Go to the tape

It's official. My VCR is dumb. I programed it to record the Patriots-Ravens preseason game and it failed to do so. Usually I wouldn't miss a preseason game, but I had a date. This woman was about a 9-9.5 so I'm sure y'all would understand.

But maybe I was dumb for using a VCR. One of these days I should pony up the money for a DVR cable box. Regardless, with access to recordings of the preseason game, I was able to watch it from beginning to end, with the freedom to review plays as I please. Going over the five points from the previous post:

Linebackers: I'm very encouraged by the performance by the youngsters on the whole. Jerod Mayo looked fast and exploded on Baltimore's Ray Rice, knocking off Rice's helmet during the tackle. I'm not jumping to conclusions after a three-tackle performance, but I think it's been a while since I've seen that kind of speed at the position. Shawn Crable came away with an interception and a half a sack. I always thought he was good in coverage but he surprised me with consistent pressure and did well shedding blockers. Pierre Woods was OK with pressure in the first half but was nearly unblockable in the fourth quarter when he got a sack and batted a pass.

Cornerbacks: Fernando Bryant and Terrence Wheatley did nothing to distinguish themselves. Bryant was particularly disappointing. The good news is he didn't get beat deep, but he frequently allowed completions in front of him. But the biggest disappointment is safety Tank Williams being placed on injured reserve for the year. I was expecting big things from him this year and beyond. I'm sure the Patriots were thinking the same way. This injury would benefit a player on the bubble. It gives someone like Lewis Sanders (two passes defensed) a better chance of making the team.

O-line: They had a rough time against an aggressive defensive front. They allowed six sacks and did a poor job handling the blitz. Playing without three starters probably played a role in the performance.

Running backs: The only disappointment was BenJarvis Green-Ellis got one carry all game. For what it was worth, he showed a good burst through the hole. But the night belonged to LaMont Jordan. he displayed a no-frills style as he aggressively turned upfield and gained yards, even after contact. As long as he stays healthy the Jordan signing will be a solid pickup.

Quarterbacks: On a night Matt Cassel could had separated himself from Matt Gutierrez, Cassel fell flat on his face. Throwing as many interceptions as completions won't keep him on the roster. While it's easy to say Gutierrez out-played Cassel, Gutz had a number of roll-out plays that he connected with tight ends or ball carriers. Credit Gutierrez's decision-making for not forcing the ball, but he didn't move the offense. O'Connell showed surprising poise standing in the pocket while under a lot of pressure. Even when out of the pocket he kept his eyes downfield. O'Connell showed his well publicized speed by gaining 22 yards on two carries.

Honors to

Matt Slater - With the exception of one drop, I liked his north-south approach to kickoff returns and he might have the makings of a good slot receiver.
Gary Guyton - He made the touchdown-saving tackle on the Baltimore punt return , forcing Yamon Figurs out at the two yard line