After the third preseason game... (1 Viewer)

[Gatorman]

Go ahead an post about your team and the teams you have WATCHED this preseason. Mainly let's talk about #1 guys and sleeper players.

Miami Dolphins.

Defense: 1st team defense has been great this preseason, and if it plays this way in the regular season, it could be top 5. However, there are still comcerns in the secondary in terms of giving up the big play. Sacks should be high again.

Offense:

Culpepper -- Has looked good and has been very accurate. He seems a bit less mobile in the pocket, and may get a few more sacks that in years past.

RB -- Ronnie Brown has been fine. Against a tough defensive front loke Carolina he may struggle (especially as the line continues to reshuffle), but he is a target in the passing game. Sammy Morris is still the primary backup, although there are whispers that saban is looking for a better option to spell brown.

WR- I am not a big Chambers fan, but he has played very well this preseason. His connection to Culpepper seems to be about 40% of the first reads, but most of his yards have come from Harrinton's arm. Still, there was a 40 yeard TD called back for offensive PI that would have been a Culpepper to chambers hook up.

Booker is the #2. He and Culpepper seem to be fine. Not sure how this will work, but it seems like there will be a good amount of targets to booker.

Wes Welker still holds the #3, but D Hagan is being groomed to take it. The Dolphins have a glut of talent at WR so they may trade one away (or a DT where they also have a glut) to acquire a RB to backup Brown

TE -- McMichael is involved in the padding game from both QBs. There are a good amount of TE targets in the dolphin preseason games.

K -- Mare has been very accurate, and saban has not been afraid to put him on the field from almost any distance. He may be a decent sleeper.

That's it....

Other things I have seen.... (Dolphin preseason opponents)

Carolina's D is very stout up front, but their pass D seems a bit suspect.

Matt Jones seems to line up in the slot a lot. Not sure if this is to get a better matchup, or if he is kind of a TE/WR hybrid in terms of playcalling.

Not much else.

 

[lions327]

The Lions are in midseason form, terrible run defense, pass defense, poor tackling, bad on 3rd downs on both sides of the balls, stupid penalties, turnovers, dropped passes, etc.

Lion fans are also in midseason form (swearing at the TV).

 

[Blackjacks]

The Rams have looked very bad so far this offseason in my opinion.

The d is blitzing more which I like but again this year can't stop anyone on third down.

Bulger isn't really fair to judge yet due to Holt and Bruce being out in the game he played the most. I believe he'll be just fine for the season.

Jackson is right back to where he was last year....dancing with the stars. I have never seen a 6'3" 245 lb beast dance like he does behind the line. Even when the rams just need a yard on third and one he refuses to put his head down and move the pile. I am worried about him this year.

The wr corp should be fine. We haven't seen alot them them preseason but I see this as the rams biggest strength with good starters and good depth.

It sounds like Kloppenstein is going to be the TE here, I haven't got to see him out there alot but the coaching staff has said great things about him. Linehan has liked going to the te in the past and Joe might end up with nice stats.

Wilkens always $, should be a top 5-7 kicker.

I still see the rams battling the Cardinals for 2nd in the division with a chance to catch Seattle.

If I had to guess now I'd say 9-7

 

[valhallan]

Jackson is right back to where he was last year....dancing with the stars. I have never seen a 6'3" 2445 lb beast dance like he does behind the line. Even when the rams just need a yard on third and one he refuses to put his head down and move the pile. I am worried about him this year.

Interesting.. I haven't seen much of SJax in his short career, so this is great info. Thanks.

 

[Godsbrother]

STEELERS:

The Steelers have accomplished their number 1 goal this preaseason and that is to avoid major injuries to key players. Coach Cowher tips his hand after every preseason game when that is the first thing he says.

On offense the biggest question mark has been answered which was how QB Ben Roethlisberger would respond after his motor cycle accident. Ben looks to be in great shape and has shown no signs of being tentative about getting hit. It looks like the Steelers will turnover more control of the offense to Ben and may even employ a hurry-up from time to time. If Ben stays healthy he is in for a really good year.

At RB, Willie Parker is the clear #1 and may remain in at the goal line although that may change as the season goes on. Verron Hayes will remain the 3rd down back and will occasionally spell Parker from time to time. Duce Staley has not looked good in training camp and may be traded or released if he doesn't show something in the final preseason game. Humes and Kuhn are battling for the final spot and the one that doesn't make the cut will likely be signed to the practice squad.

The Steelers greatest depth on offense is at WR. Hines Ward is still the unquestioned #1 but has been unable to practice most of training camp due to a hamstring injury. All reports are the Steelers are being very cautious with Hines and he'll be ready to start the regular season opener.

I expect Cedrick Wilson to pick up where he left off last postseason and become a solid #2 receiver. Nate Washington has had an outstanding camp and may have secured the slot position. Santonio Holmes and Willie Reid have looked good but still have a lot to learn -- they're assured of roster spots. Quincy Morgan has also looked good and will be on the opening day roster. Sean Morrey is gone unless he is needed on special teams.

The Steelers are solid at TE with Heath Miller and Jerame Tuman but are still looking for a #3 guy. I am guessing that Dekker will likely be signed to the practice squad.

The O line has been a bit of a disappoinment this preseason, particularly their pass protection. This should be a strength of the club so hopefully they'll straighten out everything soon. Chukki Okobi is expected to play the final preseason game, which is good since there was some concern as to what the Steelers would do to backup center Jeff Hartings.

The Steelers defense is going be very good again this season. Brett Kiesel has looked really good and I don't think we'll see much of a dropoff, if any, with Kimo's departure.

The other starting spot up for grabs was for safety and it looks like Ryan Clark has won that job although I really think #2 pick Anthony Smith might take the job over for good as the season goes on. He has looked really, really good.

Holmes and Reid are the return guys and have looked okay bit not spectacular. The jury is still out on them. Punter Chris Gardocki is likely going to keep his job because he is the holder for PK Jeff Reed.

In summary I can't say that I've been all that happy with the Steelers this summer but I understand that preseason games mean very little.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Don't sleep on the Chargers defense.

 

[mojorizin]

Jackson is right back to where he was last year....dancing with the stars. I have never seen a 6'3" 2445 lb beast dance like he does behind the line. Even when the rams just need a yard on third and one he refuses to put his head down and move the pile. I am worried about him this year.

Interesting.. I haven't seen much of SJax in his short career, so this is great info. Thanks.

The line sucks at run blocking, but yeah you will see a lot of stutter stepping out of him. It doesnt seem like he has great vision and has been reluctant to power it in there. I believe SJax led the league last season in rushes for loss and/or no gain.

 

[Routilla]

Dallas:

Bledsoe appears to be in good shape with Glenn and the other young WRs. Romo has shown signs of competence as a back-up but I'd rather not find out about his true abilities as a starter. Fasano will help give Dallas a nice TE combo with Witten. The OL is and will be IMO the x-factor all season. MBIII and Jones look like a solid 1-2 punch at RB. The DEF looks solid thus far but again it's pre-season. T.O. has already been fined for missing team functions so I must confess this is a potential area for concern. Bradie James is going to be a monster in the middle, with Roy offering clean up duty behind him on run support. It appears DAL can put pressure on the QB so this bodes well for the current scheme. All in all I like what I see considering it's only the 3rd game of pre-season.

 

[Leviathan]

San Francisco

 

[Kleck]

Seattle Seahawks

week 1 @ Detriot

week 2 Arizona

week 3 NY Giants

week 4 @ Chicago

bye

I bring up the schedule because I think they may be a very different team during the first few weeks. They're missing Jackson and Stevens (and now Mili too) badly. If Jackson and Stevens are good to go after the bye I think the Seattle offense will be very dangerous like they were last season. Its worth mentioning that I still think Jackson will be fine in the long run. I think they're just being cautious with him.

Alexander should put up huge numbers in week 1 and 2 as they lean on him. Offensive line won't miss a beat without Hutchinson. Much ado about nothing. Womack will start. Spencer will be great. Very solid depth all across the O-line.

I still expect Engram to be the top target if Jackson isn't good to go. Burleson has looked better of late, but it's evident that the team values Engram's much more. Engram and Alexander were the first players to sit last night after the third offensive series. I won't be shocked to see Engram starting ahead of Burleson. It's debatable. It'll be interesting to see which way the team goes with this.

Defense will be fine. Herndon will start opposite Trufant. Peterson has flashed huge play potential. Niners have to be kicking themselves for letting him go. Defensive line has been getting healthy slowly. Should be 100% for the opener.

Final note: Seattle plays very vanilla during the preseason. Very vanilla. They don't game plan at all (this has been an issue in the local media) for preseason games. No blitz packages and they don't plan for it on offense. They will see two of their preseason opponents in the regular season. Might have something to do with it.

 

[Hellfire Snail]

Seattle Seahawks

week 1 @ Detriot

week 2 Arizona

week 3 NY Giants

week 4 @ Chicago

bye

I bring up the schedule because I think they may be a very different team during the first few weeks. They're missing Jackson and Stevens (and now Mili too) badly. If Jackson and Stevens are good to go after the bye I think the Seattle offense will be very dangerous like they were last season. Its worth mentioning that I still think Jackson will be fine in the long run. I think they're just being cautious with him.

Alexander should put up huge numbers in week 1 and 2 as they lean on him. Offensive line won't miss a beat without Hutchinson. Much ado about nothing. Womack will start. Spencer will be great. Very solid depth all across the O-line.

I still expect Engram to be the top target if Jackson isn't good to go. Burleson has looked better of late, but it's evident that the team values Engram's much more. Engram and Alexander were the first players to sit last night after the third offensive series. I won't be shocked to see Engram starting ahead of Burleson. It's debatable. It'll be interesting to see which way the team goes with this.

Defense will be fine. Herndon will start opposite Trufant. Peterson has flashed huge play potential. Niners have to be kicking themselves for letting him go. Defensive line has been getting healthy slowly. Should be 100% for the opener.

Final note: Seattle plays very vanilla during the preseason. Very vanilla. They don't game plan at all (this has been an issue in the local media) for preseason games. No blitz packages and they don't plan for it on offense. They will see two of their preseason opponents in the regular season. Might have something to do with it.

Are you predicting DJax won't be ready for the opener? And possibly not until after the bye?

 

[S.K.A.]

Oakland

Despite looking 'better' against the esteemed 49' ers and Lions, Oakland is in trouble.

Offense:

Aaron Brooks is a huge question mark for me. I honestly think how well he does will have more to do with the offensive line than him.

Lamont Jordan will be solid and will post solid, but not spectacular numbers. Again, he will go as far as the o-line will take him.

Wide receivers are good/great. Definitely the strength of the team and look to be healthier this year in years past. When Ronald Curry and Jerry Porter are your 3 & 4 receivers, you are in good shape.

Offensive Line: I think this is a work in progress. IOW, the line will struggle and suck against most if not all defenses for the first five or six games. I think that they will be serviceable by the end of the year. With Art Shell running the show, I expect them to be a team strength this time next year. Chemistry, Continuity, and Coaching should bring their performance up to their talent level.

Defense:

I don't have much confidence in the defensive line. I don't think that they are good at stopping the run and have a hard time getting pressure when they run just four without any linebacker/safety help. Middle of the road would be a pleasant surprise for this group. I seriously doubt Burgess will have a comparable season with last year's.

I can't really comment on the linebacking corps. Maybe somebody else will be able to. I just hope that they are going to improve with age/experience. Word out of camp is that Thomas Howard is a player.

Backfield is better than average. For the amount of first day draft picks that Oakland has used on the db's, they damn well be better than average. I think that they, like the offensive line, have plent of talent. Chemistry, Continuity, and Coaching will go a long way with this group.

Overall: I will be surprised if they finish higher than fourth in the AFC West. I am hoping that they are one of those teams that will have a poor record this year, and kind of come out of nowhere next year. I am wishful that they will be somewhat like the Dolphins of last year. I am putting them at 6-10, but a team that will be 'on the rise' going forward.

 

[Kleck]

Are you predicting DJax won't be ready for the opener? And possibly not until after the bye?

If I were in the predicting/betting business I would put money down that he plays week 1 or 2. I'll be paying particular attention to when he practices this week. He was held out of practice last week not because of pain, but because doctors said the muscles have not fully recovered yet. He was told to give it one more week.

 

[Capella]

Good idea Gator.

Bucs

QB: Simms looks sharp, when he has time to throw. Still getting balls batted down at the line, but I think that's a combo of his lineman not holding blocks, and Gruden using 3-drop sets. That all said, I think Simms is in for a huge year. He has complete control of the offense and a lot of talent around him. Gradkowski has received a lot of the hype, but he was without a chance last night when facing legit players for the Jags. He's not even close to being ready, and Fielder will be the #2, assuming health.

RB: Caddy hasn't played much, I expect him to be fine. Pittman, Graham and Alstott make for a nice RB corps. Maybe one of the best in the league.

WR: Galloway also hasn't played but a few snaps. Clayton looks extremely good. His first catch last night was circa-2004 as he muscled inside the corner on a slant route for an easy 17-yard gain. Pretty excited about him. It was nice to see Boston get deep and get two PI calls last night. Stovall has been better than expected, especially blocking-wise, but he probably isn't ready to produce until 07. Sheppard, Warren and Russell are all in contention for the last spot. I think Warren gets it. Edell just drops too many passes, but his speed and size are tempting.

OL: Joseph has won the RG spot, but was pushed around last night, albeit by a very good Jags defense. Wade looks slow and old, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Mahan win the job, or take it by week 4 or 5. Rest of the line has been meh, good and bad stuff so far. Trueblood isn't ready. Davis is a masher in run blocking, but his pass pro needs some help still. The word was he got better in it in the offseason, but he's been beaten a few times in the three games.

I'll sum up the defense by saying they look fantastic, and should be primed for another huge year. Rice was unblockable last night. Status quo there.

 

[BigRed]

Colts

I have not seen all of their pre-season snaps but what I have seen/heard tells me nothing surprising other than the RBs looking weaker than expected, esp Addai. The passing O isn't missing a beat, the DL has a very good pass rush but erratic run D, and the secondary - as usual - looks to be fair at best. Jason David blows chunks.

 

[cr8f]

Are you predicting DJax won't be ready for the opener? And possibly not until after the bye?

If I were in the predicting/betting business I would put money down that he plays week 1 or 2. I'll be paying particular attention to when he practices this week. He was held out of practice last week not because of pain, but because doctors said the muscles have not fully recovered yet. He was told to give it one more week.

The heard the muscles in his thigh were weird.Seahawks WR D. Jackson Has Muscle Mass In ThighMike Sando, Seahawks Insider Blog - [Full Article]Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Darrell Jackson, who has been recovering from a knee injury, also has an abnormal muscle mass in his thigh as a result of the injury. The muscle mass is actually causing Jackson to miss practice more than his knee injury at this point, according to reports.

 

[cr8f]

The Pack is playing monday night but Greg Jennings is emerging. While he may not be the starter week 1 that may ony be to take pressure off him. Expect him on the field as much as whoever the number 2 is.

Hawk is getting better, is always around the ball and should emerge(I hope) when he gets the defense down.

It's hard to guage the o line. Terrible one week good the next. Wells was given the center job and took control last week. That may have helped. College is now a back up tackle, his natural position.

Grab Jennings if you can.

 

[S.K.A.]

Good idea Gator.BucsQB: Simms looks sharp, when he has time to throw. Still getting balls batted down at the line, but I think that's a combo of his lineman not holding blocks, and Gruden using 3-drop sets. That all said, I think Simms is in for a huge year. He has complete control of the offense and a lot of talent around him. Gradkowski has received a lot of the hype, but he was without a chance last night when facing legit players for the Jags. He's not even close to being ready, and Fielder will be the #2, assuming health. RB: Caddy hasn't played much, I expect him to be fine. Pittman, Graham and Alstott make for a nice RB corps. Maybe one of the best in the league.WR: Galloway also hasn't played but a few snaps. Clayton looks extremely good. His first catch last night was circa-2004 as he muscled inside the corner on a slant route for an easy 17-yard gain. Pretty excited about him. It was nice to see Boston get deep and get two PI calls last night. Stovall has been better than expected, especially blocking-wise, but he probably isn't ready to produce until 07. Sheppard, Warren and Russell are all in contention for the last spot. I think Warren gets it. Edell just drops too many passes, but his speed and size are tempting. OL: Joseph has won the RG spot, but was pushed around last night, albeit by a very good Jags defense. Wade looks slow and old, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Mahan win the job, or take it by week 4 or 5. Rest of the line has been meh, good and bad stuff so far. Trueblood isn't ready. Davis is a masher in run blocking, but his pass pro needs some help still. The word was he got better in it in the offseason, but he's been beaten a few times in the three games. I'll sum up the defense by saying they look fantastic, and should be primed for another huge year. Rice was unblockable last night. Status quo there.

Pretty glowing review there Capella. How do you think they will fare in the division? I see that division as probably the best in the NFL right now.

 

[Polyethylene Bag]

Vikings

The first team offense has looked okay. Brad Johnson has looked very efficient and a perfect fit for the West Coast offense they've implemented. He's not going to put up good fantasy stats though.

Troy Williamson is definitely the receiver to have in this offense. He seems very capable of putting up some nice YAC and seems to be Brad Johnson's favorite target among the WR's, even though Wiggins will almost surely again lead the team in receptions.

Chester Taylor has not looked impressive. However, he has had no holes to run through. The Oline is still getting used to playing together and has done a much better job of pas blocking than run blocking. The left side of McKinney, Hutchinson, Birk has not loooked dominant at all.

The real story for the Vikes thus far has been the phenomenal play of Tarvaris Jackson. This kid can play and looks to have a firm grip on the backup job. He seems to have great instincts and mobility, not forcing passes and showing poise. Definitely someone to pick up should Brad go down.

Oh yeah, the defense has looked more and more of a force every game. The first string D shut out the Ravens first stringers in the first half on Friday and scored a touchdown. Honestly, the Dline looks like it could be fierce this year. IDP'ers should think about Udeze and/or James as DE sleepers. Opposing QB's have had very little time to make plays all preseason.

 

[Capella]

Good idea Gator.BucsQB: Simms looks sharp, when he has time to throw. Still getting balls batted down at the line, but I think that's a combo of his lineman not holding blocks, and Gruden using 3-drop sets. That all said, I think Simms is in for a huge year. He has complete control of the offense and a lot of talent around him. Gradkowski has received a lot of the hype, but he was without a chance last night when facing legit players for the Jags. He's not even close to being ready, and Fielder will be the #2, assuming health. RB: Caddy hasn't played much, I expect him to be fine. Pittman, Graham and Alstott make for a nice RB corps. Maybe one of the best in the league.WR: Galloway also hasn't played but a few snaps. Clayton looks extremely good. His first catch last night was circa-2004 as he muscled inside the corner on a slant route for an easy 17-yard gain. Pretty excited about him. It was nice to see Boston get deep and get two PI calls last night. Stovall has been better than expected, especially blocking-wise, but he probably isn't ready to produce until 07. Sheppard, Warren and Russell are all in contention for the last spot. I think Warren gets it. Edell just drops too many passes, but his speed and size are tempting. OL: Joseph has won the RG spot, but was pushed around last night, albeit by a very good Jags defense. Wade looks slow and old, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Mahan win the job, or take it by week 4 or 5. Rest of the line has been meh, good and bad stuff so far. Trueblood isn't ready. Davis is a masher in run blocking, but his pass pro needs some help still. The word was he got better in it in the offseason, but he's been beaten a few times in the three games. I'll sum up the defense by saying they look fantastic, and should be primed for another huge year. Rice was unblockable last night. Status quo there.

Pretty glowing review there Capella. How do you think they will fare in the division? I see that division as probably the best in the NFL right now.

I don't think what I wrote about the line was glowing at all. Line is a huge concern. I think the Bucs are a step above Atlanta and quite a few steps above the Saints. Panthers are going to be tough. I think a game will seperate the two teams.

 

[Joexx]

Good idea Gator.BucsQB: Simms looks sharp, when he has time to throw. Still getting balls batted down at the line, but I think that's a combo of his lineman not holding blocks, and Gruden using 3-drop sets. That all said, I think Simms is in for a huge year. He has complete control of the offense and a lot of talent around him. Gradkowski has received a lot of the hype, but he was without a chance last night when facing legit players for the Jags. He's not even close to being ready, and Fielder will be the #2, assuming health. RB: Caddy hasn't played much, I expect him to be fine. Pittman, Graham and Alstott make for a nice RB corps. Maybe one of the best in the league.WR: Galloway also hasn't played but a few snaps. Clayton looks extremely good. His first catch last night was circa-2004 as he muscled inside the corner on a slant route for an easy 17-yard gain. Pretty excited about him. It was nice to see Boston get deep and get two PI calls last night. Stovall has been better than expected, especially blocking-wise, but he probably isn't ready to produce until 07. Sheppard, Warren and Russell are all in contention for the last spot. I think Warren gets it. Edell just drops too many passes, but his speed and size are tempting. OL: Joseph has won the RG spot, but was pushed around last night, albeit by a very good Jags defense. Wade looks slow and old, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Mahan win the job, or take it by week 4 or 5. Rest of the line has been meh, good and bad stuff so far. Trueblood isn't ready. Davis is a masher in run blocking, but his pass pro needs some help still. The word was he got better in it in the offseason, but he's been beaten a few times in the three games. I'll sum up the defense by saying they look fantastic, and should be primed for another huge year. Rice was unblockable last night. Status quo there.

Nice post Capella! No mention of TE Alex Smith. What are your thoughts? I can see him improving his numbers this year and be a pleasant surprise.

 

[makwaloon]

Bump. Good thread.

 

[Routilla]

Good idea Gator.BucsQB: Simms looks sharp, when he has time to throw. Still getting balls batted down at the line, but I think that's a combo of his lineman not holding blocks, and Gruden using 3-drop sets. That all said, I think Simms is in for a huge year. He has complete control of the offense and a lot of talent around him. Gradkowski has received a lot of the hype, but he was without a chance last night when facing legit players for the Jags. He's not even close to being ready, and Fielder will be the #2, assuming health. RB: Caddy hasn't played much, I expect him to be fine. Pittman, Graham and Alstott make for a nice RB corps. Maybe one of the best in the league.WR: Galloway also hasn't played but a few snaps. Clayton looks extremely good. His first catch last night was circa-2004 as he muscled inside the corner on a slant route for an easy 17-yard gain. Pretty excited about him. It was nice to see Boston get deep and get two PI calls last night. Stovall has been better than expected, especially blocking-wise, but he probably isn't ready to produce until 07. Sheppard, Warren and Russell are all in contention for the last spot. I think Warren gets it. Edell just drops too many passes, but his speed and size are tempting. OL: Joseph has won the RG spot, but was pushed around last night, albeit by a very good Jags defense. Wade looks slow and old, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Mahan win the job, or take it by week 4 or 5. Rest of the line has been meh, good and bad stuff so far. Trueblood isn't ready. Davis is a masher in run blocking, but his pass pro needs some help still. The word was he got better in it in the offseason, but he's been beaten a few times in the three games. I'll sum up the defense by saying they look fantastic, and should be primed for another huge year. Rice was unblockable last night. Status quo there.

I've got the Tampa DEF and I'm thinking Rice has a really sack-heavy season.

 

[brednbuddah]

Jets:

RBs: what a mess. Martin will retire. Barlow should be the main man. Blaylock <30% of the carries; 3rd down back. Houston; GL, short yardage. Washington special teams or if someoen gets hurt.

WR: McCariens will be phased out if still with the team by opening day. Cotchery and Smith could surprise. Coles will be the chain mover.

QB: Pennington could surprise with respectable numbers, will be the starter. I can easily see Clemens beig the #2 guy over Ramsey. Bollinger is the odd man out.

TE: Baker. Jolley is killing me.

PK: Nugent. hit the post on a FG attempt against NYG on Friday.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Patriots

QB: Brady looks like Brady. Pats were looking for a veteran backup but it appears they are comfortable with Matt Cassel in that role. Will Watson be his main go to guy? It doesnt seem to matter who his WR's are but the big pass catchers have been Watson, the rookie TE's and Kevin Faulk? Can that work all season? I'm not sure.

RB: Maroney has looked very very good. Dillon is getting decent production but hasnt looked like the back of 2004 IMO. Although Maroney is impressive, I think having Faulk from the beginning of the season is going to be huge. He has looked great. I think the Pats will attempt to keep Dillon fresh by giving Maroney and Faulk plenty of work. Overall, their running looks to be much improved this year. Patrick Cobbs has been the surprise of camp and looks like he has a very good chance of making the team. Most of his action has been against 2nd teamers but he has taken advantage of his opportunities. The question in this group is whether they keep a pure FB like Heath Evans or Patrick Pass or they just utilize Garrett Mills as the FB when need be.

OL: I LOVE what the Pats have going on with the OLine. Everyone is young and almost everyone is signed for a long time. They have 0 Pro Bowlers but have great depth with manageable salaries. They work very well together and although Alex Gibbs and Hudson Hauck get all the pub, Dante Scarnechia is a GREAT Oline coach.

TE: Watson should be a beast. It looks like Graham is becoming less and less of a pass catching threat and more and more a pure blocking TE. Thomas looks like he has great hands and should get some play. Garrett Mills has shown flashes but will just be insurance and see some time at FB.

WR: Obviously the trouble spot. I believe the Pats have given Branch permission to seek a deal and trade to wake him up to reality of what he is worth on the open market. Hopefully that results in some serious negotiations and they can get him into camp. Chad Jackson has not practiced which is a major blow to the WR corp. Reche Caldwell is below average and has not impressed. Troy Brown is reliable. Bam Childress has actually impressed as another mighty might but can he do it in the regular season. Until some of these things flush out, the Pats will lean on their TE's and backs.

DLine: Great group. Seymour is the best in the business. Wilfork has looked like a MAN. I think he steps up to Pro Bowl level this year. Ty Warren will never be Pro Bowl but is VERY solid. I like him a lot. Jarvis Green is a good 4th guy and should be good for 3-6 sacks. Top 4 are very good but Marquise Hill has not developed to add the depth that they need to run Belichek's flexible defense.

LB: Another potential trouble spot. I think the Pats are very good on the outside. Colvin looked to really be back to form at the end of last year and I have seen no regression this year. Vrabel is a very smart and athletic player on the other side. Not many people know Tully Banta-Cain but I think he will be a very good addition to this rotation. I have seen some good write ups on rookie Jeremy Mincy but have not seen him play. The inside is a mess right now as evidenced by the signing of Junior Seau. They are really trying to piece it together in the middle. Hopefully Bruschi returns sooner rather than later.

DB: I guess I will call this an average group for now. I like Samuel and Hobbs but they are susceptible to taller receivers. Harrison hasnt been on the field but I keep hearing his rehab is going well. If he is all the way back, moving Eugene Wilson to corner will provide excellent depth there. I'm not sure what to make of James Sanders and the rest of the Safety candidates. I assume Tebucky Jones is mostly a special teams aquisiton.

OVERALL. I think the offense looks VERY VERY good. Lots of weapons even at the TE and RB positions and Brady will make the WR's look better than they are.

I think the Defense could be very very good or they could have problems against the run like they did in 2002. The DLine is so good that it can cover up some problems at ILB but not if Bruschi doesnt come back at full strength.

 

[Capella]

Good idea Gator.BucsQB: Simms looks sharp, when he has time to throw. Still getting balls batted down at the line, but I think that's a combo of his lineman not holding blocks, and Gruden using 3-drop sets. That all said, I think Simms is in for a huge year. He has complete control of the offense and a lot of talent around him. Gradkowski has received a lot of the hype, but he was without a chance last night when facing legit players for the Jags. He's not even close to being ready, and Fielder will be the #2, assuming health. RB: Caddy hasn't played much, I expect him to be fine. Pittman, Graham and Alstott make for a nice RB corps. Maybe one of the best in the league.WR: Galloway also hasn't played but a few snaps. Clayton looks extremely good. His first catch last night was circa-2004 as he muscled inside the corner on a slant route for an easy 17-yard gain. Pretty excited about him. It was nice to see Boston get deep and get two PI calls last night. Stovall has been better than expected, especially blocking-wise, but he probably isn't ready to produce until 07. Sheppard, Warren and Russell are all in contention for the last spot. I think Warren gets it. Edell just drops too many passes, but his speed and size are tempting. OL: Joseph has won the RG spot, but was pushed around last night, albeit by a very good Jags defense. Wade looks slow and old, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Mahan win the job, or take it by week 4 or 5. Rest of the line has been meh, good and bad stuff so far. Trueblood isn't ready. Davis is a masher in run blocking, but his pass pro needs some help still. The word was he got better in it in the offseason, but he's been beaten a few times in the three games. I'll sum up the defense by saying they look fantastic, and should be primed for another huge year. Rice was unblockable last night. Status quo there.

Nice post Capella! No mention of TE Alex Smith. What are your thoughts? I can see him improving his numbers this year and be a pleasant surprise.

Smith is the main receiving TE, but his blocking still isn't where it needs to be. Becht is far better there. As for options, he's probably 4th or so behind Galloway, Clayton, and Pittman when they spread things out.