Likely surprising to few, the team went as the OL went with the exception of the egg that the starting QB laid. The starters included Cleary and Bell and for the most part were able to pass protect as well as make lanes in the running game. When 70 and 72 went out the wheels started coming off. There was a brief renaissance at the start of the second half with a line of Cleary Cooper Burbank Bell Collins but then Collins and others were pulled and it went right back into the toilet. Repeated penalties by the OL compounded the matter and stalled drives.
Moore was so bad it was nigh impossible to evaluate the passing game. I will not have a lot to say about many WR because of this. I cannot see their routes well from the telecast. Much the same with McCown.
Moore inaccurate even with good protection. Seemed to panic from rush that was not there and when Edwards started allowing pressure in his face he absolutely melted down. His footwork was awful seeing throws off the back foot with his feet together, jump throws and all sorts of malfeasance. As a result he was all over the place throwing wide, short, etc. Didn't throw it up for grabs but the offense stagnated even with good line play while he played.
Rush enjoyed a quality line to start the second half and marched the team right down the field. His throws were on time and accurate. More interesting is his penchant for spreading the ball around making throws to WR, TE, and RB. Normally you see young QBs lock into a favorite receiver which helps the defense anticipate. When his OT were pulled and Skipper came in eh started getting pressure but still managed to get the ball out and move the ball.
McCown doesn't know the offense or his receivers. He looked baffled scanning the field. The throw into triple coverage was inexcusable even when you are desperately trying to make a play. EIther he did not see the S coming from the middle or he is dumb. Either way he is going to take his $250k SB for a 6 weeks of work and move on after cuts.
Cleary struggled vs their 1's. He got beat on outside and inside moves. He had some good snaps in pass protection but 80% is a failing grade in that arena. In the run game he struggled on reach blocks but overall got to his assignments. Just no push. When the LAR starters were pulled he improved but his ceiling is emergency backup. He also clearly held his man trying to reach on a stretch play but they called Bell's number for a flag.
Bell was called for two penalties. The second was no doubt as he hooked him extended but I didn't see the hold on the first. He has a little push and average agility but he still has decent awareness. His experience shows. Ideal backup, marginal starter.
Fred remains the most physically dominant run blocking center in the NFL and an anchor in the middle for pass pro. You don't need me to tell you how he can play. Still prime.
Martin much the same. I just love watching him pancake people. On the second level when he punches players go flying. Good times.
Collins appeared to me to have worked on his punch. When he was in position, it was on time. The issue that I saw was he was getting inconsistent depth on his kickslide and find himself out of position. He would catch up and maul them but Moore was going a bit schizo out there. He is still putting his technique together but we are seeing compartmentalized improvement. When he does put it together he will be a force.
Cooper came in as the second string C and played G in the second series of the second half before being pulled. At C, he showed good anchor in pass protection. In the run game he struggle to make a couple of reach blocks. He looks a lot faster off the ball at OG and thus much more effective.
Edwards came in at RG for Martin and got beaten badly. He was knocked on his butt trying to pick up a stunt and whiffed a couple of times. He then moved to RT and looked much better working in space. While he struggled at LT last week he looked proficient at RT at one point picking up two pass rushers on an outside blitz to his side. Does appear high in his stance and his lack of versatility are what is going to keep him off the roster.
Burbank might make the roster by default if Looney's foot injury lingers. He is proficient at the position. He has adequate quickness to reach block and enough anchor for a little bit of push. He can reach and drive LB as you want a C to do on the second level. Nothing stands out but one can do a lot worse than competency at backup. No evidence he can play hard and is undersized for the position at 295.
McFadden looks decisive, fast running through the hole, and physical through contact. Made a nice catch and was physical in pass protection. Still struggles to maintain balance through contact despite his power.
Morris was getting hit in the backfield by one or more players on his runs. He came in when they pulled Martin and Fred and was just getting pummeled as blocks were missed. I give him a mulligan myself but he did nothing to help his outlook on the team.
Rod Smith got a cup of coffee and managed to carry a defender 2 yards. Not much to say.
HIllman needs to be used on screens and in the short passing game like Dunbar. They tried a sweep but Cleary couldn't win the edge and allowed backside pursuit to close. Does show proficiency in running short routes and catching the ball. Doesn't seem that he is going to get a fair chance to show what he can do.
Keith Smith made some people miss and broke tackles after catching the ball on a screen. It's fun watching him plow people lead blocking. He is powerful and aggressive wrecking would be defenders. Did whiff on a chip which allowed a defender to get on Collins shoulder.
Swaim was thrown at once and it was about two yards outside of where it needed to be. He was open on the out route. Moore missed. He did a good job of driving and kicking the OLB outside to win on the perimeter.
Gathers' body control and hands are elite. He does the type of things you see talented WR and elite TE do to catch the ball, turning without breaking stride. The balance through contact is obvious and speaks to RAC potential. His route running seems more fluid. Pass protection is a surprise for me. His technique is solid in getting his hands inside and steering rushers. Run blocking still needs lots of works. Did not see him stare at the defenders inline this time but appeared to make mistakes figuring out who to block. His quickness is apparent as he would switch targets. You can tell he is working on his finish. He got a holding call trying to sustain after a defender tried to peel off backwards. He is improving from game to game at a rapid pace. On ST, he was unblockable covering punts but he needs to learn how to breakdown and tackle as he was juked and overcommitted badly in space.
Jarvis needs to do more than run short routes and have some pop in the run game if he wants to make the roster. He needs to do something remarkable and dynamic. Else, I could easily see the rookie making the PS.
Hamlett got hurt is on IR.
Nothing to say about TWill other than Moore missed him badly on his one target. HE can still block and he got separation on the route.
Andy Jones caught what was thrown to him but he showed no RAC ability. Plays on teams but wasn't making plays.
Noah Brown was getting separation on his routes, caught the ball cleanly, showed some wiggle in the openfield, and power through contact. Excellent game but for his fumble which was unforced. Doesn't show on ST and that is why I don't think he makes the roster.
Brian Brown keeps getting open and making easy reads for Rush. He doesn't get a lot of playing time but he keeps showing up. Played at Tiny Richmond College so I take his proday results with a grain of salt. He did not have the training that most prospects prepare with. Definite PS candidate.
Fourier and Nwachukwu are going to be cut in a few weeks and forgotten.
