1st preseason evaluation

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Texn4life

Great game overall...... no major injuries.

I like what I saw from our tight ends. Casey, Graham and OD all looked good. Anyone criticizing Posey needs to criticize Keenum and Kubiak first. Keenum missed him on a curl and Kubiak focused on the run game in the 2nd half. Butler's technique was terrible on a few plays. I really do think Newton is going to win the starting job.

Defense was solid. Mercilus is gonna be a beast. Kareem looked good. No first downs allowed in the 2nd half shows we have some serious depth.

Keenum would have been better with some blocking, but this is what preseason is about.

[The Pencil Neck]

1. I'm not worried about our WRs anymore. Keshawn is going to be a player. Lestar looked good. I expect Maehl to be cut after that alligator arm stunt he pulled. I need to see more from Posey. Iglesias didn't look bad. And Holliday? Wow.

2. I'm not worried about Tate and Foster. Forsett and Meggett showed flashes but it was Grimes who really stole the show. I expected more from Forsett.

3. I'm not worried about our QBs. But I am worried about our Red Zone offense.

4. I think Mercilus is going to get a few sacks this year but it's going to be hard to get Barwin and Reed off the field.

[GP]

Originally Posted by JimBaker488

Schaub's final play very disappointing - pressure and he made a poorly advised
pass which resulted in an interception.
And I saw one play where Butler got beat bad by a Panther reserve Lineman -
maybe Newt does start at RT against Miami ?

Yep you saw it correctly. Butler went down to a knee because he lost his footing while getting crossed up by a Panthers 2nd or 3rd string d-lineman.

He doesn't have the "it" factor to play RT. Better as a reserve guy, IMO.

[TdotTexas2Step]

- Schaub looked decent considering this was his "first game" back. Obviously some rust was evident, but he'll be fine. He's the starting quarterback of this team unless he falls to injury again.

- TJ Yates looked solid, and makes me feel extremely confident in our backup situation. He made good reads, used his feet when needed, and drove us down the field. There's some improved confidence in there. An actual year of learning behind Schaub as the primary backup will be good for him. He's going to be taken more seriously with his questions and opinions - with coaching staff and teammates - than he was last year as a third string QB.

- WR corps was just okay for me, our offense went through our RBs and TEs as usual. This offense will need a healthy Andre if we want to make any noise this year. Will have to take a wait and see approach to see who comes out this preseason looking like a serious piece to our offensive future. But if we're using this small sample size exclusively, then I'd say we still don't have our heir to Andre.

- Best RB of the day was Tate for me. Like our QB situation, we're insured if Foster goes down. I'm a huge fan of Arian but he's going to need to cut down on fumbles. All it's going to take one day for us to despise him is for him to fumble in a playoff game or something. It won't matter who the 3rd and 4th RB is, 95% of the carries will go to Foster/Tate, with maybe Forsett picking up Ward's carries from last season

- Even without Cushing or Watt, this defense was flying all over the place. I know Carolina wasn't going into their playbook really, but for the most part, our front 7 did a decent job at containing Cam.

- We sent blitzes from everywhere, confusion allowed Reed to come in untouched, and Dobbins stood out as well, we even showed off a tiny bit of that inside linebacker blitzing Wade was talking about.

- Kareem Jackson and Keo showed improved coverage. Wouldn't be surprised if Jackson takes another step towards realizing his potential and becoming a strong #2 CB.

- Though Mercilus looked good tonight, he didn't look as explosive as I thought he would be. I'm comparing him to Reed as a rookie, but it also could have been jitters. What allowed him to still make an impact however was his motor. He was often in the middle of the action and I loved that.

- Holliday was simply explosive tonight, showing off that track speed. I do cringe everytime he gets hit, but as long as he's able to stay healthy, we should expect some highlights from him this year.

[NastyNate]

Originally Posted by Carr Bombed

Grimes >>> Forsett

He's stronger, more physical, plays with better leverage, and runs behind his pads. I'd keep him over Forsett. I thought meggett played better as well

You must be bombed, that's a terrible assessment. Try again.

[GP]

What's scary is this:

AJ wasn't out there.

Ditto for Watt and Cushing.

With those three guys playing, it could have been murderous out there. And that would've been with them only playing a couple of series of football tonight.

This team can be very VERY beast of the injury bug stays in hibernation.

[GP]

I have no complaints.

This time of year, five years or so ago, we would have been saying stuff like "Well, it's just preseason. We only show 'vanilla' and we'll see better stuff in week 1." Am I right?

Tonight, I was dancing around the house and woo-hoo'ing every 7 to 10 seconds.

Minor quibbles for me:

1. Foster fumble

2. Schaub interception

But those guys will let that gnaw on them all week. They'll shore that aspect of their game up, no doubt.

[ObsiWan]

Originally Posted by TdotTexas2Step

- Schaub looked decent considering this was his "first game" back. Obviously some rust was evident, but he'll be fine. He's the starting quarterback of this team unless he falls to injury again.

- TJ Yates looked solid, and makes me feel extremely confident in our backup situation. He made good reads, used his feet when needed, and drove us down the field. There's some improved confidence in there. An actual year of learning behind Schaub as the primary backup will be good for him. He's going to be taken more seriously with his questions and opinions - with coaching staff and teammates - than he was last year as a third string QB.

- WR corps was just okay for me, our offense went through our RBs and TEs as usual. This offense will need a healthy Andre if we want to make any noise this year. Will have to take a wait and see approach to see who comes out this preseason looking like a serious piece to our offensive future. But if we're using this small sample size exclusively, then I'd say we still don't have our heir to Andre.

- Best RB of the day was Tate for me. Like our QB situation, we're insured if Foster goes down. I'm a huge fan of Arian but he's going to need to cut down on fumbles. All it's going to take one day for us to despise him is for him to fumble in a playoff game or something. It won't matter who the 3rd and 4th RB is, 95% of the carries will go to Foster/Tate, with maybe Forsett picking up Ward's carries from last season

- Even without Cushing or Watt, this defense was flying all over the place. I know Carolina wasn't going into their playbook really, but for the most part, our front 7 did a decent job at containing Cam.

- We sent blitzes from everywhere, confusion allowed Reed to come in untouched, and Dobbins stood out as well, we even showed off a tiny bit of that inside linebacker blitzing Wade was talking about.

- Kareem Jackson and Keo showed improved coverage. Wouldn't be surprised if Jackson takes another step towards realizing his potential and becoming a strong #2 CB.

- Though Mercilus looked good tonight, he didn't look as explosive as I thought he would be. I'm comparing him to Reed as a rookie, but it also could have been jitters. What allowed him to still make an impact however was his motor. He was often in the middle of the action and I loved that.

- Holliday was simply explosive tonight, showing off that track speed. I do cringe everytime he gets hit, but as long as he's able to stay healthy, we should expect some highlights from him this year.

I'll add one more thing to this A-1 assessment: Our Joel Dreessen replacement - Garrett Graham - looked pretty good. Three nice catches especially the one where he got a helmet right in the gut but held onto the ball.

[wolf123]

Originally Posted by GP

I have no complaints.

This time of year, five years or so ago, we would have been saying stuff like "Well, it's just preseason. We only show 'vanilla' and we'll see better stuff in week 1." Am I right?

Tonight, I was dancing around the house and woo-hoo'ing every 7 to 10 seconds.

Minor quibbles for me:

1. Foster fumble

2. Schaub interception

But those guys will let that gnaw on them all week. They'll shore that aspect of their game up, no doubt.

This +1000000000

I remember watching preseason and not scoring at all in the Redzone or not being able to stop anyone running up the middle. If were being honest with ourselves our backups on this team(2012) are better then all of our starters on the 2005 team!!

FEELS GOOD!!

[beerlover]

I'm concerned about QB position. I've changed my opinion about extending Schaub even though we all know McNair/Kubiak love him, to me he would need to accept a home town discount. Otherwise target one in free agency or draft first/second round.

Love defensive secondary except for Ball. Gotta go too much holding going on.

RB's nasty, depth trade is essential to leverage strength & not expose to PS.

WR still concern maybe in trade using RB?

LB look good even without Cushing. Dobbins played great. Mercilus is the real deal, reminds me of a cat pouncing on prey, quick & instinctual.

Goodell is a prima dona, needs to be taken down a peg or two or three. Replacement officials are bad for business & I hope fans voice their displeasure.

[TimeKiller]

I thought several players took appropriate steps forward over the offseason. Keshawn Martin, obviously. He's dangerous! How about Holliday's return? His speed and being so very short just makes him so elusive. Definitely making it a hard decision as far as the roster goes. Thought Jean would be better but he seemed like a decent backup. Posey just looked like a rookie. Grimes looked like Arian-lite. Smooth through cuts and good vision. And speaking of Arian...ouch. Let's just go ahead and get that one out of the way, save the greatness for the season, right? Yates looks really capable until the red zone gets up on him. Gotta make faster decisions when the spaces get smaller. Tate was strong. Thought the OL was pretty decent...I guess when nothing really stands out they're doing their job right?

For D, that was just nasty. Mercilus was a natural. Reed and Barwin set up shop in the backfield. Looked like everyone in the secondary took a step forward as well. I think Dobbins is beating out Alexander like...pretty easily and Sharpton never was so solid either. Pretty unimpressed with the backup DL.

Even less impressed with scab refs.

[BullNation4Life]

I have a complaint...

Is it me or does the Nike swoosh on the right shoulder pad look backwards? That drove me nuts all night...

The one on the left shoulder pad looked correct, like we are use to seeing it but the one on the right shoulder just looked backwards to me...

Oh and the turnovers and lack of Red Zone scoring bothered me as well BUT I'm not even concerned....

I WAS very pleased to see Jackson making plays on the ball. Had a break up and a near INT. I think Joseph mentoring him is gonna make all the difference in the world this year for KJ

[Allstar]

The thing about Schaub and Arian's turnovers is the fact that we all know what we have in the two of them. It doesn't change our opinion of either of them, and really doesn't concern me much. If it had been new players/starters turning it over or struggling, I'd be a lot more upset.

Edit: On second thought, I guess I am a little concerned with Arian's fumbles. He has always held the ball loosely.

[Perki-Perk]

Originally Posted by BullNation4Life

I have a complaint...

Is it me or does the Nike swoosh on the right shoulder pad look backwards? That drove me nuts all night...

Look at a Nike shoe. The swoosh always goes toward the back. If you are looking at it under a logo on a shirt, then it always "swooshes" to the left like a check mark. On the Jerseys, to help with aerodynamics, they wanted to ensure that the hook in the swooshes wouldn't create wind resistance...

[Allstar]

Originally Posted by BullNation4Life

I have a complaint...

Is it me or does the Nike swoosh on the right shoulder pad look backwards? That drove me nuts all night...

The one on the left shoulder pad looked correct, like we are use to seeing it but the one on the right shoulder just looked backwards to me...

Oh and the turnovers and lack of Red Zone scoring bothered me as well BUT I'm not even concerned....

I WAS very pleased to see Jackson making plays on the ball. Had a break up and a near INT. I think Joseph mentoring him is gonna make all the difference in the world this year for KJ

Helmets do the same thing with team logos. Just look at my avatar to see the blue horn pointing back on both sides.

[powda]

My "job assignment" from another post was to evaluate crick and yates. If crick even played tonight I didnt see him. I'll watch the game again to more strongly form any opinions on any line play either side. Evaluating line play is always more difficult for me then plays in space. My initial concern as far as the line goes is that neither caldwell or butler are the dominant road grader winston was. We'll see how that develops.

As for yates,

I was impressed. His footwork and mechanics looked solid. He is easily the most athletic qb on the roster and I think he has the best "adlib ability." Often plays dont turn out the way their drawn up on boots/waggles etc, but I think yates has the athleticism and instincts to overcome. He showed good command of the offense with no notable miscues and improved poise. His accuracy was good though I worry hes to confident in his arm considering the small windows I saw him throw into. Preseason thats not an issue but perhaps against first stringers half way into the season it is. Hes progressing well . At this point I like what i'm seeing and I think theres a good chance he will be Schaub s eventual successor. He reminds me of tony romo for all the right reasons and not the bone headed crap tr sometimes does. The sample size for yates isnt huge but right now im optimistic. That could change a week from now because something I have to see from any qb is consistency.

Our redzone offense has to improve and I place the blame on the coaching staff rather them any one player.

[JCTexan]

Originally Posted by powda

My "job assignment" from another post was to evaluate crick and yates. If crick even played tonight I didnt see him. I'll watch the game again to more strongly form any opinions on any line play either side. Evaluating line play is always more difficult for me then plays in space. My initial concern as far as the line goes is that neither caldwell or butler are the dominant road grader winston was. We'll see how that develops.

As for yates,

I was impressed. His footwork and mechanics looked solid. He is easily the most athletic qb on the roster and I think he has the best "adlib ability." Often plays dont turn out the way their drawn up on boots/waggles etc, but I think yates has the athleticism and instincts to overcome. He showed good command of the offense with no notable miscues and improved poise. His accuracy was good though I worry hes to confident in his arm considering the small windows I saw him throw into. Preseason thats not an issue but perhaps against first stringers half way into the season it is. Hes progressing well . At this point I like what i'm seeing and I think theres a good chance he will be Schaub s eventual successor. He reminds me of tony romo for all the right reasons and not the bone headed crap tr sometimes does. The sample size for yates isnt huge but right now im optimistic. That could change a week from now because something I have to see from any qb is consistency.

Our redzone offense has to improve and I place the blame on the coaching staff rather them any one player.

Crick was inactive for tonight's game.

[Rey]

I thought Matt was ok. He looked worse than he had in the past, but hopefully he gets better with time. Yates was good. I think if schaub is out for some reason we'd be fine. Not sure what to make if Keenum. Beck did some good things but I don't trust him.

Arian needs to not fumble. Tate ran really well. I thought grimes was better than Forsett and meggett, but I'll admit I'm biased. I like him more than those guys.

I didn't notice the fb, but that can be a good thing. I lime Grahm and I think he's going to be a solid player this year.

O line needs some work. Looked good most running plays, but the straight drop back pass blocking needs work.

I thought the we'd played well. I liked Martin. Didn't notice posey. Jean made some plays.

Defensively Kareem looked good. Really good. Looks like a completely different player out there.

I thought mister Alexander played well. Dobbins played well. Didn't notice Brady james, but honestly I don't expect him to be a playmaker.

I thought Harris showed some skills.

Overall, it was pretty much what I expected.

[GP]

Originally Posted by GP

1. No injuries, that's a given for all of us.

RESULT: No injuries...Woot!

2. Can this Houston team limit Cam Newton enough to at least not get embarrassed on his opening drive? I mean, seriously, we held Mike Vick in check not too long ago and almost won that game... but guys like VY and Garrard, the guys who run the ball once coverage downfield has drifted far from the LOS, they eat us up. Cam did too. Can we learn, can we hold him back???

RESULT: No highlight reel runs or score by Cam. Satisfied with the outcome.

3. Keyshawn Martin. Period.

RESULT: Satisfied. Caught his passes. Looks fluid. Made something nice on the same end-around that Jacoby normally got 3 yards on.

4. LBs. Will Bradie James call the game the way Wade says he can? Will we miss DeMeco not being there? How will Reed and Braman look, because they might have sophomore slumps IMO. Not worried about the other LBs, tbh.

RESULT: Reed looked really good. Braman almost made a pick. Later made a sack out of pure hustle.

5. Kicking competition. Look, just like there was a couple years ago here, between Rackers and Brown...Kubiak will have us kicking FGs a lot (rather than trying risky plays on long 3rd downs when the ball is already in FG position). He has got to see Graham and Bullock kick a few times each game to get a grasp on their handling of game time kicks from different distances.

RESULT: Bullock made a 52-yarder right down the pipe with a good five yards to spare. Graham needs to get a shot at a long one next.

6. O-Line. Not worried about Center or left side. How will the right side hold up, and how well can Brooks and Newton perform when we know they're going to be battling the Panthers' own 2nd or 3rd stringers??? Not going to see Brooks and Newton against a team's 1st string defensive line group, folks...so how will those two guys' performance shake out when we know it's against 2nd or 3rd stringers in the first place? Plus, IF they bomb badly against 2nd or 3rd stringers out there...does that cause our sacks to shrivel up a bit? Maybe it does. That's a crucial situation for us, folks. CRUCIAL.

RESULT: Ummmm....I have to re-watch the game to look at this one.

7. QBs. Will Matt even play at least one series? How will TJ do? How will Beck and Keenum perform?

RESULT: Not concerned. Beck even looked very competent. Beck looked better than Grossman and Leinart put together.

8. RBs. Forsett is getting lots of publicity thus far. Want to see him in a game situation. Grimes too.

RESULT: Grimes better get a fair shake if we only go with 3 RBs. I had been a Grimes-will-be-a-PS-guy but man oh man I thought tonight Grimes had the vision and decision making that made him look better than Forsett.

9. FB and TEs. Norris-Smith-Casey...hmmmmm.....a mystery to me. Graham, can he deliver like Dreessen did? I dunno. Will have to hope he can.

RESULT: Going to have to re-watch, but saw one play near end zone where Norris made his key block and our RB just couldn't get past his own man, meaning Norris did right and didn't miss anything on that play.

10. Kubiak. Can he bear to watch his kickers' kicks or will he turn away and watch the replays later on? LOL. Old habits die hard.

RESULT: Did he watch the FG attempts? Anybody see any footage of him watching? LOL.

My things-to-look-for, from another thread...I quoted it and made my remarks in the quoted post above.

[Carr Bombed]

Originally Posted by NastyNate

You must be bombed, that's a terrible assessment. Try again.

I'm sorry, you must be confused, because you think I actually give a flying crap about what you think about my assessment. Try not being a ass again.