Our DEs were fantastic. Watt lived in the backfield and Smith is a different man in the 34. He is great at getting off and collapsing the pocket, and he hand fights inside better than anyone we've ever had.
Our OLBs were pretty average. Mario played hard and picked up 2 sacks against Dallas Clark. It looks like he will be what he was last year, a big fast guy who plays hard. He doesn't really have pass rush moves or the lateral agility to turn the corner hard, but the fastest route is a straight line and he has to be accounted for. Barwin was not a factor and doesn't appear to have anything as a pass rusher but the inside move. Reed played but was about the same.
Demeco did not look very good. He is small and may be a guy who struggles in this defense where there are no DL to protect him. Cushing actually played great. Best game I have seen from him since his rookie year. He was the tackling machine and physical presence we need in the middle, and he blitzed well too. And I was glad Dobbins got a LB number.
CBs played well. Joseph was good all day and even had a nice hit in the run game. Jackson and Mccain looked like they have been coached for the first time ever. Allen got badly turned around on an out route.
Quinn was really good. Looks like a great move. Manning did not show up much which is probably a good sign.
Special teams was very good. No kickoff started past the 20. The only one we returned came past the 40. Jacoby Jones needs to stop shuffle stepping when he catches every punt. Just get upfield. He even did it on his TD for a moment before he realized there was nobody there and he could get upfield. But the run was a good one obviously.
|