I didnt bring my good camera, and didnt take notes..and left the roster in the car. Sue me. Will report on what I saw and remember off hand for those who couldnt attend.
Todays practice was much better from a spectator point of view. The types of things being practiced were more entertaining and most of it was on the field right in front of the main berm.
My main observations:
1) Return game is a focus, and the search for returners is big. After conceding this entire facet of the game last year Carroll drafted Locket, and is trying a bunch of players back there. Locket looked good of course. BJ Daniels looked second best. Christian Michael dropped 2 kick offs.
2) Kevin Smith had a another good practice, with another catch that drew cheers from the crowd. #18, whom Ive forgotten the name of, burnt Richard Sherman for a sizable game in 2 minute drills.
3) The defense is still in front of the offense. Despite the offense being given extra type a couple times the best the #1 or #2 offense got in 2 minute drills was 2 FG attempts, one made and one about a yard short from 55 yards.
4) Christian Michael, on top of two dropped kick off returns dropped an easy catch in two minute drills. He looks really fast out there, but didnt have a good practice.
5) Rawls had an excellent day. I wouldnt bet the farm, but if you have an extra 5 bucks you found in your jeans pocket, I would bet that on Rawls to steal Michaels roster spot. Rod Smith (not "He Hate Me" Rod Smith sadly) also had a good practice. In running play drills both consistently made more of their runs than Michael. Now, this is without tackling, so it doesnt count but..
6) Lofa looks so much like he still wants to be playing.
7) For all his wanting more money, Bennett works really hard and goes all out even during mundane drills hes done a 1000 times.
8) A lot of WRs made pretty good catches, but then you notice that they were going up against free and strong safeties and youre not sure if its impressive. Ricardo Lockette was the beneficiary of 5th string Free Safety coverage a few times, but to his credit took the full advantage youd expect a veteran decent WR to in those cases.
Todays practice was much better from a spectator point of view. The types of things being practiced were more entertaining and most of it was on the field right in front of the main berm.
My main observations:
1) Return game is a focus, and the search for returners is big. After conceding this entire facet of the game last year Carroll drafted Locket, and is trying a bunch of players back there. Locket looked good of course. BJ Daniels looked second best. Christian Michael dropped 2 kick offs.
2) Kevin Smith had a another good practice, with another catch that drew cheers from the crowd. #18, whom Ive forgotten the name of, burnt Richard Sherman for a sizable game in 2 minute drills.
3) The defense is still in front of the offense. Despite the offense being given extra type a couple times the best the #1 or #2 offense got in 2 minute drills was 2 FG attempts, one made and one about a yard short from 55 yards.
4) Christian Michael, on top of two dropped kick off returns dropped an easy catch in two minute drills. He looks really fast out there, but didnt have a good practice.
5) Rawls had an excellent day. I wouldnt bet the farm, but if you have an extra 5 bucks you found in your jeans pocket, I would bet that on Rawls to steal Michaels roster spot. Rod Smith (not "He Hate Me" Rod Smith sadly) also had a good practice. In running play drills both consistently made more of their runs than Michael. Now, this is without tackling, so it doesnt count but..
6) Lofa looks so much like he still wants to be playing.
7) For all his wanting more money, Bennett works really hard and goes all out even during mundane drills hes done a 1000 times.
8) A lot of WRs made pretty good catches, but then you notice that they were going up against free and strong safeties and youre not sure if its impressive. Ricardo Lockette was the beneficiary of 5th string Free Safety coverage a few times, but to his credit took the full advantage youd expect a veteran decent WR to in those cases.
