1.  Trevor Lawrence.  Despite having the line constantly collapse in his face, he played well. He didn't make any stupid throws or turnovers.  Given the lousy protection of the line, it's amazing he made as many completions as he did. I was a little nervous with his 10-yard scramble--learn how to slide, #16.  But it's obvious this guy is something special. On that note, I wouldn't play him next week. Not until we can get our starters back.

2. Smoot and Jihad.  Jihad had 1.5 sacks last night, and all Smoot does is make plays. He might be the most underrated player on our team.

3. The defensive line was stout against the run. Continuing a trend from last week. Considering stopping the run was our biggest problem last year on defense, this is a very good sign.

4. There were lots of significant starters who didn't play last night. Our LT, C, and best guard. Our best WR. Our franchise sack master. 

5. Vanilla game plans.  I think this one was obvious.  Starting out every series with two runs, leaving us in a hole on third down. I'm hoping we'll show a lot more against the Texans. 

6. We found our back up QB, and it ain't Minshew. Beathard has played well, albeit against third and fourth stringers. But Minshew is just...well, that INT on the goal was typical.


The bad news?  Travis's injury, of course.  Campbell did not play well, and neither did Walker Little.  Shaquille, the high-priced CB free agent from the Seahawks, had terrible coverage. Some of this = especially in the case of Little--you have to chalk up to the rookies taking their lumps.

I never expected to have a winning season, and I hope you didn't either.  The number one goal of this year is the development of our generational franchise QB.

That's my take.

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