Well, I went back and watched the final pre-season game and focussed on Parnell alone for the first 3 offensive series he played. I thought he played very well. Particularly the first drive in run blocking he was driving his man back consistently. On other run plays he turned his body and his opponent and positioned himself well - so that the running back had a good lane. He seemed to clearly know his duties on each different play and positioned himself accordingly. The only negative play was right at the end of the 3rd series, and that was because Killer Kowalski couldn't keep his man from shedding the double team block - Parnell and Killer had shoved the defender back, but Killer wasn't strong enough to turn him and prevent defender from making tackle on our RB. On run blocking, I felt Parnell was a bit "high" (he's tall and doesn't bend a lot at the waste, so takes a hop back on run blocking from what I saw), but he had good position and a good punch and the contact between him and defender was a stalemate often.
I thought Parnell had a very solid game - don't know the caliber of his opponents on Houston, but for those 3 series he looked fine to me.
This player has physical talent, most fans can see that. He is BIG enough, and strong enough - he needs REPS. He hasn't played a lot of oline.
NOw he's not supposed to be 100% physically because of that previous injury, and considering that, I thought he moved very well - luckily he didn't play many speed rushers or face many blitzes, but one on one - he was fine, and was the stronger in battles.
I still think he has excellent upside. At the very least I do think he will be a good long-term swing tackle for the team, especially the more he plays.
LarryCanadian
