Observations/Predictions from Camp

I watched the scrimage last night and I do not see how anyone could take but so much from them. They stop rushing the QB when they get close, they do not tackle after the catch (I saw 5 or six playes that after the catch the WR would have been stopped for just a couple yards but they ran it out making it look like a big play) without the rush QB's had extra time to throw. I also noticed that the lines on both sides played kind of soft to avoid people from fallen over against another player and avoiding leg injuries. The only thing that seemed to go full speed were running plays and rout running by the WR's but again the cover guys seemed to avoid hitting. I guess my point is that in the scrimage it was very obvious that they wanted to avoid contact whenever a player could so to judge anyone from a scrimage is just not fair. The only thing you could really judge would be the rout running by WR's and their timing with the QB.

You're right, First. There's not much you can take away from these at all. They don't even tackle the QB, they have to touch him. It's almost like flag football.

Fellow brothers of the warpath, as the “self proclaimed” guru of this forum I give you my in-site and observations from my one visit to training camp this year.

The Good
1. Cooley looks unstoppable. He has trimmed down a bit to about 250 lbs, but the biggest improvement seems to be his understanding of the offence and his route running ability. Most importantly he is catching the ball really well.

2. Brandon Lloyd is in incredible shape. I hate to say this but at first glance he almost looks like a mini TO. I’m expecting big things. The only problem is that the guy in front of him on the depth chart, Randle El looks great too. This of course is a GOOD problem for the skins.

3. JC looks to have quickened his release and has really improved the accuracy of his throws. Their has been a lot of media reports on this so I won’t go into further detail.

The Bad
1. Todd Wade is not a guard. This is not going to work guys. I consistently saw dlinemen get under his pads and drive him back. He just doesn’t have the leverage to play guard. My prediction is that he will not be starting at left guard by week 1. If he does it’s because of a lack of an adequate replacement. This is by far by biggest concern on the offensive side of the ball.

2. Don’t believe the Rocky McIntosh hype. This guy looks average at best. He missed a tackle against Todd Heap in the Scrimmage and clearly can’t cover Cooley. I really hope I’m wrong on this but I don’t see the qualities required of an elite LB in the NFL.

3. Buzzbee will not make the team. Every year coaches hope to find a hidden gem. Well let me give it too you straight, this guy doesn’t have it.

I'm so glad you have such a handle on things after going to one practice.

thanks for the info, but way too early to tell if some of these things will play out

thanks for the info, but way too early to tell if some of these things will play out

Exactly.

Skins009, you open by saying Cooley is unstoppable... but then you ding McIntosh for not being able to cover him. Doesn't make much sense.

Good analysis Skins009, but I must ask: How long have you been an offensive line coach?

Anything less than 10 years and I'm afraid I'll have to stick with buges analysis over yours...

:doh:

Why not? Do you REALLY have a good reason to poopoo his delivery?

I think his delivery is too long in developing as he cocks his arm back. Not quite the buggy whip of Kerry Collins but close.

I'd like to see him tighten his delivery for a quicker release of the ball.

I'd like to see him tighten his delivery for a quicker release of the ball.

He already has from all accounts.

NO LB can cover Cooley one on one......

My prediction is Cooley leads the team in receptions and TD's.

Campbell's safety blanket so to speak!

He already has from all accounts.

Oh, what I saw in last week's scrimmage vs Balt didnt look too tight. I have not seen it compared to last year but IMO it still looks pretty long.

Oh, what I saw in last week's scrimmage vs Balt didnt look too tight. I have not seen it compared to last year but IMO it still looks pretty long.

It looked improved to me, regardless I never saw it has a major issue to start with. There are guys in the league that have much more awkward deliveries than he does.

The key for him is knowledge of the offense and getting the ball out quicker, and throwing before his receivers make their breaks.