08-20-2023, 11:26 AM
(08-20-2023, 07:26 AM)Whacked Wrote: Same.
To add to this, I think our D took a small step back losing Bell and Bates.
Just not sold on Hill and Scott being par for par for them. I wasn’t a huge Bell fan but he made enough plays and knew our system well enough to respect him. He was “decent”. I loved me some Bell.
I think losing Perine and Hurst are also other small steps back that will be seen/felt.
I think overall, we have taken a small step back, even if the O-line has improved a bit.
I don't want to read too much into a preseason game. But after watching the 1st team defense a few times. Dax came up in the box and made some nice solo tackles on Bijan ( just some nice no nonsense wrap your legs tackles ) reminded me of Bates. That's what I wanted to see and I think if he's doing that mixed with his athleticism I'm hoping either we don't notice a drop-off or maybe even an improvement in the form of ints. Losing Bell is the one I'm worried about. I don't think we have anyone that can match his physicality. Maybe guys that can be close and have better coverage skills which maybe balance out but Bell still had a knack for being around the ball.
I'm also hoping we hear Burrow is back at practice this week. Of course I haven't heard any news about him working out on the rehab field. I wonder if that will have to be a step he has to take before he practices? Or if maybe they're doing that work away from the cameras.