Just a few thoughts from yesterdays game:
- Penalties-
It's out of hand, it truly is. The flow of the game is ruined by it and as we all know, holding takes place on EVERY snap. So what is the point that they're trying to prove? If you're going to focus heavily on defensive holding, please call the WR's who consistently push off and the illegal picks.
- RGIII -
He's showing progress... His deep ball accuracy has returned along with his health. He's showing an ability to wade through his progressions, look off safeties and make a solid through. It'll be spotty, but it's a process. I'm mostly pleased.
Out of all the mobile QB's RGIII IMHO is the fastest of them all. Additionally, he's least able to effectively put his speed to good use. Track guys rarely transition well into the NFL and at his core, Griffin is a track guy. He has zero ability to throttle his speed and use it to his advantage. It's evident in the way he scrambles, it's completely out of control and his body is flailing about in effort to keep his balance. Sure, he's fast as hell. But he cannot keep his eyes down field and run in the manner that he does. Hopefully he can improve upon this.
Sliding. I don't need to say much.
- Overall -
I see progress in the teams more deficient areas. They're tackling and swarming to the ball. The special teams units are vastly improved, even compared to last preseason. The things I'm looking at should translate into the regular season. Everything rides on Griffin. Honestly, I think an 8-8 record would be a success for them.
- Browns -
I was shocked to see Manziel struggle to round the corner against our slower OLB's and DE's... Granted, the Skins have tons of experience practicing against Kyles offense so that helped a lot, I'm sure.
The defenses AFC North have a nastiness about them that's unique to that division. Even when they dont have the best defenses stat wise, they bring an attitude with them that other defense don't. Other teams hit hard, and dominate. But there's just something about the AFC North.