By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
Week 5 is in the books, the final
preseason game has been played.
Now Dan Campbell, Brad Holmes, and
the coaching staff are deliberating over
who should or shouldn’t make the
roster. Last 3 years there were around
Ten cuts made from the roster already.
So it must be hard when you’re talking
about an NFL Career, and deciding
who’s going to be in that final 70 total.
We saw our 2nd year QB Hendon
Hooker face adversity, in the first
quarter. As expected, as soon as we
learned the Steelers were putting out
there 1st string (Starters) on offense,
and defense. With a 2nd string offense
and defense out there. He’d face some
quick growing pains, really fast!. He
did. But over came and rose to the
occasion in the same game!
Very few of the Bubble Players from
last week played poorly. Some of the
standouts, well they didn’t get to shine
as much. Because for every time
someone did something right.
Someone else had a penalty wipe it
out. I hope no one just looks at the stat
sheet and go…. Oof, he had a bad
game. Because very few really did.
1 exception, Donovan Peoples-Jones.
The WR ran wrong routes. Missed
blocking assignments in the run game.
And really didn’t showout like he did at
Camp. Frustrating when you know a
player has all of those tools in his
repertoire.
Stock up:
Hendon Hooker QB:
Even with struggles early. Maintained
good composure to lead the team back
from a 14 point deficit.
Jake Fromm QB:
Only taking the field after the
comeback had started. Looked great at
the helm of the 3rd string. Going 6/8 75
yards O TDs, and 0 INTs. Very
composed and confident.
Isaiah Williams WR:
Shined showing why the Lions brought
him in, in the first place. Special Teams
Ace. Averaged 30 yards in the Kick
return game, had a 35 yard punt return
negated by a holding call too!.
Maurice Alexander WR:
Finally showed he might be worth a
spot in the WR room. He made plays.
Had 6 huge receptions. 1 big moment
after another. Prior to this game. I was
having a hard time seeing him make
the roster. This performance gives him
a shot.
Duke Clemmons OC:
While I watched the Tackles on the
Oline fold like a cheap suit to the
pressure of starting caliber players. He
held strong in the interior of the Oline.
Those 3 really did the bulk of the work
to protect in the pass game, and trued
to push in the run game. Solid effort!
Jermer Jefferson RB:
Where has this play been for 3
seasons. He looked electric for the first
time in his career here in Detroit (going
into his 4th and final year of his rookie
contract). Made a case to make the
team. Not saying he will. But the
decision was made harder.
James Houston Edge:
With 2 total tackles (1 solo, 1 assisted)
and 1 sack. He had the best game of
his off-season. Not saying he will or
won’t make the team. Because I saw
consistent play from a few others more
than in this BU role.
Stock Down:
Nate Sudfeld QB: we have seen this
name here every week. This week, it
was because he didn’t play a snap.
Early signs of foreboding release?
Don’t know for sure, but I would.
The Tackles:
Colby Sorsdal and Giovanni Manu,
theu both had a rough game to start on
Saturday. Manu with 2 holding
penalties that negated positive plays.
Sorsdal getting beat around the corner
by the more athletic starters of the
Steeelers on the defense. Looked like
he struggled with footwork to me. Hand
placement and leverage wise he
looked fine.
Jake Funk RB:
Another familiar face to to this side of
my reports. Even though he scored a
TD (finally 1 thing positive this pre-
season)! He still doesn’t look
complete.
Brodric Martin DT:
Well, even though he took on double
teams to open the line up for other
guys. Still some mental lapses to clean
up. Simple penalties. Mental mistakes.
Should be cleared up. But I also
believe his roster spot is fine.
Mehki Wingo DT:
While statistically had a good game,
eye test tells me different. On a RB
draw play. Martin opens a hole (by
taking on a double team) for him to rip
through the line. But the rookie isn’t
see the hand-off. Runs right be the RB.
Who goes on to score a TD. Not a
great look. His spot is also secure on
the roster. Happy they’re both back up
players.
Donovan Peoples-Jones WR:
While I still have him making the team
(barely). All the aforementioned
mistakes, has to make that decision
harder for the staff. He has all the tools
to be a great WR in the NFL. I think it
has to be a mental block of some kind,
that holds him back.
Jake Bates PK:
While I have been quite impressed with
the young phenom Kicker with
the Golden leg. He missed a chip shot
FG indoors. 30 yards. Guess now if we
get within 40 yards of the end zone.
Campbell will have to go for it there
(just kidding).
Waiting to see who is sent packing
from the facility between Monday and
Tuesday. I will keep my fans posted.
With writings here and also on my
broadcast at noon Monday through
Fridays right in this channel link below.
https://youtube.com/@kneecapbitingwithsmokinjer2611?si=aRh-5QZbk-lefhHE
