I FINALLY saw the game on NFLN...
POSITIVES:
- CB Tramone Williams: He is very active, and a hard hitter. Is a project, but would do very nicely as a #5 CB. Always trying to find a way to make a tackle, even if he is blocked by
- RB Brandon Jackson: Very good runner that is elusive, and has solid fundamentals (keeps feet moving and lowers shoulders when contact is coming). Has no problem finding holes to run through. He has the ability to pass block, but only lacks patience (which will come with time). He was eager to block when a blitz was called, and didn't wait for the blitzer to come to him. I don't see why that can't be solved with experience.
- LB Desmond Bishop: Seemed to be in on most plays, but more importantly seemed to have the qualities of good a leader. On a couple of occasions, I saw him communicating with his fellow LBs about who to pickup in zone coverage, and that was impressive from a rookie. Anti-Manuel, it would seem...
- WR Holiday: Great awareness and good ST player. Made a nice tackle, but more importantly he seems to be a physical WR which is good.
- WR Bodiford: Showed some explosion, which we desperately need on ST.
- WR Jones: Showed ability to find soft spots in coverage. Considering he is a rookie playing his first NFL game, that is VERY impressive.
- QB Aaron Rodgers: Very poised, and in great command. Seemed like a different player from a year ago. He did a great job buying himself some time when he needed to.
NEGATIVES:
- O-line: Didn't open running holes. Held up well in pass protection, but they need to open up holes for our RBs to run through.
- DE Larry Birdine: Seemed to be on the grass a lot. Would try a spin move, only to be taken down by the o-linemen. Once is understandable, but it happened a few times, which is unacceptable.
- QB Aaron Rodgers: As good a game as he had, he was helped by the WRs a great deal. Accuracy needs work, and he was under-throwing his targets more than you want to see from a starting QB. He needs to build on this.
- Special Teams: Terrible. Someone earlier in this thread said they wanted to yell out "Block somebody" and I agree. It seemed there were 3-4 Steelers just waiting for our KR/PR to catch the ball.