Here's my list.... 1) Does Henne and the passing attack look more efficient this time out (without the rain). Mainly, are they more in rhythm and comfortable. 2) How does Clemons look? Will the staff give Culver any snaps at FS? 3) Does Soliai show up big for two games in a row for the first time in his career? 4) Is Starks invisible again? If Starks struggles and Soliai shines, I'll have to question whether Starks should spend some time back out at DE. 5) Which is the higher number: Brandon Marshall catches or Brandon Marshall punts? 6) Does Dansby make a big play? He was surprisingly quiet in the first game. 7) Does John Jerry's health allow him to play and retain the starting RG spot 8) Who starts at LG and how do they do in run blocking, pulling, and pass pro? What will *you* be looking for?
Punts from #19 and #21. Actual effectiveness from #7. Multiple interior offensive linemen. And a noose, because real football is still four weeks away.
To add to the list How much play time, if any, does Pat White get? Do we see Chad Pennington or Will Allen get any PT? Is Lou Polite healthy? Where do players fall into the DE rotation? We have Odrick and Langford, but also Grant and Douglas. Not to mention Alama-Francis and maybe a possibility of Starks if Soliai really does get it and turn it on.
I'll be looking for the Dolphins to look like a playoff caliber team, cause I didn't see it against the Bucs in the rain. Giants and Jets made me feel like I was watching a playoff game in August...
1. The Injury Report. May it be as empty as a synagogue in downtown Baghdad. 2. Is Marshall playing flanker, split end, or both? I don't expect Henning to show his hand, but if Marshall is lining up at flanker or on both sides, it suggests that his grasp of the offense is coming along on schedule. 3. Is Jake Grove healthy? If he is, I'm thinking he's the starter. I doubt the Trifecta want to explain to Ross why the (alleged) 25 million dollar man is riding the pine. 4. Will a real free safety please stand up? Folklore about his 1 mental error all camp aside, every time I notice Clemons it's b/c he's doing something wrong. 5. Can Jerry and Incognito solidify their spots on the OL? Richie's not a great puller, so having him at LG will hurt our running game (Wildcat especially). Will Sparano make that sacrifice in order to improve pass pro? 6. How does Nolan Carrol look in the slot? If Will Allen can't get healthy, I have a feeling we will miss Nate Jones before the year is over. 7. Has Sean Smith turned over a new leaf? I was pleasantly surprised by Sean's physical play last week, and I'd love to see it continue. If he starts bringing the wood consitently, he can be very good. And it'll allow Nolan to add the Cover 2 to his arsenal. 8. Has Soliai turned the corner? Dude was all over the place last week, but he did it vs. second rate competition and he wasn't being doubled. His play will be key in helping to keep Starks fresh over the course of the season. 9. David Martin. Out of the deep freezer and into the fryer. How quickly can he get into playing shape? Defenses won't be able to pay much attention to him, so if he can return at or near his 2008 ability, he'll be able to do some damage. 10. Special Teams. Torbor and Jones were key cogs, can Dobbins and Carroll fill those roles? Wake and Hartline will have to be replaced now that they're starting. Who's going to return kicks and punts?
Yup, this is what I want to see most. Nate Ness' continued play is something else I'll be looking for.
gonna watch the perceived dominant oline we have based on the greatness of 1 player to see if that label is even deserving, 3/5th's of this mythological line is new...Time to check em as a unit.
Yeesh. As Padre might say, [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuStsFW4EmQ"]YouTube- Kelly's Heroes Oddball - Negative Waves[/ame] "You're killing me with the negative waves..." The only person missing from last year is the chronically injured Smiley, who was so good that we were able to trade him for a 7th round pick. We got a 5th rounder for Ginn, mind you. If Thomas isn't playing it's b/c the coaches think Incognito and Jerry are better, meaning they are pretty damn good. Same goes for Berger. If he's starting come the 12th, it's b/c he's playing better then Grove, meaning he's one of the top 5 or so at his position. I'd say there are only a few teams in the league with even a prayer of fielding a better OL than what we have down here. The front five should be the least of your worries, IMVHO.
Mine is a more global look. I think we simply need to see improvement across the board from our starting offense. Less penalties, catching balls, etc. The individual battles, at least to me, aren't as important as seeing the first units make some plays. I probably will be watching the free safeties as best I can and it will be interesting to see how Ricky/Ronnie run behind various inside linemen.
The passing attack is the biggest one for me. Also, 3rd downs. As I noted to Sam (during last week's game) all the Bucs had to do was get in 3rd and Long and they were money. Could be another long season for the defense if they can't get off the field.
3 new starter's, 2 of them we haven't seen in our uniform before and, and a career backup playing center, Sorry GM, iam not crowning them yet..not until I see the domination that we need to compliment the talent we have at running back.. Iam fine with projecting Jerry over smiley cause I was never a big fan of Justin, but the other 2?... iam not being negative imo, just checking them a bit because of all the projection out there that I see... I
Oh and if Brandon Fields isn't booting punts 70 yards, then he is clearly slacking and should be disciplined accordingly.
For me: 1.) Some ball movement and pts from our first team Offense 2.) Consistency from out first team D 3.) Who will step up in the return game? 4.) Who will get the edge in the battle for the 5th WR spot 5.) Pat White. Just anything from him. I just want to see him play AT LEAST 3 drives.
Instantly thought of the Denny Green rant. I'm not gonna "crown their ***" either, but overrall, this is a deeper, and arguably more talented group than the one we had last year. I'm not sure why you're concerned about Joe Berger. He proved himself last year, so much so that the coaches took their sweet time putting Grove back into the lineup. Incognito is a good lineman with a history of doing dumb ish. Seeing as how we have Thomas, Procter, and eventually Garner waiting in the wings, I think Richie will be on his best behavior. And if not, we've got a proven back up in Thomas available to step in. For me, the only ? is Jerry at RG. If he starts tomorrow, I'll officially believe that they're not just trying to get his feet wet. If Jerry starts ahead of Thomas, then I think it's safe to assume that the coaching staff trusts him, and I think they've earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the OL. Look at our schedule. Outside of NY, Tennessee, and Baltimore, there isn't a team on there who wouldn't kill to have the problems we have on the offensive line. Sure it's not a perfect group, but they are pretty damn good nonetheless.
Last year it seemed to me our offense struggled more against 4-man fronts and did better against the 3-4. Grove was brought in because he is at his best heads up nose-to-nose with a NT, not between two DTs. Maybe it's just my imagination? Perhaps practicing every day against our own 3-4 D has made us better vs 3-fronts. Jags play a 4-3, unless they've changed. Will be interesting to see how the line does against the Jags 'so-so' front.
A watchable performance unlike last week. I missed a ton of the preseason opener. And I was there. And I barely left my seat.