Thoughts on the Skins/Ravens game

Deepie already put out some of his thoughts in the previous post but wanted to share my overall thoughts since my thoughts are better. : )



1. Good performance: Just an overall solid effort by the team. Like the calmness and athleticism of the team. We are much younger and it shows with guys appearing hungrier and faster. Also, coaches seem to have this team under control and everyone seems to be working from the same page. These are all huge positives.



2. Strong running game: Hightower seems to be a great fit for this team. He runs hard and can hit the hole well. The patented Shanny running game/zone blocking scheme seems to have taken effect. Saw some great blocking that created large holes for Hightower. Hightower has been impressive in each of the preseason games and he is running like a guy that is out to prove something. He is also playing for his hometown team. Again, all positives and hopefully this will continue into the regular season.



3. WRs seem to be fleshing itself out: It's clear that Moss and Gaffney are the starters with Armstrong being the third WR. Hankerson will make the team because of his upside (size and talent). The guy that is really creating a buzz in my opinion is Terrence Austin. He is a strong kick/punt returner and can also contribute as a WR on the offense. I'm not sure he is the guy that can break it like Banks so there may still be a spot for him but Austin can certainly be a contributor. Pretty certain this is the end of the road for our beloved Malcolm Kelly and not sure Stallworth will make the squad either. They don't add anything more than what we have in the other guys I mentioned.



4. Jarvis Jenkins: HUGE loss with his injury. He was having a great camp and was expected to be a big contributor to the defense so his loss hurts. You have to feel badly for him. The only thing you can hope for is a smooth recovery and his ability to come back next season strong (physically as well as mentally).



5. Defense: Very good effort. We were able to apply consistent pressure. D. Hall scored on a pick six. However, he also gave up a big TD pass. That's the thing about him. As a risk taker, he will make plays but he will probably give up some as well. You just hope that he makes more good plays than bad ones. Still, I like him and feel good with him back there. Kerrigan had a pretty good game but he had two offside penalties called on him that made 3rd and longs into 3rd and shorts. Those are easy mistakes to be corrected. All in all, good effort by this group.



6. QB play: Saved this for last. This is obviously the most pressing topic. Rexy got the start but both players played equal amount of time. I thought both players were largely even. I did like the drive that Rexy engineered ending with the TD to Moss. I would give the edge to Rexy but just slightly. Beck entered the game and his first pass was a deep fly to Armstrong. Each of them had some decent passes but each missed a couple of easy ones that could have kept drives alive. Again, don't think either one separated themself during this game. I still like Rexy as I think he gives us the best chance to win. Either way, I don't expect either one of these guys to last the entire season (whether it be due to injury or ineffective play) so I think both QBs will get their chance this season. Will be interesting to see who ultimately gets the nod. I will support whoever is chosen.



All in all a very good effort in what is considered the dress rehearsal to the regular season. Don't expect to see much, if at all, from the starters in the final preseason game. Regular season is just a week and a half away!



NFL...I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!



HAIL SKINS!!!!