Camp Report 7/29/14

[LACHAMP46]

i think his demise is vastly overstated by doubters. Constantly with 2nd team and giving tips to Alexander about where to line up
train

Sounds a lot like Pettis to me.....and we're watching how that's turning out....

 

[fearsomefour]

Agree with all here, thanks for these reports.....where have I heard this before, . How long til he just goes upfield?

It is truly enjoyable to read about Brian Quick.....I'll just let that simmer......Loving Kenny Britt more everyday....

How long will they let McGee & Woody struggle then give Reid & Roberson a chance Coach0? Or do you feel they haven't earned it yet? Are the backup tackles getting better/or rather, do they appear to be able to step in if needed?

Alexander's not ready...hmmm...now I wanna see a scrimmage....like soon

Most rookie RB struggle with this....they used to be able to beat guys around the corner an it doesn't translate to the NFL.
Seems like every level of football guys want to bounce everything when they get there....or so it seems.

 

[BD-TomCat]

Most rookie RB struggle with this....they used to be able to beat guys around the corner an it doesn't translate to the NFL.
Seems like every level of football guys want to bounce everything when they get there....or so it seems.

Mason will learn that fast or he will be gone like Richardson. that was his problem he wanted to take every carry to the outside and wasn't fast enough to get there in the NFL

 

[CoachO]

Thanks again Coach.

Very cool about the 3-3-5 nickel as well. I wonder if we'll see a wrinkle introduced with a LEO LB in there (possibly Quinn or Long) now that they are working on 3 down linemen sets. Perhaps once Donald gets up to speed.

That 30 look was a big weapon for the Saints' Championship run when Williams was the DC. Sharper in particular was a maniac in that look. It might be a good way to help mitigate Kyle Rudolph in that first game, I imagine he (and obviously Peterson) would be a security blanket for Bridgewater if he starts out of the gates, and definitely something to look for against the Cowboys and Witten in Game 3.

I think they can be successful in their base 4-3 vs.s both of these teams, just by making the adjustment they have made with Ogletree assuming the SLB duties, which will allow him to cover/shadow Rudolph and Witten.

 

[PrometheusFaulk]

I think they can be successful in their base 4-3 vs.s both of these teams, just by making the adjustment they have made with Ogletree assuming the SLB duties, which will allow him to cover/shadow Rudolph and Witten.

Most definitely. But when they do shift to a nickel look (say when Dallas or Minnesota shifts to a 3 WE/1TE/1 back set) having that extra LB in there could be helpful against go to TEs like Rudolph and Witten could be, as opposed to the traditional 4 down linemen nickel.

 

[CoachO]

Sweet merciful, Bubbha, don't break my heart Brian Quick.

It sounds like he's finally using his body as he should. Playing like a power freaking forward! Awesome to see Sammy and him and clicking and he's looking his way. I think that may spell the end for Pettis if this keeps up. Sounds like the Britt signing's biggest benefit has been the instruction he's given Quick. Britt is going nowhere. With Cook also, makes Pettis' height advantage he's had since drafting, mean nothing. Not surprised he didn't show up. He doesn't have the physical attributes outside of height.

Givens is still worrisome. 3rd unit reps doesn't say much more than bad. Sounds like he'll just be the 4th or 5th WR for 3 WR sets to send on a 9-route.

CB worries me. I have a feeling they'll play better as a whole unit with help from the D-Line, but I have a feeling we draft a 1st round CB next year.

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu anyone?

-- - - - - -

Is Moe still catching everything and finding seams to work himself open? Flashed any slick moves yet?


It seems like the main offensive scheme is going to be Cook/Quick/Britt. That's crazy heigh and strength advantage. Do you put Austin in that package eventually and run more 3 WR sets than you'd think?

Is Austin getting any more reps from the backfield?

Is Gilbert looking more comfortable? Were those passes shotgun formations or drop backs?

Moe is catching everything thrown his way, the problem is, not much of that is happening thus far in the 11 on 11 stuff. He is only getting a handful of reps lately, sharing 3rd team reps with Givens being relegated to those reps, and Blake, Franklin and Veltung all working in there too.

Fisher has said numerous times, there just aren't enough reps to go around with the limited amount of actual "on field" practice time they get with the new CBA. They have 11 WRs in camp right now. So its gonna be touch sledding for guys like Moe.

Austin is getting a few reps out of the backfield every day. It remains to be seen how much this will translate into the scheme once they get to Sept.

Gilbert has had his moments, both good and bad. He definitely passes the "look" test. Good arm strength, mobility in the pocket, etc. AS to be expected, he has trouble getting through his reads, and often holds the ball too long. He has a couple of WOW throws to give you a taste of what he is capable of. Then turns right around and throws a couple of BAD interceptions when missing on his reads.

 

[BD-TomCat]

Coach O who are they featuring in the 3-3-5.

 

[12intheBox]

He listed the personnel in his OP

Long - Brockers - Quinn

Tree - JL - Dunbar

McGee, Jenkins, Joyner, McLeod, McDonald

I'm sure Tru would be assuming McGee's spot.

 

[Zaphod]

Thanks again Coach.

Very cool about the 3-3-5 nickel as well. I wonder if we'll see a wrinkle introduced with a LEO LB in there (possibly Quinn or Long) now that they are working on 3 down linemen sets. Perhaps once Donald gets up to speed.

That 30 look was a big weapon for the Saints' Championship run when Williams was the DC. Sharper in particular was a maniac in that look. It might be a good way to help mitigate Kyle Rudolph in that first game, I imagine he (and obviously Peterson) would be a security blanket for Bridgewater if he starts out of the gates, and definitely something to look for against the Cowboys and Witten in Game 3.

Would Michael Sam be ideal for that Leo role, or am I just generalizing?

 

[BD-TomCat]

Once Donald gets fully acclimated He should replace Brockers in that alignment especially on passing downs. would love to also see RAY RAY replace Dunbar for more versatility

 

[PrometheusFaulk]

Would Michael Sam be ideal for that Leo role, or am I just generalizing?

Potentially. You'd want a guy in there who is a pass rusher. What some teams do with the LEO (or "Elephant" or "Buck") LB is essentially move a guy who might otherwise be a RDE from a 4 down linemen set to a two point stance, sometimes a little off the line of scrimmage. Seattle does it with Bruce Irvin, New England at times with Chandler Jones, Dallas used to do it with Ware.

Just a different wrinkle in a way of generating pass rush in unexpected ways.

I'd think maybe the ideal if Williams wanted to give that look might be Quinn. Which is where Donald's development might come into play.

I am in no way suggesting this is happening, but just spitballing on a trend that has been successful for some teams and how that might look for ours.

 

[CoachO]

Once Donald gets fully acclimated He should replace Brockers in that alignment especially on passing downs. would love to also see RAY RAY replace Dunbar for more versatility

The thing that the 30 Nickel provides, is the presence of BOTH the extra DB to counter the 3 WR sets, but also the extra LB to handle the potential for the running game. It is best utilized in 3rd and short (3rd and 2-4), where the threat for the offense to do either is legitimate. So having Dunbar remain on the field to handle the potential for the running game makes more sense to me. Which also lends to having BROCKERS man the middle of the d-line.

Ogletree matches up with the TE, or RB, McDonald on the opposite side has the same responsibilities, and Joyner covers the slot WR. That frees up Laurinaitis and Dunbar to stop any potential rushing attempt. Bottom line, its one of the sub packages that will have some value, and I expect to see it on a limited basis in the right situations.

 

[Noregar]

I know it has its place in certain situations and the 335 has been effective for GW in the past but the Rams greatest asset/strength is the D-line and with the 335 one of the D-Linemen is taken off of the field.

 

[Ky Ram]

Once Donald gets fully acclimated He should replace Brockers in that alignment especially on passing downs. would love to also see RAY RAY replace Dunbar for more versatility

Ray Ray brings the fire and passion, he just needs to be more disciplined. If he can master that, then hell start to take reps from Dunbar no matter what the alignment is

 

[CoachO]

Ray Ray brings the fire and passion, he just needs to be more disciplined. If he can master that, then hell start to take reps from Dunbar no matter what the alignment is

Can I ask a serious question here? I just don't get the apparent contradiction here, when it comes to 2 players on the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of
"fan love".....

How is it that when it is being reported by EVERY media outlet, including multiple camp reports by fans observing practices (many besides me), and by the beat writes who cover this team, just how different Quick looks, how much improved he seems to be...... and yet, its almost an unanimous response in here.... "well lets see him do it on Sunday"!!!!!

Then you take the response when it comes to Armstrong. There is hardly anyone actually reporting any "flashes" during the actual practices, and other than a few feature stories written by his de facto agent Nick Wagoner, not much being said about him SHINING or doing anything of note in practice, yet, almost EVERYONE in here seems to beat the drum about how special he is going to be, and want to hand him "reps in place of Dunbar, regardless what the alignment is"?

 

[DaveFan'51]

Camp Report 7/29/14

Players not participating: Ethan Westbrooks; Christian Bryant; Sammy Brown; Johnny Millard; Kadeem Jones, Trumaine Johnson, William Hayes, Brandon Washington; Jarrid Bryant; Isaiah Pead

Jake Long and Scott Wells participated in the unit drills, but did NOT participate in TEAM DRILLS

Shorts and Shoulder Pads. Plenty of contact, but still not FULL TACKLING

Offense:

1st Unit: Bradford; Britt; Quick; Cook; Kendricks/Austin; Stacy; LT- Saffold; LG- Robinson; C- Jones; RG- Joseph; RT- Barksdale


2nd Unit: Hill; Bailey & Austin; (Givens & Pettis) Harkey; J. Cunningham; B. Cunningham; LT- Person; LG- Rhaney; C- Barnes; RG- Bond; RT- Hooey


3rd Unit: Gilbert; Given; Pettis; (Veltung, Blake, Moe, Franklin); Bayer; Mason; LT- Van Dyk; LG- Person; C- Rhaney; RG- Morrell; RT- Dill

· Scott Wells and Jake Long had their most extensive drill work today, but still did not participate in any team stuff

o They both look to moving quite well, and could be close to limited team work next week

· Starting to see some separation in the depth chart with guys getting extra reps with different units

o Rhaney and Person taking reps with 2nd & 3rd units at different positions

· The rotation with Barrett Jones and Tim Barnes continues with Jones getting the 1 unit reps today

Defensive:

1st Unit: Long Brockers Langford Quinn; Lautinaitis; Ogletree; Dunbar; Jenkins; McGee; McLeod; McDonald

2nd Unit: Sam Carrington Conrath Sims; Bates; Steward; Armstrong; Gaines; Woodard; Davis; Alexander

3rd Unit: Sam Donald Harlan K. Brown; Schiller; Sabino; A. Hill; Reid; Roberson; A. Cunningham; Daniels

· Donald took a handful of reps with the 1st unit when they went to Nickel package, but for the most part was getting 3rd unit reps the rest of the 11 on 11 work

· Joyner took 1st unit reps at Nickel

· Greg Williams was up to his old tricks, showing multiple looks, and tons of blitzes

o Introduced the “30 Nickel” which has 3 DL; 3LB; 5 DBs

o Quinn, Brockers, Long; Laurinaitis, Ogletree, Dunbar, McGee, Jenkins, Joyner, McLeod, McDonald



Theme of the day: Schottenheimer: “Brian Quick is the most improved player out here”

· For those who doubted the OC’s comments after the OTAs, need only see what it going on at training camp.

o It’s no accident he’s been the best player on the field that past 2 practices, and more importantly, Bradford is showing tons of confidence in Quick by THROWING HIM THE BALL

· Offense is clicking on all cylinders that past two days

· Name of the game for the defense today: Live or die with the blitz

Special Teams:

Punt Coverage; Worked on coverage drills, interior line and backs (no gunners)


1st Unit:
Cunningham Armstrong Steward McQuaide Sims Bates Daniels C. Davis

2nd Unit:
Alexander Ogletree Harkey Hus A. Hill Sabino Mason Stacy

Not much changes from Sunday



7 0n 7 & 11 on 11 Drills:

Highlights:

First play of 11 on 11: CB Blitz & Bradfod hits Quick on sight adjustment (Quick slant) with no one in seam he goes untouched for big play

Very NEXT play: Play Action: Bradford to Quick double move (turns McGee around) for a 40 yard completion

2nd Unit Offense: Play Action Rollout: Gilbert to Givens for 18 yard sliding completion (out route)

Gilbert to Quick another double move beats Gaines to corner (30 yard completion)

Austin had a good day catching the ball. Ran a crossing route which Daniels read perfectly, only to have Austin blow by him like he was a standing pylon

Bradford to Britt ( 9 route) in the back of the EndZone over McGee and with McGee finishing the play with a shove to the face of Britt. Britt spikes the ball at McGee’s feet and gets mobbed by teammates

In 2 minute drill at end of practice: Bradford connect with quick on deep post route, (single coverage by McLeod) Quick uses his body like going up for a rebound, McLeod had NO chance to make a play on the ball

Chris Givens showed he is still on the team: while relegated to mostly 3rd unit reps, he made a few nice catches to show he can still contribute

Cody Davis had a nice interception in 2 minute drill

Lamarcus Joyner nice INT in RedZone drill stepping in front of Pettis at back of End Zone

Cory Harkey lowers the boom on Armstrong after a catch and long run. Lowers his shoulder and delivers the blow.


Lowlights:

Chris Givens running reps with the 3rd unit. He got some 2nd unit reps when paired with Pettis, but was also running with 3rd unit guys like Veltung and Blake.

Austin Pettis was almost invisible today

Depth at CB beyond Jenkins, Johnson and Gaines is worrisome. McGee and Woodard continue to struggle; Reid and Roberson very limited reps

Expected Defense to have a “bounce back” day and offer some push back….. didn’t happen!!!

· DISCLAIMER: there were plenty of blitzes which would have resulted in sacks that ended in completions due to the “no tackle rule”

CAMP OBSERVATIONS:

· The WR rotation appears to be for the 2nd unit moving forward. It’s not by accident that Brian Quick and Kenny Britt are getting at least twice as many 1st unit reps than any of the other WRs. Austin mixes in as 3rd WR.

· Right now, the rotation seems to be settled in: Quick and Britt at the WR. Cook at TE. And either Kendricks, Austin or Harkey, depending on which personnel grouping they go with. Pretty consistent the last 2 practices.


· Alexander just hasn’t shown that he is comfortable yet in the scheme. Continually needing help in lining up from C. Davis

· Benny Cunningham had a nice blitz pickup. First time I’ve seen that from any of the RBs not named Pead.

· Mason shows quick feet and instincts, but tends to want to bounce everything outside

· Things got a little chippy towards the end of practice in the 2 minute drill, a couple of shoving including one incident with Chris Givens after the Cody Davis INT.

CoachO, I find this New "30 Nickel" Very interesting, do you think it will be used often? What do you think of it!?

 

[CoachO]

CoachO, I find this New "30 Nickel" Very interesting, do you think it will be used often? What do you think of it!?

It's not new. Even to this team. Spagnuolo ran a version of it when he was here. The difference being he used guys like Josh Hull as the extra LB. and he wondered why they got gashed?

Fisher has used it sporadically in his 2 years here. Do I think it will be used often? No. Obviously, it depends on the down and distance, and the opponent, but there may be 5 or 6 snaps a game where you see it.

It has its place. Again, IMO, it's a defense that can be effective in those 3rd and short situations, when the offense brings in the 3WR set, but still is in a manageable distance that running that ball can get them the 1st down.

 

[PrometheusFaulk]

Can I ask a serious question here? I just don't get the apparent contradiction here, when it comes to 2 players on the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of
"fan love".....

How is it that when it is being reported by EVERY media outlet, including multiple camp reports by fans observing practices (many besides me), and by the beat writes who cover this team, just how different Quick looks, how much improved he seems to be...... and yet, its almost an unanimous response in here.... "well lets see him do it on Sunday"!!!!!

Then you take the response when it comes to Armstrong. There is hardly anyone actually reporting any "flashes" during the actual practices, and other than a few feature stories written by his de facto agent Nick Wagoner, not much being said about him SHINING or doing anything of note in practice, yet, almost EVERYONE in here seems to beat the drum about how special he is going to be, and want to hand him "reps in place of Dunbar, regardless what the alignment is"?

I just don't think playing sound fundamental defense and contributing towards a 3 and out by taking a good angle, filling a hole and forcing a back sideways so someone else cleans up is as exciting to some folks as that highlight big hit, and that's what some folks have seen from Armstrong on special teams and in the preseason.

 

[CoachO]

I just don't think playing sound fundamental defense and contributing towards a 3 and out by taking a good angle, filling a hole and forcing a back sideways so someone else cleans up is as exciting to some folks as that highlight big hit, and that's what some folks have seen from Armstrong on special teams and in the preseason.

I guess, but how many of those hits were there really? He had TWELVE ST tackles. And just about as many ST penalties!!!

 

[PrometheusFaulk]

I guess, but how many of those hits were there really? He had TWELVE ST tackles. And just about as many ST penalties!!!

It doesn't really take that much for a guy who doesn't play from scrimmage much when the games count. Grass is always greener kinda thing?