HoF Game: 1st Quarter Observations
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While it's hard to gauge much from a preseason game — especially the first one — here are a few observations from quarter numero uno:
- Ben Roethlisberger only threw three passes, but they were all right on the mark. If not for a dropped pass that hit Nate Washington in the hands (his first of two drops in the quarter), he would have been perfect. As it was, he hit Cedrick Wilson in stride for a 55-yarder on the second play of the game after a two-yard run up the middle by Najeh Davenport. Ben was pulled after leading the team to a score on the series, and finished 2-for-3 for 73 yards.
- The defense has been absolutely stifling, with Saints quarterbacks a combined 1-for-8 for six yards. New Orleans running backs added a total of 15 yards on the ground. The secondary has been relentless, defending passes and hitting hard.
- Davenport's touchdown showed some good drive, but it won't be nearly enough to lock down the number two running back position if third-year player Carey Davis plays the entire pre-season as he is tonight. He only ad two touches in the first quarter, but they were a four-yard run up the middle on first down and a 33-yard screen down the left sideline that was only ended by Santonio Holmes blocking a defensive back into Davis' path. On the catch, he showed great speed for his size, and on his one carry of the quarter announcers were quick to point out how well he lowered his shoulder to take on the hit rather than tuck to avoid it.
- Let's pray that nothing happens to Marvell Smith, because indications are that Max Starks would move to left tackle and Willie Colon would fill the gap at right tackle. Just such a circumstance occurred in the first quarter, and Starks was eaten alive repeatedly. He did, however, provide more than adequate protection in his short time at right tackle.
- Let's hope Willie Reid was just getting the jitters ou, as he muffed the first punt and fumbled the second. Neither were lost, but I had flashbacks to Santonio Holmes' numerous drops early last season. Bruce Arians showed his faith in him, though, with a wide receiver screen to him on the play immediately following the second drop.
- Charlie Batch was 4-for-6 for 51 yards. He did not play beyond the first quarter.
- Dan Sepulveda boomed a 49-yard punt.
More to come at halftime.
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