Grades/First Impressions

Kudos to your offensive line

Even though it was already mentioned and even though a lot of the studs on the Minnesota D line barely played - your line looked outstanding.

In all the years of watching Locker, I don't think he has ever had that kind of time, I almost didn't recognize him since he was not constantly on the move, sliding backwards, etc like he was forced to do at Washington.

That long bomb to the open WR was familiar though, he had quite a few of those at UW as well as had quite a bit of practice at picking up a snap skittering along the ground and throwing a complete pass afterwards.

That stellar job by your line kept Jake from getting rattled and is allowing him to learn the footwork/followthrough that he frankly never had a chance to really learn or implement at Washington.

Your OL is going to play a big part in letting Locker develop into a complete QB since he does not have to worry about half the things he did while at Washington.

 

Watched the first few series online last night then caught the whole game on NFL network this morning. Overall liked what I saw pretty much all around.

Like someone stated above Harper needs more N/S running and to learn how to make a hole for himself when he needs the extra yard or two. Also last night someone stated he doesn't look that powerful for his size, and I'd have to agree.

Ayers had some flashes, but he did look lost at times.

 

Lockers was great look like Tom Brady moving in the pocket steeping up Ect..That and the bootleg play to stevens was perfect.

Hawk Look great and all the new D lineman look Great the secondary also looks great from Finny to Campbell.

 

Everyone seemed to play better, Leroy had a huge pancake block on the screen to Hall. Ayers was around the ball a lot. Griffin and Mac both did a fantastic job of breaking up plays. Locker looked much better than expected. Hawk was making plays.
Two things that i think can be taken away from this game if all else is forgotten, JARED COOK IS A BEAST. THE DEFENSE LOOKED LIKE A DEFENSE!!
And we should all hold our heads up high

 

Minesota thought they could rattle him with the blitz, but he handled it very well. So did the O-line.

The one thing I did like is that he seems to know when he has to run and when he doesn't.

Sometimes you shoot yourself in the foot by scrambling.

Be it by throwing into coverage on the run, fumbling the ball, going backwards, or running in circles until the clock runs out. *cough* Vince *cough*.

I think he knows that running is a last resort, but he has the speed to do it. Which is good to see. That's one thing Vince never really cought on to IMO. He was either running at the first hint of pressure, or going down with the ship no matter what.

Ohh yeah and I don't see why they don't just hit Cook every play. Dude can out run any Linebacker in the league. And can catch a jump ball on probably about half the safties. What a beast.

 

he don't block good enough.

 

It was really nice to get a home win for the new coach and qb. And for Locker to throw a TD and see our defense not just sit in prevent once we had a lead.

A:
Munchak
Locker
Gray

D:
Javon Ringer

F:
Rusty Smith



Can't read too much into the preseason. Still think its gonna be along season but that was nice to see.

 

- Really impressed with Locker and Hass. I was more worried about Hass because of some of the reports coming out that he's struggling with the offense so for him to play like that makes me feel a lot better.

- Even though Harper looked pretty good I agree with TitanJeff about his instincts, he needs to learn how to run in the NFL. He can't get his off talent alone anymore.

- Gage, you're gone. He brings nothing to the table anymore. Hawk has finally stepped up and D-Will has been pretty impressive. Then with Mariani on offense now we have no room for Gage.

- OL looked solid, Big Country didn't play so take it for what it is.

- Holy crap our DL is huge now. I was impressed with everyone last night especially Klug and Morgan. I'm not that worried at that positon anymore.

- LB's are solid, nothing more. McRath is definitely not a starter and Ayers has big play ability.

- CB depth after Verner is scary, btw, Verner is a fan favorite but McCourty has been has been pretty good. Unless Verner goes on a tear the next three weeks I'm not sure he'll be starting. However, the #3 CB will be getting a lot of PT. After the first game, Babs 1 and Hope 0.

- Special Teams needs to improve, especially kick coverage.

 

Smith didn't look that bad IMO

MM dropped a couple that hit him in the hands, that suprised me.

 

Jake Locker looked great. I think we have a great QB for the future in him. He has the look of a star player. He's very poised and doesn't seem intimidated. I would hope to have him starting next year if possible.