Who impressed, who didn't?
These are my observations on an individual basis and a positional basis from the Hall of Fame game.
WRs - WOW - this unit is DEEP. I liked what I saw of Aromashodu, Hall, Garcon and Gonzalez in the game. The others looked pretty solid but there was a clear divide after those listed above. Don't know where Giguere was, that was disappointing. Garcon looked like, hands down, the best return option we have on the team at this point. The man is FAST. If he can handle the kicks and punts (catch them), he could provide a spark returning that we've not had in a long time.
TEs - Gijon Robinson stunned me. His hands were great, he's an absolute horse. I was diappointed that Tamme didn't have many chances with Sorgi or Gray. Either way, if this game is an indication of what we have at TE... we're stronger here than last year before the first snap of the season.
RBs - This bunch is also outstanding. Mike Hart was a stud. I don't care who he was playing against or what group he was playing with, he made the first two tacklers miss consistently, his hands were pure, his vision to follow blockers reminded me a lot of Edge, and I saw at least one solid block... which happened to be the only block I picked out as impressive by one of our RBs. Kenton Keith looked lost when used as a receiving option, he looked like the weak link. Dawson didn't get many reps so it's hard to say. Dominic looked like the ol' Dominic... strong burst through the line and his patented spin move. At this point, if there's a competition at RB, it seems to be between Hart and Dawson and clearly this one game gives Hart a clear advantage. Simpson is definitely quick... but with all the talent we have here he has a BIG uphill battle to fight. Practice squad anyone? Our RBs will be better this year than last, absent injury or unless this game was an aberration.
QBs - Get Lorenzen out of here. Tomorrow. Quinn Gray has a freaking cannon and, in my opinion, seemed to bring more life to the offense than Sorgi. That's not to take away from Sorgi's relatively strong performance but in the red zone he looked completely lost. Gray displayed speed, elusiveness and an uncanny ability to throw hard, tight spirals on target on the move which is rare.
OLs - Our offensive line looks solid. The only mistakes didn't seem a to result from a lack of ability on the line but a miscommunication in play selection, probably as a result of the lack of experience with our back-up QBs and other new players on the offensive side of the ball. Our O-line dominated in run blocking for much of the game. If this game is any indication, our O-line is clearly stronger this year than it was last year.
Offense overall - GOOD GOD!!! We are going to be SCARY good and unless I'm completely missing something, I think we'll be better at EVERY position than we were last year. Yes, even TE, and yes THIS year.
DEs - WOW. This group of DEs is insane. Curtis Johnson was EVERYWHERE. He got into the backfield often. Disrupted opposing QBs, stopped running backs, even when he had to come from out of position to do so. Marcus Howard showed speed off the edge for sure. He's only bound to get better. Josh Thomas played a SOLID game, both in throwing a wrench in opposing running plays and in getting pressure on the QB. Jeff Charleston also really had a strong game. I am not sure about Brock... I didn't notice his effectiveness personally but can only watch so many guys at once.
DTs - *shrug* I really wasn't impressed with out DT play overall. I saw the interior DL get blown off of the ball far too often allowing opposing RBs to find wide lanes leading them to our 5th-9th string LBs. I did not see Eric Foster do anything to blow my socks off and am not sure how long Ed Johnson was in the game but we'll see how we develop here. At this point, I say get Brock back inside and quick. At that point, I'll feel better. Of course, this is after only one game and I surely didn't see EVERYTHING these guys did. The spin move Foster displayed can provide the interior rush, Brock style, that we've been looking for. Clearly it still needs a bit more work.
LBs - Not overly impressive but on the upside. I thought Worsley played pretty well. My Dad says that Kyle Shotwell was all over the field as well. If either player turns out to be solid back-up material this unit will be deep once the starters and Session return. But... as a unit in this game... it was ugly. Jury is out here. Archer made at least one good play and nearly broke up a pass. Guzman didn't impress, unfortunately.
DBs - Obviously a unit that is not used to working together. Brannon Condren was all over the field making stops, which is positive to see. Who/where is Jamie Silva? Does not bode well for him making the roster at all. None of the CBs stood out to me, Bullitt also made some plays. Until this unit works together, first string, the jury is out. I wasn't overly impressed by any of our new additions at DB.
Defense overall - it was ugly but entirely inconclusive based on the slew of players thrown into positions all over the field and a lack of seeing half or more of our 1st unit altogether. Some back-ups at LB, DE did show real promise. At the other positions, I can't say that anyone other than Condren/Bullitt showed me a whole lot.
So, individual standouts: QB - Quinn Gray, RB - Mike Hart, TE - Gijon Robinson (Clark looked brilliant of course), WR - Hall/Garcon (Hall made the best catch of the game, although Gonzalez's catch was very good), DE - Curtis Johnson, DB - Brannon Condren, KR - Garcon, PR - Rushing.
*EDIT - Jordan Senn finished with 11 tackles?!?!?!? Can someone who taped the game take a look at how/where he made these tackles. I noticed Senn but for some reason he didn't stand out and with 11 solos that's a tough one to figure. *shrugs*
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.
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Comments
Yes. I’m glad you brought up Jordan Senn. The guy is a typical size of a Colt OLB about the same as Cato June. And if you think about it, its not hard to believe that he made 11 solos, seeming how he played most of the second half where the skins ran the ball down our throats. SOMEBODY had to make the tackles.
But elaborating on Senn, an intresting undrafted pick by polian. Attended Portland State and was 10th in the nation in tackles!!! I’ll be watching this guy.
by letyergamespeak on Aug 5, 2008 3:24 PM EDT 0 recs
He did look good. I was a bit suprised because I thought he looked really bad in the Senior Bowl.
by SeattleColt on
Aug 7, 2008 1:33 AM EDT
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Senn
Senn made a lot of tackles, but he got juked out of his jock strap a few times, too. I hope someone tells him that if he is standing still, waiting for the runner, he is doing the wrong thing. Gotta keep those dogs moving, and focus on the waist of the ball carrier.
by SeattleColt on Aug 7, 2008 1:28 AM EDT 0 recs









