Aside from the obvious, I really liked what I saw from:
- All the TEs! Lofton, he got a good catch didn’t look as sloppy big as last yr, and everytime I saw him he was blocking quite well. Think he will represent a major upgrade over our TE performance last season as long as he is healthy. I especially loved how Dawson used our TE. We weren’t just running 11 or 12 with inline TEs all day. We went 4 WR, went 2 Rb, and splitting TE out a lot when 11 too. Ruskavich seems like he will be a nice TE3 inline blocker. For now until Mueller steps up he will likely serve as TE2 I guess, but at least this yr Dawson isn’t going to us that nearly as much as last yr. And Mueller had some nice reps. It’s good they are sprinkling him in. If he develops I think by the end of the season we will be good. If Lofton blocks all season like he did this game, I’m very happy.
- Wiley. He got a tackle on like 1/3rx of his snaps. He is physical, and looked like he read his keys well. Pass Coverage is still the question. But I think he will contribute well as a blitzed and against run asap. I really hope he and Pruitt continue to get quality snaps. Toure and Smith are liabilities against the pass like I’ve been saying. And Chad Smith showed me nothing to step away from my take that he is average at best.
- Moore and Upshaw. As the “WR3” duo, they made plays everytime they were required. They are the key as there is just no way to stop our pass game if they can win their 1v1s where the defense is so worried about Mali and Barkate. When we have Mali and Barkate to one side and Moore on the island wide, and he can reliably make those Slants/Curls - that’s basically what we asked of Horton and he was a very valuable contributor. Upshaw is just smooth. And both of them block with effort. I was pretty shocked how early Spafford was out there getting reps. It’s impossible not to be extremely excited about this WR group this season (and looking forward to future seasons!).
- Lightfoot. I’ve been saying this but I just think he’s a dawg. Pound for pound he’s a surprisingly good run defender. Ultimately mass kicks *** though, so I don’t necessarily expect him to always win Run D reps. But man the amount he does win and given his quickness he’s great when run goes away from him. I think he’s better as a qb spy than fully dropping into a coverage where he is a bit lost. But will he be better than Mesidor at it? I think so by end of season… I’m also not worried much about Wilson when it comes to pass rush. Run D I’m still in wait and see mode.
- Safeties. I thought Poyser was very good. Thornton was nice and did what was asked of him. Didn’t get tested much in coverage so tbd on that. Fitzgerald was flying around but wasn’t too targeted. Dunnigan was in early and often. I love what this 4 layer group can be…. Guess we will see what Dylan Day does when he is back too… And it’s important cause without Oj, Damari was ***, and LBs were a liability in coverage like I said. Really hope Lucas has taken the next step, cause I have no faith in Damari. OConnor I think is solid, but apparently he was limited as well. And too bad Antione had a bigger injury apparently….
