Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyerSkin
I would agree but, last year's preseason seemed rather lethargic as well and it did cast a reflection on the season. Wins and losses in the preseason are a moot issue, it is all about execution. There was improvement in the last game, so we will see if it continues in game 4.
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This year's preseason was vastly different then last year's. Last year KC and the starting offense maybe played 2 quarters over 3 games. JG was far more relaxed then this year. This year he held the offense accountable in all 3 games, making them stay out until they executed some plays. I think that will have a tremendous positive impact when the games count.
Yes the game plans were vanilla, and yes the oline looked less than stellar, but our line revolves around TW, if he is playing, and you could tell he was playing at a preseason pace. Unless something is significantly wrong with him, there is no reason at all to think he won't be a pro bowl caliber LT again this year.
Tonight's game is so meaningless, I bet half the starters don't even make the trip. But come next week, I expect to see the best game 1 of a season that JG has put together. When you put Reed, Crowder, Kelley (especially the Kelley who was running in game 3), Thompson and the rest on the field our offens has multiple potent weapons, and KC is mature enough to march them down the field consistently.
Our D has solid players across the board now, and potential playmakers in Allen, Kerrigan, Norman, and Anderson. Will strong offenses give us challenges, of course. But last year we were bottom dwellers on D with the staff and players infighting all season. I think our coaching staff is better (not sold on the DC unfortunately), and the locker room will be better with the likes of Anderson and Allen setting a brutal tone.
preseason records mean nothing, but I love the change in coaching mentality enough to think that this preseason will be Gruden's turning point as an NFL head coach.