Agent Zero is benefitting from the increased attention V8 is now receiving after winning the DROY award last season. Offenses are double teaming Verse this season. It looks like V8 will have to start doing those 'old man workouts' regularly with Aaron so he can learn to consistently beat double-/triple-teaming.
Stafford had a far better game than the stat line showed because Adams dropped two TD passes. The first was on the second scoring drive, went right between his hands and probably cost us 4 points because had he caught it he had a chance to make to the endzone or right there on the doorstep. The second was in the third quarter, the drive where Stafford put the ball on his hands on a quick out and should have been a sure TD. Stafford's performance has been quite remarkable actually, considering the time he missed in camp. I think this offense is going to look like it did when OBJ came in and started vibing with Stafford during the title season, assuming health. Mentioned this in another thread but Corum finally having his skills translate to the field for us is a great sign for the offense. It ensures healthy competition between the backs. For example Williams, who had a subpar first half, was on fire when he came back in after what Corum did. And they have Hunter coming online hopefully at some point this season, as RB is a position that should translate fast just a matter of him knowing the pass pro assignments. Ferguson's saved TD on the blocked kick was a really big play. It's a shame he got set back in camp, but at least he's getting on the field even if he hasn't done shit for the offense yet. Also Allen did a fine job again in a lot of the dirty work today, with a lot of really nice crackdowns and lead blocks out of motion to eliminate bigger players. Allen isn't that elusive threat you want for the pass game, but overall we have a really nice looking TE room with Higs and Allen handling business and the kid in the wings. Hoping we feel Fergs soon. Verse had the tougher draw today on the blindside, but this is two games now where that power he had in his hands, his ability he showed as a rook to shock and move OTs, has not been there. This is not about him drawing more attention, this observation is when he's one on one with the OT. Not sure what his deal is, but there is a difference and I hope that form he had last year is coming because we need that edge player. Young to his credit took advantage of the good draw. Stewart rushed off both edges and showed very well for us. Once Verse finds that form we're going to have a 3 deep rush set, which is very nice for keeping guys fresh into the fourth quarter. Corners did get their heads around a bit today, but particularly on some of the more dangerous routes they need to work on doing it consistently. Like the sideline routes. Ayomanor was giving us fits in the second quarter, was eating up Forbes (maybe Durant too but think it was mostly Forbes), and Williams came in and shut that shit down. I think we're quite marginal at corner but I will say that it hasn't been terrible with Forbes and Durant. Both do have some cover skills and the raw ability where I don't think they're at a disadvantage outside of the physicality. I thought all of them had a pretty good day, outside of that stretch of sideline balls and bs we endured late second quarter. Lake had probably the best game I've seen him play. That I've noticed at least. He has a tendency to disappear but was all over the joint today. If he could have a big season vying for that contract, it would be very helpful for us whether we keep him around or not. Run defense wasn't great. We got pushed around a bit up front. Also that Titans back did a good job of hitting his holes downhill, some of that was extra yards and his effort but we gotta do better. Eagles and Ravens are going to eat us the F up on the ground, Ratboy as well, if not. It's good our defense got a couple tuneup games prior to that stretch of tougher matchups, so here's hoping that helps them get ready. Dolac seemed like he was all over on teams. He is always around the ball. Love having him on the depth chart because he's so quick and fluid. Still think he and Speights would make a great duo, though nothing against Landman who is performing well for us so far. This was another strong game for Landman, and Speights also made some good stops. OL is the other group whose work is cut out for them in the games ahead. It's about to get real. So hope they're ready to go. Lastly Whittington needs to be more involved in this offense. He's the third heat from that WR group that we need for consistency. Lot of people have been saying that, and I think he showed he's ready for more. Here's hoping that happens because whoever that third wideout is will have open season on the defense, either him or Higs will be largely unaccounted for. And if it's Fergy it's the same deal, he should be drawing a coverage that favors him. Puka and Adams are going to dominate DC thinking, so it should be feast time for that third and fourth weapon in the pass game.Stafford really has been nails, both games now. Getting quick pressure from stout fronts and getting the ball out quick. The accuracy everywhere is pinpoint and that is great to see.Some thoughts on this one...
I only wanted him to be traded for a Myles Garrett type player. BY is definitely good but Garrett is another beast. Regardless, I figured it wouldn't happen and happy that BY is playing good.
He was being thrown to on Stafford horrible pic as well. Was open and Stafford didn't get the ball over (likely didn't see him) the underneath cover guy.Stafford really has been nails, both games now. Getting quick pressure from stout fronts and getting the ball out quick. The accuracy everywhere is pinpoint and that is great to see.
I don't remember Fergies saved TD on a blocked kick. Must have missed that, will be rewatching later.
Agreed on Verse. Not showing the same power as last year. Maybe conditioning or off the juice...ya know Orange Juice
Didn't notice Forbes getting eaten up, so ill look out for that as well.
Run defense eating up? Pollard had 20 for 96. Not ideal for sure but it didn't feel like one of those games where we were getting gashed at all to me. Maybe the rewatch it will pop out.
The Tutu signing is again looking like a waste of money. Mainly because of the depth at WR. The one pass i remember thrown to him he gets demolished and thus loses the ball. But whatever. Wit, Smith and the TE's give us plenty of options.
Early game resulted in some rare Sunday drinking for me.
Per information by Gene - that was a legitimate call. He hit with his should going the opposite direction. That is an illegal play.
