08-14-2015, 01:30 PM
Great questions, all!
And I definitely won’t wait this long next time!
does it look like the backfield is going to be able to press as well (or hopefully more) this season? We were in the top half of the league against the pass last season, but I'm wondering if the personnel changes are going to keep the pressure on, or if we're going to be look at a different approach than last year.
No, this is definitely a man-up, press team. As the new guy, I was surprised that Guenther likes to have his guys stay on one side of the field a la Seattle. I thought maybe Jones or Kirkpatrick would cover certain individuals if they moved. Only the slot corner moves around. Definitely expect that press.
How is Dawson Looking? How is Alford Looking? How is Clarke looking? How is Dennard Looking?
I got links for you on Dawson & Dennard … Clarke is interesting. He got first team reps when Johnson got hurt, but right now he’s not really showing much. I talked to him for a bit off the record on Wednesday – he’s excited for the games, to really be able to turn it loose. Still kind of a wait and see with him and his new weight … see Alford below...
Does Geno Atkins indeed, appear to be looking like his old self?
I wasn’t here last year, so I can only go with what the o-linemen say – and they say that yes, he’s back. Paul Dehner, Jr. wants to see it in game scenarios, which I understand – but right now he’s wrecking practice at times.
1. How does Alford look to you? Obviously he's fast - but how are his hands and his routes? Is he getting separation?
Alford has been telling me “hey, I can catch, too” since he got here. We’ve written about him on a regular basis, making plays. Game action will be another step, but right now he’s impressing as a receiver.
2. I've heard Kumerow makes circus catches, and the one piece of film I saw he got good separation (against Shaw) till he had to slow down to let the ball catch up with him. Where is the inconsistency (routes, hands, separation)?
Kid is solid, all around. Honestly – there isn’t much inconsistency. Right now – everyone wants to see him do it in a game, because he looks like he belongs…
3. Nothing personal against Tate - who was good at times returning kicks/ punts. But he would occasionally make a really bad decision back there and he did little to threaten as a receiver once Sanu was our top guy.
Not really a question, but I get you. Tate is there because they know what he is. They have challenged him to make plays in the passing game, or contribute in other areas on special teams. So he’s been on kick coverage, and getting heavy reps with the backups. This is a big preseason for him.
4. Read Hobson's article on the TEs. Does Lengel have enough receiver skills to justify taking one of the WR spots?
Eh. I don’t think so. Eifert, Kroft and Uzomah are making the team. So you’re looking at a practice squad spot at best. And there are only 10. So he’s competing with the leftovers from last year, that new UDFA they signed when Wright got hurt (Desmond Lawrence) and Kumerow, Peters. Honestly, it’s tough. Right now he’ll need to really show up in the game, and take that into practice, IMO.
My question is what are you seeing out of Pat Sims, Brandon Thompson, Devin Still, Hardison, and Peko? It appears one of them wont make the club, but which one?
Hm. Well, not much. But that’s not a bad thing. Those heavies in the middle are kind of just there in camp – even in the joint, padded practice. They want to get push, but not really push on their own guys. Still looked good early, kind of average since. Compared to Atkins, they’re just there …
How has Terrell Watson looked thus far?
Honestly – his only flashes are getting absolutely decked by Lamur and Iloka. Welcome to the league, undrafted rookie. I did notice a first step and some speed on one sweep, but honestly he’s not getting much work …
How has the 4-way battle between Kirkpatrick, Dennard, Jones, and Hall been? I've heard some really good things about Jones and Kirkpatrick, some good about Dennard, and nothing good about Hall. In fact, I've heard he's been struggling. Is there a chance Hall will become the 4th CB on the depth chart?
Hall has had some issues and I think it’s only affirming that his best roles now are in the slot, and at backup safety. His days on the outside are done (presuming health all around). But in the slot, he looks really solid. Even at safety, as he learns the position. Expect Hall to start at the slot, with Queze being the 4th corner, or moving to slot when Hall rolls back to safety with Iloka in obvious passing situations.
Does it look like Hopkins is in the lead for backup IOL with him getting reps at center consistently?
Mmm. Like the interior d-linemen, hard to say. He did have a handful of bad snaps to McCarron early, but so has TJ Johnson – I can’t imagine the team is happy with either. The second and third team protections haven’t been great, and he’s been a part of that.
AJ Hawk. How has he looked and what are the chances he cracks the starting lineup if Burfict returns healthy?
Hawk definitely looks smoother out there than he did last year when I saw him in Green Bay, which makes sense since he got his ankle cleaned up. He’s been starting on the strong side in obvious base/run situations w/ Maualuga and Rey. That’s his role – he’s not a fit in the nickel D. Long way to go before Burfict returns, but Tez is a weakside backer. So now we're wondering if Hawk stays in front of Rey. Maybe. But again, a long way away.
Is there any feel for who's got the inside line on PR/KR ?
Contrary to what Darrin Simmons said at the start of practice, Mario Alford is not catching everything. Adam Jones is getting his work, as is Tate and Gio Bernard. I think the preseason games will determine it. If Alford shows good instincts, doesn’t turn the ball over, he could “win it” but right now I think Jones is still the guy they trust most on PR. But, we may see Gio there now that Hill is the lead back.
Are there any concerns that you have had before camp that seem to still be an issue?
Hm. I guess I’m surprised that Dalton is still inaccurate at times on air. I get that’s what he’s “known” for but I expected some better showings down the field. Then again, at times he’s looked really good ball placement. Not sure that’s a concern necessarily, but I thought we’d see some more “wow” moments out of the passing game.
1. How do you see the RB's being used, assuming both are healthy (knock on wood)?
Hard to say, as they try to limit contact. But – this is Jeremy Hill’s offense. They want to pound the rock, run for 1,800 yards a team and play dominating defense. Yes, the QB and No. 1 WR deserve attention, but they’d rather have Hill run for 1,300 yards at 5+ yards per pop and do a lot of play action. Gio will get work, too. Look for “touches” for him, not just carries.
2. How does Jake Fisher look?
He looks like a rookie at times, but they’ve stopped moving him around. He’s firmly planted as the backup left tackle. Coming along, you can see the talent, but you don’t want Whit going down anytime soon.
3. Is the hype around Eifert for real? How does he look?
Yes. That is all. Yes.
Do you see Burkhead really having a chance to start stealing a significant amount of snaps in the slot?
Not significant. He has been now because up until Wednesday Marvin Jones was taking it easy. If he is truly the guy we saw Wednesday, then Sanu is that slot guy. I can see Burkhead being trotted out there as a change of pace, maybe in a 4-wide set, but not THE slot guy that he’s been while Jones has recovered from hamstring soreness.
Is McCarron a lock for QB2 or is there talk of carrying three QBs on the roster? Could McCarron be the one released at this point? How did mcarron hurt his ribs?
McCarron’s injury is worth watching. He says its common in baseball players but it’s not an oblique. I covered baseball for 10 years – pitchers only ever tweaked an oblique, unless it’s something in his lat. We haven’t been told it’s “ribs.” It’s muscular – he did something during non-contact drills on Monday. I don’t think he’ll be cut, but he does need to play. For all the hype, and the patience thus far, he’s still just a fifth round pick who hasn’t played a single NFL snap. Johnson has, and Wenning has preseason experience and an NFL year under his belt.
Is the DL that good or the OL that bad?
DL is that good. The protection has been good for the most part from the first unit – but the backups have had issues. We’re talking about flash plays, really, not play-to-play domination. But what are sacks and TFL? Singular flash plays that get you off the field. We’re seeing that. Gilberry looks incredible. So does Dunlap. Johnson should be back at full speed by the regular season, which will only help. Backup pass pro has been an issue, though, for sure.
How are Bodine and Fisher progressing?
See Fisher above. Bodine had some bad snaps on Tues. in the shotgun, so they worked a ton under center on Wed. So, that needs to be fixed. But other than that, looks OK.
I hear A. Smith is in great shape, is he back to 100% and ready for a dominant year?
Dehner and I talked about this on our Periscope on Wed. – the big fella is moving really well and he seems motivated. He’s done well in pass pro. Again, hard to really, really tell in camp when sometimes an extra effort by a d-linemen without pads can lead to a “better look” if that makes sense.
Is Peko a lock or will he have to fight off Sims, Still or others to keep his roster spot?
Peko got the leg, up, IMO (I don't think you can call anyone outside the obvious a "lock.") The battle is between Sims, Still and the other interior guys.
Is Obarski any real competition for Nugent?
No.
Any insight on the Andy "exposed" clip during the Wiener, err I mean, Wenning interview?
Heh. No comment. Actually, didn’t see it. Thankfully. I was marveling at Wenning’s ever-immaculate hair.
And I definitely won’t wait this long next time!
does it look like the backfield is going to be able to press as well (or hopefully more) this season? We were in the top half of the league against the pass last season, but I'm wondering if the personnel changes are going to keep the pressure on, or if we're going to be look at a different approach than last year.
No, this is definitely a man-up, press team. As the new guy, I was surprised that Guenther likes to have his guys stay on one side of the field a la Seattle. I thought maybe Jones or Kirkpatrick would cover certain individuals if they moved. Only the slot corner moves around. Definitely expect that press.
How is Dawson Looking? How is Alford Looking? How is Clarke looking? How is Dennard Looking?
I got links for you on Dawson & Dennard … Clarke is interesting. He got first team reps when Johnson got hurt, but right now he’s not really showing much. I talked to him for a bit off the record on Wednesday – he’s excited for the games, to really be able to turn it loose. Still kind of a wait and see with him and his new weight … see Alford below...
Does Geno Atkins indeed, appear to be looking like his old self?
I wasn’t here last year, so I can only go with what the o-linemen say – and they say that yes, he’s back. Paul Dehner, Jr. wants to see it in game scenarios, which I understand – but right now he’s wrecking practice at times.
1. How does Alford look to you? Obviously he's fast - but how are his hands and his routes? Is he getting separation?
Alford has been telling me “hey, I can catch, too” since he got here. We’ve written about him on a regular basis, making plays. Game action will be another step, but right now he’s impressing as a receiver.
2. I've heard Kumerow makes circus catches, and the one piece of film I saw he got good separation (against Shaw) till he had to slow down to let the ball catch up with him. Where is the inconsistency (routes, hands, separation)?
Kid is solid, all around. Honestly – there isn’t much inconsistency. Right now – everyone wants to see him do it in a game, because he looks like he belongs…
3. Nothing personal against Tate - who was good at times returning kicks/ punts. But he would occasionally make a really bad decision back there and he did little to threaten as a receiver once Sanu was our top guy.
Not really a question, but I get you. Tate is there because they know what he is. They have challenged him to make plays in the passing game, or contribute in other areas on special teams. So he’s been on kick coverage, and getting heavy reps with the backups. This is a big preseason for him.
4. Read Hobson's article on the TEs. Does Lengel have enough receiver skills to justify taking one of the WR spots?
Eh. I don’t think so. Eifert, Kroft and Uzomah are making the team. So you’re looking at a practice squad spot at best. And there are only 10. So he’s competing with the leftovers from last year, that new UDFA they signed when Wright got hurt (Desmond Lawrence) and Kumerow, Peters. Honestly, it’s tough. Right now he’ll need to really show up in the game, and take that into practice, IMO.
My question is what are you seeing out of Pat Sims, Brandon Thompson, Devin Still, Hardison, and Peko? It appears one of them wont make the club, but which one?
Hm. Well, not much. But that’s not a bad thing. Those heavies in the middle are kind of just there in camp – even in the joint, padded practice. They want to get push, but not really push on their own guys. Still looked good early, kind of average since. Compared to Atkins, they’re just there …
How has Terrell Watson looked thus far?
Honestly – his only flashes are getting absolutely decked by Lamur and Iloka. Welcome to the league, undrafted rookie. I did notice a first step and some speed on one sweep, but honestly he’s not getting much work …
How has the 4-way battle between Kirkpatrick, Dennard, Jones, and Hall been? I've heard some really good things about Jones and Kirkpatrick, some good about Dennard, and nothing good about Hall. In fact, I've heard he's been struggling. Is there a chance Hall will become the 4th CB on the depth chart?
Hall has had some issues and I think it’s only affirming that his best roles now are in the slot, and at backup safety. His days on the outside are done (presuming health all around). But in the slot, he looks really solid. Even at safety, as he learns the position. Expect Hall to start at the slot, with Queze being the 4th corner, or moving to slot when Hall rolls back to safety with Iloka in obvious passing situations.
Does it look like Hopkins is in the lead for backup IOL with him getting reps at center consistently?
Mmm. Like the interior d-linemen, hard to say. He did have a handful of bad snaps to McCarron early, but so has TJ Johnson – I can’t imagine the team is happy with either. The second and third team protections haven’t been great, and he’s been a part of that.
AJ Hawk. How has he looked and what are the chances he cracks the starting lineup if Burfict returns healthy?
Hawk definitely looks smoother out there than he did last year when I saw him in Green Bay, which makes sense since he got his ankle cleaned up. He’s been starting on the strong side in obvious base/run situations w/ Maualuga and Rey. That’s his role – he’s not a fit in the nickel D. Long way to go before Burfict returns, but Tez is a weakside backer. So now we're wondering if Hawk stays in front of Rey. Maybe. But again, a long way away.
Is there any feel for who's got the inside line on PR/KR ?
Contrary to what Darrin Simmons said at the start of practice, Mario Alford is not catching everything. Adam Jones is getting his work, as is Tate and Gio Bernard. I think the preseason games will determine it. If Alford shows good instincts, doesn’t turn the ball over, he could “win it” but right now I think Jones is still the guy they trust most on PR. But, we may see Gio there now that Hill is the lead back.
Are there any concerns that you have had before camp that seem to still be an issue?
Hm. I guess I’m surprised that Dalton is still inaccurate at times on air. I get that’s what he’s “known” for but I expected some better showings down the field. Then again, at times he’s looked really good ball placement. Not sure that’s a concern necessarily, but I thought we’d see some more “wow” moments out of the passing game.
1. How do you see the RB's being used, assuming both are healthy (knock on wood)?
Hard to say, as they try to limit contact. But – this is Jeremy Hill’s offense. They want to pound the rock, run for 1,800 yards a team and play dominating defense. Yes, the QB and No. 1 WR deserve attention, but they’d rather have Hill run for 1,300 yards at 5+ yards per pop and do a lot of play action. Gio will get work, too. Look for “touches” for him, not just carries.
2. How does Jake Fisher look?
He looks like a rookie at times, but they’ve stopped moving him around. He’s firmly planted as the backup left tackle. Coming along, you can see the talent, but you don’t want Whit going down anytime soon.
3. Is the hype around Eifert for real? How does he look?
Yes. That is all. Yes.
Do you see Burkhead really having a chance to start stealing a significant amount of snaps in the slot?
Not significant. He has been now because up until Wednesday Marvin Jones was taking it easy. If he is truly the guy we saw Wednesday, then Sanu is that slot guy. I can see Burkhead being trotted out there as a change of pace, maybe in a 4-wide set, but not THE slot guy that he’s been while Jones has recovered from hamstring soreness.
Is McCarron a lock for QB2 or is there talk of carrying three QBs on the roster? Could McCarron be the one released at this point? How did mcarron hurt his ribs?
McCarron’s injury is worth watching. He says its common in baseball players but it’s not an oblique. I covered baseball for 10 years – pitchers only ever tweaked an oblique, unless it’s something in his lat. We haven’t been told it’s “ribs.” It’s muscular – he did something during non-contact drills on Monday. I don’t think he’ll be cut, but he does need to play. For all the hype, and the patience thus far, he’s still just a fifth round pick who hasn’t played a single NFL snap. Johnson has, and Wenning has preseason experience and an NFL year under his belt.
Is the DL that good or the OL that bad?
DL is that good. The protection has been good for the most part from the first unit – but the backups have had issues. We’re talking about flash plays, really, not play-to-play domination. But what are sacks and TFL? Singular flash plays that get you off the field. We’re seeing that. Gilberry looks incredible. So does Dunlap. Johnson should be back at full speed by the regular season, which will only help. Backup pass pro has been an issue, though, for sure.
How are Bodine and Fisher progressing?
See Fisher above. Bodine had some bad snaps on Tues. in the shotgun, so they worked a ton under center on Wed. So, that needs to be fixed. But other than that, looks OK.
I hear A. Smith is in great shape, is he back to 100% and ready for a dominant year?
Dehner and I talked about this on our Periscope on Wed. – the big fella is moving really well and he seems motivated. He’s done well in pass pro. Again, hard to really, really tell in camp when sometimes an extra effort by a d-linemen without pads can lead to a “better look” if that makes sense.
Is Peko a lock or will he have to fight off Sims, Still or others to keep his roster spot?
Peko got the leg, up, IMO (I don't think you can call anyone outside the obvious a "lock.") The battle is between Sims, Still and the other interior guys.
Is Obarski any real competition for Nugent?
No.
Any insight on the Andy "exposed" clip during the Wiener, err I mean, Wenning interview?
Heh. No comment. Actually, didn’t see it. Thankfully. I was marveling at Wenning’s ever-immaculate hair.
Beat writer for Cincinnati.com & The Enquirer. Follow along on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Periscope.
