The decision has been made. It is QB DeShone Kizer to start in the preseason and in the regular season. HC Hue Jackson seems determined to stick with the rookie through thick and thin. Kizer displayed chemistry with second year WR Corey Coleman and has the best arm since Derek Anderson. Kizer can through from awkward angles where his footwork isn't perfect but he is able to deliver the ball downfield. The other big news is the release of CB Joe Haden and his choice to play with Pittsburgh. Joe refused a pay cut took the same pay cut to play with Pittsburgh, shades of OT Mitchell Schwartz but Joe wasn't a free agent as was Schwartz. In less turbulent news former 1st round OT Cameron Irving was traded to KC for a 5th round pick.

QUARTERBACK PLAY Rookie QB DeShone Kizer came down to earth after a red hot start where he threw his firast interception and failed to toss a touchdown but he did run one in for a score. Kizer showed some deep ball accuracy issues and threw three passes out of bounds, one intentionally. Basically, anyone wanting to pass judgement one way or another would be frustrated but I am encouraged because he has shown more than Johnny Manziel or Brandon Weeden or Brady Quinn had. I can't peg his ceiling but I think Kizer has a higher floor than the last three first round quarterbacks combined. We may not have a Pro Bowler but I don't see a busted pick.

RUNNING BACK PLAY We didn't see a lot of RB Isiah Crowell or RB Duke Johnson but Duke did break off a long run but later marred his outing with a fumble inside the 20 yard line. The offensive line had OT Joe Thomas back at left tackle and witnessed the final game of OT Kameron Irving but the line still needs work before we can expect to see huge holes opening up as we saw in the first padded practices. We probably won't know exactly what we have with the running game until we see the offensive line working together for a stretch of time. Add, if we don't get much from the passing attack then defenses will be able to load the box and penetrate into the backfield.

RECEIVER PLAY Encouraging. We finally got to see something out of WR Corey Coleman.. Corey hadn't shown anything in the first two preseason games but he showed up in the third game against Tampa Bay catching three passes for first downs. He looks like a number one wide receiver. He needs to stay healthy. WR Kenny Britt on the other hand didn't do much and lost his cool for a fifteen yard penalty. Rookie TE David Njoku was not productive and TE Randy Telfer showed a lack of athleticism dropping two passes that hit him in the hands albeit tough catches his lack of maneuverability contributed to the incompletions. TE Seth DeValve was used much more and that was puzzling to see him late in the game. I'm not sure what to make of that but he seemed to play well. No other receiver did much of anything.

IDP REPORT DE Myles Garrett did not get a trap but he penetrated the backfield and made a few solid run stops. He is making his presence felt LB Joe Schoebert has inherited the starting gig in the middle and the good news is that he has been making plays. The other big IDP news is that rookie FS Jabrill Peppers has stood out as a return man and he also has looked solid in coverage. Much was made of his lack of interceptions in college but he equaled his lone interception in college against Tampa Bay.

The loss of Haden will hurt because his MO is to start hot until he gets hurt and the first game by the Steelers is against the Browns and he knows the moves of the receivers and he also knows the offense but giving young guys a chance to start from the beginning of the season could pay dividends.

Aspettate fino alla prossima volta... Till next time, Ciao!
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