One of the things that's best about the pre-season is getting a chance to test each unit against decent competition. Probably most in need of testing/proving are the OL, secondary and special teams. The Bears have been okay against the run but they're rebuilding and not really a test for our OL, certainly not in pass protecting. Who, of our last opponents, presents the best test of our OL, in your opinion? Who will best test the secondary in run and pass? And what else are you looking for?
I know people got excited about the 1st string drive, and for good reason. But it did come against one of the League's worst defenses that was playing for the first time under a new staff in a totally different scheme. Gotta have that context. Panthers next week have one of the better DLines in the League, especially on the interior. The Falcons, who we play week 3, looked sharp last night even in a new offensive scheme - albeit against the bad Titans defense. I think their new system will suit Matty pretty well. Starters will play longer in weeks 2 and especially 3 as well.
the Panthers is the best test... If the Buccaneers game was in Game 3 then it would easily be the Buccs but since it is game 4 we likely wont play our starters more than a single drive.
I've heard Star and maybe even Short might not play next week. I hope at least one does. Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk
Any injury updates on the LB front? We need healthy bodies...I don't want those positions to turn into a concern, again.
They haven't said. He has a stress reaction in his foot. This was around the beginning of the month. They said he would be re-evaluated in a few weeks. Found this:
Preseason IMO isnt about having success week to week, it's about getting ready for the real games. Finalizing the depth chart and roster. Getting players into game shape. Reps reps reps, working on technique and fundamentals. Getting a break from the monotony of practice vs your own team. Most of all staying healthy. Starting with Washington the end results become important, until then it's all about the process.
The word on the street is that Dallas Thomas asked the league to make the Bucs game the 4th game...and the street don't lie!
I think after the 2 joint practices against the Panthers this coming week followed by the game the coaches should have a pretty good feeling about the state of the OL and if our guards are starting material or not...