10 Days left in Oxnard, what have we learned

[jazzcat22]

I believe they break camp on August 18th. So 10 days left in Oxnard.

So we had 17 days, including 1 PS game. There are 10 days left before they return home to The Star t resume practice. That is where some will be closed to fans as well as the media. Well there will be some for the fans as well as media parts to see. But much will be closed and indoors, where they install all the good stuff and prepare for the Giants.

But what have we learned so far, and what do we expect the next 10 days?

Really to me we have not learned a lot.
Jaylon Smith looks great on his road to recovery, and will get some PS game snaps at some point.
WR core looks to have some competition for that 6th spot if kept.
OL still a work in progress fro LG and Collins needing reps at RT
D needs help still, something is off, and injuries and suspensions a big part of that. Or is it that most reports seem to just criticize the D. Still to me, I am waiting to see a good sign they have improved. Plenty of time to go yet though.

Anything else? I know there is more, you can't hold back your opinions...

 

[Doomsday101]

I learned that there is a lot more work to be done. I don't say that as a bad thing, I think this team can't afford to look at last season and just expect things to go great they need to continue to keep their focus and continue to work at improving themselves as individual and as a team.

 

[jazzcat22]

I learned that there is a lot more work to be done. I don't say that as a bad thing, I think this team can't afford to look at last season and just expect things to go great they need to continue to keep their focus and continue to work at improving themselves as individual and as a team.

I guess that is what I meant about the D, as something seems off, needing more work is a good way to say it.

 

[ShiningStar]

I think we learned, who has a chance to start on the Oline, and will learn whos depth. I think the WRs have sorted themselves out. TE might have thinned itself out. I think Hanna is expendable now.

RB stable might be harder than everyone expected.

Nothing yet on QB as Rush has shown more than most knew he would.

I feel defense is going to be harder to cut and keep than anyone expected. Im sure the coaches have a way better undertanding of what they want to get out of the players and who showed what they could. Now is the time to let pre season sort the rest. We know we ll have some pre season warriors and some season warriors. Most of the safe players that the fans expected should all be safe still. The rookie they wanted are going to make the team, most of them are the future.

For me, this is about the plan they put into motion and im waiting to see if the draft was everything they hoped for.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

My thoughts by groups..........

QB: Dak has looked much improved from practice. I think it will translate to the games but would like to see him play some before week 1. Moore hasn't given me any confidence although he threw a TD against Arizona, his arm strength is subpar and would have thrown some picks in that game had it been starters. Cooper Rush looks to have some potential although I would like to see him build off the hall of fame game. McCown we haven't seen from him yet.

RB: Zeke is a beast and expect him to improve. So far he has looked great in practice but hopefully gets a few snaps before week 1. McFadden didn't look great against the Cardinals but only had 3 carries I think. Need to see more from him. Morris looks much better so far but Rod Smith looks excellent as well. Will be tough to decide between the two.

FB: Keith Smith has this in the basket and no competition to take it from him.

TE: Witten has looked very quick like he is 23 again. Rico was the star of the hall of fame game and his blocking is getting better, seems to be on the rise but can he beat out Hanna and Swaim for the backup spot. Will be interesting going forward.

WR: Dez is the top dog here, has looked fantastic and seems to have better chemistry with Dak. Has become not just a leader at receiver or offense but as a team leader. Williams has been quiet but has looked decent in practice. Would like to see him get some action as he needs it. Beasley is doing Beasley things, tough to guard as always. I expect him to improve from last year seeing as Switzer will take his job if not careful. Speaking of Switzer, he has looked great until the minor hammy issue. Hasn't officially secured the punt return duties but I expect him to wrap it up shortly. Butler made some nice plays in practice and followed it up against Arizona. He has a chance to stretch the field with his speed but has been inconsistent both is running routes and dropping the ball. Andy Jones is looking better and better and might force the team to carry 6 receivers. While Noah Brown is a favorite to make the roster if 6 are kept he just hasn't made enough plays yet. Had a great chance at a jump ball in the endzone against Arizona but not only came up short but it ended in an interception.

OL: Looks dominate. Collins needs some game action but looks to be an upgrade at RT. Cooper will win LG job and if Green can't stay healthy then guys like Bell and Skipper will take his spot. Cleary looks to gave the swing tackle job although if Green were health be could backup 4 spots.

DE: Taco has gotten some hate but he is getting better everyday. I think he will be the best pass rusher on the team by the end of the season and by that war daddy.......haha. Lawrence is healthy and it shows, well at least at practice. Has given Tyron problems consistently every day and has a starting job. Crawford has been up and down and now with the injury, while minor, will sideline him. Moore has looked good but has a suspension to get through. Mayowa has been quiet and to be honest haven't noticed him. Tapper is lighting fast but needs to work on bending around the corner, he rushes straight up field and gets taken out the play. If he stays healthy he can improve that but the athletic ability is there. Irving has been disappointing so far and has a suspension as well to get through.

DT: Maliek is the top dog but is dealing with an injury. In practice though he was disruptive before the injury. Paea will be a huge upgrade to the tackle spot and can't wait to see more of him in the preseason. Thornton has looked much better this season compared to last. I was hyping him last season but failed to live up to those expectations. Maybe he took him a year to get comfortable in our system but seems to have taken the next step forward. Ivie and Carrell has had some nice plays both in practice and their first game action but are both far at from making this roster. They both need much improvement and developing. One might make it due to injuries and suspensions and while Carrell looked better in the game Ivie has looked better in practice and is a Marinelli favorite.

LB: Lee is the heart and soul but Jaylon is the mind and body. Can't wait for both these guys to play together cause in practice they are BEAST.
Wilson hasn't looked good and maybe it's the personal things he has going on. Hitchens has played well in practice but Smith is taking his job (I give him credit got fighting though) Wilber is the same and might beat out Wilson for the starting job. Might roll with 2 LBers all game.

CB: Scandrick is looking like his younger self, has looked good in practice so hopefully that carries over to the game. Carroll has improved but the younger guys are getting better. Awuzie looks to be a future stud and depending on Lewis health might lead the team in picks this season. He came inches away from a pick 6 against Arizona, has picked off Dak a couple times in practice. Lewis has dealt with a hamstring issue plus his court hearing has kept him from most of camp. White has looked decent in the game and practice although he missed a few tackles against Arizona the effort is there. Nice big size and is physical, could have a Brown type season. Anthony Brown has been very active, some say he didn't play well against Arizona but 1 foot more and he has an amazing interception. He gambled and lost on that play but I'm happy we got corners making a play on the ball. McFadden won't make this roster please

Safety: Jones looks like an All-pro, you can tell the extra practice he made in the off-season. He is reacting better to plays and has been or best cover guy so far. Heath didn't make the plays he needed too against Arizona and has Woods and Frazier coming hard for his starting spot. Frazier made a mistake against Arizona by running into the return man before he had a chance to secure the catch. Hasn't really stood out yet at safety but looks to contribute on all special teams. Blanton looks lost and slow, will not make this roster. Woods looks extremely fast and looks much better when pads are on, he is physical and likes to hit. Covers ground at am alarmingly fast rate.......if Woods can win the SS spot to pair with Jones would potentially give us the best safety combo in the league rival to Seattle.

Kicker and punter: Bailey is just resting this camp and already a legend.....heard they already made his statue for the hall of fame. Jones has the job locked up.


Some great competitions still going on in camp and these next games will decide laughter or heartbreak.

Battles to watch

Backup QB: Moore knows the offense but if Rush continues to play well you have to keep him over Moore.

3rd running back: Rod over Morris

LG: Cooper over Green and Bell

Safety: Woods over Heath

MLB: Smith over Hitchens

LE: Taco
RE: D Lawrence

Corners: Brown, Awuzie with Scandrick in the slot.

 

[Fletch]

We've learned we are no where closer to a conclusion regarding Zeke.

Sorry jazz. Not squelching on your fine post.

 

[CWR]

I learned that there is a lot more work to be done. I don't say that as a bad thing, I think this team can't afford to look at last season and just expect things to go great they need to continue to keep their focus and continue to work at improving themselves as individual and as a team.

Yes I hope someone within the organization makes it clear this team hasnt won in back to back seasons in forever.

 

[Jake]

We've learned that some still draw way too many conclusions based on the first preseason game.

 

[gimmesix]

My thoughts by groups..........

QB: Dak has looked much improved from practice. I think it will translate to the games but would like to see him play some before week 1. Moore hasn't given me any confidence although he threw a TD against Arizona, his arm strength is subpar and would have thrown some picks in that game had it been starters. Cooper Rush looks to have some potential although I would like to see him build off the hall of fame game. McCown we haven't seen from him yet.

RB: Zeke is a beast and expect him to improve. So far he has looked great in practice but hopefully gets a few snaps before week 1. McFadden didn't look great against the Cardinals but only had 3 carries I think. Need to see more from him. Morris looks much better so far but Rod Smith looks excellent as well. Will be tough to decide between the two.

FB: Keith Smith has this in the basket and no competition to take it from him.

TE: Witten has looked very quick like he is 23 again. Rico was the star of the hall of fame game and his blocking is getting better, seems to be on the rise but can he beat out Hanna and Swaim for the backup spot. Will be interesting going forward.

WR: Dez is the top dog here, has looked fantastic and seems to have better chemistry with Dak. Has become not just a leader at receiver or offense but as a team leader. Williams has been quiet but has looked decent in practice. Would like to see him get some action as he needs it. Beasley is doing Beasley things, tough to guard as always. I expect him to improve from last year seeing as Switzer will take his job if not careful. Speaking of Switzer, he has looked great until the minor hammy issue. Hasn't officially secured the punt return duties but I expect him to wrap it up shortly. Butler made some nice plays in practice and followed it up against Arizona. He has a chance to stretch the field with his speed but has been inconsistent both is running routes and dropping the ball. Andy Jones is looking better and better and might force the team to carry 6 receivers. While Noah Brown is a favorite to make the roster if 6 are kept he just hasn't made enough plays yet. Had a great chance at a jump ball in the endzone against Arizona but not only came up short but it ended in an interception.

OL: Looks dominate. Collins needs some game action but looks to be an upgrade at RT. Cooper will win LG job and if Green can't stay healthy then guys like Bell and Skipper will take his spot. Cleary looks to gave the swing tackle job although if Green were health be could backup 4 spots.

DE: Taco has gotten some hate but he is getting better everyday. I think he will be the best pass rusher on the team by the end of the season and by that war daddy.......haha. Lawrence is healthy and it shows, well at least at practice. Has given Tyron problems consistently every day and has a starting job. Crawford has been up and down and now with the injury, while minor, will sideline him. Moore has looked good but has a suspension to get through. Mayowa has been quiet and to be honest haven't noticed him. Tapper is lighting fast but needs to work on bending around the corner, he rushes straight up field and gets taken out the play. If he stays healthy he can improve that but the athletic ability is there. Irving has been disappointing so far and has a suspension as well to get through.

DT: Maliek is the top dog but is dealing with an injury. In practice though he was disruptive before the injury. Paea will be a huge upgrade to the tackle spot and can't wait to see more of him in the preseason. Thornton has looked much better this season compared to last. I was hyping him last season but failed to live up to those expectations. Maybe he took him a year to get comfortable in our system but seems to have taken the next step forward. Ivie and Carrell has had some nice plays both in practice and their first game action but are both far at from making this roster. They both need much improvement and developing. One might make it due to injuries and suspensions and while Carrell looked better in the game Ivie has looked better in practice and is a Marinelli favorite.

LB: Lee is the heart and soul but Jaylon is the mind and body. Can't wait for both these guys to play together cause in practice they are BEAST.
Wilson hasn't looked good and maybe it's the personal things he has going on. Hitchens has played well in practice but Smith is taking his job (I give him credit got fighting though) Wilber is the same and might beat out Wilson for the starting job. Might roll with 2 LBers all game.

CB: Scandrick is looking like his younger self, has looked good in practice so hopefully that carries over to the game. Carroll has improved but the younger guys are getting better. Awuzie looks to be a future stud and depending on Lewis health might lead the team in picks this season. He came inches away from a pick 6 against Arizona, has picked off Dak a couple times in practice. Lewis has dealt with a hamstring issue plus his court hearing has kept him from most of camp. White has looked decent in the game and practice although he missed a few tackles against Arizona the effort is there. Nice big size and is physical, could have a Brown type season. Anthony Brown has been very active, some say he didn't play well against Arizona but 1 foot more and he has an amazing interception. He gambled and lost on that play but I'm happy we got corners making a play on the ball. McFadden won't make this roster please

Safety: Jones looks like an All-pro, you can tell the extra practice he made in the off-season. He is reacting better to plays and has been or best cover guy so far. Heath didn't make the plays he needed too against Arizona and has Woods and Frazier coming hard for his starting spot. Frazier made a mistake against Arizona by running into the return man before he had a chance to secure the catch. Hasn't really stood out yet at safety but looks to contribute on all special teams. Blanton looks lost and slow, will not make this roster. Woods looks extremely fast and looks much better when pads are on, he is physical and likes to hit. Covers ground at am alarmingly fast rate.......if Woods can win the SS spot to pair with Jones would potentially give us the best safety combo in the league rival to Seattle.

Kicker and punter: Bailey is just resting this camp and already a legend.....heard they already made his statue for the hall of fame. Jones has the job locked up.


Some great competitions still going on in camp and these next games will decide laughter or heartbreak.

Battles to watch

Backup QB: Moore knows the offense but if Rush continues to play well you have to keep him over Moore.

3rd running back: Rod over Morris

LG: Cooper over Green and Bell

Safety: Woods over Heath

MLB: Smith over Hitchens

LE: Taco
RE: D Lawrence

Corners: Brown, Awuzie with Scandrick in the slot.

There are a few things that I disagree with, but good job overall.

 

[Doomsday101]

Yes I hope someone within the organization makes it clear this team hasnt won in back to back seasons in forever.

I think they got that. Turnout for the off season was strong and guys I think have been putting in the work. We do have some young players who will need not only coaching from the sidelines but vet teammates taking these guys under their wings. I'm thrilled to see a guy like Jaylon Smith working with Sean Lee. You could not ask for a better mentor than Lee, a guy who spends time in film room studying tendencies and alignments. Lee can break down a play quickly then react and attack that is what makes Lee the player he is and that is the reputation Smith had at ND but working along side Lee I think will make his transition into the NFL better.

 

[jazzcat22]

We've learned that some still draw way too many conclusions based on the first preseason game.

Way too many conclusions are drawn from one good or one bad play in practice....

 

[Nightman]

I believe they break camp on August 18th. So 10 days left in Oxnard.

So we had 17 days, including 1 PS game. There are 10 days left before they return home to The Star t resume practice. That is where some will be closed to fans as well as the media. Well there will be some for the fans as well as media parts to see. But much will be closed and indoors, where they install all the good stuff and prepare for the Giants.

But what have we learned so far, and what do we expect the next 10 days?

Really to me we have not learned a lot.
Jaylon Smith looks great on his road to recovery, and will get some PS game snaps at some point.
WR core looks to have some competition for that 6th spot if kept.
OL still a work in progress fro LG and Collins needing reps at RT
D needs help still, something is off, and injuries and suspensions a big part of that. Or is it that most reports seem to just criticize the D. Still to me, I am waiting to see a good sign they have improved. Plenty of time to go yet though.

Anything else? I know there is more, you can't hold back your opinions...

I think we have learned that going away to camp is an antiquated exercise

Too much time, money and effort for the return

Everything is taped and on TV anyways...... there is no use moving the whole team to Cali

After this year camp at the Star should suffice........... the days of Spartan training is gone forever

 

[Howboutdemcowboys31]

Awuzie better then Lewis so far- Surprise
Alfred looks quick - Surprise
La'el struggling some - Surprise
Butler looks good - Surprise
Ricos emergence - Surprise
No word on Zeke or Wilson - Surprise

That's what I've learned so far everything else I pretty much expected

 

[CWR]

I think they got that. Turnout for the off season was strong and guys I think have been putting in the work. We do have some young players who will need not only coaching from the sidelines but vet teammates taking these guys under their wings. I'm thrilled to see a guy like Jaylon Smith working with Sean Lee. You could not ask for a better mentor than Lee, a guy who spends time in film room studying tendencies and alignments. Lee can break down a play quickly then react and attack that is what makes Lee the player he is and that is the reputation Smith had at ND but working along side Lee I think will make his transition into the NFL better.

I'm with you on Lee and Jaylon. As soon as I saw the Twitter feed of them working together I texted a couple buddies the picture lol. Couldnt be a better mentor. Despite the few players with offseason shenanigans/trouble I love the character of this team.

 

[reddyuta]

Woods over Heath? Woods would do well to make the team.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

There are a few things that I disagree with, but good job overall.

Care to talk about it? My thoughts are just my thoughts but if something you disagree with maybe from your point of view I would change my mind

 

[Fizziksman]

we are going to the Superbowl

 

[haleyrules]

I believe they break camp on August 18th. So 10 days left in Oxnard.

So we had 17 days, including 1 PS game. There are 10 days left before they return home to The Star t resume practice. That is where some will be closed to fans as well as the media. Well there will be some for the fans as well as media parts to see. But much will be closed and indoors, where they install all the good stuff and prepare for the Giants.

But what have we learned so far, and what do we expect the next 10 days?

Really to me we have not learned a lot.
Jaylon Smith looks great on his road to recovery, and will get some PS game snaps at some point.
WR core looks to have some competition for that 6th spot if kept.
OL still a work in progress fro LG and Collins needing reps at RT
D needs help still, something is off, and injuries and suspensions a big part of that. Or is it that most reports seem to just criticize the D. Still to me, I am waiting to see a good sign they have improved. Plenty of time to go yet though.

Anything else? I know there is more, you can't hold back your opinions...

Sounds about right. The only real question is just how good or bad will the defense be by the end of the season. I expect a slow start and believe the club will improve steadily during the season. Serious SB shot in two yrs. ??

 

[RS12]

We havent learned a thing until the third or fourth pre season game IMO. Whatever game the starters play a half.

 

[waving monkey]

The uncertainty at LG is troubling but every team has that problem.
Rico will be a big contributor this season. I know some will say to early to tell.
The DB's have a long ways to gel [understandably}
Injuries and suspensions obscure the process.
The question I have is; at the beginning of camp it's about installing plays not evaluating skill sets so much. That comes second half
of training camp?