Alot of great posts here about concerns and positives from the game. It's hard to nitpick a 38-10 shellacking of an opponent, but it is preseason so its important to keep a cool head(even though it was ALOT of fun to watch
).
I agree with Tro, I think the pass rush was much better this week. The blitzing was better schemed I thought. I've always agreed with overloading a side in order to blitz. Yeah there is risk to it, but the reward can also be great.
I think Favre looked sharp overall. Lil things here and there, but its obvious thus far at least in game situations he isnt the same QB from last season. I think Jennings coming on so strong so early is rejuvenating him a bit. That's just my opinion, though. I thought Driver looked EXCELLENT. He showed great burst and good route running as well as a great catch when favre fit it through that thimble sized opening.
The Oline looked much better. Wether it was because of Moll or not I have no idea, but I personally think MM chewed them out specifically over the week and challenged them to get better and by all accounts they responded with sound improvement. I think Spitz is going to be a star at some point(at least a star for a guard). He gets to the second level quickly.
I was very impressed with the Dline. Jenkins, Pickett, Williams, Cole all played well including Jolly. It's time to cut Peterson, IMO. KGB stood up to the run "well enough" during the game especially on AJ's big play. AJ complimented him for it, too.
The LBers if Barnett gets resigned, IMO, are the future of this defense. Hawk is getting better every week and the fact he can stay stride for stride with jerious norwood(a very quick back) is amazing to me. He also is getting off blocks much much better as well as taking better angles to the ballcarrier. Barnett is the proven commodity on the corps and Hodge looks like a player. He didnt have one of his better games, but theres no question he can sniff out the ballcarrier as well as anyone on the team.
I think Culver is a future starter and possible star. Yes he made a couple of mistakes and lets hope hes not another marques anderson, but he looks good by all accounts. He's a rookie that if he had to start I wouldn't be worried. Collins looked more active last night as well. Woodson and Harris aren't two people we have to worry about and Ahmad might actually turn into a good nickelback. He's strong against the run.
All in all I think this CAN be a good team this season if it gels quickly enough. Obviously every game isn't going to be as good as that one, but they have at least proven to themselves that they can win in coach mccarthy's system. That and mccarthy seems to get through to them. He has a good balance of being strict and laid back and seems to know when to use both qualities. I can see why TT liked this guy. I think as the Oline continues to gel and grow in this system that our offense has the potential to be potent with Favre playing better. I saw alot of things in this scheme that I never saw with Sherman and one of the main things is the complimentary routes in the passing game. Notice how often Driver is open? It isn't because hes beating tripple teams and he is the only proven commodity at WR. They are finding ways in the pass game to get him the ball and that is VERY intelligent. The defense will have its ups and downs during the year Im sure, but against teams like the bears I don't think theyll be able to move the ball on us that effectively. Thats just my opinion. Obviously can't conclude anything after two preseason games.
