Training Camp Update Volume 9, Issue 2 8/12/14
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RB: Doug Martin played with the first team and he struggled along with his quarterback, managing 3/6/0 rushing and 1/2/0 receiving on the night. ESPN's Pat Yasinkas noted after the game that the Tampa offensive line (especially the guards) struggled against the Jaguars' first team defense. Bobby Rainey came in after Martin left the field, with 6/25/0 rushing. "I thought I played all right for the most part, made a couple good runs, but my main focus was really on special teams," Rainey said after the game. "I wanted to make an impact on special teams. I wanted to make a tackle on the punt team, but I didn't get to do that." Charles Sims was third to play, (6/13/0 rushing with three targets for 3/32/0 receiving) followed by Mike James (3/12/0 rushing and 1/20/0 receiving). Jeff Demps (2/4/0 rushing with two targets for 1/8/0 receiving), Lonnie Pryor (1/3/0 rushing), and Jorvorskie Lane (1/1/0 rushing) had a handful of attempts combined. Sims gained the most yards overall, but the depth chart behind Martin is far from settled after a lack-luster game vs. Jacksonville. WR: Vincent Jackson had an 18-yard reception as one of the few bright spots for the Buccaneers' first team offense Friday night, and rookie Mike Evans started across from Jackson (two targets for zero receptions). Backup Louis Murphy led the team with four targets for 3/34/0 receiving, while Robert Herron was third among wide receivers with four targets for 1/10/0. Streeter caught the lone TD pass of the game with one target for 1/6/1 receiving. In all, 14 Buccaneers were targeted with passes. TE: Rookie Austin Sefarian-Jenkins snagged a nice pass from Kafka during the exhibition, but had the 48-yard gain called back on a penalty. All told, Sefarian-Jenkins was third on the team Friday night with three targets for 2/29/0 receiving. Tim Wright saw four targets but only managed to haul in one, for six yards. Luke Stocker saw one target but didn't make the catch. Defense: DE Steven Means was a bright spot playing with the second team, recording a sack and two tackles for a loss. The Jaguars punted on all three of their first-quarter possessions, gaining only 35 yards in 13 plays from scrimmage. Tampa Bay’s rush defense was particularly stout early, limiting the Jags to 5 yards on their first six carries as second-year CB Johnthan Banks was credited with three tackles. Smith said he was pleased with the play of the defense, particularly the first unit and specifically DT Gerald McCoy and LB Lavonte David. He also singled out CB Johnthan Banks and DE/DT Da'Quan Bowers. "I just played my assignment and did what the coaches asked me to do — play fast and hard," Bowers said. "I just happened to be in the right place at the right time." According to the Tampa Tribune, Jacksonville finished the opening half 0-for-7 on third down, averaging 3.6 yards per offensive snap. Ronde Barber, working as an analyst for WFLA after 16 years in the Buccaneers' secondary, stated: "I'm definitely encouraged by what the Bucs have done in the offseason. I still think there’s room for this team to grow. By no means do I think they're there, but there's no reason the Bucs can't make a dramatic turnaround." CBs Alterraun Verner and Mike Jenkins, S Dashon Goldson and DLs Scott Solomon and Jibreel Black did not dress for the Bucs on Friday night. Verner has been hampered by a hamstring injury - "I plan on being back on the field soon," he said after Wednesday's practice. "It's not like I'm on vacation... I've been getting a lot of mental reps." K/P: Kicker Connor Barth saw his first game action since tearing his Achilles tendon last summer. He hit a 44-yard field goal in the preseason opener against the Jaguars. Michael Koenen averaged 46 yards on five punts. Camp leg Patrick Murray got work in both facets, kicking an extra point and averaging 45 yards on two punts. Last week, the Bucs worked out kickers Rob Bironas and Anthony Fera, causing speculation that Barth’s and Koenen’s jobs might be in peril. OL: After an atrocious performance against Jacksonville, the Tampa Bay offensive line has come under intense scrutiny. Jamon Meredith was demoted to the second team, with Jace Daniels now taking the first team reps at right guard. Daniels had been impressive as the second team center and the team hopes he can continue his process. Oneil Cousins continues to hang on to his starting left guard position, but he could face further competition from Patrick Omameh. It was not all on the guards however, as starting left tackle Anthony Cousins gave up a sack to Chris Clemons. Starting right tackle Demar Dotson was called for holding, nullifying a first down completion. Despite this, Dotson played well overall as did new center Evan Deitrich-Smith. In general, this line still has more questions than answers. Buccaneers Depth Chart QB: Josh McCown, Mike Glennon, Mike Kafka RB: Doug Martin, Charles Sims, Bobby Rainey, Mike James, Jeff Demps (KR) FB: Lonnie Pryor, Javorskie Lane WR: Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans, Louis Murphy, Robert Herron, Eric Page (KR/PR), Tommy Streeter, Chris Owusu, Skye Dawson, Russell Shepard, Lavelle Hawkins, Solomon Patton, Aaron Burks TE: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Brandon Myers, Tim Wright, Luke Stocker, Kyle Adams, Cameron Brate, Ian Thompson LT: Anthony Collins, Kevin Pamphile, Matt Patchan LG: Kadeem Edwards, Jason Foster C: Evan Dietrich-Smith RG: Jamon Meredith, Oneil Cousins, Patrick Omameh RT: Demar Dotson, Emmett Cleary K: Connor Barth, Patrick Murray DT: Gerald McCoy, Akeem Spence (NT), Clinton McDonald, Everett Dawkins, Jibreel Black DE: Michael Johnson, Adrian Clayborn, William Gholston, Da′Quan Bowers, Steven Means, Mathew Masifilo, Scott Solomon, James Ruffin, Ryne Giddins MLB: Mason Foster, Dane Fletcher, Damaso Munoz OLB: Lavonte David (W), Jonathan Casillas (S), Marvin Booker (S),Danny Lansanah, Ka′lial Glaud, Brandon Magee CB: Alterraun Verner, Johnthan Banks, Leonard Johnson, Mike Jenkins, Danny Gorrer, Deveron Carr, Rashaan Melvin, Bobby Felder, Anthony Gaitor S: Mark Barron (SS), Dashon Goldson (FS), Major Wright (FS), Keith Tandy (SS), Kelcie McCray (FS), Bradley McDougald (FS) Tennessee Titans QB: The Titans played the Packers Saturday in monsoon conditions with the relentless downpour lasting nearly the entire game. The conditions led to a sloppy play and forced the offense to deviate from the intended game script. “A lot of the things we had planned went out the window with the rain,” said head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Jake Locker and the Titans' starting offense played the entire first quarter but rain ruined any plans of a passing game, leaving Locker just 1-of-2 passing for five yards. “It’s a lot of water,” said Locker. “Given the circumstances, we were able to move the ball a little running it. We would liked to have done a little better in the passing game, but it’s something that we know we can work on going forward.” Backup Charlie Whitehurst played relatively well, completing 10-of-15 passes for 94 yards. Rookie Zach Mettenberger played the fourth quarter, completing 4-of-7 passes for 87 yards. He showed off his strong arm on his first throw, a laser to Isaiah Williams. Mettenberger struggled with the wet conditions however as his first two drives ended in turnovers. He bounced back at the end of regulation, completing long throws to TE Chase Coffman and WR Brian Robiskie to put the Titans deep in Packers territory where FB Jackie Battle was able to seal the win with a 7-yard TD run. RB: The rainy conditions meant the offensive focus was squarely upon the RBs and the top three all had impressive moments. Shonn Greene showed no lingering effects of the knee injury that consumed most of his offseason. He showed burst and impressive vision on his touchdown run, making one cut to find the hole on the left side for the 13-yard score. He finished with four carries for 20 yards and the touchdown. With an average draft position of RB55, Shonn Greene is a very nice value right now, especially in standard scoring leagues in which his lack of receiving prowess is less an issue. Peter King recently speculated that the Titans would feature a 60/30/10 rushing split between Greene, Bishop Sankey and Dexter McCluster respectively. While 60% may be a bit high for Greene if Sankey continues to impress, it seems likely that the Titans backfield is headed towards a committee approach (at least in the early part of the season). Sankey took the lion’s share of the workload Saturday however, gaining 37 hard earned yards on 13 carries. Sankey also excelled in the passing game, hauling in three passes for 38 yards and the Titans second touchdown of the game. The rookie didn’t find space often, but when he did, showed his ability to earn every inch. On four out of the five final plays on his scoring drive, Sankey had a run for nine yards, a run for eight yards, a run for three yards, and the five-yard touchdown catch out of the backfield. “We expected to give (Sankey) some work,” said Whisenhunt. “Things got distorted a little bit. Our rotational plan changed a little bit when the conditions changed. That affected us, but I think what we wanted to see out of Bishop is a good start. This by no means answered a lot of questions, but it helped to start to answer some of them.” “I felt comfortable once I got out there and kind of got in the groove of things,” said Sankey. “It’s all about improving and looking back and seeing my mistakes and correcting those for the next week. I was expecting anything. As many times as they wanted to give me the ball, that’s what I was willing to do tonight. It kind of just went that way. We were able to put that good drive together and take the lead. It felt good out there. What worked for me tonight was finding those little holes and creases, and just really driving the ball down the field.” Sankey has shown off a strong all-around game, but his current ADP of RB21 is probably too high at this point based upon his likely role in the offense. McCluster only had three carries but made a statement with a tough ten-yard dash up the middle in which he barreled over rookie Hasean Clinton-Dix to pick up the first down. McCluster’s hope is to carve out a role similar to that of Danny Woodhead in Whisenhunt’s San Diego offense last season. WR: The rain made for few highlights for the WRs. The catch of the game was a 38-yard grab by Brian Robiskie who stretched out to snag a deep ball from Mettenberger to setup the game winning touchdown. Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter remain entrenched as the starting WRs and only real fantasy factors. For Wright to ascend to greater fantasy heights, he will have to score more than the two TDs he managed last season and make more big plays. Wright hopes to do just that, claiming he is just as fast as his teammate Hunter. “If you’re running down the sideline and you just flat out-run somebody, they’ll be like, ‘You’re fast,’” Wright said. “You don’t have to be fast to outrun somebody. It’s just proper technique. Some people like Justin are real fast. Me coming in the middle, you can’t see that I’m the same speed as Justin because I’m going in and out of traffic. I can’t break up out of it. This year I plan on breaking a little more of those tackles, trying to get loose and go score, and I’ll show everybody how fast I am.” TE: Backups Chase Coffman and Taylor Thompson both made nice plays in the win over the Packers with Coffman making a crucial 26-yard grab late in the 4th quarter and Thompson hauling in three passes for 33 yards overall. Thompson has shown some modest improvements as a route runner and could be ready to be Delanie Walker’s primary backup. Defense: Inside LB Zach Brown has had a solid camp as he has tried to hold off Moise Fokou, Colin McCarthy, Zavier Brown and Avery Williamson for the starting job. However, Brown found himself on the bend for the defense’s first series as punishment for breaking a team rule. "I would describe it as pissing me off," Whisenhunt said. Brown said "If he ain't elaborating, I ain't either." K/P: So far in camp, Travis Coons has been more accurate on field goals than Maikon Bonani. In the game against the Packers, neither attempted any field goals. Each made one extra point. Bonani also missed one extra point although it was in rainy weather and the snap and hold were suspect. Late last week, head coach Ken Whisenhunt still wasn’t willing to say much: “I haven't seen enough of either of those guys yet to say I'm impressed or displeased with them. It's still a process.” Brett Kern averaged 39.2 yards on six punts. OL: Starting left tackle Michael Roos only played one quarter in the team’s first preseason game against the Packers. First round pick Taylor Lewan took over for Roos (in extremely wet and rainy conditions) and played very well in his place. Lewan still doesn’t have an obvious starting position this season, but he could be a gem after Roos leaves the team. Starting center Brian Schwenke had two mishandled snaps in the downpour and this did not create good feelings among coaches and fans who are concerned with his progress. The job is clearly Schwenke’s for now, as backup center Chris Spencer injured his ankle during the contest, and it is not clear how long he will require in recovery. Titans Depth Chart QB: Jake Locker, Charlie Whitehurst, Zach Mettenberger RB: Shonn Greene, Bishop Sankey, Dexter McCluster (WR), Jackie Battle, Leon Washington (KR), Antonio Andrews, Waymon James FB: Collin Mooney, Quinn Johnson WR: Kendall Wright, Nate Washington, Justin Hunter, Michael Preston, Marc Mariani, Derek Hagan, Derel Walker, Isaiah Williams, Lamont Bryant TE: Delanie Walker, Craig Stevens (FB), Taylor Thompson, Chase Coffman, Dorin Dickerson (IR) LT: Michael Roos, Taylor Lewan LG: Andy Levitre, Chris Spencer C: Brian Schwenke, Tyler Horn RG: Chance Warmack, Eric Olsen RT: Michael Oher, Byron Stingily K: Brett Kern, Maikon Bonani, Travis Coons NT: Sammie Lee Hill, DaQuan Jones, Chigbo Anunoby DE: Jurell Casey, Al Woods, Mike Martin, Ropati Pitoitua, Karl Klug, Lavar Edwards, Lanier Coleman ILB: Wesley Woodyard, Zach Brown, Zaviar Gooden, Moise Fokou, Avery Williamson, Brandon Copeland, David Hinds, Colin McCarthy (inj) OLB: Akeem Ayers (S), Derrick Morgan, Shaun Phillips, Kamerion Wimbley, Patrick Bailey, Jonathan Willard CB: Jason McCourty, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Tommie Campbell, Coty Sensabaugh, Micah Pellerin, George Baker, Khalid Wooten S: Bernard Pollard (SS), Michael Griffin (FS) (susp), George Wilson (SS/FS), Daimion Stafford (SS), Marqueston Huff, Hakeem Smith, Marc Anthony Washington Redskins QB: Washington breaks camp this week and unfortunately the quarterback situation isn’t as crystal clear as fantasy owners would’ve hoped. Robert Griffin III is healthy and the clear starter, but his play in the preseason and during practices hasn’t been strong enough to comfortably slot him back into the top tier of young passers. After two days of joint practices against the Patriots, ESPN’s Mike Reiss suggested that Kirk Cousins was the better quarterback, and that his view was echoed by ‘some others in the Patriots organization.’ While we need to take any observation by a beat writer (from another team) with a grain of salt, it’s notable that Washington Post beat writer Mike Jones wasn’t effusive in his defense of Griffin a few days later. Jones said, “…But, I will say that most days in practice, the gap isn’t as big as you’d like to see between your No. 2 overall pick and a fourth-round pick. Griffin does make some plays – particularly when things break down – that very few quarterbacks can make. But when it’s a drop-back passing situation where the play takes longer to unfold and he has to recognize coverage while feeling the pressure, he hasn’t looked exceptional. He looks okay at times, good other times, and then he makes some bad throws other times. Uneven is the best way to describe it. Cousins also has had his struggles. He gets rid of the ball more quickly, but he also makes some unwise throws. He turns the ball over a lot, and in my opinion hasn’t even looked as sharp as he did last year. He too has been uneven.” In game action, Griffin only attempted four passes (2-for-4 for 9 yards) before giving way to Cousins. Cousins played well (9-for-13 for 103 yards and a touchdown) and, ironically, outrushed Griffin (2 yards vs. 0). RB: Alfred Morris looked solid against the Patriots first team defenders, running five times for 27 yards (5.4 per carry) before calling it a night. Presumed #2 Roy Helu was less successful (5 rushes for 14 yards) but showed his worth as an outlet receiver (two catches for 23 yards). Rookie Lache Seastrunk led the team with 63 yards on 12 carries, and seems a good bet to land on the 53-man roster at the expense of either Evan Royster or Chris Thompson. WR: DeSean Jackson missed the Patriots game after a New England defender stepped on his ankle during the intra-team practice. Jackson is set to return against the Browns in next week’s preseason tilt, and has resumed full practices. Following Monday’s practice, Jackson felt no ill effects: "I felt good, man," he said. "Had a little sore, bruised ankle for the last couple days. So good to be back in the midst of things. Felt good." Fellow starter Pierre Garcon also missed the Patriots game with a hamstring strain, but returned to practice on Monday. In their absence, Aldrick Robinson (3 receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown) led the Redskins in a bid to hold onto a roster spot. Presumed slot receiver Andre Roberts wasn’t targeted in the passing game, but did serve as the punt returner. TE: Jordan Reed has been a playmaker throughout training camp, but missed the final four days of camp with a mysterious illness that resembled a ’24-hour’ stomach bug. Against the Patriots, rookie Ted Bolser caught a 7-yard touchdown and veteran Logan Paulsen had a key grab in the team’s opening drive. Defense: The Redskins defense showed well against the Patriots, as the first team personnel set the tone with consecutive three-and-outs to start the game. Brian Orakpo had the team’s lone sack, while Akeem Jordan had three tackles and a fumble recovery. Orakpo was understandably pleased after the game: “We’re building a foundation at the linebacker corps,” he explained. “Guys are going out there making plays, and we’re going to need that as the season progresses.” Fellow linebacker Keenan Robinson played well in his new role as the defensive play-caller (replacing London Fletcher), and more importantly is healthy after missing most of the last two years with a torn pectoral. K/P: Rookie Zach Hocker made two field goals and kicked off well in the preseason win over the Patriots. Kai Forbath came up short on a 46-yard field goal and sent one of his kickoffs out of bounds. Coach Jay Gruden commented: “Zach had a couple great kickoffs and a good tackle and a field goal. And Kai, you know, he had the kickoff out of bounds like I said. So that’s a decision that’s going to come after the fourth preseason game. I know it.” OL: Starting left tackle Trent Williams was named the offensive captain in the contest against the Patriots, and this could be a preview of who will wear the C patch during the regular season. Williams didn’t play much, as rookie tackle Morgan Moses played 68 snaps in the contest. Moses was up and down, being called for holding and giving up a sack early in the game. However, he settled down and played well overall. Backup center Mike McGlynn missed the contest due to back spasms, and was replaced by Tevita Stevens. Back at practice, Maurice Hurt continues to struggle, as he got the worse end of a pass protection battle with backup linebacker Gabe Miller. Redskins Depth Chart QB: Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy RB: Alfred Morris, Roy Helu (3RB), Chris Thompson (3RB), Lache Seastrunk, Evan Royster, Silas Redd FB: Darrel Young WR: Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, Andre Roberts (PR/KR), Leonard Hankerson, Santana Moss, Aldrick Robinson, Ryan Grant, Nick Williams, Cody Hoffman, Rashad Lawrence, Jerry Rice Jr. (inj) TE: Jordan Reed, Logan Paulsen, Niles Paul (KR), Ted Bolser, Gabe Miller, Mike Caussin LT: Trent Williams, Tom Compton LG: Shawn Lauvao, Maurice Hurt, Spencer Long C: Kory Lichtensteiger, Mike McGlynn RG: Chris Chester, Josh LeRibeus, Adam Gettis RT: Tyler Polumbus, Morgan Moses K: Kai Forbath, Zach Hocker NT: Barry Cofield, Chris Neild, Robert Thomas DE: Jason Hatcher (inj), Jarvis Jenkins, Chris Baker (NT), Kedric Golston, Doug Worthington (RFA), Stephen Bowen, Clifton Geathers, Frank Kearse ILB: Perry Riley, Keenan Robinson, Akeem Jordan, Darryl Sharpton, Will Compton, Jeremy Kimbrough OLB: Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan (inj), Adam Hayward, Trent Murphy, Rob Jackson, Adrian Robinson CB: DeAngelo Hall, David Amerson, Tracy Porter, E.J. Biggers, Bashaud Breeland, Chase Minnifield, Richard Crawford (inj), Peyton Thompson S: Brandon Meriweather (SS), Ryan Clark (FS), Phillip Thomas (FS),Bacarri Rambo (FS), Jose Gumbs (SS) (RFA), Trent Robinson (FS), Akeem Davis, Da′Mon Cromartie-Smith, Tanard Jackson (susp) Directory: 2014 2014 -> For want of a nail 2014 -> The Global Warming that Wasn’t 2014 -> Assembly, No. 3901 state of new jersey 216th legislature 2014 -> Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2014 2014 -> Ihbb asian Championships 2014 middle school bowl Round 4 First Quarter 2014 -> Unit: Automotive and Auto Body 2014 -> Ihbb european Championships 2014 Bowl Round 4 First Quarter 2014 -> International History Bee and Bowl 2013-14 Asian Division Question Set Bowl Round Six 2014 -> United states patent and trademark office 2014 -> Walnut creek, ca branch executive committee meeting minutes Download 1.05 Mb. Share with your friends:
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