Big Blue View
Matt Totaro asks: All the clips and stats I’ve seen from camp this summer seem to highlight the offense making plays — outside of Carter on defense. From the unofficial stats, it looks like the QBs are completing passes at a high rate most days.
It’s a bit concerning to see the number of big runs in camp this summer since last year they were ranked near the bottom in run defense. Some analysts have even labeled this group a potential top 10 defense this year.
From your perspective, the eyeball test, before any preseason games are played:
Ed says: Matt, don’t overvalue these “highlight” plays that you see. Keep in mind that the defense can’t tackle, and that there is a concerted effort not to overdo it with the contact. Many of these “big” runs that you see would have been short gains in real game conditions. Many of these long passes that you see occur well after a sack would have occurred or a quarterback would have been forced to run in live action. So, it is all skewed.
The offense is better provided the offensive line plays adequately, which I think it should. The defense is better too. As for your final question, I just think the defense is at a disadvantage in a lot of these practice setting because of the lack of contact and the overall emphasis, as Tom Coughlin would put it, on “stay up and stay healthy.”
Russ Jordan asks: During preseason we see some players with additional padding deployed over their helmets. How is it decided which players have this padding and if it is effective in preventing head injuries why isn’t it employed during regular season games.
Ed says: Russ, those are called Guardian Caps. The NFL has been using them in practices since 2022. Linemen, linebackers, running backs and fullbacks are required to wear them during practice, unless they wear a helmet brand that has a rating making it unnecessary. Kickers, punters, quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs are not required to wear them, though they can.
The league’s data shows that the caps are effective in lowering the rate of concussions by up to 20% if both players are wearing them.
Beginning last season, players are allowed to wear the Guardian Caps during games. Some do. Let’s face it, though, they are pretty ugly and most players don’t want to be seen in them on national television.
Ideally, helmet technology will someday get to the point where the Guardian Caps are unnecessary.
*CTscan says: Been reading about James Hudson’s attitude and fire since OTA’s. He’s definitely one of the training camp storylines this year. No Corey Washington? No problem. James Hudson is that Dog. Here’s the thing, though, and this I think could be...
