We won't really know what our defense looks like until Quinn, Barron, Gaines, and the starting FS (whoever that ends up being) are all out there playing together, and GW is using them the way he intends to. We aren't seeing that yet, we're seeing guys being held out to keep/get them healthy and look at other players.
Those disappointed that Goff isn't tearing it up and clearly claiming the starting spot already (I have one foot in that camp) will just have to wait. Hollering about it isn't going to change anything. I certainly don't think two preseason games have invalidated the trade or the draft selection.
Contrary to some posts, Goff was NOT billed as pro-ready. He was drafted for certain natural talents. He has those, and when he gets acclimated to the NFL they will come to the fore. Or not. But we all know Fisher will give that situation plenty of time and Goff WILL eventually get multiple chances to show whether he's got it or not.
Any concerns there were back at draft time about Goff's arm strength have been laid to rest, would we agree at least on that point?
Is there anyone out there who could argue with a straight face that Quick is suddenly going to become a reliable, steady presence at WR? No? I didn't think so. Even if he occasionally flashes, the fact is that after 4 years, he still drops passes and looks confused and surprised when he does it. Maybe he just doesn't have the vision to be a WR. Maybe he just doesn't have the smarts. I don't think it's effort, because he shows effort and success on his run blocks. He's built like an NFL WR, but he just isn't one.
Unfortunately, not too many rookie candidates have made a case yet for pushing him off of the roster.
Cautiously, I am allowing myself to be very pleased with the starting Oline so far in this preseason. The running game looks downright dangerous. I am so impressed with Bennie Cunningham. What a great example of Snead finding a UDFA, and of the player making something of himself in the NFL. Can't wait to see Gurley back in action for a full game.
Back to the oline and the QB's. Most of Goff's goofs have been under pressure. It can certainly be argued that some of that is his fault, should have recognized where pressure was coming from, and so forth. But has anyone seen Case Keenum under any pass rush pressure so far? Have there been plays where he had to throw it away, or evade the rush and reset, or escape the pocket and run?
I can't remember any. That's good news. But it also means there's some apples/oranges in the QB comparison.
I posted it yesterday with little resulting comment. Goff's two worst plays on Saturday started out as pass plays, but ended as fumbles not pass attempts. Therefore they don't show in his passing stats. In fairness they probably should, but that's not how that stat works.
Nevertheless, when he actually set up and threw the ball Saturday, his QB rating was 113. Would you have guessed that from the talk?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/22/2016 06:10AM by Saguaro.
