There is a lot of discussion regarding back-end roster positions and rightly so but when the season starts, those discussions quite often disappear as the primary starters and groupings are the basis for the team's evaluation.
With that, my only concern is the inside pass rush.
We saw a 3-4 used out of the gate with Wilfork-Kelly-Vellano and then the dime or 3rd down starting group was Chandler-Ninkovich-Wilfork-Smith.
Smith hasn't inspired much and if Vince is used on 3rd downs, I worry about him wearing down and while I admire Vellano's lunch pail approach and effort, he's not a starting caliber DL. I can see C. Jones playing that spot when he returns but no indication when that might be.
I'm really hoping we see Easley play this week which would reflect his health and provide us an opportunity to see the type of player we've heard about but should he not play this week, my expectations of him contributing much the first month of the season will be lowered.
I also realize that come regular season we will likely see more exotic schemes (Chandler inside for example) but should we play up tempo teams with little to no substitution, our base look personnel is what we'll see on 3rd down.
With that, my only concern is the inside pass rush.
We saw a 3-4 used out of the gate with Wilfork-Kelly-Vellano and then the dime or 3rd down starting group was Chandler-Ninkovich-Wilfork-Smith.
Smith hasn't inspired much and if Vince is used on 3rd downs, I worry about him wearing down and while I admire Vellano's lunch pail approach and effort, he's not a starting caliber DL. I can see C. Jones playing that spot when he returns but no indication when that might be.
I'm really hoping we see Easley play this week which would reflect his health and provide us an opportunity to see the type of player we've heard about but should he not play this week, my expectations of him contributing much the first month of the season will be lowered.
I also realize that come regular season we will likely see more exotic schemes (Chandler inside for example) but should we play up tempo teams with little to no substitution, our base look personnel is what we'll see on 3rd down.