Official Texans @ Panthers Fake Game Thread, 8/11/2012

[Arky]

Whelp, the NFL preseason games are here. New Orleans kicked it off with a win over the Cardinals on Sunday.

Texans will get it going this Saturday at 6 pm on the NFLN (and probably Ch 13, too) against the Carolina Panthers in Carolina.

Two more Saturday games follow with San Francisco (home) and New Orleans (away). The Texans will finish up on a Thursday night game against the Minnesota Vikings (home).

Sat, Aug 11 @Carolina 7:00 PM NFL
Sat, Aug 18 vsSan Francisco 8:00 PM
Sat, Aug 25 @New Orleans 8:00 PM CBS
Thu, Aug 30 vsMinnesota 7:00 PM

The Texan offense is more interesing to me than the defense this year... Will be keeping an eye on how the new O-linemen, the young receivers and the backup QB's (TJ, Beck, Keenum) do...

[Nconroe]

I guess everyone has seen the preliminary preseason depth-chart
http://www.houstontexans.com/team/depth-chart.html

See if they all get to play against Carolina?

I guess WR's and CB's are what I am most interested in for right now on the first game

[Keith]

I'm curious to see the development of T.J. Yates. Heard good things about his progress in camp.

[cadams]

I'm curious to see the development of T.J. Yates. Heard good things about his progress in camp.

I am as well. It will be very interesting to see if he has taken a big step between the two seasons.

[chuck]

I can't believe this all starts again tomorrow. It's almost too good to be true.

[barrett]

Absolutely. I love to talk about the Texans and argue the days away, but I still get almost giddy about gameday.

[HPF Bob]

We need some team in this town that doesn't stink worse than the B.O. at Gold's Gym when the AC breaks down.

[Keith]

Let's go ahead and make this the official game thread for tonight. Discuss game action here.

Group prayer in here too for everyone to stay healthy.

[Arky]

Kickoff in T-minus 5 minutes.....

Channel 13 working for me - NFLN may be blacked out in Houston....

[Arky]

Texans to kickoff (Graham)...

Panthers down the kick in the endzone so Panthers ball at their 20.

[Arky]

Pass to Smith in the flat complete for 4 yds. 2nd and 6 coming up.

Williams rushes for about 3. 3rd and 3 coming up.

Pass is deflected inc. Almost INT'ed by the Texans. Panthers to punt on 4th down.

Trindon Holiday gets about 10 yards on the return. Ball at the Texans 33.

[Arky]

Pass to KW gets about 9 yards. 2nd and 1 coming up.

Pass to Martin complete for nice gainer about 20 yards - 1st down.

Schaub can't find a receiver and throws it away, inc. 2nd and 10 at the Panther 37.

Tate hits the left side for about 6. 3rd and 4 coming up.

Pass over the middle to OD goes all the way to the Panther 9 yard line. 1st and goal.

Tate hits the right side for about 7. Ball at the Panther 2.

Tate for no gain. Makes it 3rd and goal to go at the 2.

Schaub chunks it away, inc. Texans to go for the FG.

Graham knock it in for the FG (good).

Texans 3, Panthers 0

9:20 left in the 1st quarter.

[Big Texas]

Rashad Butler mistake #1:

Went for the cut block on that last redzone pass...didn't work...forced Shaub to get rid of the ball early.

[Arky]

Graham is credited with a 20 yard FG.

--------------------------------

Texans to kickoff.

Panthers bring the kickoff back to their 29 but flag on the play. Block in back against the Panthers puts the ball at the Panther 10.

[Arky]

Williams gets about 3 yards. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Sack by Reed! Ball at the Panther 3. 3rd and 17 coming up.

Newton can't find a receiver and scrambles for about 1 yard. Panthers have to punt.

Holiday fair catches at the Texan 39.

7:23 left in the 1st quarter.

[Big Texas]

2 series for the defense...2 three and outs.

The defense is looking pretty good. Kareem is looking good early on.

[Arky]

Oh no, Foster fumbles after about a 10 yard gain and the Panthers recover about midfield.

Play is under review......

[Big Texas]

Excellent cutback by Foster...good thing its preseason...take care of the football though.

On another note...good to see KMart downfield blocking on that run.:D

[Arky]

Review places the ball at the 50.

----------------------

Williams for about 3. 2nd and 7 coming up.

Short pass is dropped by Tolbert, inc. 3rd and 7 coming up.

Newton scrambles out of the pocket up the gut for a big gain. Ball at the Texan 32, 1st down.

Screen to Stewart gets about 13.

Williams sweeps left for about 4 yards. 2nd and 6 coming up.

Pass at the flag is inc. 3rd and 6 coming up from the Texan 15.

Pass in the endzone off the fingertips of Ajirotutu (sp?) inc. Panthers to go for the FG.

Mare's FG is good from 33.

Texans 3, Panthers 3

4:11 left in the 1st quarter.

[Arky]

Woohoo, Holiday takes the kickoff for 90 yards, TD!

Texans 10, Panthers 3

[Big Texas]

Kareem is looking extremely motivated.

2 targets..

1...across the middle he jumped the route and tipped the pass...almost a pick

2...out route in the red zone to steve smith...he jumped the route and forced a wide pass...


On another note....


WOOOOOWWWW!!!!

TRINDON HOLIDAY...guy is trying to make the team....this guy is FAAAAAST

[Nconroe]

Way to go Trindon.

[Arky]

Panthers bring the ensuing kickoff back to about their 25.

-----------------------

Tolbert for about 2 yards. 2nd and 8 coming up.

Pass to Ajirotutu good for nice gainer but flag on the play. O-lineman downfield brings it back - loss of 5. 2nd and 13 coming up.

Pass in the flat gets about 12. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Runner is stuffed by Dobbins for a loss. Panthers have to punt.

Holiday brings it back about 7 yards to the Texan 25.

[Arky]

End around to Martin gets 10 and a 1st down. Ball at the Texan 36.

Schaub's pass over the middle is INT'ed by the Panthers. Panthers ball at the Texan 39.

Play is under review....

[Big Texas]

WOW...the cobwebs are definitely visible...

Sidenote:

Newton got blewup on the pass protection...almost gave up the sack...

[Arky]

52 seconds left in the 1st quarter.

Panthers ball at the Texan 42.

--------------------------

Short pass in the flat goes inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Short pass in the flat to Pilares good for about 8. 3rd and 2 coming up.

Whistles before the snap..... End of the 1st quarter...

[chuck]

This reviewing every turnover is so utterly stupid I'd swear Bud Selig thought it up.

[Arky]

Rush up the middle gets the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 25.

Flags presnap. False start Panthers, -5. 1st and 15 coming up.

Pass to the TE gets about 7. 2nd and 8 coming up.

Dobbins with the sack! Loss of 7 or 8. 3rd and 15 coming up.

Pass over the middle off target, inc. Panthers to go for the 48 yard FG...

FG is good.

Texans 10, Panthers 6

12:30 left in the half.

[WMH]

Appears we got out of Q1 unscathed. That's good enough for me.

[Big Texas]

Quarter 1:

Defense looks fantastic...all this without Watt and Cushing...

Offense two turnovers too many...

KMart is looking really good...

Lestar Jean looks uninterested...

[Arky]

Holiday nearly caught at the 10, brings the kickoff back to the Texan 29.

TJ in at QB.

Tate rushes for about 8 on the right side.

Tate for about 6 or 7 more over RG, 1st down.

Short pass to Casey good for about 7.

Tate gets about 5 on the left side, 1st down. Ball at the Panther 46.

Tate on the right side for about 6 tough yards.

Rollout pass to Martin good for just 3. 3rd and 1 coming up.

Forsett for 2 or 3 on the right side, 1st down. Ball at the Panther 33.

TJ can't find a receiver and scrambles right side for about 4.

Forsett for maybe 1. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Short pass to Graham gets 8 and the 1st down.

Forsett for 5 on the right side. 2nd and 5 coming up at the Panther 15.

Forsett powers all the way to the Panther 3 yard line. 1st and goal.

Timeout Texans, 4:46 left in the half.

[chuck]

Mid-season form in red zone play calling.

[Arky]

Ball at the Panther 4.

Ow, pass to Casey in the endzone, inc. 2nd and goal.

Forsett stopped at the LOS. 3rd and goal coming up.

Pass to Martin knocked away, inc. Texans to go for the FG.

Bullock's 21 yard FG is good.

Texans 13, Panthers 6

3:55 left in the half.

[Big Texas]

Has anybody heard anything about Shilo Keo playing LB?

Why has he been in the box with 2 safeties behind him?

[Arky]

Adams brings the kickoff back to the Panther 17. Panthers ball, 1st and 10.

---------------------------

3:45 left in the half.

Anderson is sacked by Mercilus! Loss of 4. 2nd and 14 coming up.

Oy, Braman goes for the INT but pass is complete for a 1st down at the Panther 33.

Deep pass on the left side sails inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Pass is complete down the left sideline for the 1st down. Ball at the Texan 45.

Deep pass to Ajirotutu is inc but holding on McManis. Puts the ball at the Texan 40, 5 yard markoff.

Delayed handoff play to the right side goes all the way to the Texan 24, 1st down.

2 minute warning.

---------------------------

Deep pass on the left side is inc. but flag on Ball for PI. Places the ball at the Texan 4, 1st and goal.

Pass in the endzone goes inc. 2nd and goal.

Dump off pass to Pilares goes for about 2. 3rd and goal coming up.

Timeout Panthers....

Pass out of bounds but PI on Ball again. 1st and goal at the 1 for the Panthers.

[Big Texas]

Alan Ball is looking like another ex cowboy...Jacque Reeves....doesn't look for the ball...

[chuck]

Well, that was a Ball.

[Arky]

Panthers run it up the middle for the TD.

Texans 13, Panthers 13

56 seconds left in the half.

[Nconroe]

Is Ball playing for Carolina? Most of yards were intereferencen on Ball.

[chuck]

I really wanted to think that the Texans are good enough and deep enough not to have to waste time anymore with players who are totally useless. Sure, some of the calls were calls by replacement refs but that was atrocious cornerback play.

[Arky]

Holiday brings the kickoff back to the Texan 24.

---------------------------

Pass over the middle to Forsett only gets 2.

Pass to Maehl gets 4 yds.

Pass to Maehl goes inc..... Texans to punt with 15 seconds left.

Punt goes out of bounds at the Panther 26.

Anderson scrambles for no gain.

Halftime.

Texans 13, Panthers 13

[WMH]

Has anybody heard anything about Shilo Keo playing LB?

Why has he been in the box with 2 safeties behind him?

Could be lack of numbers available. We're pretty thin at ILB right now. They suited 4 for this, and probably got James outta there pretty quick.

[Big Texas]

I believe Ball is going to get an earful from Wade at the half...Ball was Wade's idea...I'd rather see more of Brandon Harris and Roc Carmichael.

Unless Ball get's a pick in the second half, he is on my "watch that idiot" list...

[Arky]

Abbreviated stats:

TJ = 5/8, 24 yards

Tate = 7 carries, 38 yards, 5.4 avg.

Forsett = 5 carries, 21 yards, 4.2 avg

K Martin = 2 catches for 24 yards

OD = 1 catch for 22 yards

McCain = 4 tackles

Dobbins = 3 tackles, 1 sack

Jamison = 3 tackles

Reed/Mercilus = 1 sack each

[Arky]

Texans start at the 20.

Deep pass Graham complete for 25 yards.

Grimes on the right side for no gain. 2nd and 10 coming up.

TJ's pass is deflected at the LOS, inc. 3rd and 10 coming up.

Pass over the middle to Graham is good for 10 and the 1st down.

Pass over the middle to Jean goes for a big gainer - about 30 yards. Ball at the Panther 15.

Grimes runs for about 4 tough yards.

TJ tucks and scrambles for about 3. 3rd and 3 coming up.

TJ gets sacked. Texans to go for the FG.

Graham's 38 yarder is good.

Texans 16, Panthers 13

10:41 left in the 3rd quarter.

[nunusguy]

That was Butlers guy, and it was the second or third-stringer for the Panthers.
Not good.

[Big Texas]

Butler is not looking good.

[barrett]

I'm not live with the game, but man is spencer Tillman awful. A few of his gems...

TJ Yates has phenomenal athletic ability.
Justin Forsett is an amazing talent.
Whitney mercilous is unblockable.

I may have to mute it.

[Arky]

Adams brings the ensuing kickoff back to the Panther 24.

----------------------

Anderson's pass is complete to the TE for a nice gainer. Ball at the Texan 48.

Sweep to the left only gets 1. 2nd and 9 coming up.

Pass is INT'ed by Nolan! Texans ball at the Texan 39!

[Arky]

Beck in at QB.

Forsett rushes for 5.

Mixup in the backfield, run is for no gain. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Pass to Maehl gets 7 and the 1st down.

Grimes for 11 on the left side.

Pass to Graham is knocked loose, inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Flags on the running play. Offsetting penalties - replay 2nd down.

Forsett gets 5 on the right side. 3rd and 5 coming up.

Pass to Casey gets about 8 and the 1st down at the Panther 24.

Grimes caught in the backfield -3. About 4 1/2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

Nice pass by Beck complete to Jean at the Panther 5 yard line.

Forsett for 2. 2nd and goal at the 3.

Grimes up the gut for the TD!

Texans 23, Panthers 13

3:03 left in the 3rd quarter

[Big Texas]

I'm not live with the game, but man is spencer Tillman awful. A few of his gems...

TJ Yates has phenomenal athletic ability.
Justin Forsett is an amazing talent.
Whitney mercilous is unblockable.

I may have to mute it.

What about the "Matrix" reference

"Mr. Anderson" instead of Mister Alexander

[Nconroe]

Just first preason gamezn but nice to see Nolan get turnover and Grimes looking good on TD run.

Yates and Beck look ok.

WR and TE all looking good as well.

[Big Texas]

Did anybody see that Marvelous block by Brooks for the TD run?

[Arky]

Edwards brings the kickoff back to the Panther 25.

-----------------------------

End around to Adams gets about 4. 2nd and 6 coming up.

Clausen's pass sails out of bounds, inc. 3rd and 6 coming up.

Clausen smothered in the backfield by 3 or 4 Texans - sack. Panthers have to punt.

Trindon - not much on the punt return. Ball at the Texan 31.

One of the Panthers injured on the play..... Injury timeout....

1:56 left in the 3rd quarter.

[Arky]

Beck still in....

Meggett gets about 6 on the right side but flag on the play. Illegal block (?) on Texans -15. 1st and 25 coming up.

Pass to Iglesias complete but roughness on the Texans backs it up some more - half the distance to the goal line. Ball at the Texan 13. 2nd and 23.

Meggett gets a nice run - about 8 yards on the left side. Makes it 3rd and 14 coming up.

Short pass is deflected inc. Texans have to punt.

------------

Adams eludes several Texans for a nice punt return. Ball is at the Texan 40.

[Arky]

Screen goes for about 5 yards. 2nd and 5 coming up.

End of the 3rd quarter.

--------------------------------

Deep pass into the endzone is broken up by Keo. Nice play. 3rd and 5 coming up.

QB is sacked! Braman, I think.... Panthers have to punt.

Flags presnap. 5 yards against Texans for ? Panthers still have to punt.

Meggett fair catches around the Texan 8 yard line. Texans ball.

[Arky]

Keenum in at QB.

Meggett rushes for about 3.

Meggett (I think) gets 7 - just short of the 1st down.

Keenum sneaks for 2 and the 1st down. Ball at the 20.

Grimes right side for 1.

Keenum's pass to Posey a little off target, inc. 3rd and 9 coming up.

Keenum is sacked. Texans have to punt. About 11 minutes left in the game.

Punt goes out of bounds at the Panther 45. Panthers ball.

[Arky]

Pass complete goes to the Texan 42, 1st down.

Sack by Bryant. 2nd and 15 coming up.

Short pass complete to Vaughan for about 6. 3rd and 9 coming up.

Dump-off pass to the back is dropped. Panthers have to punt.

Punt goes into the endzone. Texans ball at their 20.

[Arky]

Grimes for 3.

Keenum rolls out and hits Iglesias for about 16 yards, 1st down. Ball at the 38.

Meggett's nice run is gonna be brought back for holding - Mondek. Makes it 1st and 20.

Keenum scrambles right side for about 9.

Running play goes nowhere. 3rd and 11 coming up.

Screen to Grimes goes for about 16 and the 1st down. Ball at the Panther 46.

Grimes - nice run on the left side for 15 yards.

Meggett for no gain.

Meggett? for about 3 yards on the left side.

Keenum can't find a receiver and scrambles but loses about 3. 4th and 12 coming up.

2 minutes left in the game.

[Arky]

Bullock to attempt a 52 yard FG.

Good!

Texans 26, Panthers 13

1:57 left in the game.

[Arky]

Panther bring the ensuing kickoff back to their 26 but flag on the play. Against Texans 5 yards. Ball is placed at the Panther 31.

-------------

Clausen nearly sacked but throws inc. 2nd and 10 coming up.

Previous play under review....

QB is ruled down = sack. Ball is placed at the 19. Sack by Bryant.

Clausen loses the football while scrambling and Texans recover (Fangupo)! Texans ball at the 19. (review)

Play stands, Texans ball.

Meggett gets about 6.

Texans kneeling it out.

Final score:

Texans 26, Panthers 13

[painekiller]

So what are you guys thinking after this win?

[chuck]

So what are you guys thinking after this win?

I'm thinking that the young offensive linemen need a lot more seasoning. I'm also thinking that the first team defense looked pretty damn good without its two best players.

[barrett]

I'm thinking our 1st round pick looked awesome. We have some very solid pass rushers and a good team pass rush. Our guys stunt very well. We get good interior pass rush from Watt and Smith.

But in terms of raw ability, Mercilous looked like he has the potential to be a scary individual pass rusher.

[HPF Bob]

Watched the game on DVR so just now chiming in. Good effort. I didn't notice any major injuries.

The two new OLs concern me but we ran the ball pretty well. I'm impressed by how much better the secondary looks except for Ball.

Still, it's just the first preseason game so don't try to read too much into it.

[cadams]

Most encouraging thing to me . . .kareem jackson actually looked like he was actually playing the ball.

[painekiller]

I was happy with the team defense, also thought we moved the ball well for the 1st preseason game.

Want to see some progress moving forward.

Also I am hoping that Cody is not out for to long.

[nunusguy]

Run blocking looked solid, but I saw lapses from both Butler and Newton in pass blocking and I don't think the Panthers are known for having any stellar edge rushers ? On the other hand former Texans' RT Winston was not known either for his pass-blocking skills ?

[WMH]

I thought it was impressive that using Martin on the end around actually WORKED.....

Good by slow white boy reverse. ;)

[chuck]

I thought it was impressive that using Martin on the end around actually WORKED.....

Good by slow white boy reverse. ;)

I know, I saw that and I thought Bob's going to be so excited he's going to spill his Cheetos jumping up from his La-Z-Boy.

[Arky]

I suppose Trindon Holliday's performance sticks out to me the most. He is such the "wildcard". Goodness, can he be the next Dante Hall? Hall (listed at 5'8") had 9 TD's from punt and kickoff returns over a 3 year span for KC in the early 2000's.

Can he (Holliday) be a playmaker/game changer or would he be a game changer the wrong way (fumbles/bone head decisions)? He's definitely worth looking at more.... I think another solid performance or two and he makes the team.....

[WMH]

I suppose Trindon Holliday's performance sticks out to me the most. He is such the "wildcard". Goodness, can he be the next Dante Hall? Hall (listed at 5'8") had 9 TD's from punt and kickoff returns over a 3 year span for KC in the early 2000's.

Can he (Holliday) be a playmaker/game changer or would he be a game changer the wrong way (fumbles/bone head decisions)? He's definitely worth looking at more.... I think another solid performance or two and he makes the team.....

At the expense of who/what position? That's the biggest question mark. If they go with 2 QB's + Holiday (assuming he backs this up the next 3 games), then I am probably OK with that. If they seek a shortage elsewhere.....I'm not so sure I would agree with it.

Not that that matters, but it will give me something to bitch about. ;)

[Joshua]

If you think Holliday is something special as a return man, I would keep him over a 3rd string QB (particularly, if the 3rd string guy is a journeyman and not a draft pick you are grooming). Between punts and kickoffs, he should touch the ball about 8-10 times per game. In my mind, the potential for improved field position he provides greatly outweighs the security of a 3rd string QB. And let's face it, if you're down to your 3rd string QB, your season is basically over anyway. Finally, chances are we can cut Beck and he'll still be available if we needed him at some point.

[chuck]

I just remember how incredibly tentative he was on kickoff returns two years ago. I would like to see a whole lot more from him and I'm sure we will.

[WMH]

Also I am hoping that Cody is not out for to long.

From the Chronic:
http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/08/texans-cody-likely-to-miss-saturdays-game-with-lower-back-strain/
"Cody said there is no timetable for his return. He’s not likely to play against San Francisco on Saturday.

Asked if he’s certain he will be ready to play in the season opener against Miami, Cody said, “without a doubt.”"

[painekiller]

From the Chronic:
http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/08/texans-cody-likely-to-miss-saturdays-game-with-lower-back-strain/
"Cody said there is no timetable for his return. He’s not likely to play against San Francisco on Saturday.

Asked if he’s certain he will be ready to play in the season opener against Miami, Cody said, “without a doubt.”"

I was just coming here to update this info, Thanks for posting this.

This is good news.

[Nconroe]

Wish the best and quickest recovery for Shaun Cody,

but Earl Mitchell and Hebron Fangupo did a pretty good job against Carolina, Fangupo had the fumble recovery as well.

Guess they will get even more reps helping our depth as preseason continues.

I thought it was neat/symbolic/making a point/ or just the way it turned out perhaps that the first pass completion of the game went from Schaub to Kevin Walters.

[barrett]

I have no problem with keeping a dedicated return man. Field position is huge in the NFL and if a return man affects it by as a little as 5 yards per change of possession he is having an impact worth as much as many starting players.

I am not certain if Holliday is that guy, but if they think he is the best return man on the team then I hope he makes it.

His problem is the numbers game at WR. We have two drafted WRs they probably won't cut (martin and posey) and a 3rd guy who took a pay cut and does all the things they like (walter). Then AJ of course, and Jean who looked good the other night. Either way he probably made somebody's team with that touchdown.

[Nconroe]

He needs to be great on Punt Returns then, which wasn't very exceptional this past scrimage.

On kickoffs, most kickers can go deep or out of end zone now on command.

Active roster is what 47 players, makes it tough if a guy doesn't help in multiple areas.

But, if all returns are consistent, no fumbles, no dumb decisions, yeah, gotta keep him.

Maybe he is the occasional deep threat WR as well at end of a half, or just to loosen up the defense.

[barrett]

He needs to be great on Punt Returns then, which wasn't very exceptional this past scrimage.

On kickoffs, most kickers can go deep or out of end zone now on command.

Active roster is what 47 players, makes it tough if a guy doesn't help in multiple areas.

But, if all returns are consistent, no fumbles, no dumb decisions, yeah, gotta keep him.

Maybe he is the occasional deep threat WR as well at end of a half, or just to loosen up the defense.

I think he will always lack the size and ball skills to be a deep threat. If he was great on returns and they wanted to get him the ball, I think you are more likely to see him slipped onto the field for a screen pass or a drag. But if you look at Hester he was far more dangerous as a return man before he started to get snaps offensively. If Holliday was truly dangerous as a return man I would leave it at that. Not to mention we don't lack for weapons like Chicago (or Dante Hall's chiefs teams).

As for only doing one thing, our #4/5 WRs last year only did one thing and that was play special teams. They caught almost no passes and rarely saw the field as a WR due to our frequency or 2TE or 2RB sets. I'd much rather have Casey on the field than Holliday/Posey. All Holliday has to be able to do to be the 5th WR is know the routes in case of multiple injuries in the same game.

Of course, that would mean a draft pick like Posey is out and I doubt that.

[WMH]

I could see Posey as an IR candidate.......

[Roy P]

The two new OLs concern me but we ran the ball pretty well. I'm impressed by how much better the secondary looks except for Ball.

Still, it's just the first preseason game so don't try to read too much into it.

Could Brooks play LG and slide Wade Smith to RT, he played Tackle for the Jets in 06-07, so it wouldn't be completely new? I'd like to see that configuration. Butler scares me.

I was wishing we had spent some of that Mario savings on Jason Allen.

[painekiller]

Could Brooks play LG and slide Wade Smith to RT, he played Tackle for the Jets in 06-07, so it wouldn't be completely new? I'd like to see that configuration. Butler scares me.

I was wishing we had spent some of that Mario savings on Jason Allen.

IMO they would slide Brooks to RT before they would slid Smith to RT. IMO we are OK right now in the OL. We have room for improvement but we are OK.

As Bob said, it's only the 1st preseason game.

[nunusguy]

Neither Butler or Newt looked particularly impressive in pass blocking Saturday night, including against Carolina reserves.

[chuck]

Neither Butler or Newt looked particularly impressive in pass blocking Saturday night, including against Carolina reserves.

No, they didn't, but the OL works as a unit and they had no experience playing together under fire so I'm going to wait a while before I freak out.

[nunusguy]

No, they didn't, but the OL works as a unit and they had no experience playing together under fire so I'm going to wait a while before I freak out.
Point taken. We should learn a lot more in the next 2 games (San Fran & NOLA) about the pass-blocking skills of our OTs ?
On the play of the interior OLineman, generally I was impressed and most of all impressed with Shelly Smith, who looks and plays like a classic ZB guard. The
guy really fired out Saturday to get into the second level and on the LBs. Very fast and agile guard.