If these guys are really as good as (I thought) they looked (the defenders in admittedly limited cameo appearances), does it change your expectations?
If we actually have LB depth, will we see more three-man fronts than previously expected? This not only adds speed, but also effectively improves the DL depth/rotation. I always pegged this team as a straight 4-3 defense because of the Gary,Hurst,Mone,Wino factor, but I was really concerned about depth. Now, I think we're going to see something different...and better/deeper....on defense.
As to Eubanks and McKeon - I viewed the positive pre-season reports with a "grade of slaw". Eubanks looked so raw in his prep reel that I thought he was a couple of years away and McKeon was another semi-anonymous Harbaugh special. Now, I think the TE position might really go four deep with McKeon, Eubanks and (he'll step up soon) Bunting being real options downfield. (TJ may or may not be a receiving threat - I guess we'll find out in due course.)
Before Saturday, I was more than sort of concerned that the passing game might be an issue this year because A) new WRs and B) the new right side of the OL would need help from TEs and those TEs might not be a threat as receivers. The TE's work vs Florida really changed my view.
Re: Black. Another training camp phenom who got my septical hippo radar going, but...man! He just looks like he's going to anchor one wideout slot from the get-go.
Now, I just feel much more positive about the passing attack this year.
If we actually have LB depth, will we see more three-man fronts than previously expected? This not only adds speed, but also effectively improves the DL depth/rotation. I always pegged this team as a straight 4-3 defense because of the Gary,Hurst,Mone,Wino factor, but I was really concerned about depth. Now, I think we're going to see something different...and better/deeper....on defense.
As to Eubanks and McKeon - I viewed the positive pre-season reports with a "grade of slaw". Eubanks looked so raw in his prep reel that I thought he was a couple of years away and McKeon was another semi-anonymous Harbaugh special. Now, I think the TE position might really go four deep with McKeon, Eubanks and (he'll step up soon) Bunting being real options downfield. (TJ may or may not be a receiving threat - I guess we'll find out in due course.)
Before Saturday, I was more than sort of concerned that the passing game might be an issue this year because A) new WRs and B) the new right side of the OL would need help from TEs and those TEs might not be a threat as receivers. The TE's work vs Florida really changed my view.
Re: Black. Another training camp phenom who got my septical hippo radar going, but...man! He just looks like he's going to anchor one wideout slot from the get-go.
Now, I just feel much more positive about the passing attack this year.
