My miscelleneous observations...
Shanle and Fujita were very impressive after all the NO LB chatter. Shanle is WLB, and could end up with big numbers. When he was sent from Dallas I commented that he is a good man, a solid sideline to sideline tackler and he'll have much better opportunities to post stats when teams run a little more than Cleveland did.
I'm considering Shanle or David Thornton right now as my replacement for Dan Morgan. Thornton is SLB in a system that interchanges strong and weak side assignments. He's no Bulluck, but he's good, and he's a playmaker, and he's going to be on the field more than most LBs in the NFL.
Manny Lawson had six solos and it was impressive. He made some plays in pursuit down the field after receptions by players who weren't his responsibility. He has sick speed and gets to the ball first. He looked like Julian Peterson in coverage. Not adequate, but great. He also made some nice stuffs on run plays that were sent right at him. 3-4 OLB who could be nice in big play formats and steadier than anyone expected otherwise. Kid's a real player. Consider he is up to 245 and faster than Merriman, Ware, and Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.
I like the way Deon Grant looked in the Jax secondary. He didn't have a ton of opportunities, but he's an excellent tackler who was all over the field. I think he'll have some very big weeks.
Anyone watch Buffalo? Ko Simpson was in on a bunch of plays and Vincent was nearly invisible.
Chris McAlister played like the best CB in the NFL yesterday. He was a big part of that shutout and Joey Galloway never wants to see him again. That said, OCs will be going to the film and attacking Samari Rolle. Rolle could have some big weeks coming up. He isn't an ideal CB to attack, but McAlister really is the best corner in the league.
Jermaine Phillips, if he can stay healthy, may prove that a productive SS can play in Tampa. He is worth watching for now.
Whoever replaces Lito Shepherd will be an interesting play if he's any good. Anyone? Roderick Hood? I have no idea, but I would downgrade Sheldon Brown a little.
Johnathan Joseph started ahead of Deltha O'Neal. Interesting news if you like rookie corners. Joseph is as raw as they come and physically gifted and talented. Could be a bunch of tackles and a few big plays coming his direction. I'd like to hear more about this from someone who knows more.
Thoughts, corrections, further observations appreciated.