MasterStrategist

good is good. When he starts mussing, ill start yapping

Dane has been toast. Hes getting cut IMO anyhow. Even with Tre banged up, Dorian and Ingram higher on the depth chart IMO

This is probably the biggest sign they think he will be ok

Only "update", was Sal speaking to media about what he saw transpire (after injury). Mitch helped a hobbling Tre to sideline. Tre the walked with assistant trainer to locker room, then back to field to get a cart out of stadium. Sal made a key point about it not being the head trainer walking with Tre. Not that it means everything, but usually you'd see Nate with a player if considered serious.

I think he will be OK/not major, looks like they dodged a bullet. He was back out on the sidelines, walking in street clothes during 2nd half.

So what did you say before last season? And how did that turn out? Chill brother, we haven't seen the starting defense more than 1-2 series this preseason. Tre is hurt, Max is hurt... nothing official on Tre but Max will be back early in season. Hoecht and Oji suspended, doesnt change the fact that we need Ed, Groot, Bosa and rooks to generate pressure and keep Milano/TB/Taron healthy. Nothing about this screams "rude awakening" - your post screams panic, for the sake of worrying over preseason and a couple injuries. I cant see how we can be any worse on 3rd down, than last season on defense. and while I expect a regression on turnovers/redzone efficiency, if we can stay top 5 in both (after finishing top 1-2), we will be winning alot more than we lose.

Who is doing kick and punt returns? Carter will make this team too. I like your list, but think we dont keep 6 LBs and a chance Max starts on IR (Tre maybe too, after today's news). Ill keep your list and modify by: +Shenault (return game), +Carter, +Hardy (over Dane, wild guess) -Max(IR), Tre (IR- just a guess), cut Ciarlo

I hope Tre is OK - but in fairness, hes holding down that spot until Max is ready. Drop off from Max to Tre >>>> drop off from Tre to Dane or Dorian IMO. Tre has been up and down all camp - hes our best 3 CB option, but Dorian Strong likely has more upside by end of this season than Tre. We need to get thru 1st 4 weeks, if Max gets put on IR. I'd rather roll with Dorian or Ingram, if forced into a situation where Tre goes on IR to start the year.

The fact he was hobbling/got up (or didnt immediately stay on ground), in of itself is good news IMO. Tre knows when its serious. Not saying this definitely isnt, but hes not one to walk off when he knows its bad. Hopefully an ankle sprain, which would still suck, but better than alternatives.

McD set the tone with a great speech, and made it clear what he wants to start seeing (less complacent attitudes, more intensity/emotion). Babich, Brady, and rest of staff echoed the need for that intensity level to rise. A complete embarrassment might be what we need in the locker room. We need our leaders to step up inside the locker room and raise the bar/set expectations from here on out. We have "alpha" mentality guys that will naturally start to become more dialed in, as week 1 approaches. They have to get that "chip" on their shoulder heading into a physical week 1 against the Ravens.

No way is it the most important, that's just a load of crap. Coach said it was one of thr most difficult positions to learn, not too long ago. That trio of Mike, Will and Nickle is the most important on this defense. Clearly trench play dictates on both sides of the ball, but one constant in a very good McD defense is that "middle layer". We put A LOT on the plate of Milano, Taron and TB. Bishop has to stay healthy from here on out. But he and Rapp are more than capable combo, with the rest of pieces surrounding them.

100%, and I've said this a few times as well. Now will it turn out like that? Hopefully. These public comments by Coach are his way of "pushing" these guys. He and Beane have done this numerous times, until guys start to be consistent. I think consistency is the biggest issue with Bishop right now, and a major reason for that has been lack of reps/injury. I cant wait for Bishop to ball out starting week 1 --- said the same about Keon this spring. Bishop has looked alot better at camp, just cant stay on the field. Hes worked his butt off this offseason, just needs to stay healthy and we will see good things from him soon enough.

Bishop will start IMO, if he stays healthy from here until Sept 7th. And yes, its a huge "hope" but not much different than TB a couple years ago getting injured in preseason and being named week 1 starter.

Way too soon to make an opinion, is my takeaway. This is a big year for : Keon, Cole and Kincaid (year 3). Cole just needs to stay healthy, talent is there.

Gabriel and Sanders - easy choice. You're not cutting a 3rd round QB year 1. And Cleveland might burn down if Sanders is cut. Pickett and Huntley have shown what they are at this point - 2 P/S type QBs.

I agree with this, except Dorian was playing majority of snaps with Andreesen. Overall though point remains - and I'd add that having Codrington at nickle really F'd everything (he cant cover at this level).

Thats why preseason is a fickle fellow... Ray has looked good in practice. Big difference behind our starting OL and Josh under center, versus the unit we have our there tonight.

Its still 1st half, but my biggest concern(s): 1. Backup DL 2. #3/4 outside CB Max will ease #2, if hes back sooner than later. Only optimism/silver linings for backup DL is these guys are ALL young. Sanders, Carter, Walker, Jackson. We will need Groot, Ed, Bosa to be difference makers - that is the truth. At the end of day, most important thing is getting off field on 3rd down. Per usual preseason, we won't know that answer until 1-4 weeks into the year.

That was Dorian Strong (#43). He, Dane, and Codrington looked bad tonight. Not to mention Buffalo Joe. And its a wonder weve given up >300 yards in 1H

Hes not looking good at guard. He's a 10th OL right now. Nobody is playing well right now though. Grable, Alec Anderson, SVPG all backups not playing. DL backups concern me more than OL right now.

No way he should make this team, but the injury to Max will have us consider it.

Yes to both. I think Codrington and Buffalo Joe are just killing our defense tonight though. Not every play, but enough to keep the sticks moving and not get a stop. I dont fault Hamlin and Bishop as much. Yes they've played horrible too, but we aren't matching them up in man to man on a regular basis like tonight. Getting picked on/out of position too much at the intermediate level

We are getting less of our backup LBs and nickle play (codrington)...that middle layer is most important for a McD defense. Milano, Bernard, Taron can hide safety deficiencies.

Im sure he is pissed about run defense. We are running simple defensive looks. Im sure this is all about evaluating player performance.

Agree. Its literally game 2 preseason for them...getting them more reps is key. Same with Landon. Aje looks lost too right now. Not promising.