There was good stuff and bad stuff in the preseason game vs. the REDSKINS. I've found most of the coverage pretty good, and have no dumbass analysis to take apart this time.
The worst stuff was, of course, the running game on both sides of the ball overall.
One of the offensive linemen pointed out that for the vast majority of the practices, the team had focused almost exclusively on installing DeFellippo's new passing scheme, so the run-blocking wasn't tuned up yet.
No, I'm not making excuses. I'm explaining what's wrong. You are not Vince Lombardi. You really need to accept that, ok?
Joe Thomas didn't play at all, and I assume that Alex Mack was yanked early as well. In the first two series, Crowell looked ok, and only disappeared later.
Last season with this same offensive line, West, and Crowell, this team had one of the best running attacks in the NFL through the first half. That means a lot more than this first preseason game.
Defensively, there's no such history to reassure us. They sucked against the run last season and sucked again in this game.
However once again, the first team did much better than the scrubs. Here again, the dam leaked a little here and there, but held--until the starters left the field. Then it collapsed and flooded the valley and everybody drowned and stuff.
I know that Kruger, Solomon, and Orchard overpursued and were burned by cutbacks. That's uncharacteristic for Solomon, and at any rate the coaches won't put up with it.
For the fifth or sixth time, I need to restate this: Mike Pettine's attacking scheme can never be rendered run-proof, and if they rank in the top half of the league vs. the run this season, that will be pretty good.
In some short yardage situations, he has the people to shut a run down, but in neutral situations, at least four or five guys will penetrate and attack, and holes will form.
They can't be as bad as they were vs. the REDSKINS and win even one game, of course. But the talent is here, and the coaches will coach (and bench or fine or whatever), and they'll get better. Not dominating better--but good enough vs. the run.
Those of you who got to hear Doug Dieken on the radio comprehend that on the one bomb which was fortunately dropped, Gilbert released the receiver, who he thought would be picked up by the safety.
That's not a "burn". It's a blown coverage. Gipson subsequently reamed him out for it. It was a screw-up by an inexperienced player. Put the shovel down and back away. This isn't over.
Gilbert shouldn't have said that the rest of his day was "flawless", of course. But he was feeling defensive, and in reality he didn't suck, other than on that play.
In the words of Brandt, Cosell, Miller and others, Johnny Manziel "looked like an NFL quarterback", and carried his growth from practice to scrimmage to game. The fits and starts were all very early, and he settled in.
But McCown did more than just manage the offense, and remains firmly ahead of the young whipper-snapper. In fact, he looks very good so far!
Comparing second-stringers, Cousins vs Manziel isn't even fair. Cousins is far more advanced than Manziel, in a well-established system. And then here comes Colt McCoy! The REDSKINS won. No surprises here.
Guys that made a move:
1: Travis Benjamin. I guess he's read my blog and got mad or something. He's off my GMF list. He was impressive.
2: Darius Jennings. Wow another smurf? Who gets the axe? No playmakers? Really?
3: Xavier Cooper. Told ya.
Brian Hartline didn't make a move. He just played like he always plays. Told ya that too.
Guys in question: Vincent Mayle. The coaches are right to cut him some slack, since his thumb is probably still sore. The way things are stacking up, he could end up on the practice squad anyway.
Duke Johnson and Terrelle Pryor (among others) will be back for Buffalo (no playmakers? Really?)
Speaking of playmakers, E J Bibbs is yet another UFA that Ray Farmer dug up (see earlier blogs I was on it).
As I mentioned, Malcolm Johnson was drafted as a fullback/H-Back hybrid who fits this scheme, but due to minor injuries, Bibbs may have passed him up.
Bibbs is a little different than the shorter, lighter Johnson, as he can play tight end--in line or move. That is, Bibbs can actually block 3-4 OLBs and 4-3 DEs in-line.
Give Johnson his chance, of course. I also predicted that he would do well. But now he's got some catching up to do, and he can't play in-line tight end.
Another article I read said that Bibbs could make the team as a backup for current number two tight end Jim Dray. In reality, he could make Dray expendable.
Housler is dropping passes in practice, whereas "blocking" tight end Gary Barnidge has gone apeshit and looked like Jordan Cameron (when not concussed).
I told you guys he was a good receiver, but I never expected this out of the guy! Well, good for him, and good for Pettine for running a genuine meritocracy. Because of that, an undrafted newcomer like Bibbs has a real chance here. Draft pick Johnson and Housler aren't playing, because they haven't earned it.
Johnny Manziel is being brought along slowly while Josh McCown starts.
And Terrelle Pryor has a good chance. Pettine is very very honest: He'll have to "show us", but I "wouldn't bet against him".
Good advice. He should get some targets vs. the Bills. Stand by.
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