erod
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Preseason means jack diddly nuttin. Results and successful plays tell so little of the story that you can't glean much from them at all without being on the coaching inside.
That said, last night was very encouraging for numerous reasons.
1. The defense looks fast. Really fast. The linebackers were flying around everywhere. Thomas, Jaylon, Wilson, Vander Esch....and the best one didn't even play. This was a huge area of concern for years, and now it seems to be rounding closer to where it needs to be.
2. Speaking of Jaylon, he's quite obviously healthier. He looks very different, and I'm really excited for him and about him.
3. Gallup and Lenoir. Wow, these two young dudes can run routes and catch the ball. Gallup was taught well at CSU, and Lenoir has been busting his butt the past year. They like him last year, but it didn't show up in the preseason games. Now, it is, and that's a testament to him. They both look like the anti-Dez in that regard.
4. There's going to be a tough decision on the running backs. Scarbrough looked pretty good, but Jackson looked better to my eye. I hope we don't make the mistake of cutting him loose again. Rod Smith looks quicker than last year, and he's a terrific all-around backup.
5. Tavon Austin will add another dimension to the offense. He looks like what they wanted Lucky and Switzer to be, times ten. You can also see that bounce; he's excited to be here. He will be much closer to the West Virginia dude than I thought he'd be. A new scene is what he needed.
6. Here's my favorite thing. The corners are up on the line tighter, and the safeties are more free flowing. It just gets my Earl Thomas antenna up higher because what a crowning jewel he could be for this secondary. Outside of a seeming fall-off from Jourdan Lewis, everybody looks good back there. This Kris Richard dude is the real deal.
7. Here's my second favorite thing. Dorance Armstrong was disruptive, and Taco Charlton showed some quickness and flash, too. Then, throw in Antuan Woods, who looks to be a real find in a needed spot. This will be a good group, led by Demarcus Lawrence, who can get consistent pressure, which will help that young secondary even further.
8. Our secondary coach has a glorious tan. Poster boy stuff.
9. Dak showed his gamer-ness yet again. For all his issues, he commands the offense well when the lights come on. He looks the part. That's just as important as developing his skills, and impossible to teach.
10. The best two players on the team, with apologies to Tyron Smith, didn't play, and it looked good. Depth looks more evident now outside of the tight ends. This thing isn't hanging by a thread in that regard.
Sure, there were negatives - Chaz Green, Lewis' play, Mike White - but those were just typical preseason stuff mostly from guys that aren't critical. But overall, it was a nice debut that showed promise in needed areas.
That said, last night was very encouraging for numerous reasons.
1. The defense looks fast. Really fast. The linebackers were flying around everywhere. Thomas, Jaylon, Wilson, Vander Esch....and the best one didn't even play. This was a huge area of concern for years, and now it seems to be rounding closer to where it needs to be.
2. Speaking of Jaylon, he's quite obviously healthier. He looks very different, and I'm really excited for him and about him.
3. Gallup and Lenoir. Wow, these two young dudes can run routes and catch the ball. Gallup was taught well at CSU, and Lenoir has been busting his butt the past year. They like him last year, but it didn't show up in the preseason games. Now, it is, and that's a testament to him. They both look like the anti-Dez in that regard.
4. There's going to be a tough decision on the running backs. Scarbrough looked pretty good, but Jackson looked better to my eye. I hope we don't make the mistake of cutting him loose again. Rod Smith looks quicker than last year, and he's a terrific all-around backup.
5. Tavon Austin will add another dimension to the offense. He looks like what they wanted Lucky and Switzer to be, times ten. You can also see that bounce; he's excited to be here. He will be much closer to the West Virginia dude than I thought he'd be. A new scene is what he needed.
6. Here's my favorite thing. The corners are up on the line tighter, and the safeties are more free flowing. It just gets my Earl Thomas antenna up higher because what a crowning jewel he could be for this secondary. Outside of a seeming fall-off from Jourdan Lewis, everybody looks good back there. This Kris Richard dude is the real deal.
7. Here's my second favorite thing. Dorance Armstrong was disruptive, and Taco Charlton showed some quickness and flash, too. Then, throw in Antuan Woods, who looks to be a real find in a needed spot. This will be a good group, led by Demarcus Lawrence, who can get consistent pressure, which will help that young secondary even further.
8. Our secondary coach has a glorious tan. Poster boy stuff.
9. Dak showed his gamer-ness yet again. For all his issues, he commands the offense well when the lights come on. He looks the part. That's just as important as developing his skills, and impossible to teach.
10. The best two players on the team, with apologies to Tyron Smith, didn't play, and it looked good. Depth looks more evident now outside of the tight ends. This thing isn't hanging by a thread in that regard.
Sure, there were negatives - Chaz Green, Lewis' play, Mike White - but those were just typical preseason stuff mostly from guys that aren't critical. But overall, it was a nice debut that showed promise in needed areas.
