Training Camp Update Volume 9, Issue 2 8/12/14
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- 15 Saints were thrown at least one pass
- Larry Holder projects
- Larry Holder
- New York Giants QB
- Mosely
- Giants Depth Chart QB
- New York Jets QB
- Bruce Campbell
WR: Brandin Cooks stole the show at wide receiver (again) during the first preseason game, with eight targets for 5/55/1 receiving to his credit. "It was fun to get out there, had to get some of the jitters out in the first couple of series, but that's how the game is," he said. "I was blessed enough to be able to come out here and play in my first NFL game." Coach Payton commented. "He's quick with the ball in his hands," He later added, "I thought he played hard, he's smart, gets lined up very quickly. We'll keep bringing him along. There's a lot of things he needs to work on still." Brandon Coleman didn't have a good game Friday night, dropping both of his targets, including one that went off his hands for a St. Louis interception. All told, 15 Saints were thrown at least one pass – Nick Toon (three targets for 3/11/0) and Joe Morgan (three for 1/13/0) had unexciting outings, while Marques Colston posted 2/10/0 out of four targets during a cameo appearance. The depth chart at wide receiver is still being shaken out heading into the second preseason game, though Cooks definitely seems to be separating himself from the rest of the crowd. Kenny Stills sat out the game due to the quadriceps injury that has kept him off the practice field throughout camp. It is unclear if the team will keep five or six receivers. Larry Holder projects six on the 53-man roster based on training camp/preseason so far. TE: Josh Hill had an impressive play in the first preseason game, catching a short pass and running for 50 yards while stiff-arming defenders along the way, and ended the night as the Saints' leading receiver with 2/67/0 to his credit. Hill is playing well enough to stick on the final roster with his contributions on offense and special teams. Jimmy Graham grabbed both passes that came his way with 2/13/0 during a brief appearance in the exhibition. Defense: DE Tyrunn Walker played a strong game with the second-team defense vs. St. Louis, posting a game-high five tackles, a sack for a 14-yard loss, three tackles for loss and a quarterback hit. DE Glenn Foster had two tackles and a sack for a six-yard loss during the contest. “We have a talented defensive front at every position," Foster said. "This is my second year playing with Tyrunn and we know how to play with each other... We're supposed to dominate." S Jairus Byrd sat out as he continues to recover from offseason back surgery, as did DB Champ Bailey (undisclosed injury). Larry Holder projects six defensive linemen and 10 linebackers will make the final regular-season roster. K/P: The competition between kickers Shayne Graham and Derek Dimke has been relatively close during camp. In the preseason opener against St. Louis they had a field goal attempt apiece, both from 37 yards, and both were good. The one difference and a strike against Graham was his missed 33-yard extra point in the second quarter that hit the upright. Coach Sean Payton commented afterward: “Listen, the ball’s on the 15-yard line, so we’re not talking about hitting a 50-yard field goal here. I’d like to think we can hit a field goal when it’s on the 15.” OL: The Saints established the run in their first preseason game against St. Louis. This occurred despite being without their two Pro Bowl guards, Jahri Evans and Ben Grubbs. Grubbs returned to practice this weekend but Evans is still recovering from an unspecified injury. Senio Kelemete and Marcel Jones subbed for these players, and both performed decently. A strong performance is helping Tim Lelito continue to hold off Jonathan Goodwin for the starting center position. On paper, that job should be Goodwin’s, but Lelito is making the most of his chance in this preseason. Here is an interesting article from an unnamed scout breaking down the differences in these players’ respective games, and other informative notes about the rest of the offensive line. Saints Depth Chart QB: Drew Brees, Luke McCown, Ryan Griffin RB: Mark Ingram, Khiry Robinson, Pierre Thomas (3RB), Travaris Cadet (KR/PR), Tim Flanders FB: Erik Loreg, Austin Johnson WR: Marques Colston, Kenny Stills, Brandin Cooks, Nick Toon, Joe Morgan, Robert Meachem, Brandon Coleman, Andy Tanner, Charles Hawkins, Chris Givens (IR) TE: Jimmy Graham, Ben Watson, Josh Hill, Richard Quinn, Nic Jacobs LT: Terron Armstead, Ty Nsekhe, Tavon Rooks LG: Ben Grubbs, Mike Golic Jr. C: Jonathan Goodwin, Tim Lelito, Matt Armstrong RG: Jahri Evans, Senio Kelemete RT: Zach Strief, Marcel Jones, Bryce Harris K: Shayne Graham, Derek Dimke NT: Brodrick Bunkley, John Jenkins DE: Cameron Jordan (DT), Akiem Hicks, Glenn Foster (inj), Tyrunn Walker, Cheta Ozougwu, Brandon Deaderick, George Uko ILB: Curtis Lofton, David Hawthorne, Ramon Humber, Kevin Reddick, Khairi Fortt, Kyle Knox OLB: Junior Galette, Parys Haralson, Victor Butler, Keyunta Dawson, Ronald Powell, Rufus Johnson CB: Keenan Lewis, Patrick Robinson, Champ Bailey, Corey White, Stan Jean-Baptiste, Rod Sweeting, Trevin Wade, Terrence Frederick, Derrius Brooks, AJ Davis S: Jairus Byrd (FS), Kenny Vaccaro (SS), Rafael Bush (FS), Marcus Ball (SS), Vinnie Sunseri (SS) New York Giants QB: All eyes are on Eli Manning this preseason as he attempts to rebound from an abysmal 2013 by learning a more efficient, ball-control offense under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. Progress has been inconsistent through the opening weeks of training camp, and Manning failed to quell his critics in limited action against Pittsburgh this week. Manning finished his short appearance 0-for-2 with an 8-yard sack. The backup battle remains tough to call as 2nd year Ryan Nassib got extended work (12-of-21 for 81 yards) while Curtis Painter finished up the game and was perfect on the night (7-for-7 for 68 yards and a touchdown). RB: Rashad Jennings reasserted himself as a viable fantasy starter thanks to a 73-yard breakaway touchdown run against the Steelers. "It feels good to get out there and jell with the offense," Jennings said. "Find a big hole like that and make a big play." Rookie Andre Williams – who played well in the Hall of Fame game – followed up with another impressive outing. Williams ran for 35 yards on seven carries (5.0 per rush) and showed power and vision. 2nd year fullback Kendell Gaskins got significant work in the 2nd half, including a team-leading 10 carries (45 yards) and three receptions for 19 yards. While Gaskins made his mark against the Steelers backups, it’s notable to think Gaskins may fit into a hybrid role under McAdoo’s system. Gaskins was considered a roster long shot but if he continues to perform in this manner, we have to rethink whether Michael Cox and Peyton Hillis are both locks for the 53-man roster. WR: It was a forgettable night for the receivers, aside from roster longshot Corey Washington’s 3-yard go ahead touchdown in the 4th quarter. The undrafted rookie (Newberry College) also had a TD catch against the Bills in the Hall of Fame Game. Victor Cruz has now gone consecutive games without a target, but isn’t concerned: “I would love a few targets, a few catches. Who wouldn’t? Any receiver would love a few catches. But I’m a team guy, as long as we’re winning, as long as I’m doing all the little things right, as long as I’m continuing to listen to the offense, to listen to the calls, to make sure I’m getting everything clearly and making the right reads and making the right plays, that’s all I’m worried about. A couple catches on top of that wouldn’t hurt.” Rookie Odell Beckham Jr missed the game as he continued to rest his hamstring, but returned to practice over the weekend. TE: Fantasy owners are going to want to look elsewhere for their tight end sleepers; the Giants are going to try to band-aid together a loose committee approach. Against the Steelers Larry Donnell (2 for 13), Kellen Davis (1 for 9) and Adrien Robinson (1 for 9) all figured into the box score but offered little in the way of excitement. Defense: The Giants defense held the Steelers to 7 points in the first half, but the majority of Pittsburgh’s starters only played a few snaps so it’s important not to read too much into the outcome. Markus Kuhn and Jordan Stanton had the team’s only sacks of the game, as the starting unit failed to get consistent pressure. Star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul had four tackles and a quarterback pressure on Saturday night, and feels healthy after consecutive injury-plagued seasons. “I felt good,” Pierre-Paul said. “I still have to get better. I’ve got a lot of improvement to do. Otherwise, I feel good. Running to the ball, I wasn’t tired, especially on that long (46-yard) screen. I had chased him down. I wasn’t going to catch him but… I feel good, though. I wasn’t tired. That was a long run for me, so I wasn’t tired at all.” K/P: Special teams coordinator Tom Quinn said of the kicking competition: “A lot of times, you have an old kicker and a young kicker and the young kicker has such a strong leg. But Brandon (McManus) will really have to beat him out in all areas to win the job and he knows that." So far, McManus has tied Josh Brown. In the game against the Steelers, Brown kicked a 45-yard field goal and an extra point. McManus kicked a 46-yard field goal and an extra point. Brown had two touchbacks on two kickoffs. McManus had three touchbacks on three kickoffs. OL: The Giants offensive line had a spotty performance against Pittsburgh. While they did run block well, as evidenced by Rashad Jennings’ outstanding performance, there were several glaring mistakes. Charles Brown, starting at left tackle for the still injured Will Beatty, surrendered a key sack. Guards Brandon Mosely and Geoff Schwartz committed holding penalties. Mosely did look good pulling on Jennings’ long gainer but he and the rest of the first unit needs to show consistency in pass protection. Head coach Tom Coughlin believes it is just a matter of the players gaining experience together and building cohesion. It could be a valid point as only right tackle Justin Pugh is in the same spot as last season. Giants Depth Chart QB: Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib, Curtis Painter RB: Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams (SD), Peyton Hillis, Michael Cox (KR), David Wilson (IR) FB: John Conner, Henry Hynoski, Kendall Gaskins WR: Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle (PR), Odell Beckham (inj), Jerrel Jernigan, Mario Manningham, Trindon Holliday (KR/PR), Marcus Harris, Preston Parker, Julian Talley, Kris Adams, Travis Harvey, Corey Washington TE: , Larry Donnell, Daniel Fells, Xavier Grimble, Adrien Robinson, Kellen Davis LT: Will Beatty, Charles Brown LG: Geoff Schwartz, James Brewer, Troy Kropog C: JD Walton, Dallas Reynolds RG: Weston Richburg, John Jerry, Brandon Mosely, John Sullen RT: Justin Pugh, Steven Baker K: Josh Brown, Brandon McManus DT: Cullen Jenkins, Markus Kuhn, Johnathan Hankins, Jay Bromley, Everett Dawkins DE: Damontre Moore, Jason Pierre-Paul (inj), Mathias Kiwanuka, Robert Ayers, Israel Idonije, James Gayle, Kerry Wynn MLB: Jon Beason (inj), Mark Herzlich, , Terrell Manning OLB: Spencer Paysinger (W), Jameel McClain (S/M), Jacquian Williams (W), Devon Kennard, Spencer Adkins (W), Kendrick Adams(S) CB: Corey Webster, Prince Amukamara, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Walter Thurmond (susp), Jayron Hosley (susp), Zackary Bowman, Charles James, Bennett Jackson (inj), Trumaine McBride, Junior Mertile, Chandler Fenner, Ross Weaver S: Stevie Brown (SS), Antrel Rolle (FS/SS), Cooper Taylor (SS), Chaz Powell (FS), Quintin Demps (SS), Nat Berhe New York Jets QB: Geno Smith continues to set high expectations for himself and his career. Not long ago, he had said he expects to be a top-five quarterback in a few years. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York, he has now compared his skillset to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He’s got the raw basics, sure—mobility and a decent arm—but has a long way to go to really compare. Smith didn’t play badly against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday but he failed to lead the team to a touchdown in his two possessions. The Jets need more from him if they are to win this season. Michael Vick continues to play well, and he ran the ball effectively while also passing to convert third and fourth down opportunities. Ultimately this is Smith’s team but the Jets need to win and if he’s the one holding the offense back, the team will absolutely give Vick the nod. Matt Simms looks to have the third string spot locked up as rookie Tajh Boyd didn’t even play Thursday night. It appears he’s destined for the practice squad. RB: Stop us if you’ve heard this before: Chris Ivory has a rib issue and might not play next week against the Cincinnati Bengals. This is life with Ivory—he has a ton of talent which is never fully realized because he is constantly on the trainer’s table. Chris Johnson looked a tad rusty against the Colts, though he did score a touchdown and only carried the ball four times. Johnson also made a pair of catches. Bilal Powell remains out with a hamstring injury, giving Daryl Richardson a longer look. Richardson looked fine, but didn’t run away with the #3 job—not with a 3.0 yards per carry average against backups. By comparison, former Green Bay Packers back Alex Green had a very good day against the lower end of the roster, gaining 29 yards on seven carries including a 20-yard carry in the fourth quarter. WR: If you are going to be a receiver on the New York Jets this year it’s clear you better be just as effective without the ball coming your way. To a man, this receiving corps is aggressively blocking downfield. Unfortunately, there have been plenty of injuries. Greg Salas has been dealing with a hip injury and David Nelson has a bruised hand and it’s fair to wonder if he might have bruised it on the crushing block he used to lay out a Colts cornerback on Chris Johnson’s touchdown. Eric Decker was limited this weekend in practice due to a quadriceps injury and was already battling hamstring and foot issues. Decker looked fine on Thursday night, as he was targeted twice and caught both passes for 12 yards. Jeremy Kerley was in the game but wasn’t targeted once by either Geno Smith or Michael Vick. Stephen Hill continues to have good practices but played 35 snaps against the Colts and was targeted just once, on a play which was wiped out by a penalty. However, Hill didn’t have an awful game. He got off the line more quickly than he did last season, and did a pretty good job run blocking. Hill clearly had a step or two on the coverage when Vick went another way, so he wasn’t completely blanketed. It continues to be a process with Hill but there is forward progress. Fourth round pick Jalen Saunders has settled into a punt return role while fellow rookie Shaq Evans is dealing with a significant shoulder injury and the Daily News’ Seth Walder says it could land him on injured reserve. Clyde Gates has been looking fine while returning from his own season-ending shoulder injury and will probably find himself on the final roster with all the injuries piling up. Saalim Hakim is primarily handling kick returns and sees little of the field during offensive plays, while Jacoby Ford saw more time on offense late in the game. TE: Rex Ryan tried to light a bit of a fire under rookie Jace Amaro say saying they need to “give him tapes of Mike Ditka or something and say ‘This is how we want you to play.’” Ryan went on to tell the media Amaro, “Needs to recognize you’re a big guy. You need to be a bully out there. When that ball’s thrown up, you’ve got to go catch it. I don’t care where it is.” The Jets knew they were getting a project in terms of basic in-line tight end duties like run blocking, but catching the ball is what Amaro does. They want no excuses. The Jets have been much happier with Jeff Cumberland’s work, but he’s not the guy they have high expectations for longer-term. Sneaking up behind both is Zach Sudfeld, who has been getting occasional first-team reps. If Amaro keeps struggling and can’t turn on the aggression, the Jets might let Sudfeld off the leash and see what his size and speed can do. Defense: The secondary is the big question mark for the Jets defense and Sunday brought news which made that point even more critical. Dee Milliner will be laid out for a few weeks with a high-ankle sprain which hurt so much he thought it was broken. Unfortunately, the news isn’t as good for rookie Dexter McDougle who tore his ACL and is done for the season. This leaves the secondary with Dimitri Patterson and Kyle Wilson. Wilson has struggled since entering the league and Patterson has been an absolute disaster at cornerback. It’s only a matter of time before Darrin Walls gets a sniff, especially after a solid 2013. This may not be as big a deal if the pass rush was on fire, but it’s not. While IK Enemkpali had a game-winning sack in the fourth quarter, and the starters brought some pressure, it wasn’t as consistent as it needs to be. The front seven consistently destroyed run plays though, and if nothing else opposing teams will have difficulty running against this unit. K/P: Starting kicker Nick Folk and camp leg Andrew Furney each kicked 51-yard field goals against the Colts. Furney’s came with just over a minute left and proved to be the game winner. “It was one of those things where I got to see Nick's kick and said, okay, there might be some face wind there. I had to drive it a little bit more. He was kind of the learning curve for me a little bit.” Jake Schum had the edge in punting numbers in the game, averaging 41 yards on pair, compared to starter Ryan Quigley’s 38 yard average on four punts. OL: The Jets’ lineup is mostly settled in terms of who is starting and where. The only uncertainty is at left guard, where incumbent Brian Winters has been rotating with fellow second year player Oday Aboushi. Aboushi has played well this preseason but can’t seem to unseat Winters. It is possible both players will be needed this season, as right guard Willie Colon is not the most durable. Starting right tackle Breno Giacomini generally looked good against the Colts, but did give up a pressure in the first half. The Jets signed Bruce Campbell to add depth, who had worked out for the team earlier this offseason. Jets Depth Chart QB: Geno Smith, Michael Vick, Tajh Boyd, Matt Simms RB: Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory (inj), Bilal Powell (3RB), Daryl Richardson, Alex Green, John Griffin, Michael Smith 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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