Spring Game Looming

With the Spring Game just days away, the Knights are trying to hone every aspect of their game before they perform in Bright House Networks Stadium. It was an up and down practice for the most part, as problems from last season are still rearing their ugly head onto the field.

The most intriguing part of practice today was probably Joe Weatherford. Just when you thought Rob Calabrese was running away with the starting quarterback job, Weatherford dug his heels in the ground and now he is refusing to go away without a fight.

This is not to say that Calabrese has performed poorly as of late but Weatherford is just looking that impressive. After he opened up seven-on-seven drills with an interception, he was on the money, executing nearly every pass perfectly in the segment. Calabrese’s mobility and quickness give him an advantage, but it will be difficult to deny Weatherford if he keeps making strides. On a personnel note, I have been absent from practice for the past week so this was my first glance at Weatherford since he’s stepped into the zone, but according to my colleagues, he’s been doing this for the better part of a week now.

A pleasant surprise this spring has been running back Latavius Murray, who has played solid ball for the past two weeks.

“Latavius Murray has come on really well for that seat,” said George O’Leary.

Murray ran with power last year and was possibly underutilized but he has made it a point to show the entire staff that he can be the short-yardage back that the team is looking for.

The receivers are still improving and look better than last year but there were more dropped balls than we’ve seen this spring. There are several receivers out with injuries now and that isn’t helping with consistency, which O’Leary alluded to after practice.

“We’re catching a little more consistently but not anywhere where we need to be yet and I think they all need to get as much work as possible.”

Also, there were a lot of muffed handoffs and snaps as well, something that the coaches will likely pay attention to in the coming days.

Defensively, the Knights keep growing. Younger guys like Reggie Weams, Josh Linam and Justin Boddie are all looking more comfortable and will contribute alongside more established defensive players like Bruce Miller, who made his fair share of plays today.