Quote:D6, how has the Lions new shiny TE looked this pre-season? I ask because Jaguars linebackers have notoriously struggled against pass catching TEs. Hopefully that'll change with Telvin Smith playing nickel LB.

 

In the off-season and early in training camp,  Eric Ebron was dropping far too many passes.   Since then,  Ebron has become more consistent,  as he's reacting more than thinking.    A large part of the inconsistency early on was as a result of Ebron needing to learn 4 different positions:   Flex TE,  Inline TE,  being split out wide,   and playing in the backfield.     Ebron only had one short catch in the first pre-season opener and was well covered down the left sideline by rookie LB Christian Kirksey on an incomplete pass.  

 

The good news though is Ebron made his presence felt in a much bigger way,  with two sizeable gains in the 2nd pre-season game.   Yet,  even with the one over the middle that went for a 23 yard gain,   Ebron bobbled the ball.   If he would have caught it cleanly,  it might have resulted in a TD.    Ebron candidly said that he still needs to develop chemistry with Matthew Stafford.    One positive from the 23 yard gain play is that Ebron kept running his route after Stafford told him in the huddle that S Charles Woodson might bite on the RB ( Reggie Bush ) underneath.   That's exactly what happened.   Stafford's experience vs.  Woodson from his Packers days paid off. 

 

Regarding Telvin Smith,  I was impressed with the way he helped cause an interception in Chicago last week.   At the very least,  he looks like someone that will develop into a quality nickel LB and quality Special Teams player.   For a 5th Round pick,   that by itself would be very good value.  

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