1st Half thoughts
The first string offense looked very good. I think it can't be over estimated how valuable continuity is in the NFL. I think it is a huge part of the Colts success. Especially on offense.
Foster looked good but was running on 1st and 2nd downs and in long yardage situations. He is obviously great for the stretch and the counter and the "slow to the hole" running game. He also looks very good in the 2nd level. I am disappointed we never got to see him tonight in anything like short yardage.
Dreesen is a big drop from OD. He is a solid #2 TE who can block and catch well enough to not tip off what the play is, but our offense would suffer with him in a big role. Casey looked very good against the 2s. I'd love to see Casey with the 1s and Schaub if OD is not back next week.
The OL did exactly what can be expected of it. Small creases in the running game that will work against 6 and 7 man fronts. Solid pass blocking and great blitz pick up on the TD. Also watch the running plays and you will see why Walter will start of JJ no matter how dangerous JJ is. Walter comes in motion and cracks better than anybody in the NFL and makes the counter a great play for the Texans. And the counter is probably the best play to Play action off of.
The Defense hit hard and hit often. I would be fine with that as a calling card even if we learn later that we still can't cover anyone. Pollard and Cushing are so physical.
Okoye played tough. He is clearly suited to playing forward on the snap. He went right by Faneca to knock down Leinhart's pass on one play. I honestly was doubting he would ever amount to much, but maybe it was more a case of there is only one scheme he really has value in.
With the 2nd string guys I will just say that Orlovsky is a terrible fit for our offense. He is so clumsy that he struggles to make the handoff on the outside zone (our base running play). And he also can't boot or throw on the run. So basically he lacks the ability to do the basic elements of our system. He's not terrible, just terrible for us. Someone in the pro scouting department blew it big time on this guy.
And Okam is useless out there. His first play in the game ended with him pushed a good 8 yards off the LOS. And that wasn't the exception for his time out there. I don't understand how a guy his size could be bad at holding his ground in the middle of the line, but he is.
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