First Impressions

[Go Coogs']

The first and second teamers dominated last night.

Troy Nolan was a pleasant surprise as the backup SS. Dude had an int and some big hits on WRs that knocked would be catches loose.

Super Mario had two sacks and three tackles for a total of -17 yards in two series. The o-lineman he went up against was quoted with this gem, "I don't care what anybody says, there ain't nothing wrong with his hip."

Ben Tate might be gone for the season which sucks donkey dick. Jeramiah Johnson and/or Chris Henry need to step it up. Slaton fumbled again, but Foster was very impressive.

All-in-all a very good night.

[mvscal]

Granted it was only the Bears, but it was a business-like ass kicking of a team desperate for any kind of success. Jackson clearly won't be missed at all. Mathews looked good, so the running game is back. Julius Peppers was shut down by Dumbrowski. Got a nice return out of an undrafted free agent.

It was exactly the kind of performance they were looking for and sends a pretty clear message to McNeil and Jackson.

I guess AJ Smith knows what the fuck he's doing after all.

[BSmack]

Just finished watching the Steelers. Now I realize why the Cowboys cut Flozell. He sucks. Sure, he can still run block, but he can't handle speed rushes for a shit. Mendenhall must have attended the Adrian Peterson school of ball handling, because he had the worst fumble I've ever seen. I swear he had the ball at waist level, away from his body when he was stripped. As far as I am concerned, if he doesn't get his shit together on that score, stick Issac Redman in there. At least he looked like he gave a damn. Leftwich looked OK out there, but his release will never be confused with Dan Marino's. He'll be OK if they can hold onto the ball (see comments on Mendenhall).

The defense looked solid. And special teams, for the first time in eons, did not give me a heart attack. Sepulveda was exceptional punting the ball and Reed's kickoffs were way better than last year's. Let's see if they can keep it up when Hienz Field's turf turns into jell-o later this season.

All in all, it was OK. But they have a long way to go to be ready for week one.

[mvscal]

Leftwich looked OK out there, but his release will never be confused with Dan Marino's. He'll be OK if they can hold onto the ball (see comments on Mendenhall).

I would be very worried about that guy. At least The Rapist moves around well and is able make plays when his protection breaks down. Leftwich has zero mobility.

[BSmack]

Leftwich looked OK out there, but his release will never be confused with Dan Marino's. He'll be OK if they can hold onto the ball (see comments on Mendenhall).

I would be very worried about that guy. At least The Rapist moves around well and is able make plays when his protection breaks down. Leftwich has zero mobility.

More likely than not, they will only need him for 4 games. But even so, Leftwich didn't look that bad. His timing with Mike Wallace needs work, but with a solid run game, he'll be serviceable for a stretch. But if Mendenhall decides to start serving up turnovers like he's a one man bakery, then it won't matter who is QB.

[Dinsdale]

Jeramiah Johnson

Just wait until JJ drops one of his famous stiffarms on someone, then watch as a legend is born... wait, you're a C'oog's fan... you saw it firsthand.

[Go Coogs']

He'll get a good look next game with Tate on the shelf.

Honestly, I hope he beats out Henry for the third spot. I'd love to see one of those stiff arms against an NFC East opponent this season.

[Paul]

Granted it was only the Bears, but it was a business-like ass kicking of a team desperate for any kind of success. Jackson clearly won't be missed at all. Mathews looked good, so the running game is back. Julius Peppers was shut down by Dumbrowski. Got a nice return out of an undrafted free agent.

It was exactly the kind of performance they were looking for and sends a pretty clear message to McNeil and Jackson.

I guess AJ Smith knows what the fuck he's doing after all.

It doesn't say SHIT to McNeil or Jackson. It says that the Blots have had a coaching staff together for 4 years now and there's continuity there, as opposed to Da Bears' almost yearly turnstile of offensive coaching. Let's see how they look after the preseason is finished.

[poptart]

First Raider impressions:

They've assembled a pretty nice defense that can get after it.

If they roll with the current O-Line personnel, they're in trouble.
The offense will have difficulty stringing together first downs.
Very weak at C and RG, average at best at the Tackles.
Not good.
Deal for L. Mankins?

The passing game is going to take some time to develop, but there is some promise.

Special teams - hard to say, but Lechler and Janikowski are very good.


Looks like a team that can expect to win between 5-8 games.

[DallasFanatic]

Granted it was only the Bears, but it was a business-like ass kicking of a team desperate for any kind of success. Jackson clearly won't be missed at all. Mathews looked good, so the running game is back. Julius Peppers was shut down by Dumbrowski. Got a nice return out of an undrafted free agent.

It was exactly the kind of performance they were looking for and sends a pretty clear message to McNeil and Jackson.

I guess AJ Smith knows what the fuck he's doing after all.

Are you assessing your GM's decision making skills based on the performance of your squad's first preseason game? Tell me you're not mv. You should rip yourself a new one for doing that.

[mvscal]

Of course not. I just have confidence in the personnel he has assembled. Mathews will have opportunity to be offensive RoY and I think he'll get it.

I also think this was a very low key draft that will prove to be lot better than many people might think. Besides Mathews, Donald Butler, Darrell Stuckey and Cam Thomas will all be key contributors if not starters this year. Well, next year for Butler but he was a steal in the 3rd round as was Stuckey in the 4th and Thomas in the 5th.

Depth on the O line is the biggest concern right now and that will be greatly alleviated once McNeil reports.

[Shoalzie]

Positives:
Jahvid Best...6 carries, 29 yards; he's appears to be the quickest back in Honolulu blue since #20
Kyle Vanden Bosch...gotta appreciate a veteran that doesn't mail it in in his debut; played with a lot of energy and definitely should help the front 4 this year

Negatives:
Derrick Williams...fair catches a punt at the 3-yard line...yeah
the entire secondary...not a big shock but they were missing Delmas though

Incomplete:
Ndamukong Suh...was neutralized with double teams most of the night; he'll need to work through that and he's also missed a week of camp

[Dinsdale]

Incomplete:
Ndamukong Suh...was neutralized with double teams most of the night; he'll need to work through that and he's also missed a week of camp

Uhm... what's to work on?

If the Portland Boy draws a double team from the moment he steps on the field, what's the problem?

You're now playing 10-on-9... kind of a dominant passrushers job, dipshit.

Often times, the guy who leads the league in sacks is the guy who lines up next to the best passrusher... sup, Dana Stubblefield, Reggie White, and numerous other beneficiaries of dominant rushers who drew double and triple teams.

Do you think Trevor Pryce gets all the sacks for the Ravens because he's the best passrusher, or because he lines up next to Haloti Ngata, who's yet to see a single team in his career?

[Shoalzie]

Incomplete:
Ndamukong Suh...was neutralized with double teams most of the night; he'll need to work through that and he's also missed a week of camp

Uhm... what's to work on?

If the Portland Boy draws a double team from the moment he steps on the field, what's the problem?

You're now playing 10-on-9... kind of a dominant passrushers job, dipshit.

Often times, the guy who leads the league in sacks is the guy who lines up next to the best passrusher... sup, Dana Stubblefield, Reggie White, and numerous other beneficiaries of dominant rushers who drew double and triple teams.

Do you think Trevor Pryce gets all the sacks for the Ravens because he's the best passrusher, or because he lines up next to Haloti Ngata, who's yet to see a single team in his career?

Yes, I realize getting occupied by two lineman is a positive. He's obviously going against more skilled lineman in the pros than he ran into in the Big 12...albeit, the Steelers' line isn't exactly the Jets' or the Vikings' line. If they get pressure off the edge, I'm cool with him tying up the interior of the line to free up Deandre Levy and even Delmas to come up from the safety spot to sniff out the run. My hope would be that he's as disruptive up front as Shaun Rogers was in his best years. When he played hard, he could occupy space in the middle of the line and got loose to make plays in the run game. He's not a bulky as Rogers and appears to be more mobile as well.

I think the full impact of Suh and the additions of Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams will be felt when the linebacking corps is healthy. They played those three series without the first team linebackers. I can definitely see this being a better team against the run based on the push they got out of Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril and if Suh and Williams can occupy the middle like they did. The front 4 were definitely the stars of that first preseason game in my view. It looked like a group that could plays on their own but to have Levy and Peterson in the lineup, it could become a very solid front 7. The problem will be the corners but if they can get pressure from the front 4, they should make opposing QBs less comfortable so they won't be able to just pick apart the secondary while keeping them upright. In the past, very pedestrian QBs would wear out the Lions because of the weak secondary and the no push up front.

[Dinsdale]

Oh, don't get me wrong -- a top-tier DT is a game-changer.

And if any team needs a game-changer from a single position, it's Detroit.

I think the Lambs were foolish not to take him. When you suck, an excellent DT is much more valuable than an inexperienced QB.

[mvscal]

When you suck, an excellent DT is much more valuable than an inexperienced QB.

Especially when you can't protect that QB.

[Shoalzie]

Oh, don't get me wrong -- a top-tier DT is a game-changer.

And if any team needs a game-changer from a single position, it's Detroit.

I think the Lambs were foolish not to take him. When you suck, an excellent DT is much more valuable than an inexperienced QB.

The Rams are pretty much at rock bottom like the Lions have been in recent years and it was their turn to take a franchise QB in the draft...although it's up for debate if Bradford is that guy or if he just happens to be the best of a mediocre crop of QBs. The same can be said about Stafford in all honesty. I've been so tired of the Lions picking skill position players in the draft so I was giddy that they finally add a potential superstar on the defensive line.

What's funny is that the Rams in recent years have gone with defensive linemen in their early picks in the draft...a la Millen with wide receivers. They needed Suh but they also needed a QB as well as pretty much every other position on the field. When you win 1 or 2 games in an NFL season, it's not like one guy is going to turn you into a playoff team overnight. The NFL allows teams to make quick turnarounds but not when you're completely void of talent at or nearly all positions. I've had to deal with that with the Lions but at least it looks like they're moving their way out of the wasteland of the league into a team that can at least be competitive on most weeks.

[Go Coogs']

I honestly didn't understand the Bradford pick. Rams would've been better off drafting Suh and waiting for Luck or Mallett next season. They could have addressed almost every need with the exception of QB, taken their 3-13 mark for this season and drafted a better QB prospect in 2011.

[poptart]

Second Impressions:

Offense: Missing McFumble* once again - they looked better than last week. Still O-Line issues, but overall, I saw better things. Better execution, better QB leadership, ... some direction. Give the offense a C+.

Defense: Aside from giving up a LONG rushing TD, and having a flood of verrah bad memories momentarily overwhelm me, this defense once again impressed. Sack parade. Lots of pressure, lots of hustle, lots of good results. If the offense can make some first downs and keep from making this unit stay on the field 30+ minutes a game, I think they're gonna be quite good.

Special Teams: Made some special plays :boner:


Next week's home game v. the Whiners will be closely watched. Expect the defense to once again impose it's will, and the offense to continue to improve. No injuries, please?



* Also missing last year's #7 overall pick, D.H. Bey. Out with ... fatigue. He was sitting out of practice for the past few days and then also sat out the Bear game. No injury issue, says Tom Cable. Nothing going on except - he's tired. LOL

Oooooooh kay.

Sure, you can take a day off in the middle of training camp if you're really sore. Or even if you are just extremely tired and you've sort of hit a wall. It's generally the older, established dudes who do that, and after one down day, they're ready to hit it again.
You're 23 frickin' years old and you need to miss three days of practice and then a game because you're too tired??

WTF is this??

[Shoalzie]

The Lions in Week 2...

Offense:
The first team offense moved the ball very well in the first half on the Broncos resulting in four scoring drives. The lone touchdown came off a turnover and a short field but once again, Stafford and Johnson hook up for a score. Stafford delivered the ball with a lot of zip and distributed the ball between several targets. Best continues to impress with explosiveness in open space and along with the ability to make guys miss. Pettigrew made his preseason debut but dropped a catchable ball in the end zone on a drive that ended in a field goal. The tight end position could be a strength on this team with Scheffler converting a couple first downs and Pettigrew is another big target for Stafford but he still has a case of the drops.

Defense:
The front four looked great. Vanden Bosch was once again an active guy in the run game as well as on the pass rush. He made one bone head mistake with a late hit penalty that prolonged a drive but the defense came through later with an interception by Dre Bly that lead to the aforementioned short field and touchdown from Stafford to Johnson. Suh was very disruptive against a young Broncos line. He was lined up inside as well as on the edge and got involved in a couple pressures on Orton. Levy and Peterson played for the first time and made a moderate impact. The play of the line should help them greatly. The Broncos depleted ground game had little or no success against the first team defense. Once again, the secondary struggled as Orton threw for 177 yards and 2 TDs including a late score before the end of the first half.

Special Teams:
Steven Hauschka, who was just brought in this week, was a weapon in the kicking game by sending 4 out of 5 kickoffs into the end zone resulting in two touchbacks and unlike Pettrie the week before, he made his field goal attempts converting on all 4 tries. With Hanson recovering from knee surgery, he appears to be solid replacement for the time being. Mr. Irrelevant, Tim Toone got an opportunity to return kicks and punts. The team continues to look for a return man and will probably look at other options throughout the rest of the preseason.

[DallasFanatic]

The Cowboys are in complete and utter disarray right now. The makeshift offensive line is the main reason for the offensive woes that continue to plague the Boys. No running game and a complete horseshit of a quarterback in Romo. He still makes the ill-advised throws, handles the pigskin like a loaf of bread and just lacks that killer instinct.

The defense got slapped....awww screw that, punched in the face with multiple haymakers from the Chargers running game. Yes they made a couple big plays in the red zone with a pick and fumble recovery but thats not going to happen week in and week out. Injuries bit that side of the ball too, losing Sensabaugh and Brooking to shoulder injuries.

There better be a lot of ass reaming this week in Oxnard, and a better display of football in Houston or I can guarandamntee the Boys will be on the outside looking in come playoff time. Just a horrible effort from the ball club.

[Screw_Michigan]

The Cowboys are in complete and utter disarray right now. The makeshift offensive line is the main reason for the offensive woes that continue to plague the Boys. No running game and a complete horseshit of a quarterback in Romo. He still makes the ill-advised throws, handles the pigskin like a loaf of bread and just lacks that killer instinct.

The defense got slapped....awww screw that, punched in the face with multiple haymakers from the Chargers running game. Yes they made a couple big plays in the red zone with a pick and fumble recovery but thats not going to happen week in and week out. Injuries bit that side of the ball too, losing Sensabaugh and Brooking to shoulder injuries.

There better be a lot of ass reaming this week in Oxnard, and a better display of football in Houston or I can guarandamntee the Boys will be on the outside looking in come playoff time. Just a horrible effort from the ball club.

6-10. Nice job, fuckstains.

[MgoBlue-LightSpecial]

The Cowboys are in complete and utter disarray right now. The makeshift offensive line is the main reason for the offensive woes that continue to plague the Boys. No running game and a complete horseshit of a quarterback in Romo. He still makes the ill-advised throws, handles the pigskin like a loaf of bread and just lacks that killer instinct.

The defense got slapped....awww screw that, punched in the face with multiple haymakers from the Chargers running game. Yes they made a couple big plays in the red zone with a pick and fumble recovery but thats not going to happen week in and week out. Injuries bit that side of the ball too, losing Sensabaugh and Brooking to shoulder injuries.

There better be a lot of ass reaming this week in Oxnard, and a better display of football in Houston or I can guarandamntee the Boys will be on the outside looking in come playoff time. Just a horrible effort from the ball club.

Just another bump in the road to their (should be) 20th consecutive Super Bowl. The Colts, Saints, Vikings, Packers, Jets, Pats, Chargers, Bengals, 49ers, Cardinals, Falcons, Ravens, Steelers, Dolphins, Eagles, Giants and Panthers are all fraud teams anyway.

-YAFJ

[BSmack]

There better be a lot of ass reaming this week in Oxnard...

Yea sure there will be. That's why Jerrah hired Bum's son. Because Bum's son takes no prisoners.

PS: IN!!!!

sin

[BSmack]

Also missing last year's #7 overall pick, D.H. Bey. Out with ... fatigue.

Here's your likely explanation.

[poptart]

Third Impressions:


Bad things happen when you can't block anybody.

#1 QB - hurtin', if not OUT for the opener

Lead back - busted thumb, perhaps OUT for the opener

#1 receiver - made of glass and OUT for the opener


----------------

A few highlights from Tom Cable’s (Sunday) conference call:

– Quarterback Jason Campbell has a right wrist injury that is more significant at this point than his stinger. It happened on the series previous to the one in which he was injured. He’s had an MRI and X-rays and Cable said it will be evaluated this week.

– Running back Michael Bush will have a “procdure” on his fractured left thumb but wont’ necessarily miss the opener. Cable said Bush would be “protected” but not with a cast.

– Chaz Schilens’ arthroscopic knee surgery is a “three to six week issue.” Cable said he’d be questionable for the opener, meaning he’s more than likely out.

-----------------


What's the line on the Titan game?

Tennessee minus the pts., anyone?


Oakland threw for over 300 yds v. the '9ers Saturday night, which is something the did not do ALL of last season - OR the season before.

They look like a legit NFL offense for a change.

Big problem, though, if your line is very suspect and dudes are gettin' freebie shots to tee off on yer QB.

We carrying 6 QBs on the roster this year, Coach Cable?

[Shoalzie]

Through Week 3, the offense appears to be regular season-ready while the defense was shown to still be very suspect when a solid offensive line can prevent their front 4 from wreaking havoc. Joe Thomas shut down Vanden Bosch and it allowed Delhomme to look like a competent QB and not the turnover machine that he's become and what bought him a ticket out of Carolina. Offensively, Best continues to widen the gap and strengthen his hold on the #1 running back spot over Kevin Smith.