Preseason Lookout: Game 1: Focus on WR's and TE's

[Saca312]

Preseason Game 1: Quick Thoughts and Notes

Notice: Sorry, I won't be able to make gifs or highlights this write-up. Don't have much time on my hands, but still want to make a quick write-up on my thoughts. This preseason, I plan on focusing on 1-2 positions each game, and note down my general thoughts and improvements I've seen below the positional analysis. I'll try and get highlight gifs for future write-ups as well. If you have any suggestions, just let me know below! 

But anyhow, without further ado, here's what I saw out of the WR's and TE's from Game 1

Wide Receivers

Kelvin Benjamin: When I saw Benji make that catch during the game, I hopped right off my couch and made this high frequency scary squeal of joy, as if I were some girl at a some boy concert after witnessing a smile off one of their faces. I was that hyped up seeing Kelvin contributing after that horrid ACL tear. Kelvin didn't dissappoint. Catching that ball was phenomenal enough, and how he man-handled that poor DB as if it were some sort of rag-doll brought back nostalgic memories of Benji's talent. I can't wait to see what more is in store out of our #1 receiver coming back, and how much of an impact he'll make. Talib's gonna wish he shot himself some more when Kelvin comes back.

Devin Funchess: Holy Mother of Gettles. This dude is going to be a legitimate red-zone threat. That touchdown catch was fantastic. Although the cameraman couldn't do his job, what I saw from that was insane. Funchess is able to get open and meticulous catch, and glide his feet along the endzone to ensure a touchdown. It's night and day seeing his improvement from one year ago. Pair this guy with Kelvin, Olsen, and the Cam-Stew-Tol threat, and you've got one of the best redzone offenses in the league. Calling it now. Funchess gonna break out this year.

Ted Ginn Jr.: Looked good from what I saw. Was able to make good use of his speed in plays and reverses. Only thing I noticed was that he didn't appear at full speed the one time in the endzone where he couldn't catch up with the pass. Otherwise I think he'll still be a good deep threat, with the occasional "butterfingers" that's plagued his career, but he's a lock for sure

Philly Brown: I cannot begin to explain how much different he looks now. He's much more bulkier, they weren't kidding when they said he bulked up. He seems to have retained his speed, which is amazing. I think on one play some flag was thrown, but he made a nice grab and boy he's huge. Philly's someone I'm looking forward to seeing this season. If he's improved a bit, I can't even imagine the impact he'll have.

Brenton Bersin: Goodness. This guy was definitely the MVP of the night. Caught everything thrown his way. The Huddle may have every excuse in the world to try and put any player in front of Bersin, but his play on the field proves his worth. Bersin isn't your flashy Antonio Brown or Julio Jones, but he's your ol' truck in the back of your garage that works whenever you need it. He makes the catches thrown his way, and I think his reliability alone allows him to make the squad.

Damiere Byrd: Man. I was honestly surprised at his KR/PR potential. Seeing one of our KR/PR's actually make an impact consistently through the most part of the game is promising. Aside from his mishandled punt at the end of the game, he's shown to have flashes of greatness in that area. He's also made some quality catches lined up at WR, but a few drops/couldn't catch up with the ball. If there's any reason to keep a 6th WR this season, Byrd's PR/KR potential alone deserves him a spot. I'm rooting for this kid for sure. Will be an upgrade at Special Teams if he shows up.

Stephen Hill: I was looking forward to seeing what he had, and sadly didn't see much. Made some alright plays, but made some drops as well, some I'd assume to poor QB throws, but this guy was someone I expected to be a starter from all I heard about him leading up to Training Camp. If only his ACL was intact. I feel he had a lot of potential, and I'm certainly gonna still be rooting for him, but that ACL might've put a dent in his career. Such a sad turn of events for him. Wish things were different. He might not make the squad this year if this keeps up.

Kevin Norwood: He seemed sub-par. With his body, you'd expect more, but he made some decent plays here and there. Nothing stood out in all honesty, but he's got potential. The coaches kept him around for a reason, so he might have something I've missed. Otherwise, expect him to not make the roster.

Keyarris Garrett: This was the UDFA I had a write-up on. He's made some good catches towards the end of the game. Nothing too flashy, but he's got it done. I think with more experience and learning, he could easily become a good NFL receiver, just don't believe he'll be with the Panthers by that time. I don't think he makes the 53 man roster, and I think he'd be picked up fast if he was placed on the PS. I'll still root for this big guy wherever he goes, he's someone I'll keep an eye on.

Tight Ends:

Greg Olsen: Should I even write? He's one of the best, looks like a dang solid rock when he catches and falls. Love seeing Olsen perform at an elite level. Keep these players coming Bears! We'll give you our washups. 

Scott Simonson: Didn't appear the Panthers had many passing opportunities for these TE's, most likely due to lack of depth at OL, but he made some decent plays. Should average blocking ability, and seemed reliable. Just waiting to see how his catching looks, as I've heard positive reports in this scenario.

Beau Sandland: One of Gettle's draft picks this year. Sandland is a big dude, and a fantastic guy to watch at interviews. He's shown good blocking ability during preseason, seemed better than Simonson during the game. Saw him lineup at FB a few times, which was interesting to say the least. He's someone I'd keep an eye on this preseason. He's shown the most flashes so far from what I saw from the game.

Quick General Thoughts:

-OL and DE depth was made into focus: Our starters on both ends I'm comfortable with, but who's behind them makes me worried. Delaire could not contain the QB, which is part of a DE's job, for most plays, and didn't play up. Foucault is a nightmare, and Daryl Williams didn't show up at LT, understandably a position he's not normally in. I'd hope to see some FA's come in to patch a few holes in these positions, as such lack of depth can kick us hard in the nuts.

-Secondary looking good: Our rookies are performing well. Not Elite well, but definitely better than Norman in his rookie season. I think Bradberry and Worley as starters will prove to be fine, as I think these rookies will show off their physicality and roughness on receivers. Sure, they'll make some rookie mistakes, but that's what's expected. Just keep an eye on them throughout the preseason. We may not be as bad off with them as we originally thought.

-Butler looked great. Made some nice plays and pushes, some mistakes here and there, but he has a lot of upside. He'll bring s lot to the table once the NFL kicks full gear in him.

-CAP and Wegher didn't make much of a stance. Granted, you could place a block of cheese in place of these OLine men and it'd be better at blocking, but catching some plays, that's not thr OLine's fault. Hoping they show up, because I don't like Fozzy as our 2nd RB option with these guy's potential.

-Ealy. Man he's looking real nice. Made some nice plays that night. He's got a lot in store. That's for sure.

 

The team  overall made a good showing. First string showed lots of potential. Some depth needs to be addressed, but we look like a Superb Owl caliber team for sure. If we don't have many injuries this year, I can't see how we wouldn't even make it in the superbowl, or even win the NFC South. This is a time to be excited for sure.

[tiger7_88]

9 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

-CAP and Wegher didn't make much of a stance. Granted, you could place a block of cheese in place of these OLine men and it'd be better at blocking, but catching some plays, that's not thr OLine's fault. Hoping they show up, because I don't like Fozzy as our 2nd RB option with these guy's potential.

As I pointed out in another thread, CAP made at least two hard inside runs for 1st downs with no blocking in front of him.

[Saca312]

11 minutes ago, tiger7_88 said:

As I pointed out in another thread, CAP made at least two hard inside runs for 1st downs with no blocking in front of him.

Good point. That's definitely something to consider. I really hope they both get more time with the first team, as I think that'll unlock a lot of their potential.

[TheSpecialJuan]

Thanks