Hightower the re-router. Continue to be impressed with the re-route ability of rookie linebacker Dont’a Hightower. It doesn’t take a massive strike from the 22-year old to move a receiver off of his spot, rather his strength looks so forceful that if he’s able to get his hands on a receiver, he usually disrupts his timing.
Jones raises up. Rookie defensive end Chandler Jones continues to show solid signs in both individual and team work. During an early 11-on-11 rep, he wasn’t able to generate enough of an upward push towards the quarterback, but raised his arms in the air so as to disrupt the throw of Drew Brees. Though he didn’t deflect the pass on the first go-around, a second rep employing the same maneuver paid off, as he swatted a Brees throw at the line of scrimmage.
Wilson blitzes. Second-round safety Tavon Wilson has shown a knack for a unique skill throughout training camp: blitzing. He has impressive timing, a skill that usually derives from strong instincts. He’s also shown himself to be a forceful player, which could translate into sacks this season.
Moore’s ball skills stand out. Hard not to take notice of Sterling Moore’s consistent ball skills. He gets his hands on a number of passes, including an end zone deflection today that somehow ended to drop into the hands of Saints receiver Joshua Morgan’s hands (Morgan had actually dropped to the ground). Tough break for Moore, but he continues to dislodge balls and force incompletions. From this vantage point, he’s shown tremendous timing on his break-ups, and finishes every play. Defensive backs know that no ball is secure until the play is over, and Moore is persistent in his defense.
Arrington’s tough day. Cornerback Kyle Arrington has been built off of his 2011 campaign and looked sharp so far in training camp, but he was twice beat during live drills, once on a deep throw to Saints wide receiver Joseph Morgan.
