Very quick thoughts after the first two games on some of the "high profile" issues, both positive and negative. Please share yours:
1. Starting defense looks good -- other than the ungodly penalties on that first series, the first team defense looks decent, and if they can stay healthy, they will continue to be the strength of the team, and something to lean on, as they did the first half of last season. I'm cautiously optimistic about our front. We know guys like Allen and Kerrigan are solid, but Payne really has the potential to be a beast as well. Lets hope these guys can stay healthy and give us a chance to stay in games. Backup defense doesn't look as good, but there are some gems back there like McKinsey, Holcomb and Moreland. And at least tackling looks to be solid and you should never discount that.
2. Offense -- Keenum looks like he's decent enough to start, not much flash past that. Haskins looks like he has potential to be very good, but is inconsistent rookie who needs time to develop. Colt may not ever return at this point. Who you start somewhat depends on your philosophy (win down or develop for later) but as I'm assuming Skins always want to "win now", I don't see any way you can start anyone other than Keenum for the first several games at the very least. Try to play really stingy defense and get something out of the running game.
Peterson looks ready but he needs some help. WIthout WIlliams at LT and with Guise still not cleared for contact, not sure what they'll get out of the running game but they are gonna have to try it. Perrine stinks. I'd rather roll the dice with Reynolds as emergency back instead of Perrine. IF Guise can actually get into form, then Guise, Peterson, and Thompson is a very solid platoon, but I get the wierd sense that it'll take Guise all year to really find his way back, which is why it's good they brought Peterson back.
After the mid-point, if they are well behind in the playoff race, maybe bring in Haskins to learn the ropes. Once we're out of contention, I really don't see any upside in not letting him get out there and learn by doing. Lots of first year QBs have rough first years and he may have to go through some ups and downs...just maybe not from Game 1.
I'm not sure what to think about the WR situation. On paper, we have talent, but we really have to see guys step up. IF we start Doctson, instead of giving chances to guys like McLauren, then I think that's a "firing offense." Let's see what we have with some of these younger guys.
3. Penalties -- good god, I know it's preseason and you are not scheming or playing all your best guys, but whatever guys you do have out there, they need to play disciplined and execute. When I see untimely penalties year after year I just have to wonder about what discipline is being instilled by the coaching staff. I think this may be one of Gruden's big weaknesses and may what ultimately doom him as a head coach.
4. Coaching -- why is it that I consider Gruden to be a lame duck coach already. His team's rarely seem fully prepared and make a lot of dumb mistakes. He doesn't make adjustments if "his system" is not working right off the bat so he's always out coached. I just look at it this way. With a questionable QB situation, I don't see any way we make the playoffs, and it's more likely we win 4-5 games. If so, how can you keep him? And if not, then what is really the point of this season, beyond player evaluation? I just hope when they fire Jay they try to keep the good defensive personnel in tact so new coach has something to build on for next year.
In summary, there is definitely a reason to watch this year: the defense looks like it could be decent and on offense we have some potential weapons. But without WIlliams to anchor a run attack and with so-so QB play that will stop us from being pass happy, think winning a lot is going to be rough. LONG TERM, the hope has to be to draft a good Left Tackle next year, get Guise healthy, and give Haskins enough reps by season end to take over for real. So next year there may be some hope...maybe. THis year, just very uncertain...