Quote:
Originally Posted by cland
Just re-watched the game in HD (bastards, it should have been HD live) I'll break it down to pros, cons, and decents. Please add in your thoughts.
Pros
Schaub - Great control of the game, 7/7 on his passing attempts, showed good confidence, and no near-missed interceptions. I do want to see this guy throw the ball away more though--I'd be curious how Kubiak teaches that concept.
Connor - Connor did exactly what they asked him to do. He's little and can get engulfed on the inside, but he definitely filled the situation pass-rusher (play-maker). Damn good for his NFL game.
Okam - I agree with Lance's assessment that I'd like to see him bring max effort every down...that being said, let's not get too greedy...if he did that he'd be Haynesworth. Okam brought some heat, and stood out on that Dline.
Frank Bush - I liked what I see from a scheme/attitude standpoint. He addressed almost all of my concerns with previous defenses. In no particular order: Better pass rush from the front four, defensive backs that were in position to put their hands on the ball!!! (very glad Hoke is gone,) and plays made in the backfield...even on runs.
Chris Brown - Damn impressive...which also equals 'Kinda Scary' with his injury history, cause there's no way he's getting unseated unless he gets banged up.
Decents
Okoye - Okoye did get some penetration, but nothing that would be called a QB pressure. He also got swamped by the running games on a few plays, but his technique looks better.
Smith - Smith is the anti-Barwin. Run stopper at end, pass rusher in the middle. He has to be used properly in the scheme; his pass rush from end is moderate at best, and he can get swamped by run blockers on the inside.
Cons
Chris White - I analyzed the lack of our inside running game early, and realized Chris White was either getting destroyed by the DL--allowing penetration--or missing second level blocks on linebackers that crammed the intended hole/cutback lane. White's been around long enough to have reached a level better than what he showed yesterday. If I'm a coach Caldwell is instantly promoted so he can learn, and I'm calling about Myers health every day.
Studdard - I loved the effort to recover the fumble, but the DL penetration (a no-no in the zone scheme,) came through the gap between he and White.
Richardson - Ummm...his game tape should be copied over to the 'How to go from the Fringe, to the Dumpster.' He looked really bad... I'm really hoping Molden's leg will let him get some pre-season CB time.
Injury to Adibi - Arrrggg, this guy needs a break. I know it's just a broken finger, but this guy needed to get his game up during the pre-season without any nagging medicals. I did like his performance however.
Overall
Pretty damned Pro. The fact that our 1st AND 2nd team defense held their KC's 1st team offense scoreless really makes me optimistic. Red-zone score by Schaub and Brown and the overall crispness of play in miserable conditions. The few flaws were made by non-starters (White, Studdard, etc.) Getting Myers and Pitts back healthy, and Chris Brown staying healthy (K.O.W) could push this offenses scoring, up to where their offenses yardage was last year.
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Great post and I agree pretty much with everything you said... I'd like to add a few:
PROS
Caldwell- played a ton and only got beat badly once or twice. In addition, he moved people in the run game. He got to the second level very well, and he executed a number of backside cuts.
Duane Brown- I think he missed an assignment early or got caught leaning. Otherwise, he was a beast! Watch the TD. He washed out the DE and then totally pancaked the LB. Chris just layed on his back for a TD.
Bentley- I thought he was our best LB last year, when he got in the game. He was excellent. I think he should be playing the SAM ahead of Diles, particularly if we are going to be running the 4-3 Under.
TEs - good grief! Casey and Dressen both had very nice grabs and were excellent in ST. OD ain't bad either, and Anthony Hill did a nice job blocking in the run game.
DECENTS
Shaun Cody- seemed to not lose any battles and got some moderate penetration a few times.
Quin- didn't get beat and made some nice tackles
McCain- ditto.
CONS
Brandon Harrison- can't tackle. doesn't have a clue. He needs to go away!
4th Tackle - after Rashod Butler there isn't much. Washburn and A. Jones both looked pretty stiff and sloppy, IMO.