General Opinions on Courtney's First start.

[Alexir]

With 2nd round picks like Kruger and Kindle not immediately making an impact their first couple seasons, it was refreshing to watch Court out there . Can't wait to see his mid season form! And with Suggs!

[Bazooka Joe]

I liked what I saw out of Upshaw and McPhee. I believe this game is one Upshaw will build on.

I'm ready to let Kruger walk with guys like Upshaw, McAdoo, Hamilton and whomever from the draft, waiting in the wings.

[Ravenslifer]

And THIS is why the preseason is only good for observing how everyone overreacts to everything. Courtney played well and will only continue to get better (especially when Sizzle is back).

[Bazooka Joe]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1347380894' post='1148063']
With 2nd round picks like Kruger and Kindle not immediately making an impact their first couple seasons, it was refreshing to watch Court out there . Can't wait to see his mid season form! And with Suggs!
[/quote]

With kindle inactive, I really believe he's only here till Adrian Hamilton gets up to speed.

[AsianRice]

Kruger is still a backup dancer; Upshaw is a lead dancer right now, and Suggs is "yo moma" ^^

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='ravens__' timestamp='1347380495' post='1148049']
Correct.
[/quote]

He was unblocked on an inside blitz, i'll take it but all four of our OLB's need to generate more pressure in 1 on 1 situations.

[ravens__]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1347381781' post='1148094']


He was unblocked on and inside blitz, i'll take it but all four of our OLB's need to generate more pressure in 1 on 1 situations.
[/quote]

I know and I agree 100%. It wasn't until the game was already over that we were finally able to put on some pressure on Dalton. Sizzle's absence was obvious right from the get-go both on passing and running downs but that's to be expected. It comes down to players stepping their game up in his place.

[BmoreInBmore]

Courtney is a Beast, one played that stood out to me was during the third quarter he tooled on Gresham than got off the block well and got a Qb pressure leading to an incompletion, he generated good push most of the game, and showed a good motor getting to Dalton for a half sack.

[20ravens52]

[quote name='BmoreInBmore' timestamp='1347382562' post='1148109']
Courtney is a Beast, one played that stood out to me was during the third quarter he tooled on Gresham than got off the block well and got a Qb pressure leading to an incompletion, he generated good push most of the game, and showed a good motor getting to Dalton for a half sack.
[/quote]

Yeah i specifically remember that one where Gresham got bulldozed by him. He looked really good overall, I think. He's gunna give us a nice blend of strength, and speed getting to the QB, as well as his natural ability to stop the run.

[BloodRaven]

Off topic but Kruger was getting pushed around and turned by Gresham on run plays.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1347383529' post='1148125']
Off topic but Kruger was getting pushed around and turned by Gresham on run plays.
[/quote]
And Gresham isn't exactly a prolific in-line blocker. For being 260 Kruger must be made out of pillows because he could hardly hold his ground or get off a block.

[Blex64]

[quote name='Bazooka Joe' timestamp='1347381025' post='1148068']
I liked what I saw out of Upshaw and McPhee. I believe this game is one Upshaw will build on.

I'm ready to let Kruger walk with guys like Upshaw, McAdoo, Hamilton and whomever from the draft, waiting in the wings.
[/quote]

Nobody on that list but Upshaw have shown anything.

Kruger's been effective as a pass rusher. He didn't look too good setting the edge last night but its going to take him more then a week to adjust into a 3-down player.

[Cville-Raven]

What pissed me off was when on that one screen play, Gruden gives credit to Ngata for reading the screen, but I thought Upshaw read it off the bat and pressured Dalton to throw an incompletion.

[evass#ravensnation]

Really liked what i saw from Upshaw he was flying around the feild i think he should get the start next week !

[GrimCoconut]

What I liked most from Upshaw is once Suggs comes back he should be even better. Suggs should command double teams, causing Upshaw or Ngata to be more available to get sacks. I liked Upshaw's game. He looked good. I want to see him against a few more teams, though

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1347337412' post='1147434']
He looked way better stunting up the middle, he can bull rush interior lineman for some reason but not Ts.
[/quote]

He definitely looked a lot more explosive out there. As to your point I think he has struggled against NFL Tackles because they are just a lot better than what he is used to in college. Upshaw only has average arm lenght so the better Tackles will have some reach on him to keep him at bay. He needs to learn to use his hands better and take advantage of his lower center of gravity to gain leverage against bigger opponents.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Cville-Raven' timestamp='1347389274' post='1148247']
What pissed me off was when on that one screen play, Gruden gives credit to Ngata for reading the screen, but I thought Upshaw read it off the bat and pressured Dalton to throw an incompletion.
[/quote]

Not only that, but he jammed the tight end which busted the entire play. Its one of those rare things that few players do. Jamming a tight end like that can help your defense a lot, especially when its a screen.

[jazz1988]

Upshaw looked good but im still wondering if the ravens should try to trade or sign a player to help with the pass rush department

[KBoum]

What stood out to me was the fact that he was always near the ball. On every runs he was on the tackle or really near. Setting the edge well. He played A LOT better than preseason.

Needs to improve in is awareness of the game but will be a great player thats for sure. Didnt like his preseason, came too fat, out of shape, failed the conditionning test, got injured and all but like Cody and some young player he'll developp a work ethic with the Ravens.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1347368692' post='1147761']
He looked like a Raven. He played good fundamental defense. He got good pressure. He was physical. On a tight end screen, he jammed the tight end 5 yards in the backfield and busted the play. How many rookie OLB's/DE's do you see doing that? He's a smart player, and a technically sound player. Once his athleticism catches back up with his mental game, he'll be great.
[/quote]

Yea you gotta love his football IQ. If only Kruger had his instincts...

[display name]

4 tackles and half a sack. Not bad.