Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
It’s important not to get too excited or too blasé about a preseason game. Still if they’re going to keep score I’d rather end up with the bigger number. It was fun.
There was some overall good news. The front 7 played exceptionally well, especially the D-Line. Gardeck had a nice rush. Dimukeje showed a good motor with above average quickness. Several players looked like NFL level players, though they were mostly playing against depth players.
Sadly there was bad news as well. The pass coverage in the secondary was a disaster. Describing it as porous would be an understatement. Jackson looked okay. I liked the one play that had Matthew isolated in coverage. He turned and ran well using the sideline to squeeze the potential receiver. He’s from a well known smaller school, Valdosta State. He only has medium speed but he has good size and technique. However, the most egregious play belonged to Wilson. Just like last season he too often lost contact with the receiver. He’ll be a major liability if he doesn’t improve. He certainly shouldn’t start.
Also I was disappointed with the tackling technique of several players. They hit too high and we’re easily shaken off. This problem is common in preseason and could go away. Similarly special teams often include players who won’t make the roster, so don’t get too high or low on that aspect. That said Dortch looked like what I projected last August, “…when he was acquired I posted that Dortch was a good acquisition. He’s sound as an special team performer and should help keep Moore from having to undertake the risky assignment of kick returns. Dortch also showed he could be a third down target if needed.”
In addition to Dortch looking good as a receiver a similar player, Bolden, gave evidence he could be an asset. It’s hard to envision the Cards keeping both. It is nice to know if Moore doesn’t develop, the Cards have options for the slot. There was an Isabella sighting but he’s old news. Perhaps the Cards are hoping to get a 7th round pick for him. They won’t. Seikovits got a reception. I think that’s a first for a Cards’ international player.
The Cards didn’t get much resolution to the RB hierarchy. Ward and Benjamin still seem engaged in a dead heat IMO, though a couple of colleagues favored Ward. I’d guess Ingram was destined for the practice squad.
While I don’t think it’s of great importance I suspect McSorely is a lock if they keep a 3rd QB. He simply looks more polished. He’s no threat to displace anyone.
Finally I know coaches like to keep preseason vanilla. However, I’m worried about the 2 minute drill. It continues to look chaotic and I’ll-conceived.
There was some overall good news. The front 7 played exceptionally well, especially the D-Line. Gardeck had a nice rush. Dimukeje showed a good motor with above average quickness. Several players looked like NFL level players, though they were mostly playing against depth players.
Sadly there was bad news as well. The pass coverage in the secondary was a disaster. Describing it as porous would be an understatement. Jackson looked okay. I liked the one play that had Matthew isolated in coverage. He turned and ran well using the sideline to squeeze the potential receiver. He’s from a well known smaller school, Valdosta State. He only has medium speed but he has good size and technique. However, the most egregious play belonged to Wilson. Just like last season he too often lost contact with the receiver. He’ll be a major liability if he doesn’t improve. He certainly shouldn’t start.
Also I was disappointed with the tackling technique of several players. They hit too high and we’re easily shaken off. This problem is common in preseason and could go away. Similarly special teams often include players who won’t make the roster, so don’t get too high or low on that aspect. That said Dortch looked like what I projected last August, “…when he was acquired I posted that Dortch was a good acquisition. He’s sound as an special team performer and should help keep Moore from having to undertake the risky assignment of kick returns. Dortch also showed he could be a third down target if needed.”
In addition to Dortch looking good as a receiver a similar player, Bolden, gave evidence he could be an asset. It’s hard to envision the Cards keeping both. It is nice to know if Moore doesn’t develop, the Cards have options for the slot. There was an Isabella sighting but he’s old news. Perhaps the Cards are hoping to get a 7th round pick for him. They won’t. Seikovits got a reception. I think that’s a first for a Cards’ international player.
The Cards didn’t get much resolution to the RB hierarchy. Ward and Benjamin still seem engaged in a dead heat IMO, though a couple of colleagues favored Ward. I’d guess Ingram was destined for the practice squad.
While I don’t think it’s of great importance I suspect McSorely is a lock if they keep a 3rd QB. He simply looks more polished. He’s no threat to displace anyone.
Finally I know coaches like to keep preseason vanilla. However, I’m worried about the 2 minute drill. It continues to look chaotic and I’ll-conceived.
