WHAT I SAW ON MONDAY NIGHT

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Fran The Fan - WHAT I SAW ON MONDAY NIGHT

Fran the Fan speaks up again...

Posted On: 8/16/07

Written By:

Fran "The Fan" Vojik

It’s that time of year again, folks. The weather is hot, the Orioles are in the tank (again), and the hitting has resumed at M&T Bank. Are you ready for some football? Here’s what I saw…..

First of all, I really didn’t pay attention until the first team left the field. What’s the point? We know they’re good. The most interesting part of preseason is watching the draft choices and bubble players.

· The poise the Ravens showed during their first exhibition – er, sorry – “preseason” game was impressive. The first team played for basically only one series, then the second-teamers and rookies took over and played under control, with enthusiasm, and hit all night. The refs called only 3 penalties for the entire game. Good coaching and good execution.

· Is it me, or does this year’s backfield have the softest hands since the early days? It seems everybody, from Willis McGahee to Le’Ron McClain, can catch the ball coming out of the backfield and do it in stride.

· Yamon Figurs was a bit disappointing. Maybe he was trying too hard or maybe he is just that green. The Iggles didn’t give him much chance to show that blazing speed, though.

· Same thing for Kyle Boller, only more so, since we’ve come to expect performances like this. 5 years in the league and he still overthrows, under throws, and/or gets happy feet. Bad mechanics, bad decisions. How do you under throw a 6’ 6” receiver like Clarence Moore? One of the few things Moore does well is out-jump a defensive back for a ball – unless it’s Champ Bailey.

· Drew Olson clearly outplayed Troy Smith. I guess NFL Europa was good for something.

· Greg Pruitt was a surprise. He ran hard and fast, and looks like he might be another UDFA sleeper.

· Can the Ravens keep Antwan Barnes, Prescott Burgess, and Edgar Jones together on the final roster? All played well and should prove their worth this year on special teams and as backups. The question is, do the Ravens have enough roster spots for these three studs? Phil Savage is watching…….

· Jared Gaither looks to be a keeper and more. He has to work on his technique – as all rookies do - but once he engages a lineman, its lights out. It will be interesting to see how Gaither holds up against some of the better speed rushers in the league.

· I’ll be looking for more insights on Sunday night as the Ravens play my pick to finish last in the NFC East – the New York Giants.