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Dave Hutchison
In recent years the exhibition season has always been considered a wash in Newark. A time devoted to development of young players with a future with the team mixed with other players that are just trying to catch on with the team. The record has had little bearing on the product that would be retained and used during the regular season. With that in mind, it is easy to assume that this year's preseason record is meaningless. I tend to disagree. The record is an indication of the depth of talent that the Bulldogs have acquired, ranging from undrafted FA's, young developing drafted players, and misfit FA's trying to hang on to a paycheck in the Imperial league. The key stat that I think is important so far this year is the points allowed. The defense is only allowing a paltry 11pts a game. Not too shabby for for a front seven of names that no one outside of New York state. Let's take a look at the positional breakdowns.
The Quarterbacks
Dwight Burger was handed the reins this preseason by the team. He's done decent job, while he's been in the game. He was hurt during the game against Boston, but appeared to bounce back fine the following game against Anchorage. Burger has shown flashes of something special in the preseason, by making big plays both through the air and on the ground. The hope is to have Burger available for emergency purposes, this year. Despite the optimism by this reporter, his statistics don't necessarily reflect his performance. I think it is important for Burger to have a good finale against Norfolk. Ruben Sante has played sparingly this preseason only coming in against his former team because of the Burger injury. It was an up and down performance as Sante threw an INT in the endzone on a 13 play drive, but also engineered a TD on a 10 play 91 yd drive.
The Running backs
The RB position appears to be a healthy one. There was a lot of concern in New Jersey about the stability of the position after RB Colin Blain was released this offseason for some cap relief. Last year's undrafted rookie FA, Frankie Buzzanca, has shown again this year that he is up to the task of being the primary backup to Alan Crespo. Blain had amassed 275 carries for 1189yds and 11TDs in 2 seasons in this role. With the team's dedication to the running game both Buzzanca and FA pickup Manny Contois will both get plenty of opportunities to shine this season. Buzzanca looks to have the inside track on the backup job after his 15 carry 95yd performance vs. ANC, but Contois has also been a terrific surprise. Controis is a very different runner than Buzzanca. Buzzanca is a smallish back that has good vision and the ability to grind out tough yards despite his size. Controis on the other hand is a huge 6'3 235lbs monster who has good vision, very shifty, and has the speed to break away from the defence. Contois has never had the opportunity that he does now. He'll be on a team where he'll see consistent carries, after Crespo has worn down the defence. I expect big things from him this year.
The Wide Receivers
I expected to see a lot more from this group. I'm not sure if it's the QB or the WR's that is hindering the passing game, but I think I'm confident to put my money on the WR's. I expect both Walker and Williams to make some big plays this preseason, but I've been disappointed thus far. They both have 1 more game to show what they can do, and try and earn that 3rd WR spot on the team. TE Patrick Adams has played pretty well being a nice check down receiver for Burger. His YPC is not that impressive, but he's catching almost everything thrown his way.
The Offensive Line
The offensive line has played pretty well in the run blocking, and not so well in pass blocking. Part of the problem is with the QB's holding on to the ball too long and trying to run away from pressure. Newly acquired T Robert Lucas has been a nice surprise playing the LT spot, and 2nd year T Kennedy Marsh has also shown some flashes on the other side. The real key for this "second" group is to have good game against Norfolks DL in the last preseason game. There is only 1 open spot on the Bulldog OL right now and that is at RG. I can see either Lucas or Marsh occupying that spot, but their play in the last preseason game will determine that.
Kicking
With the loss of all world Punter Alton Laliberte, the Bulldogs moved to a cheaper alternative when they signed 3yr vet Pat Nixon. Nixon has played well so far, and the Bulldogs are hoping that the money saved in this area will not hurt the team. The preseason kicking duties were handled by undrafted rookie FA Dave Jordan. Jordan looked good in training camp, but has had some nerve problems when kicking in actual games. He's had no problems with the short kicks, but hasn't been consistent with anything over 40yds. Jordan may be cut when the Bulldogs are required to be down to 53.
In recent years the exhibition season has always been considered a wash in Newark. A time devoted to development of young players with a future with the team mixed with other players that are just trying to catch on with the team. The record has had little bearing on the product that would be retained and used during the regular season. With that in mind, it is easy to assume that this year's preseason record is meaningless. I tend to disagree. The record is an indication of the depth of talent that the Bulldogs have acquired, ranging from undrafted FA's, young developing drafted players, and misfit FA's trying to hang on to a paycheck in the Imperial league. The key stat that I think is important so far this year is the points allowed. The defense is only allowing a paltry 11pts a game. Not too shabby for for a front seven of names that no one outside of New York state. Let's take a look at the positional breakdowns.
The Quarterbacks
Dwight Burger was handed the reins this preseason by the team. He's done decent job, while he's been in the game. He was hurt during the game against Boston, but appeared to bounce back fine the following game against Anchorage. Burger has shown flashes of something special in the preseason, by making big plays both through the air and on the ground. The hope is to have Burger available for emergency purposes, this year. Despite the optimism by this reporter, his statistics don't necessarily reflect his performance. I think it is important for Burger to have a good finale against Norfolk. Ruben Sante has played sparingly this preseason only coming in against his former team because of the Burger injury. It was an up and down performance as Sante threw an INT in the endzone on a 13 play drive, but also engineered a TD on a 10 play 91 yd drive.
The Running backs
The RB position appears to be a healthy one. There was a lot of concern in New Jersey about the stability of the position after RB Colin Blain was released this offseason for some cap relief. Last year's undrafted rookie FA, Frankie Buzzanca, has shown again this year that he is up to the task of being the primary backup to Alan Crespo. Blain had amassed 275 carries for 1189yds and 11TDs in 2 seasons in this role. With the team's dedication to the running game both Buzzanca and FA pickup Manny Contois will both get plenty of opportunities to shine this season. Buzzanca looks to have the inside track on the backup job after his 15 carry 95yd performance vs. ANC, but Contois has also been a terrific surprise. Controis is a very different runner than Buzzanca. Buzzanca is a smallish back that has good vision and the ability to grind out tough yards despite his size. Controis on the other hand is a huge 6'3 235lbs monster who has good vision, very shifty, and has the speed to break away from the defence. Contois has never had the opportunity that he does now. He'll be on a team where he'll see consistent carries, after Crespo has worn down the defence. I expect big things from him this year.
The Wide Receivers
I expected to see a lot more from this group. I'm not sure if it's the QB or the WR's that is hindering the passing game, but I think I'm confident to put my money on the WR's. I expect both Walker and Williams to make some big plays this preseason, but I've been disappointed thus far. They both have 1 more game to show what they can do, and try and earn that 3rd WR spot on the team. TE Patrick Adams has played pretty well being a nice check down receiver for Burger. His YPC is not that impressive, but he's catching almost everything thrown his way.
The Offensive Line
The offensive line has played pretty well in the run blocking, and not so well in pass blocking. Part of the problem is with the QB's holding on to the ball too long and trying to run away from pressure. Newly acquired T Robert Lucas has been a nice surprise playing the LT spot, and 2nd year T Kennedy Marsh has also shown some flashes on the other side. The real key for this "second" group is to have good game against Norfolks DL in the last preseason game. There is only 1 open spot on the Bulldog OL right now and that is at RG. I can see either Lucas or Marsh occupying that spot, but their play in the last preseason game will determine that.
Kicking
With the loss of all world Punter Alton Laliberte, the Bulldogs moved to a cheaper alternative when they signed 3yr vet Pat Nixon. Nixon has played well so far, and the Bulldogs are hoping that the money saved in this area will not hurt the team. The preseason kicking duties were handled by undrafted rookie FA Dave Jordan. Jordan looked good in training camp, but has had some nerve problems when kicking in actual games. He's had no problems with the short kicks, but hasn't been consistent with anything over 40yds. Jordan may be cut when the Bulldogs are required to be down to 53.