Preseason Highs and Lows

[cland]

Here's a thread to add in your Preseason review. Here's a couple of my own points.

Highs

Duane Brown in year 2: I thought Duane had a great performance. He really stepped up against some pretty fierce pass-rushers, and I don't recall him giving up a sack. Run-blocking worked better to the outside, then it did to the inside.

Connor Barwin: I'm sold on this guy. He caused enough disruption in the backfield, even when he wasn't getting sacks, to secure the situational pass-rusher role. The big question on Barwin over the next couple years is IF he can eventually perform against the run and start full-time. Something I'll explain in the Lows section...

Lows

No-Impact Antonio Smith: I'm pretty disappointed in this guy, and while it's too early to compare him to Anthony Weaver...he sure did look a lot like Anthony Weaver. He wasn't being man-handled but he sure didn't make any plays that stood out. Very mediocre at both the DE and DT positions.

Adibi: Looked pretty out of sorts the whole preseason, and what happened to his linebacker instincts. On AD's opening run, Adibi was clueless as to what and where that play was being run. He clearly lost his job to Diles.

[Roy P]

Connor Barwin has made me satisfied with the choice to not draft Everette Brown. I must say that I'll be following them closely and comparing their production.

Unfortunately, Brian Cushing has not been on the field in game situations to get a good look at what he brings to the LB corps. Adibi should be looked at as a SS, because he is not a real LB in that he can't provide much against the run.

Frank Okam and Shaun Cody give me something to look forward to this season. I'm hopeful that they will continue to improve and play more consistently.

Chris Brown has the talent we need in a big back. The question has always been if we can depend upon him to show up every week.

Similarly, Matt Schaub has to prove that he doesn't live under some kind of injury curse or we will be getting a better look at Rex and 'Dan-O' under real game situations.

Antonio Smith doesn't have to Mike Rucker in order to be effective. There were plays where he chased the QB to Mario and vice-versa and I'm ok with that.

The HIGHS - DeMeco, Mario, Andre, and Steve Slaton all stayed healthy in the PreSeason.

[NBT]

I'm not too concerned with how the vets did, or didn't do in the preseason. My emphasis will be on how they, and the team play when it really counts against the Jets.

Adibi got beat on the run, had the coaches work with him all week on it, and then did exactly the same thing again. Very dissapointed. But then again Zack Diles will open at Will, so not to worry.

I was heartened with the play of rookie CB's Quin & McCain. Busing may help make the safety position a little more secure. It will be interesting to see how long it takes Mr. Robinson to come up to speed.

Most of all I want to see Frank Bush's defense put pressure on the opposing QB with that zone blitz.