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Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
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Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
BY NICK UNDERHILL | NUNDERHILL@THEADVOCATE.COM AUG 25, 2018 - 10:30 PM
CARSON, Calif. — Nothing was more anticipated Saturday night than the debut of New Orleans Saints rookie pass rusher Marcus Davenport. He missed about three weeks of training camp with a muscle pull, and he did not appear in either of the Saints' first two preseason games. Given that the Saints spent two first-round picks on him, there was understandably some anxiety associated with Davenport's absence — especially because everyone in the organization has labeled him a “raw” prospect. Raw players need to be on the field. But Davenport's performance during the first half of Saturday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers must have quieted some concerns. The rookie made a handful of plays and probably looked his best in the running game, where he made an athletic open-field tackle on a pitch play and later shed a block to drop running back Detrez Newsom for a loss of 2 yards. Davenport also picked up two pressures right before halftime by beating Sam Tevi on consecutive snaps, but the rookie said he thought he could have played better. Among the list of things he felt he could have done better, Davenport included "finishing on the quarterback, closing better, using more rush moves." Davenport got partial credit for a sack in the second quarter, but that play probably showed off his raw nature more than anything. He appeared a step slow getting off when the ball was snapped, then carried his rush a little wide and was blocked out of the play — until Trey Hendrickson, who created the initial pressure on quarterback Cardale Jones, knocked Davenport’s man off of him. Defensive tackle David Onyemata then wrapped up Jones, and Davenport helped knock him down. Davenport is new to rushing out of a three-point stance after standing up mostly in college, so he said there is still some settling in going on. "I still have to work on it sometimes, I still have to refine my technique because of how I change it up," Davenport said. "Sometimes in game I change it up, but it's feeling pretty good." It was also interesting to see Davenport stand up and drop into a zone on a goal-line play. He did some of that in college, so it shouldn’t be a surprise, but it was another sign of his athletic ability — and it might show that he’s a little farther along in his understanding of the Saints defense than expected. All in all, it was a fine debut for the rookie, and it should ease some concerns about where he is so early in his development. Suspect defense If the third preseason game is supposed to be a dress rehearsal for the NFL regular season, then the Saints aren't going to be pleased when they watch the film of the opening drive. Play after play, Los Angeles diced up the Saints on the ground, and many of the plays could have turned out differently. On initial viewing, it looked like the team failed to get off the edge on one run, had a linebacker in the wrong gap and that Demario Davis missed a few tackles. This isn’t the kind of performance the defense wants after allowing 4.4 yards per carry last year. In fact, this was the one big weakness of the defense last year, and coach Sean Payton wasn't pleased with how things started Saturday night. "I was disappointed early in the game, particularly with our linebacker play," Payton said. "I didn't think that was very good." It’s just one preseason game, but this is something that needs to get better in a hurry. Having said that, the secondary performed well and look primed and ready for the season, but it needs to be a complete performance. Weird play Drew Brees' game-opening interception was unusual. You won’t often see him throw the ball up the seam without recognizing the safety lurking over the top. But for whatever reason, Brees did not see Derwin James sitting over the top when he reared back and let the ball fly for Ted Ginn. Brees explained after the game that he just let the ball the sail, and said the whole offense came out slow to start the game. "Just talking with some guys, to start, it didn't feel like we have the tempo usually do, the execution wasn't on point like we wanted," Brees said. The offense eventually settled in with Brees at the helm and scored a touchdown, but it wasn’t the smoothest performance you’ll see from this group. Then again, there probably isn’t a lot to worry about, either. Hill: special-teams ace Say what you will about how Taysom Hill plays quarterback, there is no debating his value on special teams. Hill took a snap on a fake punt and ran it for a first down, and then later ran down the field and made a tackle on a kickoff. Hill probably provides enough value on special teams to make the roster strictly off of his attributes in that phase. But there isn't much bad to say about how he played quarterback Saturday night. It was important for him to bounce back after last week’s rough performance, in which he turned the ball over four times, and the did just thatt. He managed the game and, perhaps most impressively, he managed to make multiple reads before tucking the ball and running for an 11-yard score on his first drive. He often locks in on his first or second read and does not look anywhere else, but that wasn't consistently the case. And on his second drive, he continued to make the throws that were there and displayed some patience in the pocket before connecting with Tre'Quan Smith for a touchdown. Carr's climb It’s been easy to forget that Austin Carr was on the team all last season, which is a solid indication of how much the team thinks about him. It took Carr a little time to get going this summer, but it looks like he’s once again firmly in the mix to compete for a roster spot. Carr started in the slot, and made three catches for 38 yards. There's a lot of competition at that position. However, if there is any concern about Cam Meredith’s health (all signs seem positive right now), Carr might have a leg up because he can play inside. |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
Just a thought, but last night when Brees threw the ball up for the early interception, I turned to friends and said "Brees probably did it for film to show Ginn was out of position, again..."
Payton rarely calls out individual players and that still bouncing around in my thoughts... |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
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Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
I've heard a few comments about Davenport looking a little slow off the ball. I disagree. It's his height and longer stride that gives the appearance of slowness. He was around the LT and at the QB on every play. He's actually very quick and finds the football. A very good first showing.
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Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
Gotta like this...
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Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
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If Ginn is not running in the right slot, then all is not as it appears and that's why I'm thinking Brees did it to make a point... We'll find out in the next 48 hrs after they've watched the tape and the team is interviewed by the media... |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
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Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
Tre’Quan Smith - OROY
Marcus Davenport - DROY X - Michael Thomas Y - Tre’Quan Smith Z - Cameron Meredith Ted Ginn is about to have a seat. |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
Tre’Quan Smith - OROY
Marcus Davenport - DROY X - Michael Thomas Y - Tre’Quan Smith Z - Cameron Meredith Ted Ginn is about to have a seat. |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
The wild card in all of this is all the final cut down to 53 by all teams. Guys who are on the "bubble" may see it pop.
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Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
Did Austin Carr do enough to make the Saints think their wasting money on Ginn and/or Meredith?
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Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
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Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
Carr is better than Meredith.
Not sure if it’s the injury holding him back or what, but Meredith has looked bad all camp and preseason. I’ve seen him do nothing but drop balls. The pass Hill threw to the sideline deep should have been caught. I’ve been trying to think about what special abilities he brings to the table... none come to mind. He has poor hands, isn’t fast, isn’t quick and has health issues. Ginn is at least a burner so he brings something to the table. I don’t think Meredith adds much value that isn’t done by someone else who is getting paid less. Hope he gets cut or put on the PUP list. |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
Have to say Davenport impressed. Considering he's been sidelined most of camp he showed up in several plays.
Guido I haven't forgotten your comment re; the DE position is one where athleticism trumps experience. Although far from 'there' - MD looks like he could make an impact sooner than later. |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
For the amount of time missed, I think we saw pure athleticism and raw ability still. Hopefully everyone stays healthy and we can see him in the rotation at first, working into a stud DE.
Just curious, how is the Chargers OL ranked? Was he going against a pretty good LT? Right now, I don't think there is a doubt that number 10 is the number 2 receiver. Or at least he and Ginn are interchangeable. I've watched every game, and barely noticed Meredith. Even the flea has made more plays than him. |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
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Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
In the limited snaps on Davenport ...
Pressure Disruptive Tackle for loss 1/2 sack Impact on just about every other play. Way ahead of where I thought he would be at this point. Did you guys notice that tackle he made on the Benjamin - RB (initially looked it would be a big gain)? He pounced like a shark out of water. Pretty freakish athlete if you ask me. |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
"I was disappointed early in the game, particularly with our linebacker play," Payton said. "I didn't think that was very good."
So far I'd say that this is the position I'm most concerned with. I'd line up Teo, Davis (MIKE) & Robertson as my starters. Craig should never leave the field. He's making plays when he has the opportunity (specifically on passing downs). We need guys with energy out there. We are getting gashed with runs between the tackles. Next year Klein is a ghost in New Orleans. I hope they put Demario back at his natural position and let's go. What we are doing right now isn't going to cut it. |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
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I read Payton complain about linebacker play but our interior was atrocious. |
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In saying all of that, Davenport is the future at the right defensive end :p. |
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Davison was a straight-up fifth round pick... Our best front-line looks like Jordan-Onyemata-Bromley-Davenport and on passing downs Hendrickson-Jordan-Onyemata-Davenport... |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
Trey can rush the passer he isn't Stout against the run...alot this first quarter runs by the first team were to his side...a couple times he got blocked by TE's
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Bet you are a lot of fun to watch a game with. Maybe Brees did it to signal the location of JFKs mystery shooter. Or maybe the location of where Elvis lives after faking his own death |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
And who is Brees trying to prove his point to? Us the fans?
Payton and every other player on that offense knew Ginn was out of position. Why would Brees feel the need to point it out? The coaches and players aren’t simpletons, if you saw it and it was obvious enough for you to turn to your friends and point it out then you can bet the coaches and players on the actual field saw it. Brees is too much of a competitor to jeopardize even a preseason game to prove a point. He is much more likely to address Ginn right then and there. |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
As I suggested, perhaps Brees did it, in a PreSeason game, to highlight that Ginn was running the route in the wrong position...
A less costly PreSeason Mistake is an excellent learning lesson the following week in film room; and to prevent mistakes when the games count... Do you not realize that Brees sits in with the coaches during game-planning and to discuss these things and has earned an extra level of trust, respect? Are or you one of these guys that thinks Payton walks out of a film room with two tablets of stone with all the plays drawn up the morning of game day? |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
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More likely that he saw Ginn out of position and threw a pass he normally wouldn’t throw in the regular season but since it’s preseason might as well try. If it was a young guy then MAYBE I could buy Brees doing it to teach a lesson to the young receiver but Ginn is a vet and knows better. |
Re: Nick Underhill: Marcus Davenport holds his own in his Saints preseason debut; plus other observations
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Nola.com: 'Average at best.' Sean Payton not pleased with wide receiver play ..."In general, watching it for two weeks now, it hasn't been good," Payton said. "I think the receiver play has been average at best"... ...Payton said veteran receiver Ted Ginn twice either ran the wrong route or was not aligned properly. "It's in the details," Payton said. "And listen, we've got to ask are we asking the right guys to do it? And are we asking them to do too much? But I think it's been sloppy, honestly"... Quote:
Quarterbacks, trusted by their coaches, who know their jobs, do actually make statement plays to get their teammates attention... And it's not unheard of - even the Dolphins Tanneyhill just through a rookie out of a huddle for not knowing blocking assignments... So to ponder that Brees threw the ball where it was "planned to be" to show that Ginn was again out of position, is not the stretch you seem to think it is... Knowing how much preparation Brees puts, don't you think he'd demand the same from teammates? especially, as you aptly posted how... Quote:
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