Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
They pay way too much; most of the second half players won't even make the active roster. It will be brutal.
Keep in mind that if someone looks good they aren't doing it against NFL-level players. Focus on technique, for example on skilled players. Do receivers hand catch or body catch? Do they run sloppy routes? Do they drop balls? Do they block downfield? Do RBs hit the hole quickly or dance? Can they block or at least chip rushers to protect the QB?
Are O-linemen getting beaten by speed rushers? Do they at least get a piece of blitzing players? Do the make any second level blocks? Can they anchor?
Do D-linemen should leverage skills? Do they have moves or just bull rush? Nobody's going to be hiding anything; they're trying to make the team. If they've got it; they'll use it. Who has a quick first step?
Expect a vanilla defense, so little or no blitzing. How quickly do LBs fill holes in the line? How securely do they tackle? Can they cover sideline to sideline? Can they cover backs & tight ends? Do they get a deep enough drop in zone?
Can the CBs run with the receivers? Do they allow big separation on cuts? Don't worry about a completely uncovered receiver as the new guys will get lost this early. Can they support against the run? I'm curious to see if Miller plays corner or safety. He's been working at both.
Safeties are hard to evaluate if you don't know the defensive alignment of the play. Can they catch the ball? Can they tackle?
Special teams are hard to evaluate as mostly new players will be used. Do they hustle or quit if the play looks to be away from them? Can they tackle? Do they understand lanes on kickoffs? Do the Cards have a return man?
Finally QB is the hardest of all. Timing with receivers and mis-run routes will be common. Do they show poise? Do they force a throw? Do they protect the ball? If one looks great, remember the competition isn't!
Just relax. This is the apetizer part of the meal.
