Great post Kearly. I have to say, I agree with almost everything you said, from Bennett being the stud we hoped Jason Jones would be to Mayowa looking like Clemons. Some thoughts...
- Bennett, Hill, and Howard all had excellent, exciting games. Although Bennett didn't play DE this game, there is some great versatility from those three players.
- Howard was my Defensive MVP this game. It was great to see him stand out, and at times dominating, even after having tweaked his knee on a low-block.
- I can't say you that wrong about Jesse Williams, but in his defense, he was combo blocked 2 out of every 3 plays in those first two series, many of the times with one of those being DJ Fluker, a 350 lb first round right tackle drafted for his run blocking. He struggled mostly, but he flashed at times: one play fighting off the Fluker and the RG for a great tackle and another play busting up a LG and FB causing a team TFL.
- Bailey was a stud the entire game who I'd like to see play some RT, and like you said, Bowie was solid as well to a lesser extent, yet I'm still unsold on Bowie's pass-protection. He had an absolute miss against an outside rusher causing a QB hurry throw (Quinn incomplete throw to Willson on the sideline). Lots of time, though, to show that he has the ability and consistency to challenge Breno.
- Clint McDonald looks slow and average compared to the other many athletic players on that defensive line. I could see him cut to open a roster spot to either Williams or McDanial and being replaced as the #2 1-tech by...
- Jordan Hill. Since Pete has gotten here, from switching Mebane back to the 1-tech over the heavier Colin Cole, to having back-to-back 325 lb DTs play or be projected to be the starter at the 3-tech, everything points to the 3-tech being that big-body run-stuffer and the 1-tech having a combo of strength and quickness. Maybe hill plays so well, Pete is forced to adjust his philosophy to fit him into his defense (which is a good thing), but something tells me that Jordan Hill's future is at the 1-tech for now.
Great stuff again. You're weekly game recap & thoughts are always hugely appreciated.