Will Barner, Norman, Short and others get first team looks tonight?

[firstdayfan]

It's been interesting so far this preseason on how the depth chart has played out.  With Ginn not on any return teams, Barner working exclusively with the 2's and 3's, Norman playing with the 1's the first week but then Thomas was ahead of him the following week, and of course we all remember the Fua experiment last week as well.

 

Riveria already said that they kept Ginn off return units to avoid injury which is fine, he also said that Ginn will return kicks tonight so that's great news.  But tonight, just tonight, I wanna see the depth chart a little more clearly and see guys playing where they should instead of giving other guys the chance to "show something".  And of course there are rumors that Clausen could play with the 2's, so maybe this wont happen.

 

However, I like Poole and actually wish we had traded Stewart or Williams when they were healthy bc I feel like we have some decent backups in Poole and Barner.  But considering Steward may be out a while I'd like to see Barner with the first unit some.  Especially since his return ability should give him the edge on game day.  Also, I'd like to see what Norman and Thomas can do as the starting CB's and let munnerlyn and florence play the nickel.  Torrey Smith will be a great matchup for the young corners and it will be a decent test for them.  And finally, can we see what Short can do with the first unit after getting good pressure against chicago?  I think Fua started in his place when Edwards was out last week and aside from the first play from scrimmage Fua was terrible.

 

I know I'm not the coach but I was just wondering if what we see tonight as far as players in certain packages will be indicative of where they stand in Rivera's eyes.

[OneBadCat]

I say run Smitty with the ones for a few plays and then give him the night off. Let Gettis run with the ones.

[CRA]

Barner needs first team work IMO

 

So do both Josh's on D

[PrimeTyme]

I really want to see what they look like with Smitty, Lafell, and Gettis in at the same time... but I sorta want them to save it for the 1st game of the season to catch teams off gaurd

[nosuchthingasapanther]

Barner needs first team work IMO

So do both Josh's on D

this.

i remember when stewart ran with the 2nd and 3rd stringers his first two preason games and was nothing special...ran behind the ones against the redskins in the 3rd game and the rest is history.

[SCP]

I don't think Smith, Olsen, or Dwill should play at all.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

I don't think Smith, Olsen, or Dwill should play at all.

 

Agree to a certain point but if the 3rd preseason game is a mini "dress rehearsal" of a real game they should probably be involved at some capacity.

 

Also I think Gettleman/Rivera are still assessing if the "solution is already on the team".  I suspect the Fua experiment was pretty telling.  That said, I think they all get runs with the first team. 

[SgtJoo]

I sure hope Barner does.

[Kuech the Sneak]

Short needs snaps against quality players, which is the first team

[micnificent28]

I don't think Smith, Olsen, or Dwill should play at all.

This is the biggest preseason game of the season. A dress rehearsal if u will. Of course they should play if only the first quarter.

[SCP]

This is the biggest preseason game of the season. A dress rehearsal if u will. Of course they should play if only the first quarter.

I think it's over exaggerated a bit. Preseason games were needed 20 years ago, now most vets are basically ready to go when camp starts. We know what Smith and Olsen and Dwill are gonna bring. A game like this will not change much. However, seeing what our young guys do against ones in a dress rehearsal could be very telling and beneficial.

[CRA]

all starters should play....I agree w/ sitting most game 4.

[SIGCHI222]

I still wish I could see what Brandon Williams could do with the 1's.  Plus there are so many questions around the WR's.  I just don't think I will have many more answers after tonight's game.  Unfortunately, it's the subtle nuances that make the difference and I am only capable of observing the blatant so... I hope to see a good mix of personnel for Rivera and Gettleman's sake but I don't think it will help me personally.

[Frank Hollywood]

I hate game three. Everyone that matter is on the field for a meaningless game. Look for many more first team injuries around the league this weekend.