December 22, 2024
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At dynasty blitz, I am watching each preseason game and let my readers known what I'm seeing.  The NFL landscape is very fluid, so please consider that this is only the first week.  My efforts concentrated on the younger players and/or new team additions.  Here are some quick observations after watching the first half of each game: Bucs/Jags…

At dynasty blitz, I am watching each preseason game and let my readers known what I’m seeing.  The NFL landscape is very fluid, so please consider that this is only the first week.  My efforts concentrated on the younger players and/or new Careyteam additions.  Here are some quick observations after watching the first half of each game:

Bucs/Jags

The return of Doug Martin got met with a whimper instead of applause.  He looked rather ordinary with little room to run.  The offensive line did not get off their stances quicker than the Jags defensive line.  In regards to the quarterbacks, second year Mike Glennon seemed more poised than newly acquired journeyman Josh McCown.  I have a feeling the younger player could make a push into the starting lineup before we all get to see “The Great Pumpkin”. Then again it could be that Glennon played against the second team while McCown faced the fearsome attacking Jacksonville starting defense.

Speaking of the Jags defense, the interior linemen Sen’Derrick Marks and Ziggy Hood got good pressure against the run and pass.  This disrupted much of what the Tampa Bay offense tried to do.  Rookie linebacker Telvin Smith flowed quickly to the ball with good play recognition and instincts.  Offensively for Jacksonville, rookie runner Storm Johnson and quarterback Blake Bortles appeared a little more ready for NFL stardom than originally anticipated.  Johnson still dances a bit too much, but has the quicks to be successful. Bortles has good pocket presence, but dealt with a few dropped passes.  Playing time should improve these issues.

Dolphins/Falcons

The Dolphins offense appeared faster running more plays and third year quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, was ready to deliver the ball quickly all around the gridiron.  He stepped up in the pocket, bootlegged to either side with ease, and demonstrated improved chemistry with his receivers.  New to the middle linebacker spot, Koa Misi, flowed well to the ball and provided inside pressure getting to the signal caller.  The Dolphins desperately need better linebacker play this year.

If you view the highlights of this game, one player will stand out, third running back Antoine Smith.  Smith broke off two amazing runs showing off his burst, explosion, downfield vision, and balance.  Both huge gains got called back due to holding, but the imprint of those runs stayed with me.   Rookie Devonta Freeman looked like the fourth back on the depth chart.  He ran well between the tackles, but did not generate a lot of power with his legs.  The rookie let a pass clink off his hands at the three yard line on a pass he needed to catch.

Bears/Eagles

Although the talented, but slightly crazed tight end Martellus Bennett did not play against the Eagles, the tight ends got featured quite a bit during this contest.  Forgotten tight end Zachary Miller, formerly of Jacksonville,  caught two touchdowns.  Rookie runner Ka’Deem Carey had a good outing while showing strong leg drive, fell forward, and good balance.  He was very athletic hurdling defenders and busting out a few spin moves to avoid would-be tacklers.

The Eagles continued to roll out their heavy guns and despite the failings of Nick Foles, they were successful. Foles got pressured early, threw off balanced, and stared down a few of his receivers causing turnovers.  Second year tight end Zach Ertz was very active lining up all over the formation; then split a linebacker and safety for a big gain in the first half.   Ertz might be Philadelphia’s secret goal line weapon, so keep your eyes on him.  The forgotten rookie receiver, Josh Huff, exploded on the scene when he screamed down the field on a 102 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.  He showed good lateral quickness and broke out a nice stiff-arm on the way to the end zone.

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