CoachO, Camp Report 8/4/14 + follow-up

some follow-up (ongoing)

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COACHO

[Dunbar] looked really tough in the middle today and hold his point very well. They have struggled at times with a back up to JL55 that can play other spots to save roster space. My take is if Dunbar can be his backup as well as one of the outside guys it could save a roster spot.

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Stacy had his best day, running hard, and making that decisive cut that he is known for. Bennie Cunningham might be the most improved overall. He is leaner, and in much better shape, and has been maybe the most physical of the Rbs. Cunningham looks to be much better this year. Mason still has much to prove. His quick feet are evident, but he still is “jumpy” in the backfield, and isn’t hitting hole the way he needs to. He shows a nice burst getting to the edge, but right now, is behind Stacy, Cunningham and even Pead on the depth chart, and its about right where he should be. (for now).

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Michael Sam has leveled off some, but he won’t embarrass himself if he makes this team. And it appears he will be given every chance to do just that. He has a role a Special Teams, whereas Westbrooks hasn’t shown up on any so far.

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Reid is NOT found on ANY of the Special Teams at this point. Admittedly, they have not worked on any Punt Returns, but he is NOT going to make this roster as a 6th CB if only capable of being a backup Punt Returner. I know I spend a lot of time talking about Special Teams with guys like this, but to me, its a very good way of seeing how the depth guys are looked upon by this coaching staff. If they are gonna make the team as the 5th or 6th CB, 6th LB, or in Sam’s case, 9th DL, it will be BECAUSE of ST. The who aren’t showing up on these units by now, will have a long road to hoe in the next 4 weeks to make this roster.

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I have never been a fan of the trash talking. My boyhood idol was Roger Wehrli, who never said a word. He just lined up and knew he was better than you. And better yet, YOU knew he was too. I don’t mind a quick witted comment every now and then, but these guys seem to think it somehow adds something to their game, when . . .more often than not it just sets you up to fail and then be embarrassed on top of it.

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It has been reported more than once that [Bradford] is bigger, and stronger due to his working out and being forced to work on his upper body. He has plenty of zip on his throws, and seems to be very confident in making throws he seemed hesitant to make in the past. Also, he is showing much more confidence in guys like Quick and Bailey. In previous camps, he only looked at Quick as a last resort. Now he is often his first option. They have been on the same page on a few “Sight adjustments” which was unheard of before now. Unless there is a major setback, I expect him to be as close to 100% come Sept 7th.

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I have never expected [Jones] to be the savior that many thought he would be. Can he still be a factor? Not if he isn’t on the field. Have no idea what is up with him not being around since last week. I mean, he isn’t even on the sidelines. The guy was very good on a very good line at Alabama. But the question begs to be asked, how much of that is the program, and how much is the players? Not exactly a long line of great O-linemen among the NFL ranks.

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Bond has taken almost every 2nd unit snap at RG since camp opened. He is a big powerful guy, and his run blocking is devastating. He could be the surprise coming out of camp.

Bond is definitely more involved than Washington, who has not practiced now for almost a week. Just a hunch, but I think his days may be numbered. The thing about Bond, at least for me, I would like to see if he can get some work at OT. If there was enough there to prove serviceable as a utility T/G, it would increase his value. They need to find someone who can supply depth at OT, we have plenty of depth at G. Bond got some early work at OT, but nothing since they settled on him at RG. Hooey, Person and Van Dyk all have their moments, but have been inconsistent. I think right now, they seem to be more impressed with Hooey at a Tackle, but he has been kept at RT primarily. Person has moved all over the place, so his versatility may be the deciding factor.

Over matched might be a stretch, but when [Wells] was being counted on to pick up the garbage leftover from Williams or S. Smith, I can see why [someone would say that]. Doubt that is a problem this year with Robinson and Saffold on either side of whoever the Center is. And provided it stays this way, Wells is healthy, and WILL be the starter.

Joseph is still firmly entrenched at RG with the 1st unit. . .when Saffold isn’t.

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[Gilbert] has a lot to like about him. . . .Gilbert got lost in the shuffle with all the love being shown the SEC QBs. And playing for June Jones is a definite plus to me in his development. When comparing his skill set to the likes of McCarron, Murray, Conner Shaw, and even to a point Mettenberger, I like Gilbert. He may just end up being the best of them all.