Came across this highlight of a Golden Tate TD catch against USC in South Bend while browsing Taylor Mays videos. You've probably seen this before, I think this was a well-watched game, but it has some significance given the inclusion of two Seahawks currently on the fringe and the recently traded Taylor Mays.

First play in the video, Josh Pinkard on man-to-man coverage on GT with Mays helping over the top. Just a go route with Clausen throwing a laser on the money to Tate. Tate hangs on and makes a great grab after out-sprinting Pinkard. I wonder if this play has been brought up at all during camp..

I like Pinkard. In this particular highlight he stills manages to flip his head around and locate the ball despite being a step behind the receiver, not succumbing to blind flailing. But I have a tough time thinking he beats out LeGree, Maxwell, and Sherman for those last few spots in the secondary.

Roster cuts are going to be interesting and I'm pretty confident whoever we release in the secondary is going to get picked up fairly quickly.

But one thing you can tell from these two plays is that GT is purely relying on his athletic ability. First speed, then the second play, although he lights up Mays which is awesome, you can hardly call what he ran a route, just a sloppy turn in order to peel away from the retreating corner.

For the individuals calling for Tate's head, I still think its way too early, he deserves at least till his third season especially due to this truncated off season. I seriously hope he improves as watching Percy Harvin play the slot in Bevell's offense was very entertaining and seeing Tate perform to half that level would be great.

EDIT: Sorry for not linking the vid to open another page (don't know how when its in the title), I am a rookie.