Game thoughts for preseason game 2.
First off, this felt much more like a get in, stay healthy, and get out game. Glad that seems to have been the case.
Second, I tried to focus on some more specific bubble players this week, especially as it relates to ST as we all know that's usually a deciding factor for those last few spots.
QB: I think we saw the pros and cons of Huntley. When he's rattled, his mechanics are all off. He still has a roundabout windup to get the ball out and it would worry me that a starting level defense would eat him alive. But he looks just fine as the backup still. He does need to work on lowering that ball though... multiple WRs had to go up and get it and they should be glad they came out healthy.
RB: I'll focus on the two young guys - Williams and McCrary. Both of them continue to look good but have to remember that they are facing guys likely to be out of the league in a couple of weeks. They look like good PS candidates, but I do think Williams still has a chance at the 53. Of note, I didn't chart either guy as playing any ST in the first half, which usually doesn't bode well. But Williams did look really good in pass protection and if he gets an opportunity next week while Hill remains injured, all bets are off. But the ST contributions aren't there for a guy like that to make the roster. But it also wouldn't surprise me to see either play for us at some point this season.
FB: Ben Mason had some really good blocks, but also missed at least 3 that I saw. He was in early on ST but still struggling to see where he fits on this roster.
WR: Nothing really to write home about here. Wallace had a couple of shining plays but then a big missed opportunity in the end zone. No one else really got enough opportunities to do anything. But we also have 4 of the 7 guys out there that are pretty much camp bodies.
TE: Oliver looks to have the TE3 job on lock. The fumble was unfortunate but he's a TE3 and adds some additional pass catching ability to the fold. Tomlinson still looks like the Boyle insurance should he not be able to start the season.
OL: Not as bad as last week but still not all that good. Was hoping to see more push on the right side from the starting unit but didn't see much there. Mekari fared alright. We know he's not a natural T but still somehow looks like the best option on the roster currently. Wanted to see Tyre out there but he was in street clothes on the sideline. On the second unit, Andre Smith remains garbage. Colon seems to have a leg up as the backup C. Schofield turned in a better performance but still looks like he's just eating time with all of our injuries. Sarell is still putting out some shining moments and looks like a good PS guy. Ealy didn't get into the game until very late which seems to indicate he's not in the plans.
DL: Starting unit got some good push on the goal line. Madubuike is so slim and looks like an OLB. Swann got in early just for depth reasons but looks like an interesting player for the PS.
ILB: Queen continues to look a lot more comfortable. Welch continues to be a key contributor early on ST so it's going to be really hard for me to leave him off the 53 once I reevaluate. Not much else to write about here.
OLB: Focusing on the young/fringe guys once again. Oweh looked like he was thinking a little too much tonight. Hayes continues to look like he can be a solid role player for us... continue to be impressed by his pass rush moves. Ferguson also looks significantly slimmed down and put together another solid showing. Chris Smith has been good in early dime packages as a 3T but might be caught in a numbers game. Any other year, we might be singing his praises a lot more.
CB: Preseason Peters don't give a fuck lol. I focused a lot on Chris Westry tonight in all facets. Obviously the long pass down the sideline isn't a good look but he held up in coverage otherwise, although no one was really tested. He did get washed out in the run game a few times. He was on the starting ST unit but still noticed him lacking in his gunner responsibilities. Overall, I see the appeal but just not sure what value he offers other than injury replacement. I'd lean toward him making it but he looks like a weekly inactive until injuries hit. Warrior looks like a fun little CB project. Had some shining moments, but then you also saw him talking with teammates about missed responsibilities. I'm sure we'll continue to see that out on the PS. The big note I have here is Shaun Wade... he didn't get in the game until late. A 5th round pick with his pedigree should be safe but I'm starting to question it. If he does make it, he's probably headed to IR the second a nick happens.
S: Another position where there wasn't much opportunity. Geno Stone was on the 1st ST unit again and was in the 2nd set of S's to enter the game, so he looks to be in good position. Ar'Darius Washington had another splash play but still didn't enter until late and didn't have much run on STs, so he looks more of a PS guy unless they think he can be a future S/slot guy.
ST: I'd be surprised if Verity isn't kicking elsewhere in the NFL in a few weeks.
