Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
Just looking at the division games did tell us a little. Seattle will be a handful on the ground. They may not have a frightening QB, but they may be able to run the ball like Indy. The combo of Penny & Walker will be tough to contain. If Carroll can control his urge to pass often, they could actually be a ball control team. If not, they figure to establish the run to open up their passing game.
Hopes that the Niners would struggle with Lance starting at QB would seem reasonable. You could see what they liked in him. He’s extremely athletic. He’s a threat to run on every play. He’s got a strong enough arm but his throwing motion is still suspect. He figures to cost them a couple of games, but long term he has a chance to be good.
The Rams are so confident they could have just skipped this preseason game. They even held back most of their second string.
All three teams showed very vanilla defenses offering little in the way of clues to their capabilities.
As I mentioned elsewhere, the Cards front 7 looked surprisingly good. The D-Line looked very competitive and motivated. I know Collins took some heat but he looked at least ordinary to me. The hole at CB looked Grand Canyon in scope. A couple of newcomers looked okay but they weren’t being asked to cover top receivers. The biggest failure was Wilson. When he was drafted I think I covered that the general assessment read he was a fine athlete who simply didn’t play like one. He’s not insubordinate, but coaching just doesn’t seem to register. I’m not sure he even makes the roster, though in the past the team has been reluctant to admit mistakes. Jackson flashed some of the ability he showed in college, but he’s not a shut down corner playing man. He could, however, be a plus factor when playing zone. The Cards are in trouble with this group. Fans can only hope they find some help.
On offense there was no indication the Cards have any hidden gems. The O-Line looked okay. McSorely looked like a third string QB. Guarantano looked like a free UDFA with some ability but not much polish. Likely he’ll not get enough coaching time or reps to be a factor. A little receiver depth stood out as Dortch and Bolden both looked useful. Dortch, in particular, looked to be a special teams asset. The only concern is these two are very similar players. I don’t see both making the roster unless the remaining candidates prove useless. I was surprised McBride didn’t get any action. Nothing special emerged in the running game.
On the whole Cards’ fans learned very little from this game. They seem to have had a competitive camp. Players looked anxious to contend for spots. There’s definitely some enthusiasm built, which has not always been the case. I don’t expect much to change in the next 2 games. I think the Cards are unlikely to expose much. There would definitely be a depth concern on offense, so injury risk would further restrain things. On the whole there is little basis to make any significant projections except with regard to pass defense, which could prove exasperating.
Hopes that the Niners would struggle with Lance starting at QB would seem reasonable. You could see what they liked in him. He’s extremely athletic. He’s a threat to run on every play. He’s got a strong enough arm but his throwing motion is still suspect. He figures to cost them a couple of games, but long term he has a chance to be good.
The Rams are so confident they could have just skipped this preseason game. They even held back most of their second string.
All three teams showed very vanilla defenses offering little in the way of clues to their capabilities.
As I mentioned elsewhere, the Cards front 7 looked surprisingly good. The D-Line looked very competitive and motivated. I know Collins took some heat but he looked at least ordinary to me. The hole at CB looked Grand Canyon in scope. A couple of newcomers looked okay but they weren’t being asked to cover top receivers. The biggest failure was Wilson. When he was drafted I think I covered that the general assessment read he was a fine athlete who simply didn’t play like one. He’s not insubordinate, but coaching just doesn’t seem to register. I’m not sure he even makes the roster, though in the past the team has been reluctant to admit mistakes. Jackson flashed some of the ability he showed in college, but he’s not a shut down corner playing man. He could, however, be a plus factor when playing zone. The Cards are in trouble with this group. Fans can only hope they find some help.
On offense there was no indication the Cards have any hidden gems. The O-Line looked okay. McSorely looked like a third string QB. Guarantano looked like a free UDFA with some ability but not much polish. Likely he’ll not get enough coaching time or reps to be a factor. A little receiver depth stood out as Dortch and Bolden both looked useful. Dortch, in particular, looked to be a special teams asset. The only concern is these two are very similar players. I don’t see both making the roster unless the remaining candidates prove useless. I was surprised McBride didn’t get any action. Nothing special emerged in the running game.
On the whole Cards’ fans learned very little from this game. They seem to have had a competitive camp. Players looked anxious to contend for spots. There’s definitely some enthusiasm built, which has not always been the case. I don’t expect much to change in the next 2 games. I think the Cards are unlikely to expose much. There would definitely be a depth concern on offense, so injury risk would further restrain things. On the whole there is little basis to make any significant projections except with regard to pass defense, which could prove exasperating.
