ON SIGHT TRAINING CAMP REPORT :
No rain today, but it was threatening....
I watched the OL mostly today....
T. Wise was working them hard right off the bat yesterday. They looked pretty good IMO yesterday. They had a more workman like attitude, and were ready to work today.....I was pleased with what I saw on the OL yesterday.
LT B. Smith was actually moving well today. He wasn't great, but he looked like he was getting it done with more consistancy. He's basically one of two LT who have a chance to start, and his competition M. Spriggs is looking no better IMO. They could both improve as TC ends, and the Pre-Season gets underway......
LT is without question the weakest link this season{AGAIN}.
There are rumors that J. Nails maybe taking the starting LG job from M. Dixon. J.Nails is just so much more physical because of his size, and he's opening up bigger holes. M. Dixon on the other hand is looking tired, and slow. He'll be ready in Sptemeber, but right now, he's not doing much to warrant the starting spot.....
T. Ruddy looked like T. Ruddy, but he had a good spring to his step yesterday OMI.
S. McKinney is a gamer, and as a rookie, I think he's bringing a well needed intensity to this OL. He got into a scuffle with D. Romero which was good to see. He's not the kind of guy that likes getting pushed around, that I can tell.....I think by next season, this kid will bulk up, put on some muscule, and be more than ready to compete for the starting spot.
L. Searcy looks good run blocking, but his pass protection breaks down pretty quick. I think he'll get better in the weeks to come. He has been away from football for awhile{2 years}......
T. Perry isn't looking good, and he isn't looking bad. He's looking like the average OG that he is. He could start, but he's nothing special. I'm hoping L. Searcy can replce him as the starter this year....
RT T. Wade is a lock, and will be for years. He looks better than ever. I like what I saw from him yesterday, he's playing with more intensity this year IMO. He's the best player on this OL, and he's only been here three years!!!
R. Lucas continues to baffle me beyond belief.....
He can't complete a pass undrer heavy pressure. He's got bad footwork IMO, and doesn't set up correctly. Yesterday, he made some horrible throws. I see him constantly hesitating, and not having confidence in his throw. I'm satisfied with R. Lucas as a back-up, but if he ever expects to be a starter in this league, he should work on his feet while inside the pocket......
J. Fielder!!!....Yes!!!.... Jay has been taking some snaps with no pressure, but he's throwing strong, and looks like he'll be returning very soon. We need him, and it's been good to see him out there everyday with the guys hanging out. Once he starts throwing full time, I'm sure he'll be fine.....
Even J. McKnight caught some passes yesterday.....PLEASE CONTINUE!!!!
R.Williams is great. He didn't really have any break out plays yesterday, but he's just so solid it's amazing. I don't know why jealous fans say he's got bad hands....that's a joke!!! Ricky has been catching everything.
We actually had a minor scare yesterday when RW, after catching a flair out and running upfield towards the sideline, was pushed, and banged into and over one of the trainers crates on the sideline.....He jumped right back up though.
The defense is looking better and better I think. The DL looks to be fine with D. Bownes, J. Talyor, and R. Burnett taking on the pass rush duties. DT L Chester continues to impress, and I like him as our new DT. I watch him push the pocket constantly, and he's not an easy guy to block either.....The DL looks better than I expected at this time.
As of today, there are some new faces pushing for the starting spot in different places on this team, and I think it's all for the better.....
Watch :
J. Nails vs. M. Dixon at RG
R. McMichael / A. Mayes vs. J. Weaver at TE - Mayes is back....
O. Ayanbedejo vs. R. Konrad at FB
Watch out for WR R. Baker too. I think he should get a shot on this team this year.....
We've also got a DT H. Taylor who is a load, and could move up the depth chart before the season starts....
I'll be at Pro Player tonight......
PHINZ RULE!!!!