Observations from Week 4 of the preseason

1) Corey Grant and Bernard Pierce deserve to be on the roster.

Carrying 5 RB's might seem a bit illogical, seeing how it is no guarantee that all 5 are even active, but I am not sure how you can watch Corey Grant and Bernard Pierce over the last 4 games and not think that they could have a place on this roster, somewhere. Pierce can perform many of the same duties as T.J. Yeldon, and he has more game ready experience right now. Not to say he should play over him, but he could help carry some of the load. As for Grant, he is the most explosive player the Jags have had on the field in a long time. You find a place for players like him.

2) James Sample, Neal Sterling impress in first action of the preseason.

Since Sterling has been hurt most of the preseason, he is probably a long shot for the roster. But in his only action, he was really solid. He got targeted 3 times and caught every pass, racking up 38 yards. He showed the ability to work both the underneath area of the field and the sidelines with his size. Sample, meanwhile, is a much better bet to make the team, but he also has been sidelined all preseason. He was all over the field on Thursday, getting 7 tackles, taking good angles, and ending the Redskins final drive with a Pass Breakup.

3) Michael Bennett is improving.

Bennett hasn't made much of an impact throughout the preseason, but last night was the best he's looked. He was disruptive vs the run and got more push in pass rush than he was getting in other games. They need Bennett to accelerate his development to try to shoulder the loss of Marks' production, especially if Ziggy Hood is out for an extended period. This week was a good sign of that coming to fruition.

4) Cap Capi with another strong performance.

Cap Capi is another player who is not a lock for the roster, but he had a good game to leave a lasting impression on the staff. He got a sack and was frequently in the backfield, serving as a bookend to Chris Smith on passing downs. I don't think Capi makes the team, but he should stick somewhere after a good last month.

5) Ready for week 1.

To me, the final preseason game always feels like that last week of school before summer begins. It feels like it drags on for eternity, but you know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and there is something that you can feel a genuine excitement for and look forward to. The preseason is nice at first because it represents the return of football, but it just isn't the same. I am glad to say we finally made it, though, and the next time I write one of these posts will be following a real 60 minute, 4 quarter, NFL regular season game.

Weekly superlatives

Offensive Player of the Week: Corey Grant

Grant should have cemented his place on the team with a 74 yard performance, on just 5 (!!!) carries. He looked explosive and instinctive every time he carried the ball and looked every bit like an NFL Caliber player.

Defensive Player of the Week: John Lotulelei

This one was tough, between Sample, Chris Smith, and Lotuleli, but Lotulelei made a good final impression on the team 6 solo tackles and 2 TFL's. He has always been a player I like a lot as depth, and I am kinda hoping they can find a way for him to stick around.

Best Play: Corey Grant's 40 yard TD Run

SPEEEEEEEEEEEED.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Play 2: Corey Grant up the middle for 40 yards. Touchdown Jacksonville. <a href="https://t.co/9231ePOe1P">https://t.co/9231ePOe1P</a></p>&mdash; Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigCatCountry/status/639593727086985216">September 4, 2015</a></blockquote>

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Rookie of the Week: James Sample/Neal Sterling

Both of these guys played really well considering it was their first live NFL action. Kudos to them.

Hanxed It Award: Nobody.

I am too excited for the season and too enthused about the end of the preseason to determine if anybody deserves this.