So here we are. The final dress rehearsal before the 2008 season officially begins. The most important thing in the final game has absolutely nothing to do with performance or roster spots. It’s all about staying healthy. Luckily, our offensive and defensive MVPs will not be manning their positions, so we should see them in uniform in a week.
Here are the other things I’ll be looking for:
– Red Bryant
It’s his first action since coming back from knee surgery. The guy is supposed to be a difference maker in the interior line. I’ve never seen him even move before, so I’m eager to see what he might turn into. I don’t expect a great showing this close to surgery, but I’d like to get an idea of his game.
– WRs
Who is our slot receiver? Will Jordan Kent continue to be the lone bright spot, even though he projects to have the fewest opportunities in the regular season? This is a stellar set of DBs from the Raiders, so it will be interesting to see if Taylor can get open against these elite, physical CBs. I would LOVE to see Logan Payne standout. I really want a blocking WR in the mix
– TEs
Will we continue to see Holmgren utilize the TE to offset the absence of Engram? Probably. Carlsen and Putzier are consistently contributing in the passing game. I’d like to see that continue.
– Rushing offense
I want to see continuing signs of a renewed rushing attack. I care less about who gets the yards, and more about the way we’re getting the yards.
– Rushing defense
What does our run defense look like without Tatupu? Does DD Lewis fill in ably? I’d love to see David Hawthorne for an extended look.
– Justin Forsett vs. TJ Duckett
I think Forsett needs a big final game to make the roster. I have no love for Duckett, but I have an idea how people like Ruskell work.
– Mare
He still needs to prove he can hit a long FG. Hopefully, the snapping situation is resolved and that will remove any variables from the equation.
When and if Dalton Bell makes an appearance at QB, it’s probably best to avert your eyes. It could get ugly in a hurry.
I’ll be back around game time.
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Verne Lundquist? I thought Calabro was going to get a shot. Lundquist sucked the last game he broadcast. oh well…
Love those deep kickoffs
Interesting that none of the starters are playing. They usually play at least a series or so.
nice tackle by floyd
oh no. That sucks for forsett.
he so clearly is not ready to be a punt returner in the NFL
yes! Lo Jack! Nice to see that.
I think he’s 2 for 2 forcing fumbles on his sacks in the preseason. I know he’s forced at least 2.
Duckett starting…hmmm
nice Tayor! That’s what I know he’s got.
well lookie who makes a nice catch.
obamanu hurt his knee
suhweet. Nice looking run.
nice block from Courtney Taylor. good to see that
decent kick from Coutu, and very Brownesque tackle
nice fill by DD lewis
go!go! aww, that was sweet. I thought Wallace had a TD
I’m getting bummed about Forsett. Seems like he’s choking a bit
That looked for sure like CJ Wallace had a TD. How is he so slow?!
nice catch, ben. concentration with a hit about to come from the safety. great throw
too bad about the fumble by payne. I want that guy to succeed
holy crap, I’ve got babysitters older than Lane Kiffan
welcome, steve, btw
and welcome back hawkgirl
good snap, solid kick
what’s with the bowl cut on tatupu?
baraka atkins is playing with some fire. He made a nice play recovering on that screen pass.
Red bryant in a few plays as well
Maybe he can’t afford a good haircut.
whoa, and we thought we had WR problems…
he’s got to make that catch in the air, but he’s not confident enough. No way can forsett be our punt returner.
nice reverse, but I think Payne should have got the first down there. Seemed a little shy of contact there…maybe the broken rib
nice 1st qtr
seneca looks like a different QB this year. His throws are perfect.
vallos in at center
dude, forsett should have gotten in on that
like I said, all his throws are perfect. ;D
Looked like Forsett dove about 3 yards too early.
the kid looks nervous. it started last game. he seems uncomfortable with having this big chance in front of him. duckett, on the other hand, knows the paycheck he’s after and has turned it on at precisely the same time
short kick by coutu, nice hustle by payne
what a tackle by wilson. I thought he was gone
another nice play by atkins
atkins pressured the QB there…bad luck on the tip
sartz stinks. he blew the tackle on the mcfadden run as well
it’s so weird seeing 79 out there. jacob green was not quite 320 though
is it just me, or does our offense look awesome this preseason? every single game.
HA! That was quite the leap by Schmitt. Didn’t see that one coming.
holy shit! did he just do that? that’s mack strong-esque.
ya gotta love that speed at QB
nothing doing for forsett, but not a lot of holes to work with.
Obamanu is
hurt and is doubtful to return:
Putzier has been a pleasant surprise so far.
great pressure from Atkins and Babin. Where has Atkins been all preseason? at least three straight games with a sack for Babin. maybe four.
that might just seal the deal for duckett.
Good night for Duckett!
tough game for Pat Murray…hold and an offside
nice, logan
why do we suck so bad at screen passes now? other teams still do it against us. duckett’s not exactly the ideal screen back anyway
hello mr laury
dallas sartz again was punked.
another good tackle from laury
red bryant still playing. that’s a good sign of his health
babin was in there again. he could be a real asset this season
Kirtman has had a really nice preseason, but I don’t see any spot for him
why the hell are we throwing the ball to bryan gilmore? that’s a wasted preseason play to a guy that will never make the squad
I hate that whole one-handed scrambling crap. two hands, please
and there’s babin against the run
Hey, louis rankan, the husky is in there
c’mon justin
tough luck, kid
I don’t understand why Payne isn’t playing unless he’s already made the team. maybe the obamanu injury is bad
this makes no sense to me. why isn’t forsett getting more chances? who cares if Seneca can pass to these WRs?
nice block by schmitt. really nice.
schmitt OWNED a guy at the 5:55 mark. total pancake
two crappy punts from plack