Views after reviewing game 2 tape

[Tangodnzr]

Actually after reviewing the tape, I felt a little better than I did right after the game.

I've said before, that my mantra for Green has been "We'll see".

Well, I'm still there. I am going to be interested to now see what happens this coming week and game 3.

Will the games subside with Shelton and he gets back into the starting lineup....I sure hope so.

Actually the Starting OL didn't look all that bad most of the time.
Here's my thoughts on them last night:

I thought Clement played a good game. I was impressed. His man never
came close to Josh. I felt he was the best lineman out there this game.
Big played decently, but it still looks to me like he'd be better off at guard.
Even though he wasn't really challenged much this game, he still seems to be a better run blocker than pass blocker and I think with him at guard, it might help the running game more.

Wells did a good job. Nothing spectaculor but nothing bad either.

I was pleasantly surprised with both Stepanovich's and Spikes play, especially Stepanovich. He does indeed seem to be improving. Still saw a couple of mistakes, but nothing really bad. This was one of the better games I've seen Spkes play. I still don't think he should be starting, but I think he provides some quality depth.

Now if we can just get Shelton replacing him, I think by opening day, there might be reasonalble cause for some optomism....and the running game.

The Cards used a double tight end set a few times with Jones and Diamond both on the field. I liked it, and I can see it being used a lot, especially with the receiver situation the beginning part of the season.

I also liked their use of the 2 back set, I was impressed with Ayanbedejo, I think he may be a real keeper. I think he will get most of the playing time with Hodgins and Rue battling to make the team. I'm not sure they'll keep both...if not, it will be interesting to see what happens there.
Ayanbedjeo seems to be a good blocker AND receiver...I smell he'll be used a lot.

With Gilmore and McAddley both cut, speed remains the big question mark. I gotta think Williams will definitely make the team, as he should be the Punt Returner, no question in my mind, right now. I also would like to see Fabian Davis more this week....and not that stupid end around they've tried with him once each week, that fizzled like a day old soda.

Ralegh Roundtree stunk up the joint for the second week in a row. I have to think he's gonzo before long. Lindsay I think should be right behind him out the door. I'd love to see more of Cantu...he's GOT to make the team, especially have the world league roster exemption. I think the biggest need right now is another decent backup tackle.

The defense wasn't quite as vanilla as some people suggested. They did shoot both Thompson and McKinnon a few times, especially Raynoch. He seemed back to last years good form....all over the field, in the backfield, and always around the ball.
I think Wilson has finally "got it"...I was impressed with his overall play. Still has a tendancy to maybe go too much for the big hit...but that has a nice flip side too...he's making them, yet not out of position as much as in the past.

Boy is Macklin an upgrade over Barrett. YES, YES, YES. Nice interception, but he made several nice plays. It was nice to see him hit a quick out to a back/wr actually behind the line of scrimmage instead of 7 yards downfield.

Michael Stone is finally starting to demonstrate what a genius I am.
He played a great game when he was in. (although I think he may have got a little "lucky" on that non-call for face guarding in the endzone...it was close.
But at least he was there to make a play...haven't seen that much since Aeneas left.

I think Robert Tate played better than Hill. I hope Hill's terrible game WAS due to "injury"...if not....ugh.

I continue to be impressed with Lavar Wood's play. He is just flat a playmaker. I think he's going to see a lot of playing time both on defense and special teams.

Karlos Dansby seems like a future stud...but not yet.

Wakefield definitely outplayed Dockett at strong side DE. Dockett needs to be moved back inside.

Kolodziej played literally the whole game...why? Green, Pendergast, Pollard wanted to get that good a look at him? He made one nice play...the rest of the time he too stunk place up. I don't see him making the team, let alone starting.

Davis seems to be doing OK but still gets stood up and overpowered once in awhile..but overall, I think he's servicable.

I think rotating him and Bryant more will improve both.

Wakefield and KVB both played reasonably well.
I thnk Wakefield takes some very unearned potshots from some people here. He seems to be the most "stable" player on the DL right now.

I think having someone better than Kolodziej in the lineup will improve them all, but most especially Berry. He didn't have any sacks, but he was "pushing the envelope a lot" and I think having someone require a little more attention on the nterior will get him that last 'extra step" he seems to need right now.

And last but not least..... to Nathan Hodel. Man did he lay a hit on the ball carrier on punt return team.
Hey...we got the baddest long snapper in the NFL.

..which reminds me, I think special teams WAS an area that a lot of a lot of experiment this game. I look for that to improve as cuts progress and those on ST become more "stabilized".

Now....JUST GET L. J. SHELTON BACK IN THE STARTING LINEUP !!! ( preferably at LT)

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

There is definitely a career for you in politics.

That was one mean spin-job.

 

[slanidrac16]

Actually after reviewing the tape, I felt a little better than I did right after the game.

I've said before, that my mantra for Green has been "We'll see".

Well, I'm still there. I am going to be interested to now see what happens this coming week and game 3.

Will the games subside with Shelton and he gets back into the starting lineup....I sure hope so.

Actually the Starting OL didn't look all that bad most of the time.
Here's my thoughts on them last night:

I thought Clement played a good game. I was impressed. His man never
came close to Josh. I felt he was the best lineman out there this game.
Big played decently, but it still looks to me like he'd be better off at guard.
Even though he wasn't really challenged much this game, he still seems to be a better run blocker than pass blocker and I think with him at guard, it might help the running game more.

Wells did a good job. Nothing spectaculor but nothing bad either.

I was pleasantly surprised with both Stepanovich's and Spikes play, especially Stepanovich. He does indeed seem to be improving. Still saw a couple of mistakes, but nothing really bad. This was one of the better games I've seen Spkes play. I still don't think he should be starting, but I think he provides some quality depth.

Now if we can just get Shelton replacing him, I think by opening day, there might be reasonalble cause for some optomism....and the running game.

The Cards used a double tight end set a few times with Jones and Diamond both on the field. I liked it, and I can see it being used a lot, especially with the receiver situation the beginning part of the season.

I also liked their use of the 2 back set, I was impressed with Ayanbedejo, I think he may be a real keeper. I think he will get most of the playing time with Hodgins and Rue battling to make the team. I'm not sure they'll keep both...if not, it will be interesting to see what happens there.
Ayanbedjeo seems to be a good blocker AND receiver...I smell he'll be used a lot.

With Gilmore and McAddley both cut, speed remains the big question mark. I gotta think Williams will definitely make the team, as he should be the Punt Returner, no question in my mind, right now. I also would like to see Fabian Davis more this week....and not that stupid end around they've tried with him once each week, that fizzled like a day old soda.

Ralegh Roundtree stunk up the joint for the second week in a row. I have to think he's gonzo before long. Lindsay I think should be right behind him out the door. I'd love to see more of Cantu...he's GOT to make the team, especially have the world league roster exemption. I think the biggest need right now is another decent backup tackle.

The defense wasn't quite as vanilla as some people suggested. They did shoot both Thompson and McKinnon a few times, especially Raynoch. He seemed back to last years good form....all over the field, in the backfield, and always around the ball.
I think Wilson has finally "got it"...I was impressed with his overall play. Still has a tendancy to maybe go too much for the big hit...but that has a nice flip side too...he's making them, yet not out of position as much as in the past.

Boy is Macklin an upgrade over Barrett. YES, YES, YES. Nice interception, but he made several nice plays. It was nice to see him hit a quick out to a back/wr actually behind the line of scrimmage instead of 7 yards downfield.

Michael Stone is finally starting to demonstrate what a genius I am.
He played a great game when he was in. (although I think he may have got a little "lucky" on that non-call for face guarding in the endzone...it was close.
But at least he was there to make a play...haven't seen that much since Aeneas left.

I think Robert Tate played better than Hill. I hope Hill's terrible game WAS due to "injury"...if not....ugh.

I continue to be impressed with Lavar Wood's play. He is just flat a playmaker. I think he's going to see a lot of playing time both on defense and special teams.

Karlos Dansby seems like a future stud...but not yet.

Wakefield definitely outplayed Dockett at strong side DE. Dockett needs to be moved back inside.

Kolodziej played literally the whole game...why? Green, Pendergast, Pollard wanted to get that good a look at him? He made one nice play...the rest of the time he too stunk place up. I don't see him making the team, let alone starting.

Davis seems to be doing OK but still gets stood up and overpowered once in awhile..but overall, I think he's servicable.

I think rotating him and Bryant more will improve both.

Wakefield and KVB both played reasonably well.
I thnk Wakefield takes some very unearned potshots from some people here. He seems to be the most "stable" player on the DL right now.

I think having someone better than Kolodziej in the lineup will improve them all, but most especially Berry. He didn't have any sacks, but he was "pushing the envelope a lot" and I think having someone require a little more attention on the nterior will get him that last 'extra step" he seems to need right now.

And last but not least..... to Nathan Hodel. Man did he lay a hit on the ball carrier on punt return team.
Hey...we got the baddest long snapper in the NFL.

..which reminds me, I think special teams WAS an area that a lot of a lot of experiment this game. I look for that to improve as cuts progress and those on ST become more "stabilized".

Now....JUST GET L. J. SHELTON BACK IN THE STARTING LINEUP !!! ( preferably at LT)

Thanks Tango.
Very nice report. I will be watching the tape today on NFL Network (if they don't screw it up).
It seems to me many of our posters seem to "get" what Green is doing here. I thought there would be much more "GLOOM AND DOOM" reporting, but to my surprise many poster, like you, have put a very positive spin on a game where the outcome meant absolutely nothing.
My main concern was why the special team units looked so awful. I hope you are right in your assessment of large amount of experimenting.

 

[Garthshort]

Front Page Article

Tango, your "post" was worthy of a front page article. I don't know if your assertions are correct but they will give me things to look for when I watch the tape, today. Thank you.

 

[CaptTurbo]

Exactly what I saw tango. Except I think Step was the best OL that night.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Exactly what I saw tango. Except I think Step was the best OL that night.

Well,you know,those OSU boys come NFL ready.

 

[MadCardDisease]

Very good report Tango.

I was at the game and left with a bitter taste in my mouth. However I watched the replay when I got home and felt better.

I agree that our starting O-line looked much better than the score indicated.

I'm very concerned with the Depth on the O-Line. Lindsay should never play tackle again. That was an experiment gone bad. Roundtree looked terrible again.

I'm also concerned about our WR depth. Denny Green did the right thing in cutting Gilmore and McAddley. However I think we still need to pick up another waiver wire player at the position. Boldin needs to heal fast or we are in trouble!

I was very dissappointed with the special teams play. They looked so good a week ago. What happened?


I thought that Russell Davis had another good game.

 

[dopleganger]

Good report Tango - Interesting take.

How about that.

 

[fball13]

Good observations...

a few other points from my perspective...

Adrian Wilson seems much improved (although still overcommits on some hits - versus just wrapping a guy up). However, Quentin Harris is not a good Free Safety... I hope DJ gets healthy fast!

 

[slanidrac16]

OKay, I watched it too.

Overall it's just about how Tango said. I've only watched it once and here are some things that stand out in my mind, in no order.

* Special teams had a nightmare of a game. I'm hoping it was due to a mixture of different guys on each unit. We CAN'T be that bad.

* Lorenzo Diamond makes this squad. He catches AND blocks.

* The offense moved the ball, however, because of injuries we are forced to be a "ball control" team, and thats fine. The problem is in this style you must play error free. No drop passes. No motion penalties. There is little room for error and I'm not quite sure we are experienced enough to do this posession after posession.

* Macklin, in my mind, is our #1 cb right now. Green is going to have a hard time deciding who stays in the defensive backfield.

*Anderson is the most polished back behind Smith. Croom seems to be a guy that we'll use when we need to grind it out.

*Russell Davis...I don't know. He seems to get off the snap, hit his man and then is stonewalled.

*Defense held up pretty well despite the fact of poor field position. Of the 38 ps the defense only gave up 13. A fumble return, a punt return, a fake FG and 2 safties accounted for the other 25 pts.

My biggest concern is that on offense we have no gamebreakers. Maybe when Fitz and Johnson return that will change, but there doesn't seem to be a guy on this offense that could account for a "1 play 84 yd drive in 18 seconds".

This week should be interesting.

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

Amazing,

Tango gave everyone a passing grade (sans Roundtree) and yet the team lost 38-13.

Imagine what would have happened if they had won???

 

[Redheart]

Pretty good post Tango.

I thought Clement played a good game. I was impressed. His man never
came close to Josh. I felt he was the best lineman out there this game.

He did play pretty good, however that fourth and short play at the end of the half was "plugged" by AC being driven into the hole by his man. Per 1060's Lewis, he was standing up at the snap of the ball while everyone else was down in a three-point stance; when the ball was snapped the DE was underneath AC and used him to plug Josh's path to the 1st down. Is AC to tall to get down? That play hurt.

The Cards used a double tight end set a few times with Jones and Diamond both on the field. I liked it, and I can see it being used a lot, especially with the receiver situation the beginning part of the season.

Freddy Jones looked great, if he was injured, you couldn't tell. Diamond look pretty good, but Freddy was better. Just wanted to give Freddy his props...

The defense wasn't quite as vanilla as some people suggested. They did shoot both Thompson and McKinnon a few times, especially Raynoch. He seemed back to last years good form....all over the field, in the backfield, and always around the ball.

I watched most of the game again last night and taped it too. Most of the Blitzing looked to happen in the 2nd half. Up until than, it was pretty vanilla.

Michael Stone is finally starting to demonstrate what a genius I am.
He played a great game when he was in. (although I think he may have got a little "lucky" on that non-call for face guarding in the endzone...it was close.
But at least he was there to make a play...haven't seen that much since Aeneas left.

I wanted to punch this up. Stone was bringing it in the third. There was one series, after he made the tackle on the kick return, where he was in on every stop. Most of the stops he was the point of attack. His sister should be very proud...he looks like he should make Denny's team.

Wakefield and KVB both played reasonably well.
I thnk Wakefield takes some very unearned potshots from some people here. He seems to be the most "stable" player on the DL right now.

Let's give KVB is props here, he had a monster series too, much like Stone. Wakefield did not have any stand-out moments for like comparrison.