Slants and Screens
Captain and center Ted Karras sees the benefit of playing Thursday. Even if it is against the Eagles’ terrific tackle-tandem of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.
“We’re just switching things up to make sure we have a better September,” Karras said. “Great defense. Well-coached. It’s good in preseason to kind of spin the dial and you don’t know who you’re going to see. That’s a learning experience for everyone.”
Karras is also going to be easing in rookie left guard Dylan Fairchild in his NFL debut on the road against the world champs. Fairchild is approaching it from a group point of view.
“Get a feel for the game,” Fairchild said of his goal Thursday. “It’s not even about me personally. I want to operate with those guys and I want to operate at a high level. We’re preparing for anything and everything.”
Fairchild wants to take his focus into the bright lights and use the same approach he has brought to a solid camp.
“I just want to consistently be consistent. Just keeping level every week, every single day. Every period, every play. That’s what it comes down to, to me. Show up as the same guy.” …
Zac Taylor can’t say enough about this rookie class, and you’ll see them all Thursday.
“I think the football IQ and the leadership in this group is outstanding. Top to bottom. We’re talking about undrafted guys, too,” Taylor said. “This undrafted group is really good. There’s been some guys that really caught our attention in this group. So I’m really pleased with the job the scouts did, the work the coaches have put in to bring in this group, because I think it’s really made us a better football team.” …
On defense, Taylor won’t play cornerback Dax Hill Thursday as they continue to be cautious with his ACL comeback. Hill hopes to get to play at some point in the preseason, but Taylor doesn’t think it’s necessary. He’s looked that good.
“I think Dax has had a really good camp with things that we’ve asked him to do,” Taylor said. “We’re going to continue to make sure that we’re putting him in the best environment to be fully healthy for Cleveland Week 1. I’d love to get to the point where maybe we get him that opportunity, but I don’t think that’s set in stone that that has to happen.” …
Also not playing on the corner with nicks deemed not serious are Cam Taylor-Britt and Marco Wilson …
Get ready for the Tanner Hudson Show at tight end. With Mike Gesicki tweaked and new tight end Noah Fant here less than a week, they won’t play Thursday.
“(Gesicki) was optimistic that if we were playing a real game this weekend that he would be able to go. We’ll continue to manage him, whether that means we’ll gear him back up next week,” Taylor said. “We’ll be really protective with Mike and it also coincides with Noah getting in the mix here. It’s a great opportunity for Noah to get some reps in there and integrate him in the offense and also give Mike a chance to fully recover.” …
Right tackle Amarius Mims is playing after a week he’s battled some ailments.
“He’s good. He’s just managing through it,” Taylor said. “It’d be different if this was a game week, in terms of how we handle him. There’s been times we’ve been pushing him and pulling him back. But I’m encouraged by everything we’re seeing from him.” …
Popular Sam Hubbard, the recently retired defensive end, didn’t stay away long. He visited Tuesday and had a big smile when he saw Orlando Brown in his old locker, one of the prime ones because it’s at the end of a row and nearest the equipment room. And, not to mention, kitty korner to Burrow. That means the defensive and offensive lines flopped rows.
“Zac told me when you retired he was going to switch it up,” Brown said as he began his defense.
“Hey,” Hubbard said. “I’m honored.” …
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