I know it's only preseason, and game 2 at that, but... based on a lot of the comments you would think this team is just in shambles, but from what I am seeing I am very optimistic strictly based on the limited preseason sample size. That isn't saying much, I admit, but is all we have to go on so far - especially when I contrast it against preseasons of past.
I can totally tell the this is not the BA Cardinals from the offensive side. Just from the play calling, like no biscuits balls on 3rd and short... from execution and concentration being better, like receivers not named Fitz actually getting some separation AND holding onto the ball... to guys playing physical. I like what I've seen so far.
In past two preseasons we looked flat out terrible and unprepared for the most part and didn't matter what group was on the field. Even in '14 and '15 we didn't look super impressive either, but we had runs those years so it was always "it's just preseason, it doesn't mean anything." The problem is that our last two preseason's that crap followed up right into the regular season without missing a beat, so I would argue when you look that bad all preseason it is an indicator that what's coming in the regular season won't be pretty.
I already see a coaching staff that is not messing around and worrying if their job is fun or not. I also see a staff that isn't playing politics and letting best players win their jobs. Just look at the 2017 roster and look how much fat they trimmed off and apparently upgraded. I think it's safe to say comparing up to this point in the previous season we have more talent on the field and the players look better prepared. I don't know if SK was handcuffed by BA and is now unleashed, or if Wilks and crew are doing the scouting... but either way I like the results so far.
I'm actually optimistic about the D right now also, but I feel like we could be in for a treat with our offense if Rosen turns out to be the real deal. Even if not, if Bradford can stay on the field it should be good enough because on paper he is nearly identical to Palmer over last 3 seasons (QBR, TD/INT, YPC, etc). Johnson looks great, we've got some receivers who are making plays and catching contested balls and difficult catches. ST looks reasonable, which is a great sign, and we may even have a solid kicker who can supplant Dawson if he starts with the yips again this year.
Yes, it's only 2 preseason games, but personally I am much more confident in this team than I was at this point in the season over the last 2 years. It might not be a be indicator of the regular season, but it's way better than the alternative.
I can totally tell the this is not the BA Cardinals from the offensive side. Just from the play calling, like no biscuits balls on 3rd and short... from execution and concentration being better, like receivers not named Fitz actually getting some separation AND holding onto the ball... to guys playing physical. I like what I've seen so far.
In past two preseasons we looked flat out terrible and unprepared for the most part and didn't matter what group was on the field. Even in '14 and '15 we didn't look super impressive either, but we had runs those years so it was always "it's just preseason, it doesn't mean anything." The problem is that our last two preseason's that crap followed up right into the regular season without missing a beat, so I would argue when you look that bad all preseason it is an indicator that what's coming in the regular season won't be pretty.
I already see a coaching staff that is not messing around and worrying if their job is fun or not. I also see a staff that isn't playing politics and letting best players win their jobs. Just look at the 2017 roster and look how much fat they trimmed off and apparently upgraded. I think it's safe to say comparing up to this point in the previous season we have more talent on the field and the players look better prepared. I don't know if SK was handcuffed by BA and is now unleashed, or if Wilks and crew are doing the scouting... but either way I like the results so far.
I'm actually optimistic about the D right now also, but I feel like we could be in for a treat with our offense if Rosen turns out to be the real deal. Even if not, if Bradford can stay on the field it should be good enough because on paper he is nearly identical to Palmer over last 3 seasons (QBR, TD/INT, YPC, etc). Johnson looks great, we've got some receivers who are making plays and catching contested balls and difficult catches. ST looks reasonable, which is a great sign, and we may even have a solid kicker who can supplant Dawson if he starts with the yips again this year.
Yes, it's only 2 preseason games, but personally I am much more confident in this team than I was at this point in the season over the last 2 years. It might not be a be indicator of the regular season, but it's way better than the alternative.
