession receiver. I see him making this roster (maybe in place of Chaz, if his contract isn’t fully guaranteed). Not bad for a 7th round pick, needs to stay healthy and has had difficulties doing so over the course of his college and short pro career. Guy could be a help as he runs good routs and has nice hands. *LaRon Landry As advertised, he can pack a punch when a receiver comes across the middle, is FAST, and very instinctual. Again, health is a concern and I really like the way the coaching staff has handled his “pitch count”. Rex said he has grasped the defense and has no concerns about his mental approach. * Vlad Ducasse Seems to have settled in at RG (although I like him having some experience at LG, and RT in a pinch). Still has a ways to go in space and getting to the second level (but has shown a marked improvement from last year). Is a pure mauler at this point, but its seems to be starting to “slow down: for him. * Jeff Cumberland While we all know he is not a blocking TE, he does run clean routs and has good hands. It has been encouraging to see him make it back from the Achilles’ injury that robbed him of last season. I hope he develops this year so we can have a replacement for Keller if he decides to leave via FA next year. * Feel free to add as these are just the first few names that popped into my head.
^I was actually impressed with the penetration on the D-line. Aside from Landry stuffing cobwebs into Cruz's chest, that was the best part of Saturday night for me. The LB corps needed to figure out how to capitaalize on that penetration, though, and they didn't. I really want to see Demario in action, because aside from Bryan Thomas getting action in the running game, the linebackers didn't get a hell of a lot done.
DL looks fixed. Safety... looks like it will hold on just fine (for now.) Remains to be seen how the rookies grow. LB corp in general are slow as snails. Needs major overhaul. Offense? WFH. 'Nuff Said.
The defense in general gives me hope that this season isn't already doomed. They look so good (and against good offenses) that they could potentially save the team and the season if the Jets do something about the RT spot...
I think the offense will come around to be somewhat useful. Even if it means going to Tebow a lot in games (or even as the starter), which I sincerely hope isn't necessary, I think they'll find a way to score some points. Like people have been saying, we'll see low scoring games this year methinks. 17-13s galore. Whether it'll hold up against really good offenses such as New England remains to be seen.
Definitely Landry and the defense as a whole. Maybe not some of our depth guys though. Coples had a really good first game, didn't notice him as much in the Giants game but maybe he got less snaps, wasn't sure. I think he sacked one of the backup QBs but don't really recall...but that point I was so frustrated I was only looking at the negatives as there were so many.
Funny how the one positive thread on this page gets barely any responses. It's not that hard to put the hate aside for a minute... Here are my positives. Shonn Greene - He's been taking on a heavier workload each year and has succeeded and he looked pretty good against one of the best d lines in the league last game. He's shown he's fully capable of carrying the load. Matt Slauson - Vlad has improved a lot but Slauson was still able to win the starting LG position and he's shown his versatility by playing Center and RT. I expect big things from him this year. Mark Sanchez - Yes, I said it. Sanchize has looked better in training camp this year than he ever has. He has stepped up his leadership big time and looks ready to take his game to new heights this year. If he can play as good in the red zone, establish a real deep threat, and cut down his turnovers, he'll be edging the top 10. I believe this is make or break year for him, and so does he. Jordan White - injuries gave him the opportunity to contribute and he's seemed to make good strides The D line - This line is looking rugged for years to come. Wilks, Coples, Ellis = the future. Pou'ha is icing on the cake. We are young and deep on the line, no question. Generating pass rush without blitzing will help us play to our strength, which is the secondary. Safety unit - This might be the biggest upgrade we made in the off season. Definitely bigger and faster, plus the experienced vet Bell will help teach the young guys, who have looked pretty decent as well. The defense has no excuse not to be #1 this year. Virtually every hole has been filled. The offense needs to get into the top 12 or so. I think we have all the tools except RT.
i also wish to see more of demario but i think bart took advantage of the d-lines push ... he was consistently in the backfield and had a solid game
Seems like a good spot to put this http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150999653491231 Check out the thrown and catch from Sanchez to White beating Revis. And the last throw by Sanchez to....... i cant see for a long ass TD. Haters hate away.
This offseason we went from having no safeties on the roster at one point (Eric Smith doesn't count) to possibly having a legit group of safeties. Optimism.
There are some real deficiencies in the offense but I am not concluding the offense is a disaster at this point because if they plan on running a squirrel offense there's no reason to show the cards in preseason. Better for everybody to underestimate the team than overestimate it. So as frustrating as it is to see, let them play like ass all preseason (as long as nobody gets hurt) and we'll see what happens 9/9. Either the offense will explode or implode.
Don't be so sold on Landry. The Redskins didn't only let him go cause of health concerns. He has a tendency to get burned over the top.....it will become obvious this year.
