blueboys69
Now some full disclosure, I was there to steal drills and technique so I did not watch 7-on-7 that closely. Mainly focused on the offensive and defensive lines.
Heres some things that stood out:
Nick Fairley is in shape and paired with Aaron Donald in every partner work they did yesterday. Like him or not, if he is in shape (and motivated) he will be a great pick up.
Watched 1v1 pass rush yesterday. Should stress as a former offensive linemen, it is a drill that favors the defensive line. Given that and the very small sample size of each player during this drill, the offensive line was primarily taken to the woodshed. Garrett Reynolds got beat. Beat bad by Doug Worthington. Brocker owned Barnes. One guy that does look physically better than I expected was Jamon Brown. He stoned someone yesterday. Maybe Worthington or maybe Westbrooks. This defensive line has about 7 guys on that can get to the quarterback often. For my money, if Long is healthy, it’s going to be the best defensive line in the NFL. Justice Cunningham looked pretty good here as well.
After 1v1 wrapped, we went to team. Tough to see how the offensive line was working together at this point, but it seemed like there was some pressure a majority of the time. **To be expected on day 1 considering their youth and the lack of playing together experience these guys have**
From what I’ve been told, it is Barrett Jones’s job to lose.
I know there was talk about zone scheme being implemented or whatever this offseason. I’m kind of curious what that means. Every NFL team runs some type of zone concept. Some more than others. Techniques and schemes vary, but the concept is used by all 32 teams. So I am interested to see if there will be a drastic change. I just got a dvd in the mail from Boudreau talking at the COOL clinic this year. I have yet to listen to it.
Givens made a few good catches. UDFA Daniel Rodriguez (clemson) had a nice sliding catch on a boot running a dig route to the opposite numbers. Tavon did some things. Foles throws a nice ball (as a starter in the NFL should). Talk to his dad, they are excited to be here and said he thinks this receiving core is underrated. Quick was catching balls 1 on 1 with Foles. Surprised to see him out there. I had heard from someone over there they weren’t sure he’d be ready week 1.
Guy that I would keep an eye on is Devon Wylie. He’s a pretty solid special teamer and do some things in the offense.
Also there was a UDFA, Isiah Ferguson, this kid is bigger than Quick. Massive. I didn’t notice him until rookie 7on7. He had a nice catch on the sideline. But obviously what caught my attention was his sheer size. Listed at 6’5 218, he’s the biggest receiver on the team and it’s noticeable.
Battle looks like he is in shape and ready to go. I was a bit surprised by this.
UDFA Martin Ifedi did some nice things as well. Kid definitely looks the part. The defensive line is going to eventually cut some young, talented kids.
It’s Day 1, but given the make up of this team, I expect a lot of rushing attempts and the Qb’s launch point being moved often (i.e. roll outs/boots).
It’s interesting to me the offensive staff now has Jeff Garcia and Chris Weinke.
The defense is going to be ahead of the offensive this first week with their youth, a new QB, and new OC. Defenses, if they are worth their salt, are going to be ahead of offenses at this time of year. Offensive line are trying to figure out their calls and timing. Qbs are still working on their timing with WRs. RBs are still working on timing and vision.
In my personal experience, I think continuity is a little overrated. But communication is the most important thing. If you can have 5 guys seeing a front, understanding the concept of the play and being able to communicate across the board, than you can have 5 guys who haven’t played that long together work well overnight.
This offensive is not going to be up-tempo and explosive. I think these big bodies are going to lean on people for 4 quarters and they’ll take their shots hear and there especially if defenses will have to overcommit to stopping the run.
The absolutely number 1 get for this offseason this year is do not get behind schedule on 1st down. Make 2nd and 3rd manageable so they are not put into numerous pass downs. That is where Robinson/Havenstein tackle combo will get you into trouble (as of now).
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