PRESEASON WRAP - Pros and Cons

[Okeana]

(09-04-2015, 10:47 AM)IckeyShuffle Wrote: Concerned still about LB, especially early in the season. I see great potential with Dawson but the plays he is making are more instinct than being in position and knowing the system. That isn't necessarily bad, but not sure how that will translate against strong starting O Lines if he has to play early. Same with Carter -- really like what I see but can it happen vs 1's. I like the future for both of them but hope they don't have to be counted on early.

Hawk I know is a great locker room guy but he has lost a couple of steps -- hopefully can hold it down until Burfict gets back.

Thanks for the reply.  very reasonable concerns about the unit.  On Hawk I think he will be a starter the entire year even after Burfict returns because of his knowledge of the game and his abilities stopping the run.  While I agree he may have lost a step what really matters is results and his stats simply haven't declined.  I am much more excited for him than I was for James Harrison and he's a better option that Lamur.  I think Dawson will play primarly as a rotational guy and on pass rush, but you couldn't really ask for a better mentor for both Burfict and Dawson.  The guy is a superbowl champ and can really help both of them in the maturity department.

As far as Carter the guy has the IT factor.  Some guys just develop a move that wrecks havok on O-lines and that outside speed rush with that lean is something that our DE's just didn't have before.  He really reminds me of a guy like Dwight Freeney.  This is of course a very limited sample in the preseason, but here's to hoping.