Tigers wrapped up their third practice of August camp a while ago. Here are some impressions:
-- The thought among a lot of folks entering camp was that the offense was just going to light it up and the defense was going to take a while to find its bearings after losing so many guys from last year. That vision has not materialized. In fact -- and this has to come with the remember, it's early reminder -- it's been the defense that has controlled things so far.
-- The secondary has stood out, but you expected that. What wasn't as anticipated is the ease with which the defensive line has disrupted during 11-on-11 situations. First string, second string and third string are having their way and making it difficult for the quarterbacks to find targets and throw.
-- A cluttered pocket is probably playing a big role in some of Deshaun Watson's erratic throws. I don't think there's any cause for alarm, but he's looked human at times this week. He's going to be a dynamic, sensational playmaker; little doubt about that. But two things: 1) He has to have protection, and 2) Even though he's mostly recovered from ACL surgery it still takes some time to fully recover mentally from that. He made a couple of decisions today that surprised you.
-- Richard Yeargin stood out today matched up against Jake Fruhmorgen. When you think of Yeargin you think speed and athleticism, but he showed some power in one instance by going right through the freshman tackle.
Brent Venables observed that a heavier Yeargin is "more functional because he's bigger, more confident."
-- There's an attitude you can sense in this entire defensive line, not just the guys who have played. You can see it in Yeargin and others, a defiance in the face of an outside belief that there's going to be a major drop-off after 2014. Kevin Dodd shares some thoughts on this at the bottom in the video clip.
-- Shaq Lawson is so much fun to watch. A media member observed to Venables that Lawson hasn't typically shown this much energy. Venables' response: "You haven't been here very much at practice. ... He does like to have a good time. A lot of them will work hard, but not a lot of them like it. But Shaq does -- even when he's laughing his way to the quarterback."
Lawson did plenty of that today, whether it was going outside or inside or right through. He froze Mitch Hyatt in his cleats with a nasty spin move on one occasion. Hyatt did a great job on Lawson in the spring game, but it's hard to stop this guy on a consistent basis. Facing Lawson every day in practice is going to make Hyatt a better player.
-- Field goals weren't too encouraging. Alex Spence continues to kick too low. Christian Groomes has shown some promise but left a 47-yarder well short against no rush. You can make a strong argument that walk-on Greg Huegel has been the best so far. Powerful leg.
-- Venables said Travis Blanks has not shown any lingering affects from surgery. No swelling or anything.
-- Venables told us Kendall Joseph suffered an AC sprain early in Wednesday's practice.
-- Quote of the day comes from Venables, when I asked him if he's happy with what he's seen from Jayron Kearse:
"He's been good so far. Hungry, focused, disciplined, on time. Brings his own pen to the meetings."
-- Asked Dodd to reflect on the attitude shown thus far by the defense in general, and the defensive line in particular:
Hope everyone out there is doing well this evening.
-- The thought among a lot of folks entering camp was that the offense was just going to light it up and the defense was going to take a while to find its bearings after losing so many guys from last year. That vision has not materialized. In fact -- and this has to come with the remember, it's early reminder -- it's been the defense that has controlled things so far.
-- The secondary has stood out, but you expected that. What wasn't as anticipated is the ease with which the defensive line has disrupted during 11-on-11 situations. First string, second string and third string are having their way and making it difficult for the quarterbacks to find targets and throw.
-- A cluttered pocket is probably playing a big role in some of Deshaun Watson's erratic throws. I don't think there's any cause for alarm, but he's looked human at times this week. He's going to be a dynamic, sensational playmaker; little doubt about that. But two things: 1) He has to have protection, and 2) Even though he's mostly recovered from ACL surgery it still takes some time to fully recover mentally from that. He made a couple of decisions today that surprised you.
-- Richard Yeargin stood out today matched up against Jake Fruhmorgen. When you think of Yeargin you think speed and athleticism, but he showed some power in one instance by going right through the freshman tackle.
Brent Venables observed that a heavier Yeargin is "more functional because he's bigger, more confident."
-- There's an attitude you can sense in this entire defensive line, not just the guys who have played. You can see it in Yeargin and others, a defiance in the face of an outside belief that there's going to be a major drop-off after 2014. Kevin Dodd shares some thoughts on this at the bottom in the video clip.
-- Shaq Lawson is so much fun to watch. A media member observed to Venables that Lawson hasn't typically shown this much energy. Venables' response: "You haven't been here very much at practice. ... He does like to have a good time. A lot of them will work hard, but not a lot of them like it. But Shaq does -- even when he's laughing his way to the quarterback."
Lawson did plenty of that today, whether it was going outside or inside or right through. He froze Mitch Hyatt in his cleats with a nasty spin move on one occasion. Hyatt did a great job on Lawson in the spring game, but it's hard to stop this guy on a consistent basis. Facing Lawson every day in practice is going to make Hyatt a better player.
-- Field goals weren't too encouraging. Alex Spence continues to kick too low. Christian Groomes has shown some promise but left a 47-yarder well short against no rush. You can make a strong argument that walk-on Greg Huegel has been the best so far. Powerful leg.
-- Venables said Travis Blanks has not shown any lingering affects from surgery. No swelling or anything.
-- Venables told us Kendall Joseph suffered an AC sprain early in Wednesday's practice.
-- Quote of the day comes from Venables, when I asked him if he's happy with what he's seen from Jayron Kearse:
"He's been good so far. Hungry, focused, disciplined, on time. Brings his own pen to the meetings."
-- Asked Dodd to reflect on the attitude shown thus far by the defense in general, and the defensive line in particular:
Hope everyone out there is doing well this evening.
