Well the Cards looked far from dominant despite the score. Of course if I was a Falcon's fan I'd be even more worried. You certainly had to be pleased to see John Brown make such a triumphant return. I wish the rest of the receivers had played as well. If he wasn't a third round pick Williams might be ticketed for the practice squad. Hubert, who had a roster shot, killed all chance of that. These failures may have punched Ross' ticket to the roster. Golden was the only other standout. I can't imagine him not making the 53. Could they really keep 7 receivers? If not, would they risk losing Williams with a practice squad attempt? I think Agudosi is a lock for that squad.
The running backs did little to clarify the mix. Chris Johnson started slow and had a bad turnover. fortunately for him no other back seemed interested in locking up a slot. Penny finally had a gain of more than 3 yards. However, he had a terrible fumble. He shows no explosiveness. The only real standout again just confused the situation. James Summers burst on the scene like a top draft pick. He showed acceleration, good hands and a tenacious ability to keeo churning after being hit. He wasn't playing against the first string, but his hole selection would work against any unit. He's an UDFA from ECU. He transferred in there with a history as a dual threat QB. He turned into their leading rusher. On Pro Day he hurt his leg which ruined any chance of being drafted. This guy is a very talented athlete and is exactly the kind of player who could develop via the practice squad. He should be a lock.
The O-line had a modest game. Wetzel had a bad game which is concerning if he's the next sub up. They looked weak against the rush and only slightly better blocking for the run. The odds a a significant deep game will be dependent on play action being effective.
The tight ends were invisible.
On defense the line looked sound, but somewhat yielding. The second string looked as good. The top 4 outside LBs again seemed sounded. As I've mentioned in reviewing previous, Capi should make this team. He's a fine situational pass rusher. He and Martin should be the backups. The ILBs were more troublesome. I thought Wheeler was terrible. Bynes is okay agsinst the run and going forward. He's not impressive in coverage. I said on another thread they should sign Brooks in light of Dansby's fragility and age. Reddick looks fine but I'd want more depth.
The secondary looked okay. However, Williams can only cover fly routes. Baker still seems confused in zone.
Special teams looked fine. Dawson's presence is huge.
On the whole, playing a vanilla defense, the Cards looked sound. On offense, though, the Cards looked adequate but not like a juggernaut. They're a probable playoff team, but they've got a long way to go to make the Super Bowl.
The running backs did little to clarify the mix. Chris Johnson started slow and had a bad turnover. fortunately for him no other back seemed interested in locking up a slot. Penny finally had a gain of more than 3 yards. However, he had a terrible fumble. He shows no explosiveness. The only real standout again just confused the situation. James Summers burst on the scene like a top draft pick. He showed acceleration, good hands and a tenacious ability to keeo churning after being hit. He wasn't playing against the first string, but his hole selection would work against any unit. He's an UDFA from ECU. He transferred in there with a history as a dual threat QB. He turned into their leading rusher. On Pro Day he hurt his leg which ruined any chance of being drafted. This guy is a very talented athlete and is exactly the kind of player who could develop via the practice squad. He should be a lock.
The O-line had a modest game. Wetzel had a bad game which is concerning if he's the next sub up. They looked weak against the rush and only slightly better blocking for the run. The odds a a significant deep game will be dependent on play action being effective.
The tight ends were invisible.
On defense the line looked sound, but somewhat yielding. The second string looked as good. The top 4 outside LBs again seemed sounded. As I've mentioned in reviewing previous, Capi should make this team. He's a fine situational pass rusher. He and Martin should be the backups. The ILBs were more troublesome. I thought Wheeler was terrible. Bynes is okay agsinst the run and going forward. He's not impressive in coverage. I said on another thread they should sign Brooks in light of Dansby's fragility and age. Reddick looks fine but I'd want more depth.
The secondary looked okay. However, Williams can only cover fly routes. Baker still seems confused in zone.
Special teams looked fine. Dawson's presence is huge.
On the whole, playing a vanilla defense, the Cards looked sound. On offense, though, the Cards looked adequate but not like a juggernaut. They're a probable playoff team, but they've got a long way to go to make the Super Bowl.
