Training Camp 2018

[jamf]

Originally Posted by FrenchSkin

That bolded part is 100% right... but I'm not worried about the middle of the season, I'm worried about the very beginning of the season: we can't afford to drop the first two games of the season to bad prep, because then the schedule gets brutal.

Now I understand preseason games are not the only preparation they get, and it's not like Alex Smith and his receiving corps were rookies, Alex is not going to be surprised by the speed of the game.

I don't know what solution is better, I just hope they win those first 2 games.

To add to this, guys need to get used to hitting and being hit.
Week 1 they are expected to play fullspeed for the first time and they aren't going to last 4 quarters.

Look at the scoring in the second half of week 1 games under Gruden:
2014: 0
2015: 0
2016: 10* In a blowout against a Steelers team that put up 24 points in the second half
2017: 3 in a 14-16 game at the half against Philly

This team is worn out by half time and players are vulnerable to injuries because they aren't physically prepared.

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by jamf

To add to this, guys need to get used to hitting and being hit.
Week 1 they are expected to play fullspeed for the first time and they aren't going to last 4 quarters.

Look at the scoring in the second half of week 1 games under Gruden:
2014: 0
2015: 0
2016: 10* In a blowout against a Steelers team that put up 24 points in the second half
2017: 3 in a 14-16 game at the half against Philly

This team is worn out by half time and players are vulnerable to injuries because they aren't physically prepared.

In this sense Gruden was ahead of his time then, because the rest of the teams are going to less and less starter reps in the preseason. Last week in the dress rehearsal, Dallas didn't play any main offensive stars, not sure about defense. Likewise I saw several other teams rest their starters earlier than expected.

I imagine some statistician out there is running the numbers to compare preseason snaps to 1st game production.

(I think the slow start has always been more about Gruden not gameplanning for it as intensely as the opponents do. I know the Steelers said they were gameplanning our game all offseason. I don't believe Gruden does that - no link no proof just an opinion)