...and I am editing this so I add a few things. I shared the same general feelings about all three practices. Someone made a post about the players loving the new staff and Coach Mullen. This is very obvious. They are trying much harder and the practices are intense and VERY VOCAL! In one on ones, when one player would do well, everyone crowded around and yelled and cheered his performance. All practice long, the players were cheering each other everytime someone did well. The goal line offense drills were especially very spirited. When something good happened, whether offense or defense, the backups cheered loudly. The offense went wild when Ducre' went over for the TD, which allowed the offense to "win" the scrimmage and escape all the running after practice. Now some observations:
1. Delmon Robinson tweaked his right hamstring going for a pass. I didn't see him the rest of the day on offense. He already had his right thigh wrapped.
2. Addison Lawrence had a slight bruise or something of the left knee, and hobbled off during contact drills. He was off about 15 minutes, then came back on later on in the practice. He is also now the #1 snapper.
3. Brandon McRae continues to ride the exercise bike when there is any contact. Robert Elliot does as well.
4. Chris Relf did a lot better, including running straight up the middle for a 50 yard TD. He also got outside containment a couple of times for some nice running gainers, one about 20 yards. I think he still has problems throwing on the run, but his passing was much better today. Cam Lawrence took snaps and looked sharp in 7 on 7's, but didn't get snaps in the 11 on 11 controlled scrimmage.
5. Tyson Lee is still head and shoulders above the other QB's. I think both Relf and Cameron Lawrence are getting better though.
6. Both Ducre' and Dixon stood out at RB. Stallworth was somewhat quieter than he was yesterday. Both Dixon and Ducre' had some excellent power runs on the goalline offense.
7. The offensive line still has some problems with pass protection. The defense, especially McPhee and Kyle Love harassed them. Kyle Love had a very good day, and he is now #1 at right defensive tackle, and McPhee #1 at LT. They work McPhee at both LT and LE depending on down and distance.
8. Leon Berry continues to impress. Delmon also impressed until he tweaked his right thigh in the neighborhood of his hammy.
9. Sean Brauchle has a strong accurate leg. With a 10 mph wind in his face, he came up 2 yards short of the crossbar on a 57 yard attempt. He was drilling 40 yard FG's routinely.
10. I think everyone was really glad to be in pads. The players are really cheering each other. The esprit de corps seems really high. Coach Mullen is actively engaged in all the activities on the field and runs the show, especially on offense. He applaudes good things when he sees them, and corrects problems on the spot. I have a friend who is a barber and cuts a lot of the players' hair, and he said Christian Ducre, Charles Mitchell, and several others came into his shop after the scrimmage. He says they are REALLY glad he is here.