Just wanted to tip my hat to our very own Trent Williams by bumping this thread. I thought he did wonderfully for his first game, even if he says he was "nervous" the entire time.
In comparison, Sam Bradford found himself hit repeatedly in his first game due to poor LT play from Jason Smith, the Ram's last year's first round pick (#2 overall). Admittedly, we were playing the Bills..
Quote:
Sam Bradford fine, but he needs protection
August 15, 2010 at 12am
Unfortunately for Bradford, right tackle Jason Smith could not block backup Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jayme Mitchell, a player whose most recent regular-season sack came in 2007 (one of 4.0 career sacks for Mitchell). It's not good when the player St. Louis drafted second overall in 2009 cannot prevent an NFL backup from roughing up the new franchise quarterback. But there were mitigating factors. Smith has missed time to injury lately. He improved significantly through the course of the preseason a year ago, and he has time to do the same this summer.
Perhaps this was merely an off night for Smith, but I came out of this game with more questions about Smith's pass protection than about Bradford's poise or potential. Consider it a reminder that quarterbacks, though increasingly important as the NFL becomes more pass-oriented, still need considerable support to function, let alone flourish.
Bradford's third and final series of the first half went like this:
First down: Mitchell drives Smith off the ball, raises his hands and bats down Bradford's pass.
Second down: Mitchell beats Smith again, disrupting Bradford and collecting a half-sack on the play.
Third down: Mitchell beats Smith for a full sack this time.
Sam Bradford fine, but he needs protection - NFC West Blog - ESPN
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