BLITZKRIEG
~LACUNA LEGIONS~
The morning session started off as they always do with a stretching session, it's important that they loosen up....
Then the they went onto seperate fields and started drilling. The OL went over and started working on some push off the line drills, the DL was over working the sleds, and the DB's / S's were practicing some positional schemes and whatnot. The LB's started out with some side stepping drills, and there really wasn't must action to speak of during this time....
The WR's / RB's / and FB's then went over and started working on what I call the "rubberband drill". It's a giant rubberband that they wrap around the players waist, and he then runs and pulls it as far as he can. I'm thinking this drill is used to strengthen the legs, and help break away from a would be tackler. It's stange to watch, but it should help when it comes to gaining that extra crucial yard....
The QB's / RB's / and FB's then went into some run drills. No defense, just easy handoffs to get the timing down. This drill went on for awhile....
Just on a quick note, the players as a whole seemed very upbeat when they first came out. Everyone looked ready for some hard work in my opinion....
QB J. Hamdan was alone working with some of the RB's / FB's. They were running some basic flair out patterns, and he was hitting them. No big deal really, just some easy / no pressure tosses...
Now Green / Lemon / and Beck started throwing some balls to the WR's / TE's. This was another very basic drill, with no coverage, and the WR's were running 10 yard turnaround patterns alone with some 10 yard slants. The QB's all looked very sharp / accurate during this drill, and the WR's made most of the catches. A couple of drops is all....
QB J. Beck really looked sharp in my opinion. He throws alittle hard and high sometimes, but he's been quite accurate thus far. Lemon and Green are both looking decent too. Hamdan hasn't been given must opportunity, but when he's had it, he's looked pretty solid as well. That's my personal opinion of the QB's thus far into the practice session, but things could change once they face some true coverage / pressure from the defense....
Next to come was the punt return drills. These are again very basic, and there's not really much to report. Guys like Ginn / Hakim / L. Booker / T. Daniels / and Chambers were fielding punts, some returned some fair caught, but really no contact at all here other than up at the line where the ball is being snapped. An important drill, but boring as can be....
A quick and important notice to all whoever intend on visting TC. Bring sunscreen / and a large towel. The heat along with the humidity is brutal out here even at 9:00am in the morning. I'm already drenched, and I'm just sitting here in the stands.. I still don't know how the players do it, I mean this is crazy hot out here right now....
Now the QB's came over and started taking snaps with their backs to the goaline. They were dropping back, and throwing various short / intermediate routes to the drill coaches. The WR's were's involed at all here. The QB would drop back, and one of the coaches{who were spread out in various positions on the field} would raise his hand. The QB would then make the throw. This looks like a drill used for making the correct read. Looking off one guy and throwing to another. At least that's what I took from watching it....
It was nice to see Green / Beck having sidetalk while waiting around for another drill to begin. Who knows what was being discussed, but never the less it's a positive sign to see them talking with one anoter and building a relationship....
At this time, we've still got a lot of basic drilling going on. The DL is still working all by themselves, and the LB's / DB's / S's are doing the same. The OL is over working on eachother with the blocking pads....
After that session, the offense took one field, and the defense another. The offense started working on their snap / coming off the line drills, which isn't much to write home about. While the DB's / S's / and LB's started drilling different coverage formations / schemes. Not much to really get excited about here either. The DL is alone doing some coming off the line drills as well. They've been drilling this way most of the day, and to be quite honest, there has been no real action to report thus far. Elementary stuff for the most part. I want some action!!!!!!!!!!
The OL went into some more individual drills. It looks like they are practicing blocking the "spin move" that has become so popular with DE's these days. It's nothing special, but something different than what I been seeing....
Now we have some throwing going on. They've got Green / Beck on one half of the field throwing, and Lemon / Hamdan on the other doing the same. Most of these drills consist of the WR's / TE' s going over the middle and making the catch. It's another relatively simple drill with no coverage involed. There are some nice throws / catches being made here, but it's not really all that difficult....
During this drill we also had what I consider the highlight of the day. Beck threw a lazer to Ginn, it was a bit high and hard, but he made a beautiful one handed grab and went into the endzone. It's nice to see these two starting to click....
A quick personal opinion of the WR's thus far.....
Chambers has made the catches that have been thrown to him, nothing spectacular to talk of, but consistant / no drops that I've seen....
Booker hasn't really stood out at all. He's out there catching the ball, but there's not much spark....
Sutton has made a few catches during these drills, and one thing I notice about him is the effort he gives after every catch. His work ethic is impressive, and even when he's touch tackled after only a short gain, he runs all the way down the field into the endzone, then running back. I like this kid, and if he continues to improve his routes during the remainder of TC / into the pre-season, he could emerge into a very solid WR for us. You never know with these kinds of players who come out of nowhere. I'm not going go overboard on Sutton just yet, but we could have uncovered a hidden gem with him....
WR D. Hagan has shown up. He's made some nice catches during all of the drills. He should have a better season in 2007 for us, and he's still growing into a starting position. He's certainly looks more comfortable this year than the previous, and that's to be expected with added experience.....
WR / KR T. Ginn looked very good. He's quick, and runs his routes quickly too. I like what I see from him during these drills, and if he can maybe bulk up alittle I'd be very pleased. I kind of worry about his size, he doesn't hold much weight and that could bring up injury issues for him in the future. Let's just hope that he's tough enough to withstand what he'll be facing on the NFL level. Needless to say he looks very good out there....
Malone / Reed didn't really do very much today. They both kind of get lost in the shuffle if you know what I mean. It's not that they aren't out there catching the ball during the passing drills, it's just that neither really made any catches that stood out. Nothing that made you say "nice catch"....
As for the TE's, Martin looks decent. He's been getting a lot of work, and it's obvious from watching this offense that Cameron loves throwing to the TE's. They were almost more active today than the WR's. All made catches, Martin, Peele, and Raider....
Now is the time for the two sides to face off....
The DB's / LB's are now in coverage, and it's Green up first.....
TG - Quick toss outside to the FB for about 5 yards...
TG - 7 yard pass to TE Martin, nice throw but dropped....
TG - Quick slant to PK Sam for about 5-7 yards....
TG - Drop back, look, nobody open, throws to the FB outside for only a couple yards....
TG - Threads it through two defender to TE J. Raider faor about 7 yards. Nice throw and catch there....
TG - Thows to Hagan over the middle on a quick turnaround route. It went for about 7-10 yards. Nice play, and good recognition by Green getting it to the open man....
Lemon is up next....
CL - Tried to squeeze in a tight one to Martin, but he was well covered and the ball was incomplete.....
CL - Quick toss to the TE J. Peele for only a few over the middle. Not a great throw / catch, but still a completion never the less....
CL - Throws to Chambers for about 10-15 yards, and Chambers made a nice adjustment on the ball to get it. It was alittle overthrown / inaccurate, and looked rushed....
CL - Throws outside to Raider, and he takes it up the sideline for a solid 5 yard gain....
CL - Hits WR D. Sutton outside, but this only goes for a few yards. As I stated earlier, he ran it all the way down the field into the endzone, and that's his strong work ethic showing up....
CL - 7 yard quick slant to WR K. Reed. That was a nice throw and catch over the middle. It was Reed's only standout catch of the day though.....
J. Beck is now under center....
JB - Low pass on quick slant. It wasn't a good throw, and fell incomplete...
JB - Nice throw over the middle for about 10 yards. WR just came across and sat down right in the middle. Beck threw a lazer and hit him right in the numbers. Nice play...
JB - Completion to the FB on a flair out, it goes for only a few yards....
JB - Throws a short completion over the middle to Martin. That's it for Beck....
The players then take a quick water break. My clothes are now stuck to me....
Here we go with two sides going head to head. This is usually the most exciting time of the practice session.....
For some reason Lemon is getting the first reps. I don't know what to make of it, but it seems odd to me that Green would be coming in after him. Is there anything brewing that we don't knwo about or is this just Green not being familiar enough with the offense in order to take the first team snaps. It really bothers me that Cam isn't giving Green reps against the first team defense....
CL - Quick throw incomplete to TE D. Martin, five yards down. He was covered well, but it was also a bad throw, too low....
CL - About a 7 yards completion to WR T. Ginn. The throw was alittle low, but Ginn made a nice catch....
CL - Throw outside to RB L. Booker, but he gets stopped for a very short gain....
CL - Drops back, pumps a couple of times, and then throws short over the middle to RB P. Cobbs. Only about 5 yards on the play....
CL - 15 yard slant to Chambers, alittle high and goes incomplete. It was a decent effort by everyone involved, the timing just wasn't quite there. ...
CL - Throws about a 5 yard pass outside to Malone, he then cuts upfield for a few more. It was a solid throw / catch....
Trent Green is now taking the snaps.....
TG - Drops back and throws high to Martin. Good coverge on the play too...
TG - Hits Martin downfield for about 15 yards. Nice throw / catch....
I'd like to add that Green is not facing the first string defense. Why?? I have no clue. I think that Cam is just bringing him along slowly based on him not having a firm grasp of the offense yet. Personally, I would have thought that Green would be taking all of the snaps when facing the first string defense....
TG - Quick slant over the middle to Chambers, but broken by W. Allen. I saw him make a few break-ups today over on that side as well. He looked good on coverage for the most part....
TG - Facing a stiff rush, he stepped out of the pocket alittle, moved up and threw a nice pass over the middle to Martin. It went for about 10 yards, but could have gone for more after the catch....
TG - Another solid pass rush, Green steps aside, and throws downfield about 15 yards. No WR / TE in the area saw it coming, and it went incomplete....
TG - Short throw to Sutton, he then turns upfield, and sprints through a couple of DB's. I'm not sure if he was touch tackled, but he gave it great effort....
Hamdan then came in for a few throws, and made the most of them. He's not all bad, but with the guys we currently have at QB, I don't think he'll make the final roster. I do think he's been solid enough to bring competion to the position during TC however....
WR D. Sutton made another nice catch while Hamdan was taking snaps. I really think that Sutton has some untapped talent. His size alone is impressive for a rookie, and on top of that he's shown good skills catching the ball. If for any reason we see Hagan dropping passes, you could see Sutton replace him in my opinion. He's been a pleasant surprise thus far...
If I had to decide what QB's I've liked thus far today, I'd have to say that Lemon was a bit more impressive than Green. I'm not saying I like the thought of Lemon starting, I just think he played better in this morning's session.....
QB J. Beck is now under center, and ready to go....
JB - Stepped back, kind of hesitated alittle, throws outside flair to FB who then turns up the sideline for a few yards....
JB - Drops back, and throws over the middle to Hagan. Loose coverage, and a good play by Hagan finding the open area. About 10 yards on the play....
JB - Quick slant over the middle by PK Sam, good throw on target but dropped by Sam. He saw a big hit waiting for him and lost focus....
Well, that was about all there was this morning. It was extremely hot, and for the most part a very boring practice session. I saw very little of the 11-11 today, and it was filled with simple drilling. I left feeling like I didn't get what I wanted. MORE ACTION!!!!!!! I don't think I have it in me to make it to the later practice session, but if I go, I'll report later on tonight, right now I'm just totally spent........
PHINZ RULE!!!!!
Then the they went onto seperate fields and started drilling. The OL went over and started working on some push off the line drills, the DL was over working the sleds, and the DB's / S's were practicing some positional schemes and whatnot. The LB's started out with some side stepping drills, and there really wasn't must action to speak of during this time....
The WR's / RB's / and FB's then went over and started working on what I call the "rubberband drill". It's a giant rubberband that they wrap around the players waist, and he then runs and pulls it as far as he can. I'm thinking this drill is used to strengthen the legs, and help break away from a would be tackler. It's stange to watch, but it should help when it comes to gaining that extra crucial yard....
The QB's / RB's / and FB's then went into some run drills. No defense, just easy handoffs to get the timing down. This drill went on for awhile....
Just on a quick note, the players as a whole seemed very upbeat when they first came out. Everyone looked ready for some hard work in my opinion....
QB J. Hamdan was alone working with some of the RB's / FB's. They were running some basic flair out patterns, and he was hitting them. No big deal really, just some easy / no pressure tosses...
Now Green / Lemon / and Beck started throwing some balls to the WR's / TE's. This was another very basic drill, with no coverage, and the WR's were running 10 yard turnaround patterns alone with some 10 yard slants. The QB's all looked very sharp / accurate during this drill, and the WR's made most of the catches. A couple of drops is all....
QB J. Beck really looked sharp in my opinion. He throws alittle hard and high sometimes, but he's been quite accurate thus far. Lemon and Green are both looking decent too. Hamdan hasn't been given must opportunity, but when he's had it, he's looked pretty solid as well. That's my personal opinion of the QB's thus far into the practice session, but things could change once they face some true coverage / pressure from the defense....
Next to come was the punt return drills. These are again very basic, and there's not really much to report. Guys like Ginn / Hakim / L. Booker / T. Daniels / and Chambers were fielding punts, some returned some fair caught, but really no contact at all here other than up at the line where the ball is being snapped. An important drill, but boring as can be....
A quick and important notice to all whoever intend on visting TC. Bring sunscreen / and a large towel. The heat along with the humidity is brutal out here even at 9:00am in the morning. I'm already drenched, and I'm just sitting here in the stands.. I still don't know how the players do it, I mean this is crazy hot out here right now....
Now the QB's came over and started taking snaps with their backs to the goaline. They were dropping back, and throwing various short / intermediate routes to the drill coaches. The WR's were's involed at all here. The QB would drop back, and one of the coaches{who were spread out in various positions on the field} would raise his hand. The QB would then make the throw. This looks like a drill used for making the correct read. Looking off one guy and throwing to another. At least that's what I took from watching it....
It was nice to see Green / Beck having sidetalk while waiting around for another drill to begin. Who knows what was being discussed, but never the less it's a positive sign to see them talking with one anoter and building a relationship....
At this time, we've still got a lot of basic drilling going on. The DL is still working all by themselves, and the LB's / DB's / S's are doing the same. The OL is over working on eachother with the blocking pads....
After that session, the offense took one field, and the defense another. The offense started working on their snap / coming off the line drills, which isn't much to write home about. While the DB's / S's / and LB's started drilling different coverage formations / schemes. Not much to really get excited about here either. The DL is alone doing some coming off the line drills as well. They've been drilling this way most of the day, and to be quite honest, there has been no real action to report thus far. Elementary stuff for the most part. I want some action!!!!!!!!!!
The OL went into some more individual drills. It looks like they are practicing blocking the "spin move" that has become so popular with DE's these days. It's nothing special, but something different than what I been seeing....
Now we have some throwing going on. They've got Green / Beck on one half of the field throwing, and Lemon / Hamdan on the other doing the same. Most of these drills consist of the WR's / TE' s going over the middle and making the catch. It's another relatively simple drill with no coverage involed. There are some nice throws / catches being made here, but it's not really all that difficult....
During this drill we also had what I consider the highlight of the day. Beck threw a lazer to Ginn, it was a bit high and hard, but he made a beautiful one handed grab and went into the endzone. It's nice to see these two starting to click....
A quick personal opinion of the WR's thus far.....
Chambers has made the catches that have been thrown to him, nothing spectacular to talk of, but consistant / no drops that I've seen....
Booker hasn't really stood out at all. He's out there catching the ball, but there's not much spark....
Sutton has made a few catches during these drills, and one thing I notice about him is the effort he gives after every catch. His work ethic is impressive, and even when he's touch tackled after only a short gain, he runs all the way down the field into the endzone, then running back. I like this kid, and if he continues to improve his routes during the remainder of TC / into the pre-season, he could emerge into a very solid WR for us. You never know with these kinds of players who come out of nowhere. I'm not going go overboard on Sutton just yet, but we could have uncovered a hidden gem with him....
WR D. Hagan has shown up. He's made some nice catches during all of the drills. He should have a better season in 2007 for us, and he's still growing into a starting position. He's certainly looks more comfortable this year than the previous, and that's to be expected with added experience.....
WR / KR T. Ginn looked very good. He's quick, and runs his routes quickly too. I like what I see from him during these drills, and if he can maybe bulk up alittle I'd be very pleased. I kind of worry about his size, he doesn't hold much weight and that could bring up injury issues for him in the future. Let's just hope that he's tough enough to withstand what he'll be facing on the NFL level. Needless to say he looks very good out there....
Malone / Reed didn't really do very much today. They both kind of get lost in the shuffle if you know what I mean. It's not that they aren't out there catching the ball during the passing drills, it's just that neither really made any catches that stood out. Nothing that made you say "nice catch"....
As for the TE's, Martin looks decent. He's been getting a lot of work, and it's obvious from watching this offense that Cameron loves throwing to the TE's. They were almost more active today than the WR's. All made catches, Martin, Peele, and Raider....
Now is the time for the two sides to face off....
The DB's / LB's are now in coverage, and it's Green up first.....
TG - Quick toss outside to the FB for about 5 yards...
TG - 7 yard pass to TE Martin, nice throw but dropped....
TG - Quick slant to PK Sam for about 5-7 yards....
TG - Drop back, look, nobody open, throws to the FB outside for only a couple yards....
TG - Threads it through two defender to TE J. Raider faor about 7 yards. Nice throw and catch there....
TG - Thows to Hagan over the middle on a quick turnaround route. It went for about 7-10 yards. Nice play, and good recognition by Green getting it to the open man....
Lemon is up next....
CL - Tried to squeeze in a tight one to Martin, but he was well covered and the ball was incomplete.....
CL - Quick toss to the TE J. Peele for only a few over the middle. Not a great throw / catch, but still a completion never the less....
CL - Throws to Chambers for about 10-15 yards, and Chambers made a nice adjustment on the ball to get it. It was alittle overthrown / inaccurate, and looked rushed....
CL - Throws outside to Raider, and he takes it up the sideline for a solid 5 yard gain....
CL - Hits WR D. Sutton outside, but this only goes for a few yards. As I stated earlier, he ran it all the way down the field into the endzone, and that's his strong work ethic showing up....
CL - 7 yard quick slant to WR K. Reed. That was a nice throw and catch over the middle. It was Reed's only standout catch of the day though.....
J. Beck is now under center....
JB - Low pass on quick slant. It wasn't a good throw, and fell incomplete...
JB - Nice throw over the middle for about 10 yards. WR just came across and sat down right in the middle. Beck threw a lazer and hit him right in the numbers. Nice play...
JB - Completion to the FB on a flair out, it goes for only a few yards....
JB - Throws a short completion over the middle to Martin. That's it for Beck....
The players then take a quick water break. My clothes are now stuck to me....
Here we go with two sides going head to head. This is usually the most exciting time of the practice session.....
For some reason Lemon is getting the first reps. I don't know what to make of it, but it seems odd to me that Green would be coming in after him. Is there anything brewing that we don't knwo about or is this just Green not being familiar enough with the offense in order to take the first team snaps. It really bothers me that Cam isn't giving Green reps against the first team defense....
CL - Quick throw incomplete to TE D. Martin, five yards down. He was covered well, but it was also a bad throw, too low....
CL - About a 7 yards completion to WR T. Ginn. The throw was alittle low, but Ginn made a nice catch....
CL - Throw outside to RB L. Booker, but he gets stopped for a very short gain....
CL - Drops back, pumps a couple of times, and then throws short over the middle to RB P. Cobbs. Only about 5 yards on the play....
CL - 15 yard slant to Chambers, alittle high and goes incomplete. It was a decent effort by everyone involved, the timing just wasn't quite there. ...
CL - Throws about a 5 yard pass outside to Malone, he then cuts upfield for a few more. It was a solid throw / catch....
Trent Green is now taking the snaps.....
TG - Drops back and throws high to Martin. Good coverge on the play too...
TG - Hits Martin downfield for about 15 yards. Nice throw / catch....
I'd like to add that Green is not facing the first string defense. Why?? I have no clue. I think that Cam is just bringing him along slowly based on him not having a firm grasp of the offense yet. Personally, I would have thought that Green would be taking all of the snaps when facing the first string defense....
TG - Quick slant over the middle to Chambers, but broken by W. Allen. I saw him make a few break-ups today over on that side as well. He looked good on coverage for the most part....
TG - Facing a stiff rush, he stepped out of the pocket alittle, moved up and threw a nice pass over the middle to Martin. It went for about 10 yards, but could have gone for more after the catch....
TG - Another solid pass rush, Green steps aside, and throws downfield about 15 yards. No WR / TE in the area saw it coming, and it went incomplete....
TG - Short throw to Sutton, he then turns upfield, and sprints through a couple of DB's. I'm not sure if he was touch tackled, but he gave it great effort....
Hamdan then came in for a few throws, and made the most of them. He's not all bad, but with the guys we currently have at QB, I don't think he'll make the final roster. I do think he's been solid enough to bring competion to the position during TC however....
WR D. Sutton made another nice catch while Hamdan was taking snaps. I really think that Sutton has some untapped talent. His size alone is impressive for a rookie, and on top of that he's shown good skills catching the ball. If for any reason we see Hagan dropping passes, you could see Sutton replace him in my opinion. He's been a pleasant surprise thus far...
If I had to decide what QB's I've liked thus far today, I'd have to say that Lemon was a bit more impressive than Green. I'm not saying I like the thought of Lemon starting, I just think he played better in this morning's session.....
QB J. Beck is now under center, and ready to go....
JB - Stepped back, kind of hesitated alittle, throws outside flair to FB who then turns up the sideline for a few yards....
JB - Drops back, and throws over the middle to Hagan. Loose coverage, and a good play by Hagan finding the open area. About 10 yards on the play....
JB - Quick slant over the middle by PK Sam, good throw on target but dropped by Sam. He saw a big hit waiting for him and lost focus....
Well, that was about all there was this morning. It was extremely hot, and for the most part a very boring practice session. I saw very little of the 11-11 today, and it was filled with simple drilling. I left feeling like I didn't get what I wanted. MORE ACTION!!!!!!! I don't think I have it in me to make it to the later practice session, but if I go, I'll report later on tonight, right now I'm just totally spent........
PHINZ RULE!!!!!
