Thought on Jaylon Smith?

[CowboyStar88]

I think all things considered he looked pretty good. Anyone that watched him at Norte Dame could tell you he's moving differently; much more mechanical now, but that's to be expected.

This is really a waiting game now to see how much his drop foot/nerve issue resolves itself because it's a real possibility that his recovery process has ceased.

Wait, I thought I read not too long ago that they expected a full recovery or a % that would lead to a "full" recovery. Hasn't he also been practicing some without the AFO? So not sure where the process has ceased part comes from? Rest of your post I agree with it though.

 

[DandyDon1722]

Straight line you can see the burst he has and his recognition is top notch.

I think on the change of direction he is tentative which is usual coming off a knee surgery without nerve involvement. He also was wearing the brace and we don't know if he has to have it or if they are being precautionary with it. The brace might restrict his lateral movement somewhat. That ankle was wrapped pretty heavily and was noticeably larger than the other. As he gains more strength and confidence in both his knee and his foot I think it will get better.

Spot on. If you've ever had any type of serious knee injury the lateral cuts are the last thing to come back from - not physically but mentally learning to trust it again is very difficult. I thought he looked pretty good tonight.

 

[Zordon]

some of you guys are being overly critical.

 

[bsbellomy]

Looking forward to seeing more of him demonstrating some playmaking abilities. Understand he is rusty but not a single tackle, sack, or turnover? Did not exactly have a wow factor going for him.

However, he should be given a whole season to improve.

I'm sorry but I'm really expecting him to be a strong contributor before midseason. If he has to be given two full years to start getting a return on what's essentially a first round pick I would think that's got to be a major disappointment.

 

[Alexander]

some of you guys are being overly critical.

You have to be though, if not you get wrapped up in the sheer emotion of what he was able to do.

He made a remarkable and inspirational recovery to even get back on the field. Most players would never have been able to do what he has done.

But, if the idea is for him to be one hundred percentage capable of playing in a full speed NFL game in the regular season, he is not there yet.

It still was remarkable to see him play. You can tell he was feeling so much joy just being out there.

 

[CowboyStar88]

A little Perspective he played 12 whole plays guys in 20 months trying to adjust to the game and trust his knee while also playing with the AFO. I'm sure there is bound to be some growing pains.

I think some are being way over critical here. I suspect by week one Jaylon will be a different player. I expect him to see an increase in playing time over the next 2 preseason games.

 

[Diehardblues]

A nice debut by Smith. Something to build on. His brother might be a keeper too.
#winwithout21

 

[adbutcher]

He looked freaking amazing. First game back with zero game planning. His instincts and burst and power were a joy to watch.

 

[CF74]

He looked a little tender which is to be expected but if he continues as he has, by late season this will no longer be a topic...

 

[plasticman]

Not a single tackle? Did you watch the game?

Yes. I also looked at the game stats

 

[Brickman2]

I didn't see any physical issues. He overran one play so it looks more like rust/experience at this point.

I like everyone else was excited to see him play. He looked a little rusty and when he over ran that play he looked like he wasn't quite sure with his lateral movement. Considering he hasn't played in a game in almost 600 days I thought he did a good job.

 

[vicjagger]

I didn't see the game...listened to it on the radio, but I could hear his foot flapping when he ran.

 

[Doomsday]

His straight line speed is fantastic. I thought he had a little bit of trouble breaking down / changing directions on a couple or running plays.

 

[DogFace]

Yes. I also looked at the game stats

I thought he had a 3rd down stop?

Disclaimer: mid-season drinking form achieved in preseason.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

X

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

OMG. Dr. AnonymousInternetPoster at it again.

LOL.

Uh oh, fry guy on his 15 minute break is going message board commando again.

 

[EST_1986]

Yes. I also looked at the game stats

 

[Kevinicus]

Yes. I also looked at the game stats

These stats?

http://scores.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400951271

 

[CATCH17]

I like everyone else was excited to see him play. He looked a little rusty and when he over ran that play he looked like he wasn't quite sure with his lateral movement. Considering he hasn't played in a game in almost 600 days I thought he did a good job.

Yeah it looks like he can get to a spot pretty quick but he can't cut or turn that well.

 

[Pants]

You have to be though, if not you get wrapped up in the sheer emotion of what he was able to do.

He made a remarkable and inspirational recovery to even get back on the field. Most players would never have been able to do what he has done.

But, if the idea is for him to be one hundred percentage capable of playing in a full speed NFL game in the regular season, he is not there yet.

It still was remarkable to see him play. You can tell he was feeling so much joy just being out there.

Exactly this....we'll keep Jaylon