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Afc north preseason reports

Discussion in 'Other NFL' started by adamprez2003, Aug 2, 2010.

  1. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    RAVENS

    QB Joe Flacco truly has total control of this offense, pointing players into their proper formations, with everyone following his directions. Then, even with a rocket for an arm, he proves he can still throw the soft pass with a nice touch when required. Even against the first team defense, the starting offensive line (minus Matt Birk and Jared Gaither) still protects Joe for as long as it takes for him to get the pass off. Afterwards, in front of me along the back line of the end zone, Head Coach John Harbaugh and Flacco are talking technical gibberish while Marc Bulger runs the offense.

    Prescott Burgess picks off Flacco near the goal line but then Troy Smith hits rookie TE Ed Dickson in the back of the end zone through a maze of defensive plays for a score. Wow, that was an amazing play and shows what great hands Dickson has, prompting Senior Offensive Assistant Al Saunders to cheer for the kid.

    At the podium after practice ends, Harbaugh does not rule out the possibility of adding additional secondary help and acknowledges that could include Frank Walker and Shawn SPrings, but no one dared to askabout the whereabouts of one Chris McAlister! He also related that the team is unsure about the health of tackle Jared Gaither, who supposedly has a muscle cramp and lost 20 pounds on his own in the off season. The team is concerned enough to hold hi out of further practice and consider additional medical testing. The team is working out three unnamed offensive linemen as the players clear the field after the morning session.

    http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2010/8/1/1599986/ravens-training-camp-sunday-am
     
  2. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BENGALS

    We have suspected that the team's plans to move Rey Maualuga inside because the coaches felt he was ready, was in part to allow the team to use more 3-4 alignments. There's no indication that the Bengals will shift their core defensive philosophy from a base 4-3 defense, but it doesn't mean that Mike Zimmer can't keep opposing offenses off balance by shifting personnel around. However, moving Maualuga has drawn some resistance with the fanbase, most of whom believe that Dhani Jones has done a great job filling in since 2007.

    And according to Monday morning's depth chart release, Jones is still the team's starting middle linebacker and Rey Maualuga is still the team's strong-side outside linebacker with Michael Johnson playing backup.

    However, according to Joe Reedy, Maualuga is playing more "packages as the Mike (middle) linebacker in base and nickel packages" which includes "playing the middle with Dhani Jones on some 3-4 packages that the Bengals will experiment with during the preseason."

    Last year's lankly defensive end draft pick Michael Johnson figures to be Maualuga's backup, as well as the man to move in as a strong-side linebacker when Maualuga moves to the middle, either in base 4-3 or during 3-4 situations.

    http://www.cincyjungle.com/2010/8/2/1601023/rey-maualuga-working-middle-in
     
  3. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    STEELERS

    Antonio Brown looks damn fast, & coaches applauding his blocking. I like Sanders, too, but Brown is quickly becoming a favorite

    http://twitter.com/Ken_Laird

    X - Rookie outside linebacker Thaddeus Gibson has hit the ground running to start his first training camp. Dale Lolley noted yesterday on his solid blog that Gibson shined in Sunday's backs on backers drills. In fact, Lolley notes that the only guy that Gibson didn't light up is none other than the uber-camp sensation Isaac Redman.

    XV - Uh oh. The fumbling problems displayed by running back Rashard Mendenhall appear to not have been resolved just yet. Mendenhall reportedly fumbled on both Saturday and Sunday during drills, drawing the ire of head coach Mike Tomlin in the process:

    http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2010/8/2/1601213/btsc-daily-six-pack-pittsburgh
     
  4. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BROWNS

    Robiskie's Progress Shows: After an impressive minicamp, second-year WR Brian Robiskie has followed that up with a good showing at training camp. He had a nice leaping catch in the back of the end zone on a pass from Jake Delhomme, and is crediting some of his success to the quarterbacks putting the ball in the right place. Daniel Wolf from Dawg Scooper took note of Robiskie today too and credited him for his crisp route running and his ability to catch everything thrown his direction.

    Vickers Trying to Out Do Hillis: FB Lawrence Vickers can catch and run too. Grossi reports that Delhomme placed a pass in stride to Vickers over the middle, allowing him to catch and run after beating rookie T.J. Ward.

    Brownies: FB Peyton Hillis stiff-armed CB Brandon McDonald on a play...While OT Joel Reinders looks massive, he has not been doing very well at his position.

    http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2010/8/2/1601096/cleveland-browns-training-camp
     
  5. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BROWNS

    Royal Shows Off His Blocking: One of the bigger headlines of the evening session appeared to involve TE Robert Royal in blocking drills. There were three plays cited by the ABJ, in this order: first, Royal got thrown to the ground by LB Marcus Benard. In a re-match, Royal was able to lock up Benard and drive him back a few yards. Finally, Royal "stoned" linebacker Matt Roth, drawing a reaction from the crowd.

    # Wright Has Delhomme's Number: Two practices, two picks for CB Eric Wright on QB Jake Delhomme. Another defensive back had an interception -- that would be S Ray Ventrone, who got backup quarterback Seneca Wallace.

    # Absolute Nonsense: I like the little reports that CBSSports.com provides on training camp, but the following tidbit is utter nonsense: "There's been speculation that Browns LG Eric Steinbach could be losing his grip on the starting spot, but it's quite unlikely. He's been working exclusively with the first team." Fans in attendance have praised Steinbach.

    # Bobby Engram Watch: It doesn't seem like the veteran receiver is working with the first- or second-team offenses too much. The ABJ reports that he had a nice catch-and-run with QB Colt McCoy, and also muffed a punt on special teams. Too many muffed punts for these guys.

    # Linebacker Stays the Same: After three days, I have to say I'm quite surprised that Eric Mangini has kept the same unit on the first team at linebacker. If you don't recall, that unit consists of Scott Fujita and Matt Roth on the outside, and Chris Gocong and D'Qwell Jackson on the inside.

    # Big Runs for Running Backs: While fans assumed that Chris Jennings would be the odd man out of the Browns' backfield, he's not going down quietly. He had a big run on a cutback play, but his competition, James Davis, matched him by scoring on a pitch play to the left edge. Davis relied on his speed to give him the advantage and break the big run.

    # Adam Schefter in the House: During the morning session, ESPN and Schefter were in attendance to report on the Browns camp. Schefter's report, which is more of a broad overview, can be found here. Sirius NFL Radio will be covering Browns camp on Thursday, August 5, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

    # Brownies: CBSSports notes that Johnathan Haggerty is getting separation from defensive backs, and the ABJ notes that Carlton Mitchell dropped another pass...coaches were 'chest-bumping' when Royal made his blocks, according to Cabot.

    http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2010/8/2/1602204/cleveland-browns-training-camp
     
  6. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BROWNS

    # Down Day for Delhomme: It wasn't the greatest practice for veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme, as he channeled his inner Derek Anderson and tossed three picks during Thursday's practice. One of Delhomme's problems, along with our other quarterbacks, has been the number of deflected passes.

    # D-Lineman Gets Interception: Case in point: defensive end Robaire Smith intercepted one of Delhomme's passes as it was tipped at the line of scrimmage. Later on, Delhomme also had one of his passes tipped by Chris Gocong, who continues to see action with the first team.

    # Secondary Does the Rest: Most interceptions come from the defensive backs, so it should be of no surprise that Delhomme's other two picks went to Eric Wright and Abram Elam. The one to Wright came on a deep pass, and Elam snagged a pass in the end zone. Rather than saying Delhomme had a horrible day today, I'd like to think of this as our secondary being much improved this year (wishful thinking).

    # Not Helping Him Out: Of course, a quarterback can only do so much when he receivers can't hang onto the football. Prior to two of Delhomme's interceptions, it seems that WR Brian Robiskie had two drops and TE Robert Royal had two drops. For Robiskie, it was one of his few "bad" moments of camp thus far.

    # Cribbs to Wallace, Touchdown! <<< That subtitle sounds like fun, doesn't it? I can only hope someone captured some video of it, as it was reportedly one of the highlights of the day. Joshua Cribbs took the snap from the Shotgun and fired a pass to Seneca Wallace in the flat. Wallace than ran into the endzone untouched for the score.

    # Get-Out-of-Practice-for-Free Cards: Two players got the day off from practice today because they won spring practice awards and cashed them in for the day off, and one player used their award Wednesday evening. Those players were all veterans -- safety Mike Adams, TE Ben Watson, and LB Eric Barton (the Wednesday player). Neither of the defensive players really need to prove anything, but it's projected that Adams' job is a hundred times more secure than Barton's.

    # Stuckey in the Slot: Former Jets receiver Chansi Stuckey has looked comfortable in the slot in his first camp with the team. Stuckey suffered a leg injury during the practice session and was limited the rest of the way, but he should be fine. Dawg Scooper notes that at times, the Browns decided to have tight end Evan Moore on the field in the slot instead of Stuckey. I'm really digging the thought of using Moore like how the Colts use Dallas Clark.

    # Pashos: A Case of Food Poisoning: Right tackle Tony Pashos told the OBR that the reason he missed the first few days of camp was that he had a case of food poisoning. Since returning to action, he has been getting reps with the first-team offense.

    # Haden Returning Kicks: One of the extra duties that rookie cornerback Joe Haden added to his special teams repertoire was the ability to return kickoffs. Having Haden as a backup could hurt the roster chances of defensive back Gerard Lawson.

    # Once Lost, But Now Found: It's remarkable that even though Syndric Steptoe has been in every practice session, and undoubtedly participating often, but has not received much press. Lucky him, he did have some reports on him today. Steve Doerschuk noted that Steptoe was seeing a lot of balls thrown his way on the second-team offense by Wallace. Daniel Wolf at Dawg Scooper discusses the underrated speed than Steptoe has and how he could emerge as a dark horse at the position, especially if the team likes his versatility in being able to return kicks. Maybe the team doesn't keep a veteran (Engram) or rookie (Mitchell, Haggerty), but instead settles with Steptoe?

    # The Rep Chart: Running back James Davis saw more reps than Jerome Harrison did today, according to Dawg Scooper. I can only imagine that this is a result of Mangini's previously discussed "rep chart," in which players at a position have a set amount of reps designated for them. If the Browns are to carry two fullbacks and three running backs, then Davis seems to be ahead of Chris Jennings on the depth chart.

    # Injury Report: Fullback Peyton Hillis seems close to returning, and Mangini stated that punter Dave Zastudil should make his return Friday, perhaps putting him in line to be ready for the Saturday scrimmage.

    # Dawson Connects: Long-time kicker Phil Dawson has been Mr. Reliable, connecting on field goals left and right this camp, at least from normal range.

    # No Ruling from Goodell: Unfortunately, Roger Goodell did not provide any updates as to whether Shaun Rogers and/or Robaire Smith would face consequences from the league. On another note, Sirius NFL Radio was at camp today. Over at the OBR, one of their posters did a nice recap of the radio program (scroll a few posts down). Unfortunately, I spaced out and forgot to listen to the show like I've done in the past.

    # Brownies: RG Floyd Womack played with the first team along with RT Tony Pashos...the scrimmage on Saturday will not feature live tackling...DB Chris Roberson will miss a few weeks due to a leg injury suffered Wednesday morning.

    http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2010/8/5/1607670/cleveland-browns-training-camp
     
  7. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    RAVENS

    In 11-on-11 drills, Jarret Johnson greets Ray Rice in the backfield, getting cheers from the fans and pats on his helmet from his defensve teammates. Joe Flacco hits Anquan Boldin on a sideline pattern near the goalline, then Clayton on the opposite side who turns and jukes CB Travis Fisher for a short TD. Finally, Flacco ends the sequence with a TD run himself into the end zone. On the next series, under a full out blitz, Flacco throws it up down the left sideline and Derrick Mason steals it from Fabian Washington, then turns and finishes off the TD run, leaving Fabian behind on the ground..


    Once again, Flacco throws it up for Mason and Washington runs into him, never looking back for the ball as it hits off his back, falling incomplete. Mason runs up to the official giving him the "business" for not throwing the penalty flag, then laughing and playfully trying to grab the flag from the ref's belt.

    http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2010/8/6/1609011/ravens-training-camp-friday-am
     
  8. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BENGALS


    Analysis: The Ocho and T.O. will have solid starting cornerbacks to face in Newman and Jenkins, but help over the top could be questionable from former journeyman SS Sensabaugh and FS Alan Ball. Ball, a 7th round draft pick in 2007 takes over for the departed Ken Hamlin in only his 3rd year. Competing against Ball for time at FS is 2nd year player Michael Hamlin (5th-2009) who was showing promise last year after an injury delayed his rookie debut.

    Scandrick is a very capable young corner who has a stranglehold on the third spot on the depth chart. The 'Boys moved up in the 5th round of the 2008 draft to grab him, and he is likely comparable to, if not better than, Morgan Trent. He should provide close competition against Caldwell, Shipley, and Simpson.Then there's Cletis Gordon, an Un-Drafted Free Agent (UDFA) in 2006 who played three seasons with San Diego as a depth corner and special teams player before being released. Last preseason Gordon bounced from Sand Diego's camp, to Houston's, to Detroit's, and eventually to the 'Boys., where he has made somewhat of an impression. Gordon (6'2") will likely be lined up against taller possession receivers like Simpson, Briscoe, and Jones. Coming in for the 2nd team at strong safety is Barry Church, an UDFA rookie out of Toledo. Church looks like a natural safety and may have been a great find, as he made plays everywhere in college and started in 48 games in four years.

    Jamar Wall, a 2010 6th round draft pick out of Texas Tech, is expected to win the 4th cornerback spot on the depth chart by the regular season. He is a good hitter and tackler who will likely see plenty of snaps against inside receivers like Shipley and Cosby. Patrick Watkins is the strong safety in line behind Church. Watkins is coming off a 2009 in which he was placed on IR with a neck injury, but previously he was comparable to Kyries Hebert, our own heavy hitting special teams ace. Untested rookies Owusu-Ansah (4th-2010, Indiana (PA)) and Danny McCray (UDFA-2010, LSU) will round out the free safety competition for the Cowboys. Lined up across from Matt Jones and Purify at the end of the game, we'll see more rookie UDFAs in corners Bryan McCann (Southern Methodist) and Teddy Williams (Texas, San Antonio). Teddy might be interesting, he was a track star.



    Analysis: Reggie Kelly will start the game in an effort to keep Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware out of the backfield, a tall order. The Reverend likely sees snaps until he needs to rest the heel, pitting him against the second tier pass-rushers as well, Victor Butler and Brandon Williams. Both were draft picks in 2009 but Brandon Williams, a third-rounder, suffered a torn ACL in his first preseason. Butler, taken in the 4th round, went on to back up both outside backer positions and climb his way up the roster. If the Bengals fall into any third-and-long situations with the first-team, Gresham may come in for some snaps against Spencer, Ware, Bradie James, Keith Brooking, and Sensabaugh. This would be a 'trial by fire' against a collection of savvy NFL veterans. Gresham should be able to get some separation with his speed but wont play like a rookie and get away with it.

    Other than perhaps a brief look at Jermaine against the top defensive unit, he'll also see work against the second-team OLBs (Butler and B. Williams). Because he's bound to run more routes than Reggie Kelly, the rookie will also see more work against ILBs Leon Williams, Jason Williams, and Sean Lee, and strong safety Barry Church. Jason Williams was actually the first linebacker taken by the Cowboys in the 2009 draft, just ahead of Brandon Williams, and has proven himself as a good coverage linebacker even earning a spot in nickel packages his rookie year. Jason may be lined up over Jermaine for a significant amount of time in the first half. Coffman and Coats should also see limited snaps against this second-team unit that includes Leon Williams in occasional coverage. Sean Lee was the team's second round draft pick in 2010 out of Penn State, despite recovering from major knee surgery, and has been easing into the bottom of the depth chart behind Leon. Leon Williams (4th-2006, Miami) played for the Browns from 2006-08 but spent last year as part of the UFL's New York Sentinels. He has done well enough in camp to run with the second team and may earn a special teams role as well.

    Dan Coats, Chase Coffman, and Darius Hill will finish the game against linebackers Sean Lee, Steve Octavien, Curtis Johnson, and Brandon Sharpe, and strong safety Patrick Watkins. Aside from the anticipated debut of Lee, Cowboys fans are excited to see what Curtis Johnson can do. Johnson is a 3rd year pass-rush specialist who impressed in limited game action with Dallas last year, and in Indianapolis in '08. Steve Octavien is mostly a special teams player and could probably be compared to Abdul Hodge. Hopefully Brandon Sharpe, an UDFA out of Texas Tech with very few credentials, will not compete too well against even Coats (in coverage) or Coffman (rushing-the-passer). Consider Sharpe's presence akin to the Bengals signing UC products Angelo Craig and Mike Mickens, a PR move for a local prospect. Rarely do these turn out as well as Tashard Choice, another Dallas local, has in carrying the ball for the 'Boys.

    http://www.cincyjungle.com/2010/8/7/1610678/hof-game-depth-primer-wide
     
  9. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    STEELERS

    One of the first things I noticed was that Willie Colon was out and about without his boot. I don't know what that means, but his ankle must be feeling a bit better. I do hope he's being careful with it.

    It seemed like there was more special teams work than usual today. There were a couple of different kick return practices, and they had Rashard and Antonio Brown out there receiving at one point. Rashard doesn't look as sharp as Logan, at least to me, and Brown's ball was a touchback.

    I watched some O line one-on-one drills. It's weird to watch when they're evenly matched - it's like the immovable object has met the irresistible force. It looked to me like Brooks > Jolly. I have a note about Hills that is pretty illegible, but I think he managed to push Max Starks around - if so, that would be pretty impressive... Aaron Smith was definitely greater than Flozell Adams - oops... Of course, Aaron is amazing.

    I saw a fair amount of TE drills - blocking, catching, and the sled. In the catching drills, Heath made a beautiful low scooping catch and kept running. He's great to watch! Matt Spaeth made some nice catches today, both in the drills and at least one in the snaps. I particularly watched David Johnson today, since there is some dispute over how he is doing. In these drills he caught two long passes that were off to one side or the other and looked good doing it. Later, during the snaps, he blocked a guy and then caught a Roethlisberger pass. If he missed anything I didn't see it.. Still looked great in the sled drills, and got a "nice job" from MT. Tomlin also seemed happier with Eugene Bright today. In the catching drills, Bright tripped as he was cutting across the field, but jumped up and caught his throw. Unfortunately he missed the next one... The blocking drills were interesting - I think the problem with Spaeth is that he just hesitates the tiniest bit before contact. Shout me down if this is ignorant, but I think if he would fully commit to the contact he would do better. (Easy for me to say - I'm not the one putting myself out there.) I got the impression that the coach had a few words to say - I was too far away to tell. At any rate, the last block he made looked more solid. (These are the drills where you run into the guy holding the pad.)

    In the running drills, it seemed to me that Rashard is getting good at finding a hole, and there has been very little spinning this week. Maybe that's just because the toe is still healing. At any rate, he was on the field a lot more today, and nobody was spinning... Memo had a couple of nice runs up the middle, in the drill and then during the snaps. Redman levitated right over the 2nd string O line, as you would expect. Speaking of which, Pouncey seemed pretty firmly entrenched as the 2nd string center. (I realize that we aren't really supposed to notice that there is a first and second string. But that's what it looks like to me... I also saw Jonathan Scott on RT a couple of times.) But back to the RBs, during the full snaps they tried flipping the ball to the RB in the backfield a few times. (Yes! They had an RB in the backfield!) These were mostly not terribly successful, although Memo got some yardage out of one of them. There was a handoff to Redman that went nowhere. I'm starting to think that they sneak in an ordinary mortal sometimes and put a #33 shirt on him, just so people don't get suspicious...

    On to the receivers. There were a lot of drops this afternoon, including by rookie sensation Emmanuel Sanders, oldie but goodie Randle El, Antonio Brown, and, oh, pretty much everybody. Hines may have even missed one,,, (That may have been yesterday - sometimes stuff happens too fast to write it down, and it's starting to blur together in my brain.) But there were some great catches, too. London had a nice leaping catch (although I admit he does seem just a hair slow off the gun.) Mikey had a great catch in coverage - he beat McFadden, who then picked Mikey up and lifted him about 4 feet in the air. I'm happy to say Bryant put him down gently. Sanders redeemed himself with a nice catch in coverage, but DD ignored a wide-open Tyler Grisham to throw to him - more on this later. London had a couple of sideline catches - I think he was inbounds both times, but I wasn't sure. Speaking of Grisham, I'm liking him more and more, although he did have a miss or two, like most of the rest of the WRs. He caught a low ball from Dixon and fell with it. Poor guy got kicked in the ribs by a passing DB for his trouble. But he hopped right back up, and later he caught a pass from Charlie in coverage and escaped to take it downfield. He isn't very big - he's listed at 5'11" but I'd be surprised if he really is - but the dude is strong, and has serious muscles. Stefan caught a pass in coverage and beat out two guys to get it downfield. Maybe they couldn't find him...

    As usual, I didn't/couldn't pay much attention to the defense. But I did notice a few things during the snaps. Lawrence Timmons broke up a nice DD pass. Ike just missed an interception. What a shock! Crezdon Butler was perilously close to an interception as well. Gay almost intercepted a wild DD throw after he ran for it. If only "almost" counted. LaMarr just about obliterated Byron - he looked seriously nervous. Thaddeus Gibson dived for Byron, who jumped over him and completed a nice pass to Hines.

    And finally, the QBs. First, my quibble. Why does it seem that they throw so often to the guy that has two or three guys on them, and ignore the guy that's wide open? I'm hoping that this is on purpose, for practice...

    I have to admit that Byron seems more in control than Dennis does. There was one snap where Dennis fumbled the snap, managed to grab it before anybody else did, and threw it for what would have surely been a pick if the DBs had been paying attention. Today at least he seemed rather indecisive on his reads. After a few comments about my remark that Byron gets rid of the ball quickly, I decided to count seconds on all of Byron's snaps that I could see. (I was watching some other drills at one point when they were doing WR/DB snaps.) Okay, he doesn't throw the ball instantly, but every snap I counted except one he was releasing in under 3 seconds. Since I gather that 3 seconds is about how long you can expect your O line to hold things back for you, that seems pretty reasonable to me. The one snap I counted that was longer was just over. If I had to make a judgment based just on today I would go with Byron. Batch did actually get some throwing snaps today, and he's probably forgotten how you do that - he was a bit inaccurate on a couple passes, although he had a couple of nice completions as well. The amazing thing about it all is the marked difference between Ben and the others. Of course, given how much we're paying him, you would hope that's the case, but dang, he just looks like he's in a different league than the others. Somehow he makes it look so natural and easy. Well, he'll be all rested up and ready to make some heads roll when he's back. But in the meantime, check out the Joe Starkey article about NFL "justice" - I think it was in Saturday's Trib. Truer words were never spoken...

    http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2010/8/5/1608145/training-camp-impressions-thursday
     
  10. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    RAVENS

    At 9am, the heat is already noticeably oppressive. The players are in just shorts and shells this morning walking through their drills without even helmets on when I arrive. I notice the first team offensive line going through the motions without RT Jared Gaither, who is still being held out for precautionary purposes. In his place is Oniel Cousins, who went on to have a pretty decent morning, and I had a chance to interview him after practice (to be posted shortly).

    In 11-on-11 drills, CB Travis Fisher is running with the first team along with Fabian Washington, although Prince Miller is getting a lot of action. There's a good choice that Washington will be held out of the preseason game vs. the Carolina Panthers and along with the questionable status of Chris Carr, Fisher and Miller may end up being the starting corners Thursday night.

    On a routine Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin sideline completion, I notice Oniel Cousins handling Terrell Suggs pretty well, which is a good sign and I also asked him specifically about that matchup in practice during my interview with him. Speaking of Suggs, check out his newly clean shaven dome he is sporting under his helmet.

    Backup QB Marc Bulger had a very solid practice, hitting a streaking Donte Stallworth down the sidelines, who caught the ball in stride d no one catches him on his way to the end zone. Later, Bulger connects with Justin Harper on another bomb, and then hits RB Matt Lawrence over a leaping Tavares Gooden as part of his nice morning.

    I can't say the same thing for the placekicking competition. Although neither of Shayne Graham and Billy Cundiff seems to have a clear advantage over the other, both were equally unimpressive today, missing a significant portion of their kicks. At the podium after practice, Coach Harbaugh said the two kickers would alternate kicking in the first preseason game, although he deferred to Special Teams coach Jerry Rosburg as to who would kick first.

    A few of our offensive stars stand together as the reserves get some work during morning drills

    http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2010/8/10/1615378/ravens-training-camp-tuesday-am
     
  11. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    STEELERS

    1) We noticed your notes on Thaddeus Gibson and how he shined during backs on backers on Sunday. Then Jason Worilds reportedly had a similarly impressive showing on Monday. Can you tell us a little bit more about how those specific drills are conducted? Why Coach Tomlin maybe likes them so much? And finally what your initial take is on the two rookies OLBs?

    Lolley: Backs on backers puts a running back in position in front of a quarterback - a ball boy or such - and they have one inside and one outside backer at the line of scrimmage. Linebackers coach Keith Butler, who's standing behind the back, points to which linebacker is blitzing and at the snap, that guy comes, full speed, at the QB. The back's job is to recognize who the blitzer is and k him up. It's heavily weighted toward the defense since they are coming unblocked and the back is stationary. But there are some backs that do well at the drill. They do some similar matchups at the line of scrimmage with the tight ends. Gibson was unblockable in both of those - ala. James Harrison. He's got a variety of pass rush moves and looks good in that respect. He struggled in the pass coverage drills with the tight ends. Worilds struggled at the point of attack with the tight ends on the line, but looked good in backs on backers. He got better, though, the second time they did in-line blocking with the tight ends, showing that he's a quick learner. But then he got hurt. They both show some promise, though.

    Star-divide

    2) Did Flozell Adams practice any this weekend? If so, how did he look physically? As a follow up, do you think he and Starks are shoe-ins to start at right and left tackle respectively provided they stay healthy?

    Lolley: Flozell Adams looks a lot less sloppy than I thought he'd be. In fact, he's an impressive mass of humanity. He's listed as being shorter than Max Starks, but looks to be even an inch or two taller than Starks, who's listed at 6-8. I don't know that he's a shoe-in - Starks is - but he's certainly got the inside track. They'll have to make a decision about whether they think Adams is the answer quickly. If he's on the 53-man roster, his money is guaranteed this year. But by all accounts right now, he's been good.

    3) With Coach LeBeau's Hall of Fame induction coming up this weekend, a couple quick questions: have you had a chance to meet/interview LeBeau? I've heard that he's extremely cautious with divulging information about the upcoming week, but is he otherwise a nice man to interact with? Also, any thing you can share about how younger players take to LeBeau? I imagine that once you spend some time around him it's hard not to admire then man and want to play for him, but what about the younger dudes who may not know of his legacy when they first arrive?

    Lolley: Dick LeBeau is one of the finest human beings you'll ever meet. Yes, he plays his cards close to the vest in terms of his team and opponents, but he's got more than 50 years of knowledge about the game in his mind and talking to him about some of the old-time players when you're just sitting around with him is a treat. Even the young players appreciate the history that he brings to the field. He's almost like a living legend and the players appreciate that.

    4) How many RBs do you think the Steelers might carry on game days most weeks? Can Isaac Redman break through and make the squad this year and contribute?

    Lolley: I think they'll carry five running backs and have at least four active on game days. I think Redman has a very good shot of making this team. He's in excellent shape and can do a lot of different things.

    5) We haven't read or heard much about Jonathan Dwyer yet? Anything worth noting through the first few days?

    Lolley: Dwyer has been hurt since the first day of practice. That's why there's been nothing to report on him.

    6) We'll check back with you again closer to the third or fourth preseason game, but if you had to guess today, who starts Week 1?

    Lolley: I'm assuming you're talking about the QB situation here and it certainly looks like they're comfortable with Byron Leftwich being the guy.

    http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2010/8/4/1605411/dale-lolley-answers-your
     
  12. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BENGALS

    After more than 24 hours of decaf, time to look at Sunday’s preseason opener with a saner eye.

    These things are usually a mish-mash and so was this. If this had been the intrasquad scrimmage and Mock Game, which it was, it would be seen in not that harsh of a light. Not much definitive comes out of preseason openers. There were a few things out of Sunday’s 16-7 loss to the Cowboys. The backup quarterback play was subpar, running back depth is thin, and young defensive players like Michael Johnson and Geno Atkins are on the rise.

    What did come through is that the deepest Bengals roster in Marvin Lewis’ eight seasons was on display. The speed and versatility showed up and the last four or so cuts are going to be the hardest around here in years. The guy who holds a big key to it all is special teams coach Darrin Simmons and while he wasn’t satisfied he did see a lot of good things emerge.

    Just how deep and fast is reflected in the Cowboys punt returns. Dallas could muster just 19 yards on the nine punts that stayed out of the end zone and for the first time since Simmons can remember he had five combined tackles out of his gunners: Cornerback Rico Murray had two with one each by cornerback Brandon Ghee, safety Kyries Hebert, and wide receiver Maurice Purify.

    Cornerback Adam Jones returned both a kick and a punt, rookie wide receiver Jordan Shipley had his team’s biggest play of the night on a 63-yard punt return, and the biggest play the Bengals allowed came on the first play - a 38-yard kick return.

    “This was our first time tackling. This is the weekend we would have usually had the scrimmage and I thought we settled down,” Simmons said. “I didn’t like that first return, of course, but once we got that hit in, we got better.”

    Ironically, it appeared the one guy that could have made that play on the opening kickoff, linebacker Dan Skuta, is one of Simmons’ linchpins. The Bengals figure to go with eight defensive linemen, seven linebackers, and 10 defensive backs and Skuta looks to have one of those backer spots with Dhani Jones, Rey Maualuga, Keith Rivers, Michael Johnson and Brandon Johnson. That would appear to make the last spot come down to veteran Abdul Hodge and fourth-rounder Roddrick Muckelroy.

    It is even tighter at defensive back, where traditionally the Bengals go with six corners and four safeties and everybody knows the four safeties are Roy Williams, Chris Crocker, Chinedum Ndukwe and Gibril Wilson. But what about the special teams captain, Hebert? Could they go five and five?

    But then there is Murray, a second-year guy that can play both corner and safety. After Johnathan Joseph, Leon Hall, Adam Jones and Ghee, who are the last two corners in a very competitive derby of Murray, Morgan Trent, David Jones and Johnny Sears?

    Doesn’t it come down to special teams?

    “I’m just trying to find out about these guys and we’ve got a long way to go with four preseason games left,” Simmons said. “A guy like Rico, we’re trying to see if he can do it. It was good to see him and the other guys make some plays. In that situation in that game where the gunners are getting single-blocked, you expect them to make the play.”

    With Kevin Huber’s 10 punts, Simmons was also able to get an extensive look at his two long snappers, veteran Clark Harris and rookie Mike Windt. They each had one non-perfect snap barely visible to the naked eye (one low, one eye-high) and there is virtually no separation.

    “This is Clark’s first full training camp where he’s only snapping and he’s done a good job,” said Simmons of the tight end the Bengals picked up early last season. “It’s all new to Mike and I like the way he responded. It had to mean a lot to him playing in his home state and playing in front of his family and friends.”

    Simmons also liked how Adam Jones responded in his first game since late in the ’08 season. Some of those little things he has to work on cropped up. He dropped the kickoff before racing 31 yards with it and he got nine yards on his punt return despite carrying the ball in the wrong arm.

    “I was thinking about the kickoff and realized it was the first live ball he’s caught in almost two years; that’s tough,” Simmons said. “The thing that really impressed me was his demeanor on the sidelines. That was as impressive as anything. He came back from the punt and he knew what I was going to say before I even said something. He understood. That’s what you’re looking for.”

    Shipley got high grades, of course, but if Simmons did have a criticism it wasn’t that he didn’t call a fair catch on his first one. “He went the wrong way. If he goes the right way he gets some yards,” Simmons said.

    Simmons began the game with his two incumbents, running back Bernard Scott at kickoff and wide receiver Quan Cosby returning punts. Scott has a spot but Cosby doesn’t in the receiver scrum even more convoluted by Antonio Bryant’s knee problem.

    The Bengals figure to keep six and with Bryant, Shipley, The Ocho, Terrell Owens and Andre Caldwell currently in the fold, the sixth and last spot would go to a guy not even active on Sundays. So with Bryant, it would seem to be a tough nut for Cosby because Shipley would figure to be active on game day and both he and Jones can return punts.

    But Simmons loves what Cosby brings to the table.

    “I was disappointed that Quan didn’t get a chance to return. It seemed like every time we were close to plus 50,” said Simmons after Cosby’s two fair catches. “Every one he got, he managed it exactly right. That’s the thing about Quan. He’s very reliable. He makes good decisions. You know when the play is over you’re going to have the ball and that’s the most important thing for a returner.”

    http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Depth-on-display/9a9b678f-d86f-4965-aad6-6e149b7b2eb8
     
  13. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BROWNS

    1. Update on Cornerback Situation: After the morning session was over, head coach Eric Mangini still didn't know the extent of Eric Wright's reported hamstring injury. After Wright left the field, he was replaced with rookie cornerback Joe Haden, which makes sense since Brandon McDonald was already sidelined. Mangini seemed to leave it open that depending on the severity, Wright could be back out for the evening session.

    2. Pashos Misses Practice Again: Veteran right tackle Tony Pashos missed practice again with a shoulder injury, but Mangini stated that he should be back some time later this week. In the mean time, John St. Clair continues to see reps at right tackle with the first-team offense.

    3. Dawson Can Boot It: After missing a 48-yard field goal off the uprights, Phil Dawson drilled what was either a 56- or 57-yard field goal. To end practice, Dawson also hit a 35-yarder. It sounds like Dawson has been in midseason form all of camp; I wonder how many years he's going to keep on kicking?

    4. Mike Adams at Nickelback: The Browns apparently weren't ready to put Haden at nickelback after Wright went down, so safety Mike Adams took on that role when necessary, with Haden and Sheldon Brown on the outside.

    5. Ward Finding His Niche: After reports of the rookie safety being burned the first couple of practices, rookie safety T.J. Ward seems to be establishing himself on defense. He has started to break up passes, and today he intercepted a pass thrown by Jake Delhomme in 7-on-7 drills. Dawg Scooper also notes that he forced a fumble on tight end Robert Royal. Mangini said he can't wait for Ward to show off his ability to tackle/hit this Saturday in live game action.

    6. Highlight on Offense: Wide receiver Joshua Cribbs and quarterback Seneca Wallace hooked up on a highlight play offensively, but it wasn't in a Cyclone type of play. Cribbs ran a route to the end zone and made a great catch in double coverage for a long touchdown.

    7. Watson Frustrated: It wasn't the greatest practice for tight end Ben Watson, who dropped a pass early on and then proceeded to kick the football, something that would earn you a penalty on gameday. He later rebounded with a few catches, reportedly.

    8. Rebound Day for Quarterbacks: Mangini was not pleased with the offense on Monday, calling a block of plays horrendous. The quarterbacks all rebounded Tuesday morning though, with Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace, and Colt McCoy each having their moments.

    9. Brownies: LB David Bowens still isn't practicing...WR Chansi Stuckey continues to see significant return duties behind Joshua Cribbs, and might be his primary backup on special teams...gotta love this comment from LB Matt Roth, regarding his excitement for being able to hit people this Saturday: "You have to take care of your teammates here and you can't tee off like you want to. I can 't wait."

    Here is the depth chart released by Mangini for the Packers game (credit to Steve Doerschuk for posting, offense and defense):

    QB: Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace, Colt McCoy, Brett Ratliff
    RB: Jerome Harrison, James Davis, Chris Jennings, Montario Hardesty
    WR: Mohamed Massaquoi, Chansi Stuckey, Jake Allen, Bobby Engram, Syndric Steptoe
    WR: Brian Robiskie, Joshua Cribbs, Carlton Mitchell, Johnathan Haggerty
    TE: Ben Watson, Evan Moore, Robert Royal, Alex Smith, Joel Gamble
    FB: Lawrence Vickers, Peyton Hillis
    RT: John St. Clair, Tony Pashos, Joel Reinders
    RG: Floyd Womack, Shawn Lauvao
    C: Alex Mack, Billy Yates
    LG: Eric Steinbach, Paul Fanaika
    LT: Joe Thomas, Scott Kooistra, Casey Bender

    LE: Robaire Smith, Derreck Robinson, Brian Sanford
    NT: Ahtyba Rubin, Titus Adams, Kwaku Danso
    RE: Kenyon Coleman, Brian Schaefering, Clifton Geathers, Swanson Miller
    OLB: Matt Roth, Marcus Benard
    ILB: D'Qwell Jackson, Eric Barton, Titus Brown
    ILB: Chris Gocong, Kaluka Maiava, David Veikune, Blake Costanzo
    OLB: Scott Fujita, David Bowens, Jason Trusnik
    LCB: Eric Wright, Brandon McDonald, Gerard Lawson
    RCB: Sheldon Brown, Joe Haden, Chris Chancellor, John Bowie
    S: Abram Elam, Mike Adams, Ray Ventrone
    S: T.J. Ward, Larry Asante, DeAngelo Smith, Nick Sorensen

    http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2010/8/10/1615459/cleveland-browns-training-camp
     
  14. padre31

    padre31 Premium Member Luxury Box

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    Wanted to mention that DQ Jackson probably re-injured his pec today in practice per rotoworld.
     
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  15. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    can only wish that today was April Fools Day, but it is not. On a day in which CB Eric Wright, LB Marcus Benard, and DE Brian Schaefering suffered injuries during the team's morning practice, linebacker D'Qwell Jackson might have suffered the most serious injury of the crop: a pectoral injury, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer, during the team's evening session of practice on Tuesday:

    It's not known if it's the surgically-repaired one or not. Jackson went in to be examined by the doctor at about 8 p.m. Jackson, who had been starting all camp at inside linebacker, walked off the field midway through practice very slowly and with his head down. He returned later in the session with a towel around his neck and looking sad.

    One-by-one, players came up to express their concern. At one point, it looked like he pointed to his chest. He watched the final 15 minutes of practice from the sidelines, still looking down. Close friends such as Mike Adams talked to him, and he walked off the field with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

    Based on Cabot's report, it's not looking good for Jackson, who suffered a torn pectoral injury last season too. If the injury is true, the Browns at least have two veterans they could insert in his place in Eric Barton or David Bowens. With that said, I was looking forward to seeing how a "motivated" Jackson would perform this season with more veterans around him.

    UPDATE #1: Per Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter:

    LB D'Qwell Jackson's pectoral injury isn't the surgically-repaired one, source told PD. Still no word on how serious it is.

    UPDATE #2: Per Miami Herald's Jeff Darlington on Twitter:

    Non-Dolphins related, but I hear D'Qwell's pectoral is not torn. Might not be that serious. He's waiting on a MRI to determine extent.

    Darlington claims he is a high school friend of Jackson's, so that might explain why he'd have a scoop before the Cleveland media. I hope he's correct that Jackson's injury is not as bad as originally feared.

    http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2010/8/10/1616630/report-dqwell-jackson-may-have
     
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  16. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    Browns rookie OG-C Shawn Lauvao's versatility was an asset in a 33-start career at Arizona State, and it has helped him early in his professional career.

    The 6-foot-2, 315-pound Lauvao, who started at three different spots on the offensive line for the Sun Devils, received work as the Browns' first-team right guard while also getting snaps as a backup center early in training camp.

    In an interview with PFW on Friday, Lauvao, a third-round pick, said he was "grateful" for the opportunities he had been given early in camp.

    "I'm more than willing to do what the coaches want me to do," he said.

    That has included work at center, a position he did not play at Arizona State but one he may have to play in a pinch in the regular season. Lauvao credits Browns starting C Alex Mack and reserve Billy Yates for helping him adjust to his new position.

    "It's been a good experience," Lauvao said of playing center. "It's really broadened my horizons." He added, "It's allowed me to really have an overall understanding of what's going on, and it's allowed me to play much better."

    Browns head coach Eric Mangini, speaking to Cleveland reporters earlier in August, said that Lauvao's ability to show he can play multiple positions along the interior of the line will be important to him earning a spot on the active roster.

    "If he can build on that versatility where he can play center and guard, that improves his chances of going to the game that much more each week, because one guy can really play three spots," Mangini said. "He can play center and both guards, and that's what you'd like from an interior offensive lineman, if they weren't starting, to have that flexibility."

    Lauvao's first 17 collegiate starts came at right guard, but he moved to right tackle in the final four games of his '08 season. Then, as a senior, Lauvao, a team captain, started all 12 games at left tackle.

    Playing multiple positions in college, Lauvao said, "allowed me to, in a sense, improve my game in different areas."

    Sustained improvement will be necessary as Lauvao, 22, vies for the starting ORG spot with Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, a 10-year veteran. Lauvao told PFW he's working to refine his technique.

    "The biggest thing is just being consistent," Lauvao said

    http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/08/09/lauvao-contending-for-browns-org-job
     
  17. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    RAVENS

    After seeing how the team looked after playing one game together, I've decided it'd be interesting to see who people though did well and who struggled.

    Thumbs Up:
    Joe Flacco - Joe Cool looked composed and confident in the pocket, even under pressure. Aside from a few dropped and off target passes, Flacco's accuracy was spot on, especially on that deep ball to Clayton. If he continues to play as he did tonight, he'll finally take that step towards the top-tier of quarterbacks everyone's expecting of him.

    Willis McGahee - Yes, we didn't really see much of him rushing the ball (just like Rice), however we got to see him catch some screen passes and gallop for first downs. This leads me to believe that Willis can be used in the passing game as well on short routes and screens more so than he used to be in the past. He may not be as effective in the passing game as Rice, but it would allow us to not lose an option for Flacco when Rice is taking a breather. Seems to be carrying the extra weight he packed on extremely well without any real effect on his speed.

    Marshal Yanda - Yanda did a good job blocking for the most part, especially on some downfield blocks. As someone I've always undersold and overlooked on the offensive line, I've started to come to appreciate and take notice of him.

    Ed Dickson - While only notching two catches, they were two nice catches. Good hands, and a good nose to get as many yards after the catch as possible. Should be a good competition between him and Pitta.

    Terrence Cody - Despite my personal feelings towards Cody, I was actually quite impressed with his play. He did what he did best and stuff the run every chance he got and played much more than I had expected from a man of his size and stamina. If the pressure he got on Cantwell (or was it Pike? I don't remember) had came when he was going up against the starting Carolina offensive line, I would have to have given him some props for that. Still, he played well up the middle, and moved around much more than I had expected. He may still need work on playing fullback, but that's to be expected and not a huge knock on him.

    Tom Zbikowski - He's no Reed, but he played very well in his place. Zibby showed good awareness of what was going on around him, good ability to wrap up the tackle, and get pressure on the quarterback (loved that sack of his). Add that with what we saw from him last year filling in for Reed, and I'd feel more comfortable with him prowling around while Ed's out. Not to mention, he did a good job returning his one punt.

    Antawn Barnes - Barnes played extremely well, coming away with very consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback. Add to that good awareness to get to the ball and fight for the fumble. Made a good showing as the bright star on the back-up linebacker corp.

    Cary Wiliams - Despite not having much major playtime in his prior seasons, he played well (even if it was against second stringers). Was able to see what was going on and get to the ball, as well as the ability to step forward and capitalize on the receivers misgivings to come away with an interception instead of just letting the ball hit the ground. Most likely won't play as well as he did against number one (and maybe even number two) receivers, but showed good progression in his skills.

    Paul Kruger - Again, even though he was playing against the second string offense, Kruger got good pressure on the quarterback, slipping around and shedding blocks to come away with his sack and a half.

    Prince Miller - Fantastic job on returns, namely punt returns. Even though he was going up against players vying just to make Carolina's team, Miller was able to slip, spin, and dodge tackles. Took an early lead in the return job.

    Thumbs Down:
    Troy Smith - I know he had to work with the back-up offensive line, so it isn't all his fault. However, he didn't handle pressure very well, looking confused and indecisive when confronted. The balls he did get off, more often than not, were either off target or poor throws in general. Whether it was scrambling himself into an even worse situation, or just taking too long with the ball, Smith didn't make a good case for himself to be a true challenge for the number two quarterback position.

    Jalen Parmele - Again, another victim of working with a back-up offensive line (however, he was going up against back-up defenders). When he attempted to run the ball, he hurt more than he helped. Seven attempts for negative seven yards, as well as putting the ball on the ground. With Le'Ron McClain having a good day running the ball, and Steele having a good game rushing, he cannot have games like this with that competitive. In my opinion, he lost some ground to Curtis Steele, he had more success running with essentially the same talent at the offensive line.

    Edgar Jones - Now, even though he's running with the back-ups (and being a converted tight end, fullback, and whatever other position he played), he wasn't very effective on defensive, along with bad decision making that lead to penalties, namely the roughing the passer call. Has much work to do.

    On the Fence:
    Marc Bulger - Bulger struggled at first when taking the field, making some off-target passes and taking some sacks. Once he got into a rhythm and started handling the pressure better, he improved immensely with his passes. While showing no threat to Flacco, he solidified himself as the back-up after Smith's woeful night.

    Mark Clayton - If it weren't for his track record of inconsistency, I would have placed him in the thumbs up category. Despite that, he made a pair of very nice catches, namely the 30 yard touchdown lob.

    Tavares Gooden - He may not have had an overall "great" night, but he did show he's able to get pressure on the quarterback when he sliced through the offensive line for a sack. Now he just has to prove he can do that against a starting offensive line.

    Dannell Ellerbe & Jameel McClain - Aside from Barnes and Gooden, the other two "big name" (to Raven fans) linebackers didn't make a big impact for either man's case. Neither showed to be a liability, yet neither made any separation from the other in the ILB starter battle.

    Travis Fisher, Doug Dutch & Chris Hawkins - All three played well enough to avoid landing in the Thumbs Down category, but none played well enough to get a thumbs up. Carolina was able to pass the ball easily at times when there wasn't enough pressure on the quarterback. Luckily, the three were usually able to avoid giving up any big passes. Dutch does get a nod for playing a pass well and very tough at the end of the game without earning a flag.

    The Kicking Battle - Cundiff can kick extra points, which is something we all knew before training camp even started. Graham got all of the (two) field goal attempts. Even though he barely missed a 50 yard attempt, I wouldn't call that a big strike against him. When it comes down to it, we just didn't see enough to influence the opinion for or against either man.

    At the end of the night, the pros outweighed the cons, in my opinion. I saw much more improvement and upside in our team, than I did regression and liabilities. It may only be one preseason game, but it bodes well for the team.

    http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/24696-thumbs-upthumbs-down/
     
  18. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    STEELERS

    A. Brown: This guy reeks of confidence and has the wheels of a Jet-train (If a jet train existed.) His positioning of his hands on that Touchdown catch late in the 4th QRT was a thing of BEAUTY. Very rarely does wideouts use their hands like that and that was certainly a hard thrown (and perfectly placed) ball to catch.

    Redman: Redman is becoming a preseason animal. There's got to be somewhere along the line to give him his deserved shot in the regular season only if he keeps it up. He is said to be our best blocking RB in camp and runs nowhere but UP FIELD. Remember what it took for Willie to start? Seems like a similiar situation with Redman. We just don't know what we have unless you give the guy a shot.


    Gibson: Saw him get held off the corner a couple times and respond accordingly with speed and precision. He has a sound game. Nothing spectacular but in a good way. Young Backers are groomed for years to come, he'll be okay.

    Pouncey: A work in progress of course, but the coaching staff must see something in him to give him the nod under center with some starters still in. Tough to get a read on him. Gotta watch him more but he had a couple nice driveblocks near the goalline.

    S Justin Thorton: Great effort. Some nice hits on Special Teams and also had some nice breakdown tackles in the open field. Seems like a hard hitter. He stuck out on some plays that made me remember the name on the back of his jersey.

    Keenan Lewis: Mighty impressive going up against the physical and BIG receiver in starter Calvin Johnson, winning BOTH battles in the endzone. Made a GREAT play for a jumpball to break up a pass. That TD was also an offensive pushoff but ohwell. Lewis played well.

    Slyvester: Made little mistakes but he had a nose for the football and noticed him throwing his body around when his number was called to blitz. We have something there. Eager to see him next week as well.

    Dwyer: Seemed timid, just as expected. I have a bad feeling though and dissapointed thus far although I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Any update on his shoulder?

    Frank the tank: Terrible. He is a terrible blocker and whiffed on a one on one block. He had a nice catch out of the backfield on 3rd down but that's where it ends. I'm not impressed with Frank the Tank. I look for him to be cut if he doesn't step up in blocking and protection. Dude's also a slob.

    Quote:
    My thoughts....what else did you see??
    I saw Timmons finally playing like a middle backer and trucking a running back other than getting pushed aside. I saw him rush the passer quite nicely and cause havoc on that INT for Clark.

    Fumbles from our backs, esp Mendy needs to be addressed ASAP. Hopefully they are working RIGHT NOW on coming up with some kind of drill for our backs to carry the football tight.

    Also, seeing the defense stiffin up and look pretty good against the run with A.Smith back in the lineup was a sigh of relief.

    Mewelde Moore's block on Dixon's TD called back was a page out of Hines Wards book. Impressive to help out his young QB and spring him. That's Pittsburgh style right there. Made up for his fumble earlier on.

    I liked the way the bench players played on defense as well. They seemed to ALL be around the football and tackle as a defense and swarmed whoever had the ball. Good stuff.

    I really do think our rookie wideouts in Sanders and Brown are already special in their debuts. Overly excited to see what these studs have to offer.

    Would of liked to see Randle El get more involved in the offense. We could use him but he was mainly used as a decoy.

    Flozel Adams seemed sloppy and non-inspired. He seemed lazy and flat footed, almost getting Lefyt killed. Kemo whiffed on occasion too.

    Got to work on not putting ourselves into 3rd and 17-19 situations.

    Can't wait to see Ben next week. He looks trim, sharp, and in shape.

    Overall team effort: B+.
    Redman: A.
    Offensive Line: D.
    Bench players: B.
    Defense: A.
    Special Teams: B. Jeff Reed is still money kicking at Heinz. Would love to see Daniel S. get a chance of kickoffs soon. I'd like to see someone step up on returns and punts as well for once. Logan? Brown? Come on now.

    http://forums.steelersfever.com/showthread.php?t=55444
     
  19. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BROWNS

    PRESEASON GAME 1 - BROWNS VS. PACKERS (GENERAL THOUGHTS)

    1. Run vs. Pass: I thought we would be more known for our running game this season, and ultimately that will still probably remain true. With that said, I was pleasantly surprised with the number of passes that were called for our quarterbacks because I think it's more important to work on passing and route-running issues in the preseason than it is issues in the running game.

    2. Success Allows for Evaluation: It's amazing how when you don't go three-and-out, or when you don't allow the opposing team to run the ball down your throats for half the quarter, that you're able to better evaluate the players on a team. I thought we'd have a situation where we wouldn't see enough of Colt McCoy or Brett Ratliff in the second half, and yet we saw McCoy in the second quarter with enough playing time already going to Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.

    3. "Cautiously Optimistic" on Jake: You can't get too excited about one drive with Jake Delhomme for the simple reason that one of his biggest issues last year was that he turned into a headcase after throwing his first interception. Until we see how he rebounds from a couple of bad plays in a Browns uniform, we won't know if he's capable of being the "old" Delhomme.

    4. Delhomme's First Drive: With that said, Delhomme's first drive was very good and saw was the playcalling. I loved the formation that the Browns came out with right away, which featured a packed four receiver set. If you read my review of the Browns scrimmage a week earlier, then you might remember that I briefly touched on how I was intrigued by this formation. It obviously caught the Packers off guard, because Evan Moore was wide open for a quick 17-yard gain.

    One play later, the Browns stayed aggressive and Delhomme looked comfortable in the pocket as he hit Mohamed Massaquoi for 17 yards. For all of the talk of Delhomme hitting his tight ends and running backs too much in camp, he spread the ball out on his first drive, even counting on Massaquoi to haul in a slant pass on fourth down and short. Altogether, Delhomme targeted both of his starting receivers and the backup tight end in his only drive, which was capped off by a four-yard Jerome Harrison touchdown run.

    RB Jerome Harrison punched it into the end zone for a four-yard score on QB Jake Delhomme's first and only series.

    5. No Cyclone Plays to Speak Of: The closest thing we had to a trick play was when Colt McCoy entered the game and a reverse was run to receiver Carlton Mitchell. Other than that, the Browns never used Joshua Cribbs in the backfield, and since Delhomme only had one series, Wallace really didn't have the chance to spell him. I wasn't too disappointed to see the Cyclone empty from Saturday's playbook; the formation is more likely to have an impact when the same players are in the game for four quarters straight.

    6. Rubin's Instant Impact: On the Packers' first offensive play of the game, running back Ryan Grant ran the ball and was stripped of the football by nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin. I love seeing Rubin's quick chop to the mid-section of the Grant where the football was located. It reminded me of how I've been reading camp reports that since players can't tackle in camp, you'll find them always trying to knock the football out as a running back passes by them.

    The fumble bounced off another Browns lineman and then fell right into the lap of Sheldon Brown, who took it 11 more yards before being stopped. Overall, the Packers' running game seemed to have trouble mustering anything against our first-string front seven, and I'm sure Rubin played a part in that. Maybe we can work on generating a better pass rush once Shaun Rogers is back in the mix of things.

    7. Rodgers is Scary Good: When the Packers originally let go of Brett Favre a few years back, I was upset at their organization as a fan of Favre's. In hindsight though, they definitely made the right move because Aaron Rodgers continues to get better and better as he climbs toward being one of the best in the game today. His accuracy and ability to diagnose where the Browns' blitzes were coming from were solid.

    Granted, it probably didn't take a rocket scientist to find the receivers he did when the Packers' offensive line kept picking up our blitzes, but Rodgers still made the right decision several times. Even when Joe Haden and T.J. Ward had decent coverage on the right sideline, Rodgers placed the ball where only his receiver could get it.

    8. The Defensive Backs: Haden and Ward had their backs turned on a few plays, and over time hopefully they'll get better at knowing when to get turned around and break up a pass like Sheldon Brown did on Rodgers' only incompletion of the game. I couldn't quite tell what happened on the play where Rodgers threw down the left sideline to a wide open Greg Jennings for 34 yards, but it looked as if Brown tried to jam Jennings at the line and then released him.

    As soon as Jennings got the release, Rodgers recognized it and threw right into a soft spot in what I'm guessing was zone coverage. I don't think every quarterback would tear us up like Rodgers did, but hopefully the unit can show better results over the next couple of weeks when they get Eric Wright back from a hamstring injury.


    QB Seneca Wallace rolled out to his left and fired a touchdown to WR Brian Robiskie on his first drive.

    9. Seneca Wallace is a Playmaker: I think we saw why it is compelling to have a subset of plays designed for backup Seneca Wallace during a game. In just a couple of series, he was 4-of-8 for 72 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was involved in two great plays. The first one came when he rolled out to his left side, to my disbelief. He then fired a strike to Brian Robiskie in the back of the end zone, and with the playing time Robiskie received in the first two quarters I think it's safe to say he'll be a starter this year. Wallace's other play came on a nicely designed quick fake and throw route to tight end Ben Watson that went for a touchdown. Both plays came on third down.

    10. Wallace's Pitfalls: While Wallace can be a contributor, you can't look at his stats and assume he would start over Delhomme. I look at a few plays where he gets into trouble; he ran out of bounds for a loss of three when rolling out to his favored right side; he misfired on a pass to Robiskie on a similar play that Delhomme had made earlier when coming to him as a late read. That might seem a bit picky, but it serves as more assurance that the Browns do not have any form of a quarterback controversy heading into the season.

    11. Massaquoi Involved Early: Delhomme completed three of his six completions to Mohamed Massaquoi, and it was nice to see the second-year receiver display some good hands, especially on the fourth-down play that was fired at his hip. Of course, it would have been better for him to have gotten an extra yard on the previous third down play, but he still came away with a reception and set up a manageable play. Massaquoi left with a hamstring injury but it doesn't sound like anything too serious.

    12. T.J. Ward Can Hit: Fans couldn't wait to see second-round safety T.J. Ward heading into the game, and he didn't disappoint. On the first kickoff of the game, he came from around the backside to wrap up the returner. On the next kickoff, he made an even better individual play to take down the returner.

    Throughout the rest of the game, Ward was flying all around the field making sure tackles or throwing players to the ground. It was the type of solid, manhandling type of play you never saw from guys like Sean Jones, Brodney Pool, Brian Russell, etc. That tackling ability doesn't just go away -- if he did it consistently in game number one, he's going to keep doing it and only get better.

    13. With the Good Comes the Bad: I'd say the positives still outweighed the negatives for Ward in his first game, but it can't be overlooked that he was involved in the Packers' first two touchdowns. On the first, as previously mentioned, he came over to cover Jennings after a Joe Haden blitz. The throw was on target in the end zone and Ward's attempt to defend it failed.

    On the second touchdown, Packer fullback John Kuhn bounced off of several would-be tacklers two yards away from the end zone, the last of whom was Ward. Ward gave him a good stick that Kuhn spun off and just barely had enough strength to prevent his knee from hitting the ground, but he still stood up and dove into the end zone. I'm sure next time Ward would like to make sure he gets wrapped around the ballcarrier all the way through his hit, especially at the goal line.

    14. Special Teams Heroes: Last year, the special teams unit was brilliant for the Browns. The unit picked up right where they left off with an outstanding combined effort against the Packers. Let's start with the coverage units. Ward's two tackles were already mentioned, but newcomer Peyton Hillis also had two special teams tackles. Special teams veteran Nick Sorensen had an assist on two tackles and also recovered a fumble after a Packer muffed a punt. Larry Asante and Ray Ventrone each had an assist on special teams too.

    15. Return Team: Even without Joshua Cribbs returning any kicks or punts, a trio of players -- Syndric Steptoe, Gerard Lawson, and Joe Haden -- all had success returning kicks. That is a tribute to the blocking on special teams, probably due to the coaching after you see a guy like James Davis assisting on a block toward the sideline despite missing all of last year.


    K Phil Dawson drilled two field goals in the final two minutes to give Cleveland the win.

    16. Dawson, Hodges Get it Done: The second half wasn't very exciting, but I felt the adrenaline rushing through my body after Phil Dawson drilled a 58-yarder to tie the game with under two minutes to play. For the Browns to get the ball back again so quickly and then have Dawson drill the 46-yard game winner was just icing on top of the cake.

    Hodges wasn't too bad either. On one extra point try, he held on to a high snap by Ryan Pontbriand and put it down in time. On six punts, he had a net average of 41.8 yards per boot, which is nearly five yards more than he averaged last season with the team.

    17. Backup Receivers Fail to Stand Out: It was tough to brag about any of the team's backup receivers. Syndric Steptoe dropped a pass that was high but catchable near the sideline. You had to love Bernie Kosar pointing out that Steptoe let the ball go through his hands before the contact came from the defender, all while Steptoe is writhing in pain on the ground.

    Jake Allen caught the final pass of the game to set up Dawson's field goal, but it was a "make up" of sorts on a deep reception he landed out of bounds on earlier; there's really no excuse for not getting both feet in considering how open he was. Bobby Engram didn't have a catch, and Johnathan Haggerty and Carlton Mitchell each only had one for a couple of yards.

    If anyone stood out slightly on the bubble, it was tight end Alex Smith, who had three catches for 37 yards. His plays didn't particularly stand out though; they were just ordinary catches.

    18. Screen to Hillis: The Browns used Peyton Hillis early and often, including a 26-yard screen pass that had good blocking right from the start. Hillis has good enough hands and speed to make that play work, which could be deadly if other players in our offense are being closely guarded.

    19. Benard Keeps the Hot Streak Going: I was happy to see LB Marcus Benard on the field after he was carted off a few days ago in practice. Benard played with the second team and was very active, having a team-high eight tackles, including the Browns' only sack of the game. He also forced a fumble on that play, but the Packers fell on top of it. It's going to be tough to cut one or two of these linebackers; Jason Trusnik had a decent game and got a nice shot on the quarterback. The only player at linebacker that seemed "missing" was David Veikune, and the injury report says he did not play. That can't bode well for his roster spot.

    20. Horrible Pass Interference Call: If you wanted to see the referees make a poor call in the first preseason game, then look no further than the pass interference call on safety Nick Sorensen in the third quarter of the game. Sorensen did a good job of breaking the pass up, but he didn't even make contact until after the ball had already been in the receiver's hands. Sorensen had every right to be upset at the bogus call that gave Green Bay a gift at the one-yard line. Otherwise, the Packers would've been forced to try a field goal.

    21. Jennings vs. Davis: RB Chris Jennings still has the issue of dancing around behind the line of scrimmage in an attempt to get more yards, but in reality he loses more yardage. Jennings is going to have a tough time beating out Davis, who is ahead on the depth chart and seems like a pretty decent blocker.

    22. Offensive Line: I need to go back and review how Shawn Lauvao did at right guard, but the Browns' first-unit offensive line held their protection long enough for Delhomme and Wallace to step in the pocket and deliver their throws. The same can't be said for the backups, who had Colt McCoy and Brett Ratliff wishing they had more time to throw. McCoy injured his hand on a play when a backup lineman was pushed back into him. I didn't see a lot of keepers on that second-unit, but I think Scott Kooistra will win a backup job out of necessity.

    23. Brownies: As always, it was great to hear Bernie Kosar breaking down plays and providing the color commentary to Jim Donovan...Eric Mangini looked happy on the sideline, and rightly so...McCoy did a nice job scrambling twice on third down...the Browns only completed 36% of their third down plays, but the Packers were lower at 27%...for a first preseason game, the Browns kept the penalties to a minimum at five.

    http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2010/8/15/1624467/jake-delhomme-and-the-browns
     
  20. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BENGALS

    Rookies Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley keyed the No. 1 offense’s first touchdown drive of the year and the backup defense scored a touchdown as the Bengals rebounded from a shaky first quarter Sunday night to score 17 unanswered points on the way to a 33-24 victory over Denver in the Paul Brown Stadium preseason opener.

    On the first play of the fourth quarter during wide receiver Jerome Simpson’s big second half, he drew a pass interference call on cornerback Tony Carter on the goal line and that set up running back James Johnson’s one-yard touchdown run that made it 30-17 with 12:47 left in the game as the Bengals eased away to go to 1-1.

    Before 51,287 the Bengals emerged from the cobwebs of last week’s Hall of Fame Game with a solid effort from their backups and special teams while quarterback Carson Palmer’s first offense got a rookie show three days after the rookie skits on the last night of training camp.

    After backup running back Bernard Scott jetted down the sideline for a 38-yard run that set up the first and longest of Dave Rayner’s four field goals, a 36-yarder that cut the Broncos lead to 14-10, backup cornerback David Jones stepped in front of Denver quarterback Brady Quinn’s ill-advised shotput of a pass to the left sideline and Jones had nobody in front of him for a 24-yard touchdown return.

    “Sometimes things just break right for you,” Jones said. “It seemed like slow motion almost. It seemed like a practice play. But it was right there, and I was able to take it in.”

    That gave the Bengals a 17-14 lead with 2:15 left in the first half.

    “Offensively our tempo and production were obviously better than last week, but on third down - both offensively and defensively - we were not where we need to be,” said head coach Marvin Lewis. “It was good to see several of our young guys get out there and perform. They made some plays for us, and we’re going to need that this year. I thought our quarterback played very well.”

    Two consecutive pass interference calls on rookie cornerback Johnny Sears in the final two minutes gave Denver the chance to tie it on Matt Prater’s 28-yard field goal. Still, the backups nearly forced a Quinn interception on the last two snaps before the field goal when linebacker Michael Johnson tipped a second-down pass at the line and then on the next play rookie defensive tackle Geno Atkins forced Quinn out of the pocket and David Jones and linebacker Brandon Johnson both got hands on it before the pass fell incomplete in the end zone.

    The Bengals rebounded from a downer of a first quarter when their No. 1 defense kept alive both Denver touchdown drives with third-down penalties and their offense faltered in short yardage to fall behind, 14-0.

    Throw in Rayner’s badly missed 44-yard field goal and a forced timeout on another field-goal attempt when the Bengals didn’t have enough men on the field and Lewis clearly wasn’t pleased because he sent Palmer and his first offense back on the field with 59 seconds left in the quarter and kept them in the game until 8:03 left in the first half when they scored the No. 1s’ first touchdown of the season.

    Lewis was rewarded with a 13-play drive. The team's No. 1 pick, Gresham, lined up as the tight end in the slot and ended the first quarter with a 19-yard catch over the middle and Shipley did the rest. Shipley, the Texas wide receiver taken in the third round, had three catches for 39 yards in the drive, two of the balls converting first downs in the middle of the field, to set up running back Cedric Benson’s one-yard touchdown run to cut the Denver lead to 14-10.

    “I really like the way this guy plays,” Palmer said of Shipley. “He’s been making plays all his life, I think. He knows how to get first downs, and that’s what we’re going to need out of that receiver spot.

    “It wasn’t perfect, but it was better than last week, and that’s what we’re looking to do – improve every week. We got some points and more yards, but we’ve got to finish all the drives. Cedric looked really good, I thought, and the pass protection was great.”

    Palmer finished the night 12-of-15 passing for 105 yards with no sacks, but the Bengals did lose center Kyle Cook on the drive with an ankle injury and rookie Reggie Stephens had to finish.

    “Brat did a great job with the scheme, getting the ball to different people,” Palmer said of offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski. “When guys’ numbers were called, they made plays.”

    The Bengals arrived Sunday fretting about their offense, but the defense offered virtually no resistance on the game’s first series when they allowed Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton to slice them up in just six plays for 72 yards to take a 7-0 lead in the first 2:41.

    Orton completely fooled the Bengals defense on a play-action fake on the game’s first play to hit a wide open wide receiver Jabar Gaffney for 31 yards and on the first play after defensive tackle Tank Johnson kept the drive alive with a personal foul penalty Orton hit wide receiver Eddie Royal running wild across the middle matched up against middle linebacker Dhani Jones for a 12-yard touchdown pass.

    The Bengals looked to be off the field on a third-and-six from the Cincinnati 25 when Brandon Johnson knocked away a pass in the end zone, but Tank Johnson was called for roughing Orton.

    The Bengals first team put together their longest drive of the season on Sunday’s first series, but it could have been more. Palmer had wide receiver Terrell Owens in his sights beyond the first-down stick on third down at the Denver 10 but he couldn't get his hands on it.

    And then Rayner missed the 44-yarder on a screeching low liner to the left. The big plays were Benson’s 21-yard run behind the left side that was sprung when he deked unblocked safety Darcel McBath and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco’s four-yard catch that converted a third-and-four working against perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey.

    Then Bengals cornerback Adam Jones had a nice two-play sequence. He knocked away a third down pass on the sideline when he snuffed out a timing route to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd and he popped the ensuing punt return down the same sideline. Using patience and one shift move, he busted it for 28 yards. Jones left late in the first half with a headache.

    But the Bengals couldn’t do anything with the return. Gresham did make like a basketball-boxout in the middle of the field to convert a third-and-10 for a 15-yard catch, but on a third-and-one from the Denver 32, the middle of the line got blown up and Benson lost a yard. When Michael Johnson was late coming on the field for Mike Nugent’s 50-yard field-goal try, the Bengals called timeout and decided to go for it on fourth-and-two, but Owens couldn’t get away from Bailey on a route over the middle for just a yard.

    Nugent never did get back on the field as Rayner went 4-for-5 on field goals, his longest coming from 36. The duo started the game alternating kicks and Nugent had two extra points but the coaches appeared to back him off because it was his first game since he hurt his groin.

    On third-and-10 from the Denver 32 late in the half, Orton stepped up against a Bengals blitz and found Gaffney beating Hall deep and when Hall didn’t turn his head while throwing in an arm, he was called for a 40-yard pass interference penalty. Then, isolated on Lloyd on the perimeter on a quick pass, Hall missed the tackle and Lloyd walked in for a six-yard touchdown that made it 14-0 with 59 seconds left in the first quarter.

    But the Bengals backups owned the second half. Scott raced away from the field with a 46-yard screen on the second half’s first possession and Simpson’s 21-yard catch set up Rayner’s first of three second half field goals, a 27-yarder, to give the Bengals the lead for good at 20-17 just 3:34 into the second half.

    A muffed Denver punt return resulted in another short Rayner field goal when rookie long snapper Mike Windt, trying to show he can cover punts as well as he can snap them, recovered the fumble at the Broncos 12. But backup quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan got sacked and Rayner chipped in a 31-yarder to make it 23-17 with 4:48 left in the third quarter.

    Defensive highlights in the second half: Atkins got 1.5 more sacks and rookie safety Jeromy Miles blew up Denver rookie quarterback Tim Tebow on a blitz to force a fumble that turned into defensive end Frostee Rucker’s stumbling-bumbling 34-yard touchdown run that got overturned because the play was ruled an incomplete pass.

    Linebacker Dan Skuta, who worked at fullback in the second half, left with an ankle injury but could have returned.

    PREGAME NOTES: With the Bengals' first offense expected to work as much as a quarter Sunday night against the Broncos, left end Robert Geathers (foot) and safety Chris Crocker (ankle) were out of the starting lineup when it was announced at Paul Brown Stadium 90 minutes before the game.

    In their place were Jon Fanene and Chinedum Ndukwe, respectively. Also out was rookie guard Otis Hudson as he undergoes a battery of tests after collapsing at Thursday's practice. Also out was wide receiver Maurice Purify (tendinitis) and rookie cornerback Brandon Ghee (thigh bruise). Runnng back Brian Leonard (foot) and fullback Fui Vakapuna (shoulder) were also out, but the backfield did have running back Cedric Peerman dressed even though he didn't practice for much of the last week or so with a hamstring issue.

    Also out were safety Tom Nelson (knee), who hasn't been active all camp, and center Jonathan Luigs (hip), who has barely practiced.

    Right tackle Andre Smith (foot/conditioning) also has been inactive and was out Sunday, but he looked like he could be close to ready as he ran up and down the field a few times during pregame. Head coach Marvin Lewis, not pleased with Smith, is going to have to be convinced if he's going to clear him as soon as this week.

    Terrell Owens got his second straight start at wide receiver with Antonio Bryant (knee) shelved again. Linebacker/fullback Dan Skuta was in his new No. 47. He was a game captain, as well as defensive tackle Tank Johnson, right guard Bobbie Williams, tight end Reggie Kelly, and safety Roy Williams.

    Some backup players who might see action against better competition are rookie defensive tackle Geno Atkins and veteran wide receiver Matt Jones.

    The Broncos had some high-profile players not dressed, such as linebacker Elvis Dumervil, running backs Knowshone Moreno, LenDale White, and Correll Buckhalter, safety Brian Dawkins, linebacker D.J. Williams, and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.

    There were some tough moments in pregame. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who suffered the sudden loss of wife Vikki last season, received the Pro Football Writers of America's George Halas Award for overcoming adversity. PFWA chapter president Joe Reedy of The Cincinnati Enquirer made the presentation moments before there was a moment of silence for the son of former Bengals running back Ickey Woods. Jovonte Woods, 16, died of an asthma attack Saturday as he was about enter his junior year at Princeton High School.

    The Bengals starting offense was announced, appearing in all white, on a night that rain hit about two hours before kickoff but by the time Bengals kicker Dave Rayner teed it up the sun was out with the temperature at 74 degrees.

    http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Rookie-show/0fb64e12-6f45-48f7-809f-b432a0e0f370
     
  21. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    STEELERS



    For whatever reason, I opted to reach out to beat reporters other than Ed Bouchette for interviews when I determined that Behind the Steel Curtain had been around long enough to warrant even just a little bit of time and energy from the Steelers' most respected reporters. Jim Wexell came first and his kindness and willingness to share his insights on the site has always been extremely appreciated by me. More recently, I reached out to Dale Lolley. He too was kind enough to talk to the site, as well as to write for this year's preseason publication for Maple Street Press.

    Again, not sure why, but Mr. Bouchette came last. Maybe that's because he writes for the flagship paper, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and figured he had better things to do knowing damn well he had a massive audience already. Or maybe it's because he often sounds exacerbated by fans in his humorous weekly chats and I didn't want to be dismissed by him like he might do to a fan who calls for Coach Tomlin's head after the first minor setback.

    Who knows, but I'm glad I finally asked him for a minute of his time. Bouchette was remarkably gracious and responsive and I hope it's not the last time that we have him on the site talking shop with us.

    Star-divide
    1) Interesting thoughts by you today on the Steelers quarterback situation. Specifically, I thought you raised a good point about how Coach Tomlin should at least consider using both Leftwich and Dixon during the team's first four games of the season. You brought up several instances in NFL history where it's been done, and I'll add one more: several years ago in Arizona when both Leinart and Warner were rotated creatively by Ken Whisenhunt. Do you think it's at all likely that Tomlin and Arians will do something similarly creative? Or do you think that the guy who starts Week 1 will remain the starter pending injury, extreme struggles or the return of Big Ben?

    Bouchette: Bruce Arians and Mike Tomlin confirmed on Monday that they have special packages just for Dennis Dixon. Byron Leftwich will start, but I think both are going to play. If Leftwich falters, it would not surprise me if they inserted Dixon. Of course, Ben will start when he returns.

    2) How many running backs do you think the Steelers will carry? And who are those guys in your estimation?

    Bouchette: Mendenhall, Moore, Redman, Frank the Tank, and maybe one more. Dwyer would be the favorite, although Wright might have a shot. Dwyer has to start showing something, though.

    3) Flozell Adams didn''t looked all that great on Saturday, and from the sounds of things in your columns and others on the beat in Latrobe, the same can be said of his first two weeks of practice with the Steelers. What do you think of his chances to make the team and be named the starter at right tackle for Week 1. Because he wasn't given any guaranteed money, is it possible the Steelers might cut him if he doesn't look like a viable starting option for the long haul in 2010? Do you think he'd be okay with a reserve role? And finally, who's the most likely candidate to beat him out in the next few weeks?

    Bouchette: Adams did not look good Saturday. He looked slow. He looked terrible again Monday in practice when the OL was blocking individually against the Dline. Maybe he's one of those vets who does not treat camp seriously and has had the Cowboys made for so many years it didn't matter. But I think it matters now and if he does not show something, I believe they can dump him. I'm not sure who would go there. Jonathan Scott has been running No. 2 and Ramon Foster really hasn't been playing much tackle. You could put Trai Essex there and start Ramon Foster at RG, assuming Pouncey will be at center.

    4) More likely to have a Mike Wallace type rookie year in 2010 - Antonio Brown or Emmanuel Sanders.?

    Bouchette: I still think it's going to be Sanders. Brown is a cocky kid who has great confidence. He looks like a steal as a sixth-rounder. It did not go over big with the coaches when he popped up Saturday and pointed "first down,'' when it wasn't even a first down. But he had the TD and he caught a nice shoe-string grab off a low throw on another. I also think he may be their return man.


    5) Can you briefly comment on what you know about Dennis Dixon as a student of the game. I remember reading as well as hearing from former Steelers LB Bruce Davis, that Dixon was one of the most studious and thoughtful guys on the team.

    Bouchette: He's learning. One of the early knocks on him was that he was slow picking up defenses, but I believe his performance in Baltimore last season on late notice that he would start and his play Saturday showed his improvement in those areas. Bruce Arians, though, was not happy that he ran so much vs. the Lions; said he did not have enough patience with the pass on some of those plays.

    6) Not sure if this is kosher being that you have a vote each year for the Hall of Fame, but do you think Hines Ward is on the inside track to Canton?

    Bouchette: I don't know about the inside track, but he's on a track. Wide receivers are having a tougher go of it because of the increasing numbers of receptions in the league as NFL became more pass-happy with the more liberal rules and all. But he has a lot going for him, putting up those kinds of numbers on a team that traditionally runs the ball, his Super Bowl MVP and his blocking. Plus, he's still going strong.

    7) One thing that you'll never grow tired of as one of the most recognized and senior journalists traveling the country to cover the NFL?

    Bouchette: The camaraderie of the press corps (I still call it press, but I guess it includes all media). My most enjoyable moments covering the Steelers have been my relationships with my colleagues, including those I've competed against. Plus, I've gotten to know so many others around the country who cover football. I've met as many "stars" in my business as I have those who played the game.

    8) Favorite current player or coach to speak to? Former player or coach?

    Bouchette: There are way too many to single anyone out and I would kick myself if I overlooked someone. There are many, many more good ones than bad apples, just as in society as a whole. And sometimes the most ornery have given me the best stories. Certainly, Bubby Brister was one of the most entertaining Steelers to cover and interview.

    http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2010/8/17/1627026/btsc-talks-to-ed-bouchette-as-the

    So, as I was at the game on Saturday, here's my two cents that I got while watching the Steelers destroy the Lions! Mind, it was probably a good thing I didn't take too many written notes, as the rain would've destroyed it, but what can you do?

    - The crowd seemed to support Ben's arrival. When he stepped out of the tunnel for the first time during warm-ups, he got a pretty big ovation. During the first quarter, when Byron Leftwich seemed to be struggling, a few fans started a WE WANT BEN!! chant, which I somewhat joined in on. He seemed pretty sharp while warming up, and looked like he was in the best shape that I've seen him. He's still got a good hold of this team, as he went around to each player that was stretching and said a few words and gave a little high-five.

    - Speaking of Leftwich, I must say I was a bit displeased. My dad is a staunch Leftwich fan, but even he was disappointed with his play. At times, he seemed like he wasn't sure of what to do. At others, he had a defender in his face before he could get the ball away. And then there was that one pass to Mike Wallace. As soon as he let that one go, everyone got up to their feet... only to be disappointed when it was no good. Though it's too early to tell, Leftwich plays like there was a legitimate reason the Bucs were so willing to let go of him.

    - Onto Dennis Dixon. His running ability was always great to watch, but at times... well, it was almost frustrating. Sure he got the first downs and all, but it seemed like he occasionally he had options downfield. IF (and it's a pretty big if) he plays against 1st stringers, he's going to find that they're a bit faster than the practice squad fodder. His passes almost seemed to be a bit slower than during warm-ups, and that one touchdown pass to Antonio Brown actually required a great catch on Brown, as it was a little low. However, we must all realize that these two are just biding their time until Big Ben comes back after his suspension. Perhaps we'll be able to squeak out a few wins with either of them, but no one should advocate having Dixon or Leftwich start the entire season. Additionally, the defense seemed to stack more defenders towards the LoS when Dixon was playing, as everyone seemed to key on that Dixon would either hand it off to Redman or just run it himself on most plays.

    - Oh Isaac Redman. He certainly seemed to warrant his following. Not only did he make some electrifying runs, but those were exactly the runs that Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore couldn't make with basically the same line. He converted some nice short yardage situations, and there were a couple of times when he had some really great blocks. I remember one particularly where Leftwich was throwing to his left, and a defender was coming to his right. Redman immediately picked it up, and the pass went for a first down. His long run was pretty insane as well, as he seemed impossible to tackle (which, of course, is the truth.)

    - As I mentioned, Mendenhall and Moore seemed less than par on Saturday. Mendenhall seemed to run into defenders and not have the great vision. The one time he had a great run, he coughed up the ball while holding the ball down low. Moore has seemed slow at times, which explains the sweep against the Chiefs. Jonathan Dwyer couldn't get much going, but he looks to be in shape. I couldn't really notice the fat that was so prevalent in the pre-draft reports, although he couldn't really get much of a ground game going.

    - The defense looked stellar as always. Sure it was the lions, but we were still able to hold them off for the most part, especially near their own end zone. Our 2nd string defense got handled by their first string offense, but Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett looked especially good covering Calvin Johnson (not an easy feat!). Just when they looked like they would be beat, they broke up the pass in teh endzone just in time (the third time, I thought Johnson pushed off, but what can you do?) I was particularly impressed with DaMon Cromartie-Smith, who seemed to be around the ball every play.

    - Antonio Brown looked absolutley phenomenal. He was blazing fast, especially on that one touchdown catch. There were defenders 20 yards downfield that couldn't catch him. Not to mention he had to make a catch for a pass that was a little low. Whenever they faked the handoff to him, he took half the defense along the way. He did not look like a rookie out of the 6th round at all. Who needs Santonio when we got Antonio?

    - Emmanuel Sanders on the other hand seemed to be quiet during the game. Not to much to notice, except that one pass from Dixon was a bit off, and he couldn't quite make the adjustment to it.

    - Flozell Adams looked awful whenever I saw him. He got beat badly on several plays, and it's obviously going to take some time for him to adjust to the right side.

    - However, I may be a bit biased, as I am now Willie Colon's biggest fan. After the game, I was hanging by the stairs that lead to the basement tunnel, and I saw Willie Colon passing by. While all the others shouted stuff like, "THAT HAT LOOKS NICE!" "HERE, SIGN THIS!" I decided to go with the simple, "Willie! I hope you get better soon! You're the best!" not expecting anything. But lo and behold, he stops, smiles, and tosses up his towel to me. One of the happier moments of my life ^^

    -Finally, there was a Taylor Lautner sighting at Heinz Field. I had no idea who he was as I've stayed away from anything remotely Twilight related, so the girls screaming, "TAYLORRRRR!!!<333" threw me off. I was wondering why they were screaming for Ike Taylor hahah.

    - Pittsburgh is an amazing city! If you haven't gone yet, you absolutely have to! Heinz Field is absolutely great; the fans are passionate, as we stayed throughout the driving rain until they made us go inside. Everyone was going crazy, taking their shirt off and going absolutely nuts. And while waiting inside, I had some of the buffalo wings, and I must say they were some of the best I ever had. Here we go Steelers here we go

    http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2010/8/16/1625332/observations-from-the-3rd-row
     
  22. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BENGALS

    Marvin Lewis has ruled out defensive end Robert Geathers (foot) and fullback Fui Vakapuna (shoulder) for Friday’s 8 p.m. preseason game against the Eagles but it appears that center Kyle Cook (ankle) and linebacker/fullback Dan Skuta (ankle) are good to go.

    But maybe right tackle Andre Smith is going to have to play, ready or not, against the Eagles even though he's only going to have two practices under his belt all year. Anthony Collins, who backs up both tackle spots, wasn't on the field Wednesday morning and he was seen later in the locker room on crutches. With rookie Andrew Mitchell (knee) also ruled out for Friday, that left only Smith and Gabriel Manns working at tackle behind starters Andrew Whitworth and Dennis Roland.

    Collins would be a tough guy to lose for any length of time since he can play virtually every spot but center. Lewis didn't mention Collins specifically at a Wednesday morning news conference before practice on the Paul Brown Stadium practice fields, but he did say he has to see how some injured players respond on Friday.

    Guys who definitely didn't practice because of injury besides Geathers and Vakapuna were right end Antwan Odom (unknown), wide receiver Maurice Purify (tendinitis), and linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy (hamstring).

    Cornerback Adam Jones, who left Sunday's game with a headache, returned to practice. So did cornerback Brandon Ghee (hamstring) and with safety Chris Crocker (ankle) back in the mix, the secondary looks healthy.

    Also back working was rookie right guard Otis Hudson after he was overcome by heat in Georgetown last Thursday. Linebacker Rashad Jeanty (leg), not yet cleared, returned from his Florida rehab that mirrored the training camp dates earlier this week and was on the field for the second straight day.

    Although Smith said he felt rusty with his technique after Tuesday’s practice, Lewis said he and offensive line coach Paul Alexander disagreed. Lewis said while they were asked not to put Smith through footwork drills in the spring as he recovered from his broken foot, they were able to work extensively on it during training camp with the help of former Steelers Pro Bowl center Dermontti Dawson.

    “I think that was useful for him on and off the field,” Lewis said.

    Smith, 23, born the year Dawson started his 13-year NFL career that figures to land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, has stuck up an easy rapport with the 45-year-old. Not hard to do since Dawson, an NFL minority program coaching intern, is regarded as one of the great guys of the game.

    “He means a great deal to me. He’s a great guy to have on your team,” Smith said after Wednesday’s practice. “I just knew him as an extremely athletic offensive lineman.”

    And he still is. Just ask Smith. When Dawson goes on the field, he often dons gloves and cleats as if he’s still playing. During training camp at Georgetown College when Smith was rehabbing his broken foot and getting into condition, Dawson would take him aside for individual work 30 minutes before practice. One time he blew past Smith in a drill.

    “He’s got some pass rush moves. He kind of caught me off guard,” Smith said. “I wasn’t expecting that from him.

    “We did a little bit of everything (in the workouts). Running plays, getting back to the technique aspect, not so much getting back into shape. He’s been around a lot of great guys. We talk more often than not about football and life and things you have to do be successful. He told me how hard he had to work to get to where he was.”

    Lewis said the hope is that Mike Nugent (groin), pulled back after kicking two extra points last Sunday, is going to get some field-goal tries Friday. Nugent said his groin tightened up at halftime and he didn't go back to kick, but he's going to try and do it Friday as he attempts to balance his health with catching up with Dave Rayner's 4-for-5 last Sunday.

    "You don't want to put anying bad on tape," Nugent said.

    Lewis wouldn’t get specific about how long his first teams would play. He said that some players would play more than last week, when quarterback Carson Palmer’s offense played until the halfway point of the second quarter. So that could point to an entire half for the ones.

    Certainly Lewis thinks the always-sound Eagles provide a good early challenge on both sides of the ball even though the untried Kevin Kolb is replacing franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb. In vintage Andy Reid fashion, the Eagles finished a steel-belted 11th on offense and 12th on defense in last season’s NFL rankings.

    “(The Eagles) have a 4-3 defense with a little bit more of some different pressures,” Lewis said. “Defensively (for the Bengals), they have a quick throwing team with guys that do a great job of running after the catch and vertical guys down the field, so a pretty well-rounded offense. It’s a good game to play as far as the recognition of what is going to happen during the game.”

    http://www.bengals.com/news/article...e-crunch/80808f12-a558-47a8-9db0-fcff5e8822e8
     
  23. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    RAVENS



    The Ravens secondary didn't do too shabby against the Panthers last week, but I think we can all agree that relying on cornerbacks Prince Miller, Travis Fisher and Cary Williams to play prominent roles and a significant number of snaps won't work out well for the Ravens this season.

    Meanwhile, Fabian Washington is slowly working off the rust, Chris Carr has been hobbled in training camp and Lardarius Webb could return to practice soon.

    NFL Network's Jason La Canfora says reinforcements are "likely" on the way, and he's not talking about the trio of gimpy players I just mentioned.

    According to La Canfora, the Ravens are working the phone lines to acquire another reliable cornerback -- and they are dangling Willis McGahee, Mark Clayton and linebackers (maybe Antwan Barnes or Tavares Gooden?) as trade bait.

    The Ravens remain in the market for a legit third or fourth corner, having exhausted the free-agent ranks, and figure they might have to deal RB Willis McGahee to complete a deal. Receiver Mark Clayton and one of their many quality depth linebackers would have some trade appeal, as well, if they can find the right partner. They won't all be dealt, but somebody playing at least one of those positions is likely to go.

    http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/ent...l/2010/08/mcgahee_clayton_or_lb_on_the_o.html

    Another offensive lineman went down for the Ravens when right tackle Oniel Cousins was carted off the field after suffering a headache.

    One Ravens official said Cousins will be checked for a concussion. Another official indicated that Cousins could be exhausted after a throat procedure sidelined him for most of the offseason as well as the first week of training camp.

    Cousins became the sixth offensive lineman to miss practice time this week because of an injury and the second to be carted off the field in three days (backup David Hale was taken off after bruising his tailbone). The Ravens finished practice with nine offensive linemen.

    Text FOOTBALL to 70701 to get Baltimore Sun Ravens text alerts

    "He developed a headache, so that's where we're at," coach John Harbaugh said of Cousins.

    Cousins had been starting at right tackle for Jared Gaither, whose status for the start of the regular season is uncertain because of a back injury. Tony Moll replaced Cousins with the starting offense.

    "Since I've been here, I haven't had much of a chance to get in there with the ones," said Moll, who missed 10 days of camp because of a concussion himself. "That's really what I've been pushing for, improving myself. And that's what it takes to be able to get in there with the ones and gain the confidence of the coaches and the staff."

    Besides Cousins, Gaither and Hale, other Ravens offensive linemen currently injured are: center Matt Birk (neck), tackle Stefan Rodgers (partially dislocated shoulder) and guard Daniel Sanders (shoulder).

    Carr to start Saturday?

    Chris Carr's left hamstring has improved so much that the cornerback could tackle a full workload in Thursday's practice.

    He has taken part in individual and positional drills for the past couple of days, but he has been mostly relegated to the sideline during full-team exercises. If Carr practices Thursday, he could start alongside Fabian Washington against the Washington Redskins Saturday night. Carr said he would not be opposed to that plan.

    "Yeah, if they want me to, and if I feel good tomorrow in practice," he said. "But it's all precarious because in a live situation, it's different in practice. So we'll see."

    Gooden dealing with neck injury

    A day after running with the first defense at inside linebacker, Tavares Gooden sat out Wednesday morning's practice with an injured neck.

    Gooden declined to discuss the injury, but Harbaugh said the injury stemmed from the team's preseason opener.

    "It just keeps tightening back up on him, so we just need to sit him down and settle him down," Harbaugh said.

    "He's tried to go the last two days. Every time he's tried to go, it spasms back up, so we just need to settle him down for a couple days and try to get him out there on Saturday."

    If Gooden can't practice Thursday, that might jeopardize his shot at starting against the Washington Redskins Saturday night. Jameel McClain earned the start against the Panthers, and Dannell Ellerbe might start against the New York Giants on Aug. 28.

    Asked if he wants to rotate those three linebackers to give each an opportunity to play with the first defense, Harbaugh said, "Yeah, that'd probably be part of it. We also want to get Jameel some work at SAM [strongside linebacker] because he's a multiple guy, and in order to play the position, you've got to get some work there. So we'll move those guys around for the next two weeks and we'll know where we're at."

    Ravens will 'be smart' with rice

    Ray Rice didn't get one touch in the preseason opener, which could be a trend for the Ravens running back this preseason.

    It could be similar to the time when San Diego used to spare LaDanian Tomlinson the needless pounding in preseason.

    "Ray's a competitor. He wants to play," Harbaugh said. "And we'll be smart with Ray. He'll play as much as he needs to in the next few games, but Ray is going to play a lot in the regular season, too."

    Text FOOTBALL to 70701 to get Baltimore Sun Ravens text alerts

    L.Mclain vows to return soon

    Le'Ron McClain was held out of Wednesday morning's practice after developing what the two-time Pro Bowl fullback called "a little back tightness."

    Rookie Mike McLaughlin took a majority of the snaps at fullback, but McClain vowed to return to the practice field by Thursday.

    "I'm practicing tomorrow," he said. "That's my goal. I hate missing practice. So I've got to get back out here."

    No 'Hard Knocks'

    While Rex Ryan's expletives have made him a reality TV star, "Hard Knocks" hasn't really captured the attention of Harbaugh even though it features the Jets, his team's season-opening opponent.

    "Well, you don't see anything that we'd really be interested in seeing," Harbaugh said. "It's not like they've got their coaching script and their coaching video up. If they had that, we'd take a close look at it."

    In the next breath, Harbaugh took a playful jab at Ryan, the Ravens' former defensive coordinator for 10 years.

    "We do suspect that Coach Ryan has had a few of his local friends from Ellicott City out here with their cameras videotaping practice, but that's OK," he said. "He's knows what we're doing, and we pretty much know what they're doing. I'm sure there will be a few wrinkles, but it's fun to watch."

    End zone

    Today's practices (8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.) mark the final ones for this year's training camp. The Ravens will move back to their Owings Mills headquarters Monday, when practices become closed to fans. … Rookie defensive tackle Arthur Jones tweeted he was fined $5,000 by the NFL for an accidental block below the wait in the preseason opener. … Rookie wide receiver David Reed, who dropped several passes at practice, worked on catching balls after the workout. "I talked to coach Cam [Cameron] and said, 'I'm in a slump.' He said, '[You aren't] in a slump. You never were,'" Reed said. "I thought about that as practice went on, and it's true. I wasn't in a slump. I was just getting myself down. I'm my biggest critic, and I have to get out there."

    http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/...ss2 ( Ravens/Football)&utm_source=twitterfeed
     
  24. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BROWNS

    TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 18 [MORNING & EVENING] (8/17/10)

    1. Benard Moves Up to First Unit: The biggest news of the day came during the morning session when fans saw second-year linebacker Marcus Benard playing outside linebacker with the first-team offense, replacing Scott Fujita. Fujita didn't get benched; he actually moved to inside linebacker, taking the spot of Eric Barton (who was taking the spot of D'Qwell Jackson). It seems like a lot of shuffling, but it also adds to the belief that a guy like Benard has a great shot at making the final roster.

    2. Returning to Action: Several players returned to practice Tuesday morning, including QB Colt McCoy, FB Peyton Hillis, and LB David Veikune. Beyond the usual suspects, the notable players missing from practice were CB Brandon McDonald, RB James Davis, and WR Mohamed Massaquoi. It was mentioned in a previous post that offensive linemen Floyd Womack (knee scoped) and Shawn Lauvao (personal issues) are out for awhile too.

    3. Brown Gets Delhomme Twice: Defensive back Sheldon Brown had Jake Delhomme's number on Tuesday, intercepting him once in each practice session. The morning session saw him intercept a pass intended for Joshua Cribbs in the two-minute drill, and the evening session saw him intercept a pass intended for Ben Watson on a fourth-down play.

    4. Touchdown City: Because the Browns ran a lot of situational drills in the evening session (such as red zone, goal line, and fourth-down drills), there were quite a few touchdowns. Among one of the "stars?"...

    5. Engram Grabs Three Touchdowns: It wasn't the youngsters who shined, but rather veteran Bobby Engram, who had three situational touchdowns during the evening session. Two of the plays came from long-distance -- a 20-yard score from Colt McCoy, and a 40-yarder from Seneca Wallace. If the Browns keep a fifth receiver, Engram just might end up finding himself a roster spot by default. Johnathan Haggerty is gone, Carlton Mitchell is struggling, Jake Allen hasn't stood out, and Taurus Johnson is new. Syndric Steptoe could give Engram the best competition.

    6. Scuffle on the Field: There was a small fight that broke out between LB Titus Brown and RB Chris Jennings in the morning. Brown was apparently the person at fault for the incident though, because he was the run forced to run a punishment lap. Overall, the incident wasn't too serious.

    7. More Action for Moore: Although tight end Evan Moore had a drop in the morning, he "redeemed himself" with a 20-yard reception. During the evening session, Moore had at least two touchdowns, again proving to be a viable option for quarterbacks in the red zone.

    8. Ward's Coverage on Steptoe: During the morning practice, Tony Grossi had praise for the coverage of safety T.J. Ward on one particular play that saw him go over the top of receiver Syndric Steptoe to knock the pass away, all before making contact with the receiver.

    9. Right Side of Offensive Line: With Womack and Lauvao out, the right side of the offensive line featured Billy Yates (RG) and Scott Kooistra (RT). It was reported that OG Pat Murray also subbed in at right guard a few times. The team should get John St. Clair back pretty soon, and it's hard to believe that right now he is the guy who can help patch the right side back up a bit.

    10. One to Watch?: Don't look now, but cornerback DeAngelo Smith seems to be making some headlines in camp with a few pass breakups here and there. If the Browns have any intention of keeping an extra defensive back, Smith could sneak his way onto the roster.

    11. Wide Receiver Brownies: Newcomer Taurus Johnson caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Brett Ratliff...on another play from Ratliff, a fleaflicker attempt, rookie Carlton Mitchell dropped the pass in the end zone...receiver Jake Allen had at least two drops on the day...running back Chris Jennings was also the victim of a drop.

    12. Hyping Veikune: If there's one writer who has been promoting David Veikune, it would be the Canton Repository's Steve Doerschuk. He continued the piece he did the other day on trying to cover the specifics of all 80 players in camp. With fewer players to cover now that his first batch was over, Doerschuk went into even more (and therefore entertaining) details in Tuesday's article. Check it out!

    http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2010/8/18/1628947/cleveland-browns-training-camp

    In reporting on the two or three (or in today’s case, four or five) players with injury issues, one can lose sight of the other 70-some guys.

    We see our duty as sharing a healthy taste of what Berea, and toward that end we put up last week’s “Around Berea In 80 Plays.”

    We were dreaming when we set out to observe all 80 roster players in one practice.

    Another day, another practice. This time, we came close to hitting all of the guys we missed.

    Here’s what occurred to as we found the missing links under our noses and through out binoculars.

    No. 13, WR Taurus Johnson, scratches his head between drills and chats with Josh Cribbs. Taurus Who? He is the newest Brown, summoned when poor Johnathan Haggerty got hurt at Green Bay, then got shuffled to the waived-injured list. Joshua Cribbs liked Haggerty. He told me they were in a Bible study group together.

    No. 15, punter Dave Zastudil. He was at Skyland Pines golf course in Canton not long before camp for a speech, at which point there were no indications his offseason surgery would kill his season. Unfortunately, it did, and when we talked to him today, it was over the phone.

    No. 18, rookie wideout Carlton Mitchell, long strides behind the coverage and stretches out for a deep sideline pass from Brett Ratliff. Ratty rifles a beautiful strike, but it goes through Mitchell’s hands, Braylon-style. Mitchell tosses his head back in drafted-too-late-for-safety angst.

    No. 20, safety Mike Adams, is with the twos. On consecutive plays. RB James Davis and tight end Evan Moore split wide left. Adams lines up opposite them. Moore makes a quick cut that catches Adams off guard. While hustling to catch up, Adams smacks into linebacker Kaluka Maiava, who wasn’t looking and drops like a sack of spuds.

    No. 21, cornerback Eric Wright, has his left ankle and calf heavily taped but seems to be moving all right. In an 11-on-11, he picks up Chansi Stuckey in zone coverage but slips, allowing Stuckey to get away, but Jake Delhomme throws elsewhere. Later, Wright and veteran Sheldon Brown are the starting CBs, but Joe Haden gets some time with the ones. On one snap, Haden lines up on Cribbs, who is split wide right. It’s a run left. Cribbs’ job is to block Haden. There’s a little rivalry developing between these two. Cribbs never forgets that he went undrafted, and he always aims to show a high pick who he really is.

    You can see that in his relentless approach on the Haden block.

    No. 41, safety Bubba Ventrone, picks up the new kid, No. 13, who is split wide left. The kid makes a quick move, and it takes Bubba a split second to react.

    Bubba is tiny. During a water break, we notice that the top of his helmet barely clears tight end Evan Moore’s shoulder pads..

    No. 30, CB Gerard Lawson, has been quiet and must be nervous, having already been unlikely to make the team before a DUI arrest. He’s one of the fastest men on the team and is a candidate to return kicks if anything happens to Josh Criibbs. He catches a “kickoff” from the JUGS machine and weaves through imaginary traffic.

    No. 43, rookie safety T.J. Ward, takes on Cribbs in “the gauntlet,” a one-on-one tackling drill in which a bump counts as a tackle. Cribbs schools the rookie, bursting straight ahead, giving no clue which way he will cut, and completely losing Ward with a sudden move to the left.

    Later, in 11-on-11s, Ward is with the ones at strong safety. At the snap, his head is twitching all over the place as he tries to read the play. It’s a run. He shoots in to tap Jerome Harrison on the leg, signaling a tackle. He seemed very hungry to hit at Green Bay.

    No. 47, FB Lawrence Vickers, famed linebacker-bustin’ machine, weaves toward linebacker David Veikune for a lead block. Bustin’ being off limits in practice, he pulls up just as he reaches Veikune.

    No. 57, Veikune, is back from an injury. Keep an eye on this kid. He can bench press 225 pounds 40-some times and is starting to figure out how to play. He’s running with the twos in 11 on 11s with fellow 2009 draft pick Kaluka Maiava as the other inside backer. He diagnoses what’s behind the pile at the snap, hustles all the way around to his left, and darts in top confront RB Jerome Harrison.

    No. 60, offensive lineman John Malecki, was signed just last week but had to play right away at Green bay because of injuries to other players. He chops his feet through mini-agility hurdles in which the offensive linemen and quarterbacks line up and follow each other through the drill. Malecki and Jake Delhomme are only a few players apart. Mangini is a psychology guy. This drill is intended to promote bonding.

    No. 63, Paul Fanaika, gets a turn at right tackle and fires out to his right. A bit later, with Wallace at quarterback, Fanaika fires out, pulls right, and gets his 327 pounds all over linebacker Jason Trusnik, who looks as if he would have been blown to Medina if full-fledged contact had been allowed.

    No. 65, G Eric Steinbach, looks very quick moving sideways through agility hurdles, but not as quick as the man coming behind him, Joe Thomas. Steinbach lifts his legs a bit higher than Thomas does to make sure he doesn’t trip. Thomas skims his feet about a half inch over the hurdles with machine-like efficiency.

    An hour later, during a break after 11 on 11s, Steinbach stands and chats in the hot sun with Jake Delhomme. It hits you that Steinbach, listed at 6-6, seems a head taller than Delhomme. Delhomme is listed at 6-2 but doesn’t seem it in this glimpse.

    No. 68, center Billy Yates, snaps to Seneca Wallace during 11 on 11s, then fights to keep his feet steady as he gets bumped by oncoming traffic from both sides.

    No. 71, NT Ahtyba Rubin, runs through a drill with assistant defensive line coach Rick Lyle, who played for the Belichik-era Browns. Lyle extends his hands, pretending to be an offensive lineman, and Rubin slaps them away. All of the D-linemen repeat this. Lyle is wearing gloves, lest his hands turn into meatloaf.

    No. 83, WR Chansi Stuckey, is in a position drill including only the wideouts. He runs a little square-out and takes in a perfect strike from receivers coach George McDonald. It is an impressive throw, seeing as how McDonald has two other balls tucked under his other arm. It’s a tempo thing. Mangini wants busy drills; thus, McDonald makes like a juggler while he dishes out passes.

    No. 90, DE Kenyon Coleman, lines up with the ones in 11-on-11s. Before the snap, he shifts a bit to his right after reading a possible run that way. “Run” is the call. As Coleman tries to penetrate inside, he is picked up by center Alex Mack and guard Eric Steinbach. It is the life of a 3-4 end.

    No. 95, defensive lineman Swanson Miller, is used as a practice body, playing the role of left offensive tackle and firing out against starting DE Robaire Smith. The real offensive linemen are off in their own position drills. A coach pretending to be a QB hands off to Blake Costanzo, a linebacker impersonating a tailback, while Miller blocks Smith.

    No. 97, defensive end Clifton Geathers, launches on to a two-man sled alongside Coleman. Ideally, both men are supposed to exert equal force, driving the sled straight back. Coleman has much better drive than Geathers, and the sled retreats crookedly. Line coach Bryan Cox seems not to be picking on Geathers as much as he did early in camp. Then, Cox did a lot of cussing.

    http://blogs.cantonrep.com/freshbrownies/arounf-berea-in-80-plays-ii-cussing-and-meatloaf/
     
  25. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    STEELERS

    EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Ben Roethlisberger took his latest step Saturday night, 15 miles across the Hudson River from where NFL commissioner Roger Goodell put his own foot down four months ago.

    This first live, televised public appearance by Roethlisberger this season played uneventfully. In fact, Roethlisberger was the only one of three Steelers quarterbacks who failed to lead his offense into the end zone.

    Playing in his first NFL game since Goodell, from league headquarters in Manhattan, suspended him in April for at least the first four games of the regular season, Roethlisberger took 20 snaps, completed 6 of 8 passes, threw one interception and produced three points over nearly 1 1/2 quarters of work at New Meadowlands Stadium, playing host to just its second game.

    The Steelers ultimately won, 24-17, to raise their preseason record to 2-0.

    "First time out, I thought he did some nice things," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "He moved us. It was a good start."

    Jeff Reed kicked a 26-yard field goal for the only score in Roethlisberger's three series to start the game.

    It was Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon who stole the show for the Steelers at quarterback. Leftwich rifled a 68-yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace to give them a 10-7 halftime lead. Dixon came on as the third Steelers quarterback of the game and directed his first two series into the end zone to start the second half.

    Isaac Redman ran 12 yards for the first touchdown behind Dixon to end a 78-yard drive. Dwayne Wright bulled over from the 2 to end an 82-yard drive under Dixon.

    Roethlisberger threw for 76 yards and left with a 3-0 lead and a sub-par passer rating of 64.6.

    "It was good to get back out there, that was the most important thing," Roethlisberger said. "I enjoyed that."

    Tomlin was asked about the disruption Roethlisberger's suspension might be causing.

    "You know, I don't care about the disruption, quite frankly, when it comes to his performance," Tomlin answered. "He's a professional. His job is to play and to lead us and he's done that. He needs to continue to do that. And we'll deal with all the other things we have to deal with in the appropriate manner."

    Leftwich completed 3 of 6 passes for 95 yards and a 135.4 passer rating.

    "Leftwich was back there with a little bit too much time," Giants coach Tom Coughlin complained.

    Dixon completed 7 of 8 for 82 yards and is 13 of 15 for 200 yards and one touchdown pass in two games.

    Quarterback Charlie Batch did not play.

    Tomlin said the Steelers are on point with their plans at quarterback.

    "We wanted Ben to have a productive training camp and preseason, and we wanted to get the other guys ready to play."

    Not long after Roethlisberger left, the Giants took a 7-3 lead, thanks to a 75-yard drive by their third-string quarterback against the Steelers' first team. With Eli Manning (head) and Jim Sorgi (shoulder) out with injuries, the Giants turned to first-year pro Rhett Bomar to start and he played the entire game, a rarity in the preseason.

    Bomar connected on a 45-yard pass to Steve Smith, who took the ball away from cornerback Bryant McFadden at the Steelers' 30 to start the Giants' only touchdown drive of the first half. That drive ended when Ahmad Bradshaw ran straight off left end as linebacker James Harrison and McFadden ran inside. Bradshaw ran 9 yards untouched into the end zone to put the Giants on top, 7-3.

    The Steelers went back up in spectacular style on Leftwich's 68-yard scoring pass to Wallace. Wallace sped behind everyone and Leftwich hit him at the 15, a pass that sailed in the air for 60 yards. That score gave the Steelers the lead, 10-7.

    Roethlisberger's interception with 6:02 left in the first quarter was a three-way mistake. The first occurred when right tackle Flozell Adams missed his block on Justin Tuck, who beat him to the inside and chased after the quarterback. Roethlisberger, scrambling to his right to get away from Tuck, threw deep toward Wallace sprinting down the right side -- but not nearly deep enough.

    Cornerback Corey Webster had the best position to grab the pass away from Wallace, who missed his attempt to knock it down.

    Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor got into a punching match with Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks after the fourth play of the game and both were ejected.

    "I was blocking downfield and trying to finish my block, and the next thing I knew, he was throwing punches, so I tried to defend myself," Nicks said.

    Tomlin was not happy about Taylor's actions, condemning "post-snap" penalties and calling Taylor's actions "dumb."

    The Steelers nearly had a second touchdown but ran out of time in the first half. With the ball at the 1 and 12 seconds and no time outs left, Mewelde Moore was stopped up the middle on third down for no gain and the clock ran out.

    Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10234/1081905-66.stm#ixzz0xP4vggWh

    A baseball coach of mine had a tradition the players of my class, as well as the players of the classes before me, came to look for at the start of each year.

    If our starting pitcher threw a ball at any point in the first at-bat of the season, he'd freak out.

    "Here we go again!" he'd growl to our pitching coach and anyone else within ear shot. "Another year we can't throw a G-D strike!"

    It's easy to fall into that pattern. Funny, too.

    Watching the Steelers preseason games, we typically fall into our tradition of labeling a back-up running back our low-or-undrafted Diamond in the FieldTurf. It wasn't long ago I remember raving about a young Willie Parker, and how he's our future starting tailback. Then, Gary Russell came along, I was convinced he was the same way. Now, it's Isaac "Redzone" Redman.

    I don't see that tradition stopping any time soon. With the way the NFL has evolved, every team is going to select a good runner late in the draft, and that runner will compete for snaps right away.

    One area the Steelers haven't had to worry about the phenomenon of Training Camp Darling is at quarterback.

    I haven't channeled my inner-Coach Peck, and said, "Here we go again, another preseason in which the back-up outplays the starters."

    It seems Dennis Dixon is starting his own tradition.

    Star-divide

    Dixon looked good. I mean, really good. Ron Burgundy good. And I don't mean good from the perspective of every broadcaster who falls all over himself with the chance to talk about a quarterback running the "Wildcat" offense. He threw excellent intermediate routes (the real sign of a great passer), they came off his hand nicely and stuck to the receiver.

    He made good decisions, exploited defensive gaffes and even took his own busted play 22 yards round the right side for a first down.

    Does Pittsburgh have a, dare I say it, quarterback controversy?

    The last time we uttered such a phrase was when coach Bill Cowher had to announce to the media that Tommy Maddox is healthy, but Ben Roethlisberger will start the remainder of the 2004 season. So it's been a while.

    I did not jump on the Double-D Bandwagon initially, mostly due to the phenomenon we've experienced at running back over the last few preseasons. He's playing against third-teamers. The running games for both teams usually become the focal point of the time the third-string QB is in there. We're used to seeing Chaz Batch, Brian St. Pierre and even had a stint with Omar Jacobs.

    A step ahead of those players is not much of step in the NFL.

    But still...that throw to rookie Manny Sanders early in the third quarter (for 24 yards) and the deer-like speed and grace he used to escape the missed handoff, managing to scamper inside the Giants 10...a beautiful throw and a great decision.

    Final score: Dixon 14, Leftwich 7, Roethlisberger 3.

    The first team offense had two series under Roethlisberger in which busted plays resulted in 2nd-and-17 situations. Granted, Justin Tuck was not chasing after him, but Dixon showed tremendous poise and better than everything else, he kept his eyes down the field.

    It just seems like Dixon gives the Steelers less chance of 2nd-and-17 situations. Does that mean he gives them more of a chance to avoid a sub-.500 start to the season?

    To Byron Leftwich's credit, the likely starter also showed some of those same traits, and hit WR Mike Wallace with a beautiful scoring strike in the second quarter. I'm not sure what he was doing on the QB sneak at the end of the first half, but he performed reasonably well overall.

    Could Dixon had made that throw to Wallace in stride? Perhaps not, but I doubt the Statue of Liberwich will cause defenses to plan around his legs. Leftwich has the right arm of a Howitzer cannon, but the arming and firing time of one as well. He didn't look nearly as consistent on his out-route throws. Leftwich made the play of the game, and I'm sure it won't be the last time "Leftwich 40+ yards to Wallace" appears in the scorebook.

    Just like the first preseason game, though, the story when the clock struck zero was Dixon. He's flashing tons of potential, and while it seems to be set in stone that Leftwich will start the first quarter of the season, the Double-D Bandwagon got at least one new member last night. And that was someone refusing to buy into the hype.

    Here we go again...another season with another team with its fans crying quarterback controversy.

    http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10235/1081986-66.stm
     
  26. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    RAVENS

    It was just a preseason game and the first stringers may not have played to the level most of us would have liked, but at the same time, there was just no way to deny that the Baltimore Ravens are a better team than the Washington Redskins, as the Ravens won the exhibition contest 23-3. One thing for sure is that the Ravens reserves are a lot, lot better than the Redskins, and other than an opening drive that ended in a field goal, Washington did not score another point the rest of the game.

    Despite the concern that our defensive backs looked a bit lost out there and the gaps in coverage, especially over the middle to the tight end, the secondary came up big with interceptions to kill drives and enforced their "bend-but-don't-break" mentality from last season.

    Noticeable on the broadcast was the obvious "homer" sentiment of the Redskins announcers, who constantly complained that the Ravens were holding and not getting called and at one point said that there wasn't a deeper group of safeties on any team in the NFL than the Washington Redskins. Laughable commentary, even with the understanding that the color guy was former Redskins great Joe Theisman.

    Star-divide

    While QB Joe Flacco did not overwhelm anyone with his performance, he was a respectable 9 of 16 for 72 yards and more importantly did not turn the ball over. Backup Marc Bulger was extremely efficient as I said in the 'Open Thread' comments, completing 13 of 16 for 130 yards and also no picks Interesting was that the combined 22 completions by both Flacco and Bulger went to 16 different receiver. However, four fumbles and losing two has to be improved upon, and the secondary, regardless of the winning effort still gave up over 400 yards of passing combined by Donovan McNabb and Rex Grossman.

    The defense, despite the number of passing yards given up, limited the Redskins to just of handful of yards on the ground and zero first down by the run. They had four sacks and put decent pressure on the opposing QB's, but still need more disruption to cover the limitations of the secondary.

    It was also great to see safety Haruki Nakamura get into the action, not only on defense, where he had a handful of hits and tackles, but made a great move on a fake punt for a 51 yard gain to the one yard line on the Ravens first TD drive, although he will probably get a bunch of ribbing from his teammates for not getting into the end zone.

    Almost as impressive as the victory itself should be the level of confidence in the reserves on the Baltimore Ravens, as they proved the depth, in the receiving game and defensive front seven, can offer so many different looks to this already solid defense. The kicking game did not open up any gaps between the two kickers in the competition, as both Shayne Graham and Billy Cundiff made their attempts and punter Sam Koch killed the ball, averaging over 45 yards a punt.

    While this was just another preseason game, it's good to know the Ravens can still dominate a game and while the offense needs to click a bit more efficiently and the defensive secondary needs to protect the middle of the passing lanes, the Ravens did win the "Battle of the Beltway" tonight and own bragging rights for another year in this so-called regional rivalry.

    http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2010/8/22/1636121/ravens-dominate-redskins-23-3

    Try not to overreact to this one, Ravens fans. Take a deep breath. Step away from the ledge.

    Sure, if you were looking for offensive fireworks in the Ravens' 23-3 preseason win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on Saturday, you came away disappointed.

    All that hype about what Anquan Boldin and Donte' Stallworth would do for the vertical passing game, and what happened?

    Text FOOTBALL to 70701 to get Baltimore Sun Ravens text alerts

    Not much, is what happened. The vertical passing game never got off the ground.

    Joe Flacco (9-for-16 passing for 72 yards) looked harried and out of sync. The Ravens' passing attack reverted to its old form: short passes, comeback routes, not much over the middle. You know the drill.

    And their only touchdown of the first half came after a terrific 51-yard run by Haruki Nakamura on a fake punt in the second quarter, with Willis McGahee bulling in from the 1-yard line for the score.

    So there will be some who look at this Ravens offense and say: Is that all there is? Are we looking at the same old ho-hum Ravens passing game we saw last season?

    But it's way too early for that kind of whiny nonsense.

    Instead, keep telling yourself this: It's only the preseason. And the preseason is when NFL teams -- even the elite ones, as the Ravens are purported to be -- work on ironing out the kinks in their offense.

    Nothing counts until the Ravens take on the New York Jets in their regular-season opener Sept. 13. If the offense is still stumbling then, fine, have your nervous breakdown. Otherwise, you're getting way too worked up over nothing.

    The other reason not to overreact to the way Flacco and Co. looked against the 'Skins is that the Ravens' offensive line has been banged up. No one knows what's going on with tackle Jared Gaither's back -- or his head, for that matter.

    So the Ravens were shuffling guys in and out of different positions on the O-line in training camp last week. Heck, I think even Mike Preston got a few reps. No wonder the pass blocking was so shaky.

    Finally, there's no question that Flacco is still trying to get his timing down with Boldin and Stallworth. And with the Redskins pressuring him big time, that timing was disrupted from the very beginning.

    The good news is that Flacco didn't get smacked around by the Redskins and should be healthy for next week's third preseason game against the New York Giants at M&T Bank Stadium.

    And maybe the Ravens were just being cautious with their passing attack. Maybe they were unwilling to break out any aerial razzle-dazzle in a meaningless preseason game.

    Which brings me to my next point: What was the deal with the fake punt?

    Why unveil a trick play like that in the preseason?

    Sure, it was exciting to see. And the play -- the direct snap to Nakamura instead of punter Sam Koch and Nakamura's ankle-breaking moves past the Redskins linebackers and secondary -- seemed to energize the Ravens.

    I haven't seen that many smiles and bad dance moves on the sideline since Adam Sandler's version of "The Longest Yard."

    But don't you want to save that tricky stuff for when the games really count?

    Running a fake punt in the preseason, isn't that sort of like breaking out a secret tango move at the Elks Club when you have a coming gig on "Dancing with the Stars"?

    Apparently not, because the Ravens had no qualms about letting the rest of the NFL get a sneak preview of that play.

    Text FOOTBALL to 70701 to get Baltimore Sun Ravens text alerts

    Although I'm guessing you won't see the Ravens run that exact fake punt for some time, now that every other team has it on film.

    But I wouldn't worry about that, either, Ravens fans, no more than I'd worry about the vanilla passing attack against the Redskins.

    Me, I'd look at some of the positives that came out this game.

    For openers, it was a win, no matter how ragged the offense looked. And Ravens coach John Harbaugh has stressed that the team is definitely out to win all these preseason games.

    There was also the play of outside linebacker Terrell Suggs. Looking lean and mean, Suggs was a one-man wrecking crew who beat Redskins rookie offensive tackle Trent Williams so badly that Williams will probably be reliving the nightmare for days.

    Cornerback Cary Williams had a nice game, picking off a pass by Donovan McNabb and returning it 37 yards.

    Backup quarterback Marc Bulger played well, too, especially when he rainbowed a terrific 25-yard pass to Stallworth late in the second quarter.

    All in all, not a bad game for the Ravens. Remember: It's only the preseason. Lots of time ahead to stress about the offense.

    But not now.

    It's way too early for that.

    kevin.cowherd@baltsun.com

    http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-cowherd-column-0823-20100822,0,446031.column?page=2

    The Ravens proved that they still have one of the more formidable rush defenses in the NFL, suffocating the Washington Redskins by holding them to 25 yards on 14 carries in the Ravens' 23-3 win Saturday night.

    Defending the pass, however, might be a different matter.

    The Ravens surrendered 365 passing yards to the Redskins, and the defensive coverage provided by the linebackers in the middle of the field could be a cause for concern.

    Text FOOTBALL to 70701 to get Baltimore Sun Ravens text alerts

    Five of Washington quarterback Donovan McNabb's 11 completions and 89 of his 206 yards came in the middle of the field. Those plays tended to come at the expense of the linebackers -- some of whom were tasked to patrol the middle while safeties and cornerbacks blitzed.

    "We're a pressure team, and they were trying to get the ball out quick," said linebacker Tavares Gooden, who is a fixture in the team's nickel and dime packages. "Sometimes it bit them in the butt, and sometimes it didn't. We've just got to get better at covering those different types of routes underneath when we do have pressure."

    Much of the Redskins' success through the air was the result of Washington coach Mike Shanahan's desire to see what the pass offense could do against a pressure-driven defense like the Ravens' unit. That's why Washington quarterbacks combined for 47 attempts, dwarfing the team's 14 rushing plays.

    McNabb did much of his damage on the outside, testing a cornerback corps that did not have the services of Lardarius Webb (recovering from knee surgery and still on the team's physically-unable-to-perform list) and Chris Carr (left hamstring injury) but welcomed back Fabian Washington (knee surgery) in his first game since Nov. 22.

    The Redskins also appeared to cut significant swaths by finding receivers matched up against the Ravens' linebackers, who had trouble keeping up with wide receiver Santana Moss and tight end Chris Cooley.

    On the third play of the game, Moss settled into a spot between rookie cornerback Prince Miller and linebacker Ray Lewis for a 13-yard catch on third-and-6.

    Three plays later, McNabb connected with Cooley -- who got past Gooden -- for a 15-yard gain on third-and-14.

    On the second play of Washington's third offensive series, McNabb found Cooley again. The tight end shed Lewis for the 18-yard catch.

    Then, on back-to-back plays on the Redskins' final possession of the second quarter, McNabb found Moss on crossing routes underneath the coverage for a combined 43 yards.

    Jameel McClain, who made three tackles and recorded two quarterback hurries, blamed himself for Moss' third catch in the middle.

    "On one play, the quarterback scrambled, and I could've stayed on Santana Moss, but once the quarterback got out of the pocket, I would say that maybe I paid too much attention to him," McClain said. "And that's how I ended up having to chase Santana down."

    Early in the contest, Washington seemed to catch the Ravens in their base defense with either Lewis and McClain or McClain and Dannell Ellerbe on the field. In obvious passing situations, the defense usually inserts Gooden.

    Saturday night might be interpreted as a case where the defense missed the presence of Brendon Ayanbadejo. Gooden is fast, but Ayanbadejo is built like a large safety, and he played on the unit's nickel and dime packages until he tore a tendon in his left quadriceps Oct. 4.

    But as susceptible as the pass coverage was, Lewis pointed out, the Redskins failed to score a touchdown with their first offense.

    "That is one of the reasons you have training camp and preseason -- it's a learning experience," Lewis said. "There are mistakes, we work out kinks and figure out who fits where. I think most preseason games are built on that."

    Ellerbe emphasized that the key for any defense is to keep the ball in front of, not behind, the unit.

    "We'd rather them catch the short and intermediate routes than long, deep balls," he said. "We can break on the little, short routes."

    Coach John Harbaugh didn't seem alarmed by the defense.

    "I thought we had coverage for the most part," he said.

    The defensive lapses might benefit the Ravens, who can spend the coming week of practice honing their schemes in preparation for a visit from the New York Giants on Saturday night.

    Gooden said the unit will study the film in the meeting room and make adjustments.

    "You can always get better," he said. "Some of the drops could have been deeper to cover different routes. We were seeing different routes that we hadn't seen. There's just things that we can go over in the chalk room. [Linebackers coach Dean Pees] is going to show us those routes, and we're going to know how to defend them from now on. So they're going to have to bring something else to get it over our heads

    http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-folo-0823-20100822,0,5139285.story?track=rss
     
  27. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BENGALS



    + Bengals offensive lineman Andre Smith didn't play so well, according to Joe Reedy. "He was called for two penalties and got beaten off the line regularly." While Smith's inaction during the offseason could bring about some anger that prevented him from recovering on time, I find myself having a hard time blaming Smith too much. You could count the amount of practices he's had on one hand. If he's not confident on the playbook, due to lack of repetitions, it would make sense if he were beaten regularly.

    Smith admitted that he didn't play well.

    "It didn't go as well as I would have liked," Smith said. "I have a long way to go but I'm just happy to be out there with my teammates, against another opponent."

    Still, ultimately, Smith's inaction during the offseason led to this point. So he's also not void of the blame. Two preseason games left.

    + If you live in Dayton, but missed out on the tickets handed out for the Bengals practice at Welcome Stadium this Sunday, then tune in to Fox 45, who will broadcast the entire practice from 3PM to 6PM.

    + Late last week we conducted an interview heading into the game against the Eagles at BirdsFan.com. It's a little late, but it mostly applies to the season.

    + James Walker writes that the first team defense is still struggling to get to the quarterback. While ultimately, he's right, I do think they did better against the Eagles, knocking Kevin Kolb down several times -- just a millisecond late.

    + Former Bengals defensive lineman John Thornton really likes the Bengals defensive line, but advises that Domata Peko has to play a little stronger.

    http://www.cincyjungle.com/2010/8/21/1634987/the-daily-banter-andre-smith

    If the plan is to improve throughout the preseason, then that plan is coming together nicely. The team's running game is starting to look as if they're in midseason form with the dueling Cedrics combining for 77 yards on 22 carries, scoring two touchdowns. With all of the talent that we're going to be forced to release, you can add Cedric Peerman into those discussions. Not only is he tough to bring down, he runs with ambition.

    The hit on Chad Ochocinco scared me a little, especially when it looked like he couldn't stand in the initial moments he was trying to get up. Terrell Owens caught a 43-yard pass; so far the longest reception by a wide receiver during the preseason.

    That's not to say mistakes aren't there. Carson Palmer's timing with Chad Ochocinco still seems off, as does his continued propensity to throw the ball too high at times. Penalties are still a problem. And I'm not talking about aggressive penalties that you can forgive. No, it's those damned presnap fouls that should be avoidable.

    Regardless, this was the defenses best performance of the preseason. Not that it should be surprising, considering this is only the third preseason game. Along with allowing a team-high 13.33% conversion rate on third downs, the Bengals allowed only 270 yards; mostly a result from a season-low 145 net yards passing.

    Things I liked.

    * Think Geno Atkins makes the team? Not only does he lead the team with 3.5 quarterback sacks, the rookie defensive tackle leads the team with 14 total tackles. Another rookie, linebacker Vincent Rey, could make the team quietly, having recorded 13 total tackles through three preseason games.
    * Carlos Dunlap was impressive against the Eagles, recording a quarterback sack, another hit on the quarterback and three combined tackles. Though it seems like the team should give him a slightly bigger jersey.
    * Bengals third down defense only allowed two first downs out of 15 tries.
    * Carson Palmer actually threw an accurate vertical pass; a 43-yard reception to Terrell Owens.
    * Defense didn't allow a touchdown and only allowed the Eagles offense into the Red Zone once, thanks to Carson Palmer interception his side of the field.

    Things I didn't like.

    * The Bengals were called for 10 penalties with 75 yards lost. In each of the team's preseason games, the Bengals have either committed 10 penalties or recorded more than 100 yards lost to penalties.

    Game Penalties Yards Lost
    Cowboys 12 90
    Broncos 7 104
    Eagles 10 75


    Even considering that the Bengals have played three games this preseason and many teams are gearing up to play their second preseason game this year, the Bengals are dominating the NFL with 29 penalties for 269 yards lost.

    Interesting Stats. The Bengals offense have performed better then their offensive counterparts. If you combine the offenses of the Cowboys, the Broncos and the Eagles, the Bengals offense has more first downs (51-47), rushing first downs (17-14), passing first downs (31-28), third down conversions (36.4%-23.3%), time of possession (32:24-27:36), total net yards (933-854) and yards rushing (340-246).

    Interesting Stat II: Bengals quarterbacks have been sacked seven times through three games. The defense has recorded ten quarterback sacks.

    Interesting Stat III: The Bengals have recorded six total points in the first and third quarters combined, outscored in those quarters by 17 points (23-6). However, the Bengals have outscored their opponents in the second and fourth quarters by a combined 30 points (56-26).

    Interesting Stat IV: Bengals defense hasn't allowed any offense during the preseason to record 300 net yards.

    Morgan Trent records three interceptions and shouts out, I'm still here boys. With so much talent at cornerback, someone isn't going to make the team. Once you get past the starters in Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall, the most likely candidate for nickel in Adam Jones, the Bengals will likely have two roster spots for Morgan Trent, Brandon Ghee and David Jones.

    Before Friday night, I would have guess Trent would be the odd man out. After a three-interception performance against the Eagles, I'm not so sure. While I usually default myself in the prediction game of the Bengals likely keeping players they drafted, David Jones also recorded a 24-yard interception return for touchdown. Trent's first interception led to a Bengals missed field goal while his second led to Cedric Peerman's one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

    Jermaine Gresham continues to impress. If we were foolish enough to claim it, then let's say that Jermaine Gresham is a future hall of famer. Alright. Alright. So I tend to be melodramatic at times. I'm really excited about the team's first round rookie this year. After recording back-to-back three-reception games in limited time, I'm quickly believing that Gresham could have the best hands on this team. He lines up anywhere on the field, ranging from his natural tight end spot, to slot to even flanking wide.

    Not only that, but Carson Palmer is becoming very comfortable with Gresham, whose all three receptions were converted for first downs.

    Gresham has six receptions this preseason for 71 yards receiving.

    What happened to Jordan Shipley? After being so vital during last week's performance against the Broncos, rookie wide receiver Jordan Shipley was virtually shut out. After an incomplete pass to Shipley with 13:15 left in the first quarter, the rookie receiver caught a seven-yard pass with 13:13 left in the second quarter.

    I'm not sure if that's by design or if he just wasn't open. But Shipley was only targeted twice on Friday. I'm going with by-design. Since all indications are that Shipley makes the team, it's possible the Bengals wanted to give Andre Caldwell more opportunities, who was targeted three times, catching two for 16 yards receiving.

    Where o' where could our quarterbacks be? I know it's only three preseason games. But through those three preseason games, all three Bengals quarterbacks have a combined one touchdown pass through 104 passing attempts. Neither J.T. O'Sullivan or Jordan Palmer are completing half of the passes and all three quarterbacks have thrown a combined six interceptions.

    Again, I know it's early. But are there concerns about Carson Palmer? In the 12 drives that he's played this year, the first team offense has punted five times, turned it over three times, missed two field goals and scored two touchdowns -- both rushes.
    Drive Opponent Drive Plays Yards 1st Downs Result
    1 Cowboys 1 5 9 1 Punt
    2 Cowboys 2 4 14 1 Punt
    3 Broncos 1 9 33 3 Missed FG
    4 Broncos 2 7 24 1 TO on Downs
    5 Broncos 3 13 88 5 Touchdown
    6 Eagles 1 4 16 1 Punt
    7 Eagles 2 5 28 2 Interception
    8 Eagles 3 5 6 1 Punt
    9 Eagles 4 9 37 3 Punt
    10 Eagles 5 2 49 2 Touchdown
    11 Eagles 6 8 30 2 Interception
    12 Eagles 7 4 12 1 Missed FG

    Now the reason that there's no need to concern ourselves with this is that most NFL teams call vanilla plays to keep their best stuff off the films, which is completely understandable.

    Really, Jerome? Jerome Simpson had a nice 22-yard reception down the right sidelines. He redirected left, running across the field. With the football away from his body, Eagles defensive back Dimitri Patterson stripped the football. Chase Coffman recovered the football and the Bengals kept possession. Two thoughts occurred to me. One is: Really? You're not secured with a roster spot and you handle the football so carelessly that you fumble it. Two is: Man, he looks Chad Ochocinco with the football being far away from his body.

    Not only did he not another reception, that was the only time any quarterback targeted him in the passing game.

    Thought we can't give him too much flack. So far this preseason, Simpson ranks second on the team with 75 yards receiving.

    Adam Jones is a keeper. We could say this all year, if it keeps going. But Adam Jones isn't just a renewed man, he's going to be more than a contributor for this team. Each game that goes by, the more I feel Jones could be a play-maker; especially on the turn game. Combining two punt and two kickoff returns, Jones recorded 84 yards, including a crazy 40-yard kickoff return where he his lane shutdown. So he did what any of us would do. Run backwards, turn left, and find a makeshift wall with about eight Bengals players blocking his way for 40 yards (should have been 50).

    While I'm feeling more and more confident that Jones will be the guy that knocks Quan Cosby off the roster, Cosby isn't going quietly. He recorded his own 41 yard kickoff return.

    http://www.cincyjungle.com/2010/8/21/1634950/rookies-keep-impressing-bengals
     
  28. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BROWNS

    The rain poured down all game long as the Cleveland Browns played the St. Louis Rams at home Saturday night, losing by a final score of 19-17. The rain certainly played a factor in the game too, at least against the Browns.

    Things got off to a rough start on the team's first offensive play of the game. Jake Delhomme took the snap and sort of bobbled it before handing it off to Jerome Harrison. Harrison gained four yards and lost the football, but the referees ruled that he was already down by contact. On the second play, Harrison fumbled the ball again, but thankfully the ball squirted out to Joshua Cribbs to prevent a turnover. It was a sign of things to come in the rest of the first quarter.

    Star-divide

    On the Rams' first drive of the game, A.J. Feeley marched his offense down the field rather quickly for a touchdown as he kept connecting with his tight ends over the middle. On the Browns' second drive, Delhomme fumbled on the second play and the football was recovered by the Rams' Fred Robbins. Due to a hand injury to Feeley on the first drive, first overall pick Sam Bradford entered the game. St. Louis tacked on a field goal to make it 10-0, getting off to a similar start that the Browns did last week.

    On the third offensive drive for the Browns, Delhomme was sacked on a third down play when Billy Yates missed a block. The Browns forced a quick punt on the Rams' next drive, but the fumble woes continued as the ball was lost by Joshua Cribbs on the punt. The Rams recovered and eventually tacked on another field goal to make it 13-0 late in the first quarter. After that, the Browns started to click.

    With Peyton Hillis in at running back, Delhomme led the Browns down the field for a touchdown, finishing things off with a pass to Ben Watson in the back of the end zone. Watson did an amazing job hauling in the one-handed pass, as the play was originally called incomplete but was overturned after a challenge. Delhomme saw two more series and was fairly effective, leading the Browns to a field goal before the half to make it 13-10.

    Seneca Wallace got to play with the first-team offense to start the second half. There was a stretch when Hillis ran the ball on five consecutive plays for 25 yards, before the drive was capped off by a nice 15-yard touchdown pass to Cribbs. That gave the Browns their first lead of the game at 17-13.

    After that, the game was pretty boring if you're a Browns fan. The Rams just dominated the time of possession against the Browns' second-string defense, putting two field goals on the board to take a 19-17 lead. Colt McCoy was the third quarterback into the game, but he finished 0-for-2 and was sacked twice. Brett Ratliff came into the game with a chance to run the two-minute offense. He made some pretty darn good throws to try to lead the Browns down the field, but Carlton Mitchell either wasn't looking or dropped the pass on two consecutive plays. The game was officially over when Ratliff was picked off on a third down play.

    Overall, it wasn't as bad of a game as it could've been given the team's start in the first quarter. I guess it's a good thing to practice under the elements though, and one thing you can take out of this game is that Hillis will be getting a lot of reps on the ground this season. I'll have my full, in-depth recap up tomorrow.

    http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2010/8/21/1635679/instant-recap-browns-lose-19-17-to

    The Good

    * Our Coverage. Combined, the Rams QBs threw for only 115 yards with 3.7 ypa, 41% completion, and a 61 QB Rating. Brown and Ward both made nice plays to save TDs and both had good games. Elam was also solid.

    * Haden/Wright. I mention them specifically, because they were particularly good in coverage and contributed in other areas. Wright was extremely good in coverage and really made a statement today. both he and Haden also had some nice plays against the run. Haden also returned kicks and showed he could be effective in this department, reducing the need to have a guy like Lawson on the roster purely for returns.

    * Peyton Hillis. Hillis was a beast and would not go down when carrying the ball. He kept his feet moving and kept dragging tacklers with him. he did what a North-South runner is supposed to do; not lose yardage. I don't believe he had negative yardage on any of his runs. He also had a couple of nice catches.

    * Jake Delhomme. Delhomme had a great game throwing for 127 yards and a 118.5 QB rating. I liked what I saw out of him. the thing i liked the best is he generally made the right decisions. He looked poised and always seemed to know what to do. Most of his incompletions were just throws that were a bit off the mark and a couple that were tipped at the line (which is more of a credit to good D, including one tip by Laurinitis and another by Chris Long).

    * Red Zone D. Although we let them get good field position WAY too much, our D was able to hold them well to just getting mostly field goals. They only had one TD in 4 red zone attempts (most of which were all inside the 10).

    * Linebackers. I felt the LBs were able to get good pressure in the game and force Bradford to make decisions quicker. I also liked how Fujita and Gocong played at LB especially, against the run and the pass. Both were solid in coverage and made some nice plays there. Both were able to step up and play against the run too. Both were effective in coverage, against the run, and blitzing. Roth also had a decent game.

    * Reggie Hodges. Hodges was hitting some booming punts with very good consistency. every one of his punts looked great tonight.

    * Watson & Stuckey. Both of these guys were key in the passing game and made some clutch catches. I liked what I saw from Watson and am excited to have a legitimate receiving option at TE again. Stuckey came up with some nice plays and looks very comfortable in the slot role.

    The Bad

    * The Right side of the line. Even more so than in the first game, everything to the left of Mack looked Horrific. St. Clair was bad as usual, but we now had Yates in because Lauvao and Womack were out. Its hard to throw as a QB when 2 defenders are coming at you because your RG and RT can't block to save their life. Once St. Clair was gone, and the backups were in, that side looked better. However, Yates still wasn't that good

    * Josh Cribbs as a WR. Yes, Cribbs had 5 catches. However, he still doesn't look like a legitimate WR in the NFL. He had only 30 yards in those 5 catches with a long of 15. Cribbs never seemed to be open when going deeper. This may be a sign that he really can't stretch the field and is only good for short passes. His hands looked good, but he was getting a lot of the easy, short throws. Seeing him there makes me long for MoMass back so he and Robo can start.

    * Lack of plays on D. The d was solid last night and held the rams to 1.2 yards per carry and 8.2 yards per reception. However, this was a D in lacking key plays. We knocked some balls down and got in the QBs face, but never made the big sack or INT. it is those key plays that change the momentum of a drive or game that separate the good defenses from the great ones. We have had only one sack and one INT in the first 2 games, which would be averaging 8 of each over a 16 game season. you NEED to make more plays than that on D. Period.

    * Eric Barton. Speaking of making plays, where was Eric Barton? I was at the game but found out later that he started. I think I remember seeing him, but he never seemed to have made a play. I just don't know if he has it anymore to be a starter in the NFL.

    * Ratliff and his roster spot. Yes, he only threw 4 throws, but one WAS a pick. As it stands, he probably was on the outside looking in before the game if they had to make the 53 man roster then. It is becoming more of a guarantee to me that he doesn't make the team, and might not even be put on the PS.

    * Our Backups on D. Keith Null was terrible. However, somehow he led the rams to victory by getting field goals on 2 straight drives and 92 combined yards on those drives. Our backups on D just couldn't stop them. Outside of the drives where they were obviously going to run it to eat out the clock, they were getting positive yardage on every play (except incompletions).

    * Careless/Undisciplined football. We had 7 penalties and 5 turnovers. Mangini is obviously not going to be happy. If you have to point to one reason why we lost, it is clearly here. We dominated the rams in every area except this. the turnovers especially hurt us in other areas too, like clock management. We couldn't hold onto the ball so we lost the time of possession battle.

    The Ugly

    * The Penalties/Refereeing. Just like its preseason for the Browns, its also preseason for the Refs. There were quite a few calls that were very questionable that went against the browns (including PI calls where the receiver may not have even been touched). However, the browns still looked undisciplined and had their fair share of stupid penalties.

    * Ball Security. The ball security may have been a product of the weather, but the amount of turnovers is still inexcusable. even in the worst weather, 5 turnovers is ridiculous...and it could have been more. We fumbled the ball 5 times but got it back twice. One of the biggest problems with ball security may have been on punts (which is often an issue) because 2 of the 3 fumbles lost were on punt returns.

    * Syndric Steptoe. The only positive I can say is at least he wasn't also playing WR. Steptoe was our main punt returner and he was flat out awful. most of his problem that I saw was more mental aspects. He doesn't seem to know when to call a fair catch. He did call one fair catch, but on at least 3 others, he easily should have called it (and there was better coverage than on his one FC) but he didn't. One of those that he didn't FC directly led to his fumble. I thought he had only an outside shot to make it before this game, but I would be SHOCKED if he makes the roster now.

    * Weather. OK, the weather was ugly. Mark Nolan (I believe he was the sideline Meteorologist) lied. He said the rain was about to stop and would during the game. It never did...I didn't have a poncho...

    * Special Teams. Overall, I thought our special teams (outside of the kicking) was pretty ugly. the return game was not particularly good (even with Cribbs) and there were turnovers and mental mistakes galore. We didn't seem to give our returners a lot of room to work and the blocking didn't seem to be very good on returns. they also burned us badly on some returns and our punt and kick coverage teams looked pretty bad at times.

    * Brandon McDonald. Overall, this game made me want BMac off the team. He was bad in every facet of the game. he was not good in coverage and gave up some plays he shouldn't have (including a TD where he just got beat). McDonald played on special teams on Punt coverage (gunner). He wasn't any more successful here. he missed a couple tackles while playing gunner and took bad angles more than once to get to the returner.

    There was one play where he had the guy in his sights, took a bad angle, and then instead tried to tackle a blocker (who was about 4-5 feet away from the returner) and MISSED. To me, this epitomized the McDonald experience. McDonald made no plays in coverage and his only blip on the stat sheet was on tackle (where the guy literally laid down for him).

    * (continued) I also didn't like the play where the ball bounced in the dirt in front of him and he high stepped it to the end zone. This pissed me off because there were only 2 reasons I could see him doing that:

    1. He legitimately thought that it hadn't hit the ground, or that it wasn't a forward pass.
    2. He saw it hit the ground, but wanted to pick it up and dance to the end zone.

    If it was the former, that is a testament to his intelligence (or lack thereof at times) on D that he didn't pay attention. If it is the latter, it is a testament to his character and how he is maybe starting to be a headcase. Personally, I am inclined to think it was the latter. You can make a legitimate argument for keeping a headcase on your team when he is producing (like Edwards was in 2007) but its hard to make a case for keeping a guy when he is your 4th CB and isn't that good.

    http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2010/8/22/1635856/browns-vs-rams-the-good-the-bad
     
  29. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    RAVENS

    Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is not ruling out the possibility of rookie LB Sergio Kindle playing in 2010. Doctors told the Ravens that Kindle is "ahead of schedule."

    Kindle will start the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list, which keeps him out the first six weeks. He plans to be in Baltimore by the end of next week for a medical evaluation. Kindle suffered a fractured skull in a spill down two flights of stairs in late July.

    The Ravens drafted Kindle out of Texas in the second round, although he was Baltimore's first pick of the 2010 draft. In the Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview, personnel analyst Nolan Nawrocki wrote about Kindle that there is "no doubting his physical talent."

    http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/08/24/ravens-lb-kindle-head-not-ruled-out-for-season
     
  30. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    RAVENS

    BALTIMORE -- Ravens wide receiver Donte' Stallworth broke his foot in Saturday night's game against the New York Giants and will likely be out for two months.

    AFC North blog

    Walker ESPN.com's James Walker writes about all things AFC North in his division blog.

    • Blog network: NFL Nation

    The injury probably occurred during one of Stallworth's three punt returns. He saw limited time on offense and did not catch a pass.

    "The good news is it is not a season-ending injury," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "We'll get it operated on right away and put a screw in it. Hopefully, we'll get him back by the bye week [Oct. 31]."

    Baltimore signed Stallworth as a free agent in February. He was suspended last season after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter, a second-degree felony, in the death of a dock worker in Florida.

    Stallworth was driving when he hit 59-year-old Mario Reyes in March 2009.

    His last action before this season was in December 2008 with Cleveland.

    http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp10/news/story?id=5508146

    The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 24-10 in the third preseason game for both teams. The starters went the entire first half and the score at halftime was 17-3, Ravens. It could have been worse as the Ravens were penalized just before halftime, taking them out of field goal range, courtesy of a Derrick Mason unsportsmanlike penalty. The Ravens were forced to punt instead and the Giants drove down the field for their only score of the first half via the field goal. The Giants added their final score just before the game ended n a meaningless TD with just over a minute remaining.

    Other than that, the Ravens offense clicked well under the direction of Joe Flacco, who threw for well over 200 yards and two TD's with one errant interception. Todd Heap and Anquan Boldin were recipients of his TD passes and Heap was the team's leadng receiver with six catches. The offensive line was still a concern, as the Ravens QB's were sacked a total of five times, too many to continue into the regular season.

    However, the first team seemed to be in sync and spread out the offense and the stats. The Giants were unable to muster much of a threat, as QB Eli Manning was constantly under pressure from the Ravens defensive front seven and blitzing secondary. Throghout the game, the one guy who got a ton of reps and made the most of them seemed to be safety Haruki Nakamura, who was all over the field making plays in both the secondary and rushing the QB, obviously completely healed from last season's broken ankle.

    For the first time this preseason, the first string offense, led by Flacco, seemed to be clicking on all cylinders and with all the offensive weapons that Joe now has at his disposal, his choices appeared easy and limitless, as he spread the love around as well as the ball. The starters do not figure to get many reps next week, and the team looks to be ready for the opener on national TV as they visit the New York Jets' new stadium on Monday Night Football after one more exhibition game next week.

    http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2010/8/28/1656406/ravens-over-giants-24-10

    Five Things We Learned From Ravens' 24-10 Victory

    1. Flacco is such a different quarterback when he comes out playing confident and decisive, it almost feels like we're watching two different players when you think about last week (against the Redskins) and compare it to this week (against the Giants).

    Now, let's state up front that a lot of that has to do with protection. When the Ravens protect him, you can see his confidence soar. The protection wasn't good on the initial drive, and you saw what happened. He still has, I think, subpar pocket awareness, and some of that simply is because he didn't play in an offense in college with seven-step drops. (It was virtually all shotgun at Delaware.) But when he gets his feet set and squares his shoulders, he can look really good. I'm not an offensive guru, but I still believe when Cam Cameron puts him in the spread or the no-huddle, it seems to sharpen his focus. Maybe it's simply a case of feeling comfortable, since all his success in college came from playing in the spread, but when he makes one strong confident throw, it tends to be a catalyst for him that leads to a good night.

    Take the throw he made to Mark Clayton late in the first quarter for 20 yards. It was probably the prettiest throw he's made this preseason, even prettier than the touchdown he threw to Clayton against the Panthers. Flacco read the coverage, set his feet, then launched the ball before Clayton came out of his break. It was the kind of throw that Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have made a Hall of Fame career out of, and the kind of throw that convinces you Flacco really does have All-Pro potential.

    It's hard to read Flacco's emotions because he's typically so stoic, but I swear you could see them spike after that throw. Cameron put him in the no-huddle and Flacco responded by marching down the field, making his reads and stepping into this throws. Take his first touchdown: He came to the line -- wide receiver spread out -- and called an audible, aware that Aquan Boldin's defender was playing him to the outside. But the audible was only half of what was impressive on that play. What really mattered was the look he shot to the opposite side of the field, which held the safety long enough for Boldin to get inside. Against the Redskins, it seemed like he wasn't even going through his reads before throwing check downs, but against the Giants, you could really see Flacco seeing the whole field.

    His second touchdown to Heap was just as impressive. He saw the coverage, went through his reads, pump faked to one side, then fired a laser backside post over the middle of the field, an area he seemed to avoid last year for whatever reason. (Whether it was his own preference or Cameron's instruction, it was never clear.) But if this guy shows up every week, the Ravens are going to romp through the AFC North, and he's going to have to step up considering Dante Stallworth is going to miss significant time with a broken foot.

    "It was a great performance. I think we felt really good as an offense," Flacco said. "We really felt like we were clicking and moving down the field pretty fluidly. Our guys did a great job of getting open."

    He even showed a little emotion after his second touchdown, pumping his fist and screaming in the direction of the sidelines, which I think is proof he aware of some of the mild criticism people have had for him, and isn't able to completely tune it out regardless of what he says in the media. That's a good thing, I think. Athletes love to pretend they don't care what people think and don't pay attention to what's written or said about them in the media, but it's rarely true. That's why the sentiment "We're out to prove everyone wrong!" is so common in sports. Because even professional athletes benefit from a little motivation.

    2. I love watching Ray Lewis. I truly do. He's the greatest linebacker of my lifetime, and there really isn't anyone close to him by comparison. But anyone who stubbornly insists he's not slipping a bit -- whether they do so out of ignorance or homerism -- should do themselves a favor and watch the first quarter play where the Giants handed off to Ahmad Bradshaw and it looked like he was going to be bottled up in the backfield for a loss.

    Jarret Johnson was blitzing on the play, and came through almost unblocked, so it was really his fault the run didn't get stuffed because he couldn't wrap up Bradshaw. But after Johnson, Kelly Gregg and Terrell Suggs missed the tackle, Bradshaw reversed direction and cut to the outside.

    Lewis had him right in his sights. Five years ago, Bradshaw would have been lassoed to the ground like steer in a rodeo for no gain. But Bradshaw beat Lewis to the edge, left him flailing at his ankles, and picked up a good chunk of yardage. I don't write this to suggest that Lewis isn't an effective defender anymore, because he certainly is. And Bradshaw is a pretty good player (though hardly Barry Sanders in his prime). But those are the kind of gains that Lewis spent years erasing, covering for his teammates and wiping away their mistakes. He can't do that anymore. And though it's understandable, it's sort of heartbreaking too.

    Two plays later, on a delay to Bradshaw, Lewis just embarrassed Giants tackle William Beatty, ducking inside of him when Betty came out to block him. He had a clean look at Bradshaw ... and whiffed. I feel like there are going to be games like this, when Lewis is going to look less and less like Batman, and more and more like Bruce Wayne. Which means, to be honest, that his teammates are going to have to step up and raise their game. Because he can no longer consistently erase their mistakes.

    But guess what? On the most important play of that drive, the 4th-and-1 from the 15-yard line, the Giants tried to run right at Lewis' gap, and he lowered a shoulder and was the first guy to stuff Bradshaw. So question him at your own peril, I guess.

    3. Fabian Washington and Chris Carr actually look pretty good thus far.

    I know it's early, but Washington looks much better than I expected coming back from his knee injury. It will be interesting to see him when he faces Carson Palmer in Week 2 or Tom Brady in Week 6, but thus far he's not getting scorched deep, which was the most frustrating thing about him last year before he was injured. For whatever reason, he just didn't have it mentally half the time (which he acknowledged after the Minnesota game, when he was yanked for Frank Walker) so maybe he not only got himself right physically this off-season, but mentally. (Keep your fingers crossed, Ravens fans. It's a long season, but optimism never hurts.)

    As far as Carr is concerned, I think he actually got criticized somewhat unfairly last season. He played well at times, and when he didn't play well, people seemed to remember it far more often. I think he has a chance to be solid for the Ravens this year, even if he's only holding that spot until Lardarius Webb is 100 percent healthy. Carr has tremendous character, which is usually something you say about an athlete when they're not very gifted athletically and you're trying to find something, anything, nice to say about them. But in his case, he's a very good athlete with smarts and the tools, and I think all the worrying this off-season over the Ravens corners might have been much ado about nothing.

    4. Remember last week when I was ranting about the linebackers' pass defense? Well, this week was a lot better, and you know who made the biggest play of the night? Dannell Ellerbe.

    I've stated over and over again that I'm a big fan of Ellerbe, who made a great play when he tipped Eli Manning's pass that was intercepted by Haruki Nakamura. He just seems to be around the ball a lot. But Ellerbe isn't regarded as a particularly good practice player, and that has to be the reason he's still languishing on the depth chart. Instead of complaining that John Harbaugh and Greg Mattison need to forgive his lapses in practice and elevate him anyway because they know he'll make plays that impact the game (neither coach seems wired that way), I'm starting to feel like it's time for Ellerbe really get focused and prove himself during the week instead of just on Sunday. Jameel McClain is a good player, but I feel like Ellerbe could be a really good player. But part of being a professional is stepping up and proving it when the only ones watching are the coaches.

    5. There may be some life in the Troy Smith Experiment after all. It's still unclear if that's good or bad.

    I was almost getting ready to pull the plug on Smith's Ravens career after the first two games of the preseason, but this game at least gives me pause. Smith did make a few nice plays this week, throwing the ball with more accuracy and timing. His touchdown to Marcus Smith was the kind of play he made all the time at Ohio State, putting the ball right where only the receiver can catch it. He's not a scrambling quarterback -- it's nauseating every time you year Mike Vick's name brought up when people talk about Smith -- but he was really good in college at moving in the pocket, then delivering accurate passes, and he hasn't shown the ability to do that yet in the NFL. I still wonder if we'll ever see it.

    Harbaugh and Cameron keep saying the right things about how Smith is going to be a starter in the league, but really what else are they going to say? You have to throw public praise on your young players, even if their performance doesn't warrant it.

    I seriously doubt the Ravens would go with just two quarterbacks on their roster this year, but you have to wonder if it hasn't crossed Harbaugh's mind (and Ozzie Newsome's too). Think about it like this: If the Ravens are a Super Bowl contender, who has a chance to make a bigger impact week-to-week? A quarterback like Smith, or a linebacker on the special teams bubble like Jason Phillips, who is faster than people give him credit for?

    Let's say both Flacco and Marc Bulger get injured. Even with a run-heavy offense, the Ravens aren't going to win the Super Bowl, so Smith's impact, at that point, seems marginal. I'm not sure there is room in the modern NFL for a roster spot reserved for a worst-case scenario. But throw in another linebacker or defensive end or cornerback, and that player might make a difference.

    http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/spo..._we_learned_from_the_ravens_2410_victory.html

    In theory, this was the kind of night the Ravens have dreamed about during the off season.

    When their offense is on, and everything is clicking, there is no easy way to shut down the Ravens.

    In a strong first half performance played by the starters, the Ravens displayed a strong passing game as they threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns in a final tune up for the regular season.

    Text FOOTBALL to 70701 to get Baltimore Sun Ravens text alerts

    In the first two quarters, quarterback Joe Flacco completed 20 of 32 passes for 220 yards, and ended the night by completing 21 of 34 for 229 yards. The New York Giants couldn't slow the Ravens down because they didn't have one player to focus on.

    In the first half, tight end Todd Heap had six catches and receiver Derrick Mason had five. Receiver Anquan Boldin and running back Ray Rice each had four in an aerial game that was effective and balanced.

    The Ravens rushed only 11 times in the first half, and that will increase if the Ravens are to be successful during the regular season, but the Ravens believe they have to significantly improve their passing game from a year ago.

    Flacco had a lot of time to throw in the first half, and had some wipe open receivers. But Flacco still has problems completing passes over the middle inside the red zone.

    He overthrew a wide open Mason on a short rout across the middle on a third and goal at the 6 midway in the first period. Actually, the pass should have been lower so the only way the defender had a chance of knocking down or intercepting the pass was to interfere with Mason.

    In the second quarter, Flacco threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to Boldin over the middle, but the pass was late and behind Boldin who had two steps on the nearest Giants' defender. Fortunately for the Ravens, Boldin made a nice catch.

    Flacco, though, did make a nice 13-yard pass over the middle to tight end Todd Heap with 3:52 seconds left in the half.

    Where was Jacobs?

    Excuse me, but don't the New York Giants have a 6-foot-4 264-pound running back named Brandon Jacobs?

    Then why on three straight plays deep in Ravens territory in the first quarter when the Giants needed just 1 yard didn't they give the ball to Jacobs, who has been a Ravens killer over the years?

    Instead, New York was stopped on a fourth-and-1 at the 15 after three straight runs to Ahmad Bradshaw.

    Earlier in the drive, Jacobs had a 29- yard run. I assume Giants head coach Tom Coughlin wanted to keep Jacobs and his short-yardage offense under wraps until the regular season.

    Yeah, right.

    Dawan 'Whop' Landry

    Ravens strong safety Dawan Landry has been nicknamed "Whop" by his teammates because of his hard hits, but last night he got whopped by Bradshaw early in the first period.

    Landry came up to tackle Bradshaw on a running play, and he got stiff-armed into the ground. It was ugly. It wasn't one of Landry's better tackling games, but some other players in the secondary and quite a few linebackers whiffed on tackles.

    It might be time to bring back some tackling drills in the secondary this week.

    "The Giants ran on us early and we have to tackle better," said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. "They do have two good backs and one of the best lines. They deserve some credit, too."

    Analyzing offensive tackles

    Text FOOTBALL to 70701 to get Baltimore Sun Ravens text alerts

    The Ravens tackle play on offense from Michael Oher and Tony Moll was almost flawless until late in the first half, especially in pass protection. Oher was outstanding in gaining position and establishing his ground off the snap of the ball and Moll appeared quicker than a week ago when he made his first start in two years.

    Suggs, Johnson shine

    The Ravens got complete games from outside linebackers Terrell Suggs and Jarret Johnson. As he did a week ago against the Washington Redskins, Suggs got some nice shots in on the quarterback, this time New York's Eli Manning.

    Johnson played perhaps his best game of the preseason and was stellar against the run, particularly in short yardage situations. Maybe Johnson was motivated by that little spat he had with the head coach earlier in the week (wink, wink).

    Play Nakamura

    Regardless if the Ravens are in base, nickel or dime coverage, they need to find a week to get safety Haruki Nakamura on the field. Nakamura picked off one pass last night, and almost intercepted another.

    Fight song flops

    When the Ravens played their new fight song, which is the old Colts' fight song, early in the first quarter, it drew a rousing ovation of about five people, including band members.

    Fans sat on their hands as if they didn't recognize the tune. Maybe the Ravens should have a new contest this week deciding if they should even have a fight song at all.

    http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-preston-ravens-0829-20100827,0,872619.column?page=2
     
  31. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BROWNS

    DETROIT -- You can pick at a lot of things in a preseason game and interpret them any which way you want.
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    Saturday, the Browns lost three more fumbles -- giving them eight turnovers over their last two practice games -- and allowed three touchdown drives in the second half. The Detroit Lions came away with a 35-27 victory.

    But at this time of year, the first half tells a truer story of where a team may be heading.

    With the regulars in, the Browns scored on three of their five possessions, running off 41 plays to Detroit's 18, and held a 24-14 lead at halftime. One of the possessions was a Jerome Harrison fumble on first down, which was returned 14 yards for a Lions' touchdown.

    The Browns also scored when end Brian Schaefering stripped the ball from running back Kevin Smith and Eric Wright returned it 44 yards for a touchdown.

    Detroit played hard on defense and made a lot of physical hits, but the Lions don't look like they're going to be stopping many teams this year.

    Jake Delhomme had his third straight 100-plus passer rating performance, completing 20 of 25 passes for 152 yards, with one short touchdown to fullback Lawrence Vickers. Delhomme operated the no-huddle with constant formation shifting and motion.

    Perhaps the best sign of all was that Delhomme completed seven of nine passes thrown to wide receivers Josh Cribbs, Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi. Cribbs had a nice catch of 30 yards on the left sideline.

    "I thought Jake was outstanding tonight and he's been outstanding all preseason," said coach Eric Mangini.

    The Browns also inserted Seneca Wallace for two plays on the first series. On one, he lined up in a half-shotgun formation -- a pistol -- and handed off to Peyton Hillis. All of which gives the Tampa Bay Buccaneers something else to look at while preparing for the teams' season opener on Sept. 12.

    "It's a whole other set of problems for defense when Seneca's in there," Mangini said.

    Delhomme said, "Things are going well. We did some decent things. Guys made a lot of good plays. We've got to just keep on going forward."

    As in their previous game against St. Louis, the Browns' defense came out slowly. In the case of trying to defend fleet rookie running back Jahvid Best, the Browns were real slow. Best ran the ball 51 yards through the heart of the Browns' defense on the first play from scrimmage before Wright brought him down.

    "He just busted a gap," said rookie safety T.J. Ward. "He didn't score. Now we have to work on getting better in the red zone."

    Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with Bryant Johnson on a fade over Sheldon Brown for the touchdown from seven yards on the Lions' third play.

    The Lions also moved 60 yards on nine plays on the opening series of the second half. They did it with Best on the sideline.

    "It's tough because we didn't play the game we wanted to play," said Brown. "Obviously we wanted to stop the run and then eliminate Calvin Johnson from having big plays and then try to pressure the quarterback."

    Stafford wasn't sacked. He completed 13-of-17 for 141 yards and one touchdown. Calvin Johnson had two catches for 42 yards, but no scores.

    In three practice games, the Browns have allowed opposing starting quarterbacks to complete 30 of 36 passes.

    "We've got to fix it defensively," Mangini said. "I don't think we're that far off, but you can't be a little bit off. A small margin of error leads to big plays instead of sacks and turnovers."

    It's probably that Mangini and coordinator Rob Ryan are concealing their true intentions on defense. Last night, linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens received a lot of time with the first team. There was little blitzing.

    In fact, Detroit made all the noise on the field.

    Lions linebacker Julian Peterson nailed receiver Carlton Mitchell after a 26-yard run on an end-around and sent the rookie flying out of bounds. Detroit's prize rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh drew a penalty for grabbing Delhomme by the helmet and throwing him to the ground. Also, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch drew a penalty for a blow to Delhomme's head.

    But the hit that stopped the game in its tracks and brought a profound hush to Ford Field was made on Browns special teams ace Nick Sorensen. He received a double helmet hit to the head, courtesy of Lions Caleb Campbell and Andre Fluellen on a Cleveland kickoff.

    Sorensen was immobilized on a wooden stretcher and carted off as players from both teams knelt in prayer. By the end of the night, Sorensen was released from a local hospital after tests were negative and he returned home with the team.

    Wallace relieved Delhomme to start the second half and put up three points in two series. The second one ended on an Evan Moore fumble after a catch. The Lions turned that miscue into a touchdown and also scored after Colt McCoy had the ball stripped by end Willie Young.

    McCoy was able to find some rhythm in this game for the first time. He completed 10 of 14 passes for 76 yards, but was unable to threaten the end zone on his last two possessions.

    http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2010/08/browns_get_a_strong_effort_fro.html
     
  32. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    BENGALS

    ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Bengals rookie Brandon Ghee gave fans a scary moment with 8:22 remaining in the third quarter of Saturday’s game against Buffalo.

    The cornerback, who was selected in the third round of April’s draft, was involved in a violent helmet-to-helmet collision with Chad Simpson. Ghee was down and not moving for six minutes and an ambulance briefly came out. Chad Ochocinco and Adam Jones came from the sidelines as Ghee was being treated.

    Ghee went into a sitting position a minute later and was assisted to a cart where he looked stunned.

    The official diagnosis from the sidelines was a hit to the head, but that Ghee had movement in his arms and legs. He did not return to the game.

    It’s been a tough training camp for Ghee, who had not played in the previous two games due to a quad strain.

    LEAD POSITION: Adam Jones looks like he has wrapped up one of the return spots.

    During the first half of Saturday’s game, the Bengals cornerback had three kick returns for 116 yards, including a 52-yarder on the opening play that set up the first touchdown.

    Jones entered the game with three kick returns for 88 yards, including a 40 yarder. He has been equally adept at punt returns, averaging 16 yards with two over 20 yards.

    Through four preseason games, he is averaging 34 yards on six returns.

    Bernard Scott averaged 31.5 yards per kick return last year, which would have led the league if he had reached the minimum of 20 (he was four short).

    Jones was thought to be a better punt returner with four touchdowns in two seasons with Tennessee. But in three years with the Titans and Cowboys, he averaged 25.8 yards per return.

    QUICK STUDY: Marvin White was signed last Sunday following the season-ending injury to Gibril Wilson. With Roy Williams (ankle) and Chiedum Ndukwe (unspecified) out of Saturday’s game, White found himself starting at free safety in Saturday’s game.

    It wasn’t the most auspicious of starts though for the fourth-year player, who was called for roughing the passer on the game’s first play. It was declined.

    Jones and Rico Murray saw most of the action at the safety spots.

    THE INACTIVES: Besides Williams and Ndukwe, WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Maurice Purify (knee), CB Johnny Sears (muscle pull) CB Morgan Trent (ankle), FB Fui Vakapuna (shoulder), S Roy Williams (ankle), S Chinedum Ndukwe (unspecified), S Tom Nelson (knee), LB Rashad Jeanty (leg), OT Anthony Collins (foot), DE Robert Geathers (foot), DE Frostee Rucker (hamstring) and DT Tank Johnson (unspecified) did not play.

    LINE SHUFFLING: Dennis Roland and Evan Mathis saw time at different spots for the second straight week.

    Roland, who started the game at right tackle, saw some snaps at left tackle while Mathis, who normally plays left guard, saw some time at center.

    With Collins out for a second straight game, Roland saw increased snaps which might be a concern once the season begins.

    http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100828/SPT02/308280054/1066/Bengals-rookie-Ghee-injures-head-

    ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Coming into the fourth preseason game of the season, the Bengals first-team offense had just two touchdowns in 10 drives.

    Against the Bills on Saturday, they doubled that in three drives.

    In their best performance to date, Carson Palmer and company looked composed and efficient as they showed a couple more wrinkles at Ralph Wilson Stadium. It was not enough though, as the Bills defeated the Bengals 35-20.

    The first-team offense ran 19 plays and compiled 135 yards. Even the drive that stalled, when Benson was stopped on fourth-and-1, was in Buffalo territory.

    Palmer, who was 9 of 11 for 95 yards, had touchdown passes to Jermaine Gresham and Chad Ochocinco and finished with a rating of 142.2.

    Most of those plays were run out of the no-huddle and in three-receiver sets with Ochocinco, Owens and Jordan Shipley. There were some plays when Gresham lined up in the backfield as a blocker for Benson, who had 8 carries for 50 yards.

    Only five of the 19 snaps were two-back sets with Joe Tornzo in at fullback.

    Said Palmer: “I’m feeling more comfortable every time I throw a pass, whether it’s in seven-on-seven, full practice or the games. I love what Jermaine (Gresham) and Terrell are doing. Chad is playing like he believes he’s the best receiver in the league.”

    After Adam Jones took the opening kickoff 52 yards to the Bills 47, Palmer drove the Bengals to a touchdown in five plays. The key plays before the Gresham 9-yard touchdown were an 11-yard run by Benson and an Ochocinco 17-yard reception that put the ball on the Bills 9.

    On the next play, Bills linebacker Andra Davis blew the coverage and Gresham was all alone in the middle of the end zone for his first NFL touchdown.

    “Honestly, they just didn’t cover me on that play,” said Gresham, who finished with 4 receptions for 45 yards. “But it’s really a relief, a big relief. I really was waiting to get that first one.”

    After the Bills tied things on a Roscoe Parrish 12-yard touchdown catch from Trent Edwards, the Bengals drove 63 yards in nine plays, which was capped on the first play of the second quarter when Ochocinco shook off a stumbling Leodis McKelvin and caught it in the back left corner of the end zone from 6 yards out.

    On that drive Palmer completed all five passes for 39 yards and Benson had 29 yards on three carries, including a 20-yarder into Bills territory on the second play of the drive. Ochocinco finished with 2 catches for 23 yards and Owens had 3 receptions for 35 yards in his return to Buffalo.

    Before the game, Owens shook hands and had fun with some of his former teammates. The fans weren’t as charitable, with most booing after each reception.

    For those hoping for some signs of life in the kicking competition, Mike Nugent provided some excitement with a 54-yard field goal early in the third quarter. Dave Rayner also had a 32-yard field goal.

    After that there weren’t much in the way of highlights.

    Edwards had a field day against the first- and second-team defenses, completing 13 of 17 for 153 yards and a touchdown. C.J. Spiller (12 carries, 52 yards) gave Buffalo (2-1) a 21-14 lead at halftime with touchdown runs of 1 and 20 yards.

    In six drives, J.T. O’Sullivan directed the Bengals to a pair of field goals. The first three drives were three-and-outs. Jordan Palmer didn’t help himself either with his second pick-six of the preseason.

    And then there were the penalties – 11 for 117, including two on the defense that led to first downs. Before Jordan Palmer’s pick-six to Reggie Corner to give the Bills a 35-20 lead, a 46-yard run by James Johnson into Bills territory was wiped out by an offensive holding penalty.

    “I was pleased with how we began the game, both offensively and defensively,” coach Marvin Lewis said. “The first group on offense took another step forward, and that’s a big thing for our team. But we still have young guys committing penalties, and we’ve got to clean that up.”

    There was a scary moment midway through the third quarter when rookie cornerback Brandon Ghee was involved in a nasty helmet-to-helmet hit with Buffalo’s Chad Simpson. Ghee did not move for six minutes before becoming alert and walking unevenly to a cart.

    The Bengals (2-2) conclude the preseason on Thursday at Indianapolis.

    http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100828/SPT02/308280053/1066/Bengals-loss-shows-bright-signs

    I was relatively satisfied by the Bengals performance against the Bills Saturday night. No, no. I'm not talking about the scrub-time with backup and third string players. What's the point in judging the team after the first team leaves? At that point, you just look for individual performances; not an overall judgment of the team's regular season prospects. I mean, you can judge them on all of that if you want, but it seems like an unnecessary reason to be pessimistic. To each their own though.

    Let's hit on some observations.

    CARSON PALMER LOOKS CRISP AGAIN. Aside from a couple unfortunate throws against the Eagles, Palmer has looked sharp in the past three preseason games. Most notably, his performances against the Broncos and Bills scored a passer rating of 95.8 and 142.2 respectively. In his past three games, Palmer's efficiency is a combined 73.4% and his overall passer rating in the past three games is over 90.

    ALSO OF NOTE: The first team offensive line has keep Palmer upright, not allowing a quarterback sack in three straight games -- or 15 consecutive drives dating back to the win against Denver. Overall, the first team offensive line play is much, much, much, improved over what they showed against Dallas earlier this month.

    It was a completely different story once the second-team offensive line came in, specifically later in the game with J.T. O'Sullivan and Jordan Palmer, both of whom were under constant pressure with four-man fronts.

    PASSING GAME KEEPS IMPROVING. Jermaine Gresham recorded his first preseason touchdown in the first quarter, splitting a deep zone easily catching the football in the middle of the endzone. Gresham recorded four receptions for 45 yards receiving. Chad Ochocinco also recorded a touchdown, Palmer's second, on a naked boot to the left, where Chad ran across the back of the endzone, hauling down an arching pass in the back left corner. Terrell Owens picked up 35 yards on three receptions and Jordan Shipley recorded a team leading five receptions for 38 yards receiving.

    Combined, Ochocinco, Gresham, Owens and Shipley, recorded 11 receptions, 114 yards receiving and two touchdowns in the first half. Shipley would go on record another three receptions, in which we didn't factor into our overall combined numbers.

    IS THE RETURN GAME DECIDED? Adam Jones is clearly the team's best return man. Including a 51-yard return on kickoff, Jones averaged 38 yards per return and even picked up 11 yards on his lone punt return.

    KICKING GAME TAKES A TURN. With just over 11 minutes left in the third quarter, Mike Nugent crushes a 54-yard field goal to cut the Bengals deficit to within four points. While the distance is nice, we still need a constant sample from Nugent. But the 54-yarder definitely helps his cause.

    SCARY HIT. With 8:33 left in the third quarter, the Bills lined up fourth-and-one at the Bengals 22-yard line. Bills running back Chad Simpson gets the football and runs off the left edge, recording a two-yard gain and a first down. Brandon Ghee, quite possibly growing as one of the biggest hitters in the secondary, generated a massive collision on Jackson. Ghee, after the hit, immediately went limp, falling over as if he fell unconscious on his stomach. At one point the ambulance came out, but was recalled as Ghee finally got up under his own power, taking the cart off the field.

    Having experienced the depressing career-ending hit that David Pollack took against the Browns in 2006, watching Ghee being worked on for so long after seeing that hit was humbling and scary. If we're grateful for anything, it's him getting up, fully aware and every limb reportedly functional as he left the game with a great standing ovation from the Bills fans.

    What's worse on the cornerback roster is Adam Jones suffered a neck injury a bit later in the game, not returning.

    BENGALS RUSH DEFENSE. Even though Bills running back C.J. Spiller recorded 52 yards rushing and two touchdowns, his first three carries went for -16 yards.

    ANDRE SMITH. On the Bengals drive that started at their own 34-yard line with over seven minutes left in the third quarter, I specifically watched Andre Smith. Even though he was likely playing against second and third team scrubs, Smith was far more dominating than he was against the Eagles last week. No man that Smith targeted to block made a play and when the Bengals ran the football, Smith turned, drove and manhandled his guy.

    There was this one passing play where Smith made contact, then stepped inside, and suddenly redirecting backwards to watch the defensive end bearing down on J.T. O'Sullivan just as he got rid of the football, completing a 12-yard pass to Matt Jones.

    Shotgun observations

    * With over nine minutes left in the game, Quan Cosby ran a seem route down the left sidelines. Hand-fighting with the cornerback down the sidelines, Cosby made a diving effort to catch a Jordan Palmer bomb for 44 yards. I've always liked Cosby. Not only does he give it his all, he has high field awareness and does everything he's asked. His departure was never an issue of talent, rather numbers. However, I've never felt as highly as I do that Cosby is closing in on being a lock for this team.
    * I really like Carlos Dunlap's potential. He's big and he's a force as a defensive end. What's more surprising is his speed and quickness. He tracked down Trent Edwards in the first half and has a blinding spin move. Dunlap had two hits on Bills quarterbacks. However, where Robert Geathers is strongest as a run defender, Dunlap is as a pass rusher. When a blocker locked in on Dunlap on running plays, he virtually disappeared.
    * Kyries Hebert played admirably, starting for the injured Roy Williams and Chinedum Ndukwe at strong safety. He played most of the game, recording five tackles.
    * When Adam Jones left the game late in the third quarter and Brandon Ghee having been carted off a few minutes earlier, the Bengals were left with Rico Murray and Jeromy Miles, both safeties, playing at cornerback.
    * Vincent Rey is a tackling machine, but most of the tackles I observed against the Bills were a few yards after the line of scrimmage.
    * Roddrick Muckelroy was much more involved and healthy against the Bills. In the team's previous three preseason games, Muckelroy had one assisted tackle. Against the Bills, he was credited with four solo tackles.
    * With 12 minutes left in the game, Geno Atkins recorded a quarterback sack, giving him 4.5 for the preseason, which includes having at least one sack per preseason game.
    * With 10 minutes left in the game, the Bengals committed their ninth penalty, giving them at least nine penalties in all four preseason games. They'd go on to commit 12 fouls.
    * On Jordan Palmer's interception that gave the Bills a 15-point lead, Palmer's intended target was Jerome Simpson, who ran a slant with Palmer thinking he'd run a hook route.
    * James Johnson had a nice 46-yard run that was wiped out by a Daniel Coats holding.

    http://www.cincyjungle.com/
     

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