Quote
First, I am deeply confused by one aspect of McVay’s handling of the roster in the pre-season. I do not understand why our starting LG and C, both 2nd year guys with almost no experience, never played. The apparent principle was that starters didn’t play. But SJD and Gaines will probably together account for most downs at NT, and they played a lot. I’m glad they did and I thought they looked great.
McV said he considered playing them in the pre-season and then decided on the basis of their performance in the SD/Oakland scrimmages that they were ready and didn't need it. That puts them in the category of not worth the risk.
The principle was not starters don't play. It was starters who were ready didn't play. Meanwhile in contrast on defense, in 2 spots inexperienced guys were fighting for the starting spot. That was true of both ILB (Hager/Kiser/Reeder) and NT (Joseph-Day and Gaines.) They were competing. NB and Allen weren't competing.
...
