Sam played in about nine quarters in four preseason games (3 v NO, 2 v GB, 1 v CLE, and 4 v MIA). I counted 2 sacks and 3 pressures. Here are the sacks:
Both sacks came in the 4th quarter when it was 3rd down and forever (19 & 21 respectively). Flynn tried getting away but Sam closed the distance quickly. Manziel was locked in on his receiver and he got blindsided. Two of his pressures were because he was not blocked. The other pressure, Sam got by a block with speed.
Sam would have had 2 TFL's this preseason but he missed both. One was on a shotgun hand off. He got through the line quickly and had the RB dead to rights but he whiffed on the tackle. The other play he split a block and got to the ball carrier about 2 or 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage. He was just behind the RB and goes for the tackle but couldn't wrap up and the ball carrier turns a negative play into a positive one.
Sam played primarily LDE. St. Louis had Sam line up as RDE for one series and he couldn't do anything. Sam doesn't have enough speed or the pass rushing moves to compete on the weak side right now. We need RDE's.
I was a little surprised that Sam can play against the run. He's stronger than I thought. He can handle 2nd team RT's. Sam was able to set the edge by using his long arms and a good base. He would be an even better run defender if he could shed blocks quicker.
Overall, Sam has some ability but he needs work. He isn't quick enough to win with speed only. Especially against better competition because he struggled against backups. Sam isn't going to overtake any of our defensive ends on the roster. He isn't good enough. He does have a nice motor and he doesn't give up on plays. I think the practice squad is where he belongs. He can get more work and in time he could turn into a player.