Crable didn’t look too bad against Philadelphia, more like a rookie thinking his way through a complex playbook. Ninkovich still hasn’t hooked me into his fan club. I see the effort (+1), I’m looking at the level of competition (+/-), I’m looking for the explosion yet, and the confidence in his understanding of his job. Ninkovich is ahead of Crable on Special Teams by virtue of playing on Special Teams.

Special teams, “what me worry?” It’s preseason, until the roster settles down they will look like a Keystone Kops review. It would be nice if Brady & The Boys punch the Redskins like its a regular season game and give the Coverage units some extra reps, not to mention multiple opportunities for Hodel and Ingram to make their case. I’d also like to see Slater do less freelancing behind his lead blocker, it sure looked like he missed a great opportunity by taking off on his own and not following Wheatley through the lane he picked. If I have one criticism of Slater’s game, it’s trusting his lead blocker.

The burden isn’t on Maroney, or even those near genius behemoths in front of him, I’ll be watching for those lads Tommy Brady and Billy O’Brien to work Maroney into the passing game and start dispelling the defensive notion that Maroney is in the game for a called run. Of course the contract from Maroney’s stand point needs to be to catch the ball before running, and take the correct blitzer out of the play – a well run route would be nice too.

Reserve Quarterback? Who needs ‘em? [/tongue in cheek]

Tight Ends will once again be on display. Ben Watson has been rehabbing. Chris Baker is dusting off Daniel Graham’s disused role. Dave Thomas thinks he’s Lorenzo Neal playing Chris Cooley. Alex Smith has raised a couple questions, but I don’t think the coaches have him losing ground yet. This should be a good game for watching Tight Ends.

Linebackers will once again be front and center in most minds, if not to the depressing extent penned in Jerry Gottlieb’s article. Woods looks to be working back into the mid-season form he was showing before breaking his jaw – tackle the Tight Ends, don’t bite’em. Mayo was targeted by Cincinnati’s Fullback, Washington has a dandy little fellow in that role so this will be a good test. Guyton increased my confidence in his strength and athleticism, but I want to see him reading the play a little faster – young days yet, but something to work on. Thomas looks like himself. Banta-Cain is warming my heart, right down to playing little Mike Vrabel mind games for the offense. Derrick Burgess hasn’t looked as explosive as I’d remembered from his Philadelphia days, whether this is a function of age and injury or just the effect from learning a new and more reactive system is open to interpretation. Buschi is back for his second preseason game, I’ll be looking for the progression. Eric Alexander hasn’t been that bad, and he’s still an Ace on Special Teams. Mr. Ninkovich, come on down, give it a whirl and we’ll see what you can do for the team. Where does Lenon fit into the picture? Not to mention the mysterious Mr. Ciurciu. Happy Trails Tank Williams, I hope you find a new home.

Mr. McGowan has whetted our appetite, can he deliver more? Chung, Wheatley, and Butler need to just keep working. Wilhite and Bodden, do we see the new dynamic duo together again? Has Shawn Springs received his bionic walker yet? How will Coach Pees use his Safeties this season?

Thanks Chris!