What we learned: Preseason night No. 3

AP

By popular demand, we’re going to keep these preseason recaps rolling. (My mom likes them.)  Here’s a look back at Thursday and Friday if you missed them.

Browns 27, Packers 17

1. Colt McCoy looked very sharp, fitting passes into tight windows during a 9-for-10, 135 yard performance.  Guess the Packers should have done those player-only workouts.

(Yes, that’s sarcasm.)

2. Aaron Rodgers looked sharp when the Packers went to a no-huddle offense.

3. Packers rookie receiver Randall Cobb is going to force coach Mike McCarthy to play him.

Panthers 20, Giants 10

1. Jimmy Clausen bounced back from a rough start, but the fans were calling for Cam Newton early.

2. Newton was a little erratic, but he was a lot of fun to watch.  Greg Olsen was the leading receiver with 58 yard on three catches.

3. Jason Pierre-Paul made the Giants forget all about Osi Umenyiora for a night.

4. Eli Manning got extended playing time, but couldn’t do a lot with it. Victor Cruz had a bad drop.

Bears 10, Bills 3

1. Shawne Merriman and Brad Smith both showed they could make a big impact in Buffalo.

2. The Bears offensive line looked the same as ever, giving up nine sacks.

3. Johnny Knox played as Chicago’s No. 4 receiver, making his biggest impact on returns. That could be a sign of things to come.

Rams 33, Colts 10

1. Rams rookie Lance Kendricks looks like he’ll be a big factor in the Rams offense despite a few drops.

2. St. Louis’ backfield appears deeper this year.

3. Colts quarterbacks Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky didn’t stand out.

4. First round Colts tackle Anthony Castonzo looked competent, albeit against reserves.

Titans 14, Vikings 3

1. Jake Locker probably put together the best outing of any first-round quarterback this weekend, showing a nice ability to evade the rush.

2. Minnesota’s passing game looked rough, just like it has in practice.  This was true whether Donovan McNabb, Joe Webb, or Christian Ponder were on the field.  Ponder was slow to make decisions.

3. The Vikings secondary left a lot to be desired early in the game.

53 responses to “What we learned: Preseason night No. 3

  1. Also, the last of the Mallett Six played their first games. I think Locker looks most likely of the Mallett Six to play for a while.

  2. You forgot to add Marcel Freeking Dareus.

    The Bills are finally being smart and mostly running a 43 with Williams and Dareus inside.

    If the Bills can stay healthy, they might not suck this year.

  3. Don’t be surpried if Browns pass offense jumps from 30th ranked last season into the top 15 in 2011

  4. The Colts are going to regret not drafting/developing a legitimate backup QB. Peyton has been an iron man, but chances are he will eventually miss some time, and then that streak of playoff appearances will end.

  5. The Bears offensive line looked the same as ever, giving up nine sacks.

    The Bears line actually looked worse than it did last year. Moving the worst RT in the league to LT might have had something to do with that

  6. I love to watch Locker, he’s fun. I saw Hass laughing at him when he botched that snap and threw the TD anyway.

    DeAngelo Williams looks really good so far too. It’s a shame they haven’t used him more in the passing game, he’s so good with it. Great in space/on screens. Glad to see him being used that way. This team is very underrated offensive skill wise. Now if they can put it together in real games? Who knows? But they have talent. It sicks for them about Gettis but they still have much more offensive talent than they have had since the Polian era. Same for the D, lots of good young players. They could sneak up on people and be this year’s version of the Bucs.

    Merriman sounds surprising in a good way, Cruz not so much. Cruz is one of the few guys I’ve ever seen in preseason who made my jaw drop (last year). The only other one I can remember who made me sit up and take notice in the preseason as a rookie was Cribbs.

  7. 2. The Bears offensive line looked the same as ever, giving up nine sacks.

    ____________________________________

    No love for the run game?

    Khalil Bell 13 carries for 75 yards
    Marion the Barbarian 7 carries for 45 yards.

  8. Freddy Rodgers likes to rib Colt because he is not quite as short as McCoy. But Colt’s mom thinks he could have a growth spurt any day now.

  9. “Curtis Painter is the worst quarterback in the league right now. Worse than DA.” Consider T. Bouman, Jacksonville Jackwires: PR 2.1. Besides, Painter eclipsed his 2009 PR of 9.8 with a stellar 42.1 opening performance.

  10. What we’ve learned from 1 preseason game? LOL
    Remember Steve Spurriers first year as Redskins HC? They went went undefeated, blowing away everyone in preseason. The press was all “OOOH, AHHH”. And then the games started to count, and reality set in…

  11. bearsrulepackdrool:
    O-line has more than one responsibility: run-blocking is important, but if pass protection isn’t solid, you get your QB killed. Think the Bears will be able to run the ball with Hanie at QB?

  12. We learned that Graham Harrell can’t hold onto the ball and is still awkward under center. Three fumbles in 30 minutes of play. Since Matt Flynn will no doubt get a big fat FA contract from another team at the end of the year, that leaves the Packers in a bind for a backup QB for next year unless Harrell clicks in. Cobb’s too good at other things to be moved to backup QB.

  13. Yeah, where is the mention of Marcell Dareus?

    The guy is a beast. He should help shore up the Bills porous run defense. He definitely looks to make an impact as a pass rusher.

    Go Bills!!!!

  14. First boxing, then acting, now pro football?

    Is there anything Randall Cobb CAN’T do?!?

  15. @wryly1

    I’ll admit that so far I’ve been wrong about McCoy, but he still is not going to take the Browns with that pathetic offense to a top 15 passing O. Not a shot in hell. And even if he were awesome what receivers does he have to make that happen? Just won’t happen.

  16. What we Learned:

    Bears Oline still sucks, and the coaches are too stupid to do anything about that

  17. Teams need to look out for the Bills, Browns, Lions, and Bucs. All of them are in competitive divisions where most people think the top two spots are a given. But any of them could pull a surprise and at least slip into the second spot. Those divisions should be fun to watch.

  18. sieg1234

    Your eyes are deceiving you because they are firmly trained in the rear view mirror. You no no clue what’s going on with Browns offense. None, zip, zero, zilch, nada, bupkis.

  19. “Randall Cobb, The Lone Biker of the Apocalypse” – might be his namesake. It looks like the Packers’ version could be plenty apocalyptic for defenders.

  20. I like Colt McCoy, but lets settle down – he ripped up Pat Lee and Jarrett Bush, two guys that will struggle to make the Packers roster.

  21. shooliganza says:
    Aug 14, 2011 12:58 PM
    Also, the last of the Mallett Six played their first games. I think Locker looks most likely of the Mallett Six to play for a while.
    —————————————
    OK you got me. What the heck is a Mallett Six? Is that like 3 joints and 3 six packs? You need to buy a clue from Alex. What kind of encryptic mess is that?

  22. Idk what he talking about ponder look good as locker if it wasnt for the fluke Td pass where he bothch the snap where the defense all went for the the ball seriously people make it seems like he thrash I bet he take his team to the playoff before locker do

  23. Small question: just how many times do exhibition all-stars have to fall flat on their faces in the regular season before professional football writers will realize that preseason means absolutely nothing?

  24. Mike Shula didn’t have the goods to be a head coach, but he is a talented quarterbacks coach. That will be a big plus for Cam Newton.

  25. On the Colts current quarterback situation. Is it the quarterbacks or the lack of leadership from their little league coaches? I think the blame is on the coaches, there just is no sense of urgency from this entire team top to bottom and I’m getting sick of talking about it, hearing their problems and so forth. Its borderline disgraceful how these coaches like Caldwell get a shot in the NFL and there is absolutely no reason for the hire. But what’s even more disgraceful is how his president Bill Polian is purposely gonna use him as a scapegoat when he fires him.

  26. Nice try, Browns’ haters. But there is no need for the Browns to apologize for playing well. So what if “it’s only preseason.” Playing well is better than playing like…Pittspuke did against Washington.

  27. qdog112:
    A reference to the six QBs drafted before Mallet this year (and a nod to the Brady six).

  28. 611jmp says:

    Nice try, Browns’ haters. But there is no need for the Browns to apologize for playing well. So what if “it’s only preseason.” Playing well is better than playing like…Pittspuke did against Washington.
    ————————————————-
    Speaking as a Pittsburgh fan … I can’t argue with that.

  29. emperorzero says:
    Aug 14, 2011 3:48 PM

    I like Colt McCoy, but lets settle down – he ripped up Pat Lee and Jarrett Bush, two guys that will struggle to make the Packers roster.
    —————————————————

    I keep reading this… but apparently, the people who are writing this didn’t watch the game. Colt McCoy threw ONE long pass (27 yards). The rest of them were in the 10-20 yard range. Isn’t that more like linebackers and safeties domain? So then you’re saying McCoy “ripped up” the Packers starting linebackers and safeties, right? RIGHT?

  30. Re: those knocking Locker’s touchdown pass..if Newton had thrown that, some of you would be putting him in some of you would be putting him in Canton now. Wait, you already did. Sorry.

  31. trickbunny says:
    Aug 15, 2011 1:18 AM
    emperorzero says:
    Aug 14, 2011 3:48 PM

    I like Colt McCoy, but lets settle down – he ripped up Pat Lee and Jarrett Bush, two guys that will struggle to make the Packers roster.
    —————————————————

    I keep reading this… but apparently, the people who are writing this didn’t watch the game. Colt McCoy threw ONE long pass (27 yards). The rest of them were in the 10-20 yard range. Isn’t that more like linebackers and safeties domain? So then you’re saying McCoy “ripped up” the Packers starting linebackers and safeties, right? RIGHT?
    ————————————

    So, Green Bay CBs aren’t responsible for any receivers within 20 yards of the LOS? Yeah…..don’t apply for any DCoor jobs.

  32. brewdogg says: Aug 15, 2011 10:59 AM

    trickbunny says:
    Aug 15, 2011 1:18 AM
    emperorzero says:
    Aug 14, 2011 3:48 PM

    So, Green Bay CBs aren’t responsible for any receivers within 20 yards of the LOS? Yeah…..don’t apply for any DCoor jobs.
    —————————————————-

    Nope. I didn’t say that at all…. they *are* responsible for WRs as soon as they get off the LOS… but since the 10 to 20 yards from LOS area is typically covered by LBs, Safeties, *and* CBs, I guess that means McCoy was doing a damn good job of shredding the coverage in an area where a LOT of the Packers D could have helped, not just the CBs. So McCoy was showing up the Packers starting LBs, safeties, and back-up CBs with a rookie WR, a couple newbie TEs, and a vet who has hardly played at the WR postion.

    I guess you just dug your hole deeper, huh?
    Yeah… don’t apply for any debating jobs.

  33. I love that the press is all over McCoy’s “coming out party”, despite the fact that Charles Woodson and Sam Shields played no snaps, Clay Matthews was on the field for 3 snaps, the Dline was reshuffled, undergoing an experimental configuration, and Capers called almost no blitzes.

    I mean, God bless the Browns fans out there reading this, but I would slow your proverbial roll before you annoint McCoy the next Joe Montana.

  34. McNabb still has a quick release and a strong arm, if the o-line plays like that week 3 vs Detroit it’ll get ugly.

    The Vikings have 6 linebackers that can start in the NFL with EJ, Greenway, Erin, Brinkley, Washington and Farwell. And an intrigueing prospect in Larry Dean. Rookie d-lineman Christian Ballard could be a very good rotating d-lineman. Everson Griffen could be a future Ray Edwards rotating lineman as well, has good speed.

    Ponder looked like a rookie, but also showed how mobile he will have to be. Good move to bring in McNabb before Ponder even took a practice, he’ll need time on the bench to learn. Speaking of, it was great to see McNabb, Ponder and Webb almost always talking on the sidelines about the play.

    Vikings may have found their future left tackle in 6th rd pick Demarcus Love. He’s one to watch these next three games. #75.

    All around the Vikings draft class look good, Jaymar Johnson should be the #1 return man.

    Secondary is going to be teams major weekness and could cost them a winning season. Still, this team is much more better then the team that jogged off Detroits field 8 months ago.

  35. Oh, and Thank God the Vikings have Joe Webb. I’d say this year McNabb takes 150-200 snaps at QB, Ponder take 75-150 and Joe Webb takes about 50-100 snaps at Quarterback.

    Yes, Thank God for Joe Webb.

    A 6th rd pick. Not a 1st rd pick like Tebow.
    Ha!

  36. trickbunny says:
    Aug 15, 2011 12:36 PM
    brewdogg says: Aug 15, 2011 10:59 AM

    trickbunny says:
    Aug 15, 2011 1:18 AM
    emperorzero says:
    Aug 14, 2011 3:48 PM

    So, Green Bay CBs aren’t responsible for any receivers within 20 yards of the LOS? Yeah…..don’t apply for any DCoor jobs.
    —————————————————-

    Nope. I didn’t say that at all…. they *are* responsible for WRs as soon as they get off the LOS… but since the 10 to 20 yards from LOS area is typically covered by LBs, Safeties, *and* CBs, I guess that means McCoy was doing a damn good job of shredding the coverage in an area where a LOT of the Packers D could have helped, not just the CBs. So McCoy was showing up the Packers starting LBs, safeties, and back-up CBs with a rookie WR, a couple newbie TEs, and a vet who has hardly played at the WR postion.

    I guess you just dug your hole deeper, huh?
    Yeah… don’t apply for any debating jobs.
    ——————————————

    Ahhh…..I see what you’re saying now. nicely done. I thought it was some backhanded defense of the Packers. (Vikings fan here, just so you know) My bad. Keep it coming!

  37. @gregjennings85 …

    I don’t think the Browns fans are annointing McCoy the next Montana or thinking this would be the outcome playing Packers starters for four quarters. But they’re justifiably excited to see their starting offense look so good despite limited prep time with a new coach and system.

  38. Yep, the Pack’s LBs and Safeties are useless… I’m off the bandwagon… game over, man! Game over!!

  39. As a Browns fan, I’m not going to read much into that game. Yes, McCoy looked sharp. He made quick decisions, got rid of the ball quickly and accurately, and the receivers hung onto the ball. I only saw one glaring poor decision on his part (the TE screen checkdown on 3rd & 1 that lost a yard), but even if he’d thrown for 300 yards and 3 TDs in one quarter, it’s still just preseason.

    The biggest things I took from the Browns-Packers game was that the new punter looks solid, that Sheldon Brown is gonna have to work hard to keep his starting job, and that Armond Smith looks like an intriguing rookie RB. I’d like to see if Smith can run like that against some 1s and/or 2s, instead of just the 3rd string/roster bubble guys.

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