My Defensive Star of the Bears Game: R.J. McIntosh

On a side note, Pierre just doesn't impress at all. They obviously like the guy, but he's soft.

If he develops into at least a rotational contributor then last years draft class looks that much better. We already have four starters out of the 6 picks. Hitting on 5 out of 6 picks is phenomenal. Lauletta has improved as well so hopefully he beats out Tanney and is Jones backup for the next few years.

On his sack (1/2 sack? near sack), he was unblocked. To my eye, he looked neither very quick nor very powerful. I did try to focus on him once he came in, but am not going to say I noted outcomes of each snap he played.

terrible against the Jets. He was better against the Bears, but I wonder if it was because he was going against guys who will be auditioning for the XFL in a couple of weeks.

In comment 14535684 Jay on the Island said:

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If he develops into at least a rotational contributor then last years draft class looks that much better. We already have four starters out of the 6 picks. Hitting on 5 out of 6 picks is phenomenal. Lauletta has improved as well so hopefully he beats out Tanney and is Jones backup for the next few years.

Lauletta looks much improved this preseason. 6 out of 6?

...I agree with you. I mentioned him in post game thread saying he looked very active and compressed the pocket. Really good effort all around by R.J. McIntosh!

DL, particularly DTs or 3-4 DEs, take time to develop. Considering he missed all of last year he is where he should be. Understanding the nuances of the game take time. That is why you often see DL that have immediate success are the ones that come in on obvious passing situations and get after the passer. There is no reading the play. There us just natural ability. It becomes extremely difficult when you have to decipher between run and pass and learning how to defeat blocks that can come at you from 3 different angles. Where do you hands go? When do you flip your hips? When do you disengage? That isn't even taking into account that the strength at this level is head and shoulders above college.

I didn't see much jump out besides the play where he was unblocked. He is not doing much against 2nd and 3rd teamers at this point. He looks the part but I dont think he has flashed enough to say he is a lock for the 53.

In comment 14535738 Rudy5757 said:

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I didn't see much jump out besides the play where he was unblocked. He is not doing much against 2nd and 3rd teamers at this point. He looks the part but I dont think he has flashed enough to say he is a lock for the 53.

He's an absolute lock for the 53. Who would they keep instead Ceresna, Akinmoladun? Not happening he was a 5th round choice.

is essentially his rookie year. I'd be surprised if he's cut.

Yeah, he's going to have to be fairly dreadful to get cut. I think he's all but assured a spot.

everybody is bustin there ass out there because he looks the part does not place him on the team ps half of unblocked sack??? that is why we can't get out of this yearly funk...we need studs....ps Bear Bryant

and I was pleasantly surprised.He was stout against the run with one nice play in particular where he strung the play out to the boundary and made the tackle at the LOS.

He had good motor and collapsed the pocket numerous times. Saying he had a half unblocked sack and thats it is not accurate.

McIntosh had a strong performance. One of the things I liked best about him - his head's in the game. He gives a sh#t.

If you look at the Giants pass rush right now - yes it's probably in big trouble. But they are one of the few teams in the league whose interior rush is better than their edge. Hill, McIntosh, Pierre and hopefully Lawrence can all disrupt inside. When the Giants get the Edge figured out (granted - a big if) they have the makings of a very good rush. The interior is usually the harder part.

on RJ on her post-game podcast

he has been good out there and noticeable. No chance he gets cut.

a lock.