Washington defeats Lions 21-17
RG3's Offensive Line brings him one step closer to retirement in a comeback win for Washington.
Rookie of the Game: Lions Running Back Zack Zenner impressed once again. The former South Dakota State Jackrabbit was very instrumental in the Lions quick-dump passing game and has shown the ability to consistently run for good yardage (albeit against third and fourth stringers). Zenner now has 77 yards on 17 carries this preseason but, the five receptions for 59 yards on Thursday night seem to have Detroit considering keeping the un-drafted RB over (2014 Lion) George Winn. When a guy catches all six of his targets, even in check-down scenarios, you know there is potential there.
Position Battle Update: Washington OLBs Trent Murphy (2 tackles) and Preston Smith (3 tackles) are fighting a battle for the right outside linebacker job. Jay Gruden's coaching staff might prefer Murphy since he was their second-rounder last season while this year's second-rounder Preston Smith is a fresh rookie with just two preseason games and a training camp behind him. Murphy will get one more chance to prove himself this upcoming weekend and if he does not overly impress, Smith might be the week one starter.
Who Should Stay?: RB Trey Williams should make Washington's 75-man roster at least if he does not make it all the way to the 53-man final roster. The former Texas A&M Aggie never quite got into a consistent groove in college and even though his week 1 totals (7-15-1) were underwhelming, touchdowns still get players bonus points in everybody's book. Williams' week 2 was much better as the Running Back got more playing time with Silas Redd down for the season and he ran ten times for 52 yards, giving his case for Redd's roster spot a much needed boost.
Who Should Go?: I'm so very sad to say this but WR Lance Moore is not the player he once was for Drew Brees. The Lions have cheaper/younger/better options in Greg Salas and former second-rounder Ryan Broyles who can fit into the "Lance Moore role" that this team felt the need to target Moore for. Broyles' career has been nothing but injuries to this point but, he's healthy now and if they need to sign a receiver at some point during the season, it's not entirely impossible that Moore wouldn't still be out there.
Biggest Overreaction: "Remember when RG3 was good?" "Nope" "Me either, let's go burn his jersey now".
Bills defeat Browns 11-10
Tyrod Taylor looks really good despite missing top four RB's and top 5 WR's.
Rookie of the Game: Bills Cornerback Ronald Darby (Florida State) grabbed two interceptions while playing with the Bills starting defense and has made it clear that this rookie is ready to start on day one. There's a reason Florida State went undefeated two years ago and it isn't just that Jameis Winston was Heisman-worthy.
Position Battle Update: Buffalo sat Matt Cassel out of this game as he is the most well-known quantity among Bills Quarterbacks and at this point in the veteran's career, what you see is what you get. E.J. Manuel is either going to win the Quarterback job or lose his job entirely and get released, there does not seem to be a middle ground between Manuel and new head coach Rex Ryan. While those two deal with trying to bury their ugly pasts, Tyrod Taylor continues to thrive in his fifth preseason (first as a Bill) and was the star of Thursday night's show. It's not just the passing precision (7/10-65-0-0) that has Rex Ryan giddy about his newest toy at QB, it's the running ability (4-41-0) that Geno Smith never delivered on in Ryan's final Jet days that makes Taylor the clear favorite at this point.
Who Should Stay?: It's not very controversial of me to say this but, third round Defensive End Xavier Cooper (Washington State) has been this year's version of Ethan Westbrooks/Jayrone Elliott in the "Breakout Pass Rusher Role". Cooper sacked the Bills Quarterback twice, putting his preseason total up to three, and with first-rounder Danny Shelton starting, Cleveland will have no problem with plugging up the middle of the field.
Who Should Go?: Undrafted Stanford RB Ricky Seale was picked up due to all of the injured Buffalo Running Backs (LeSean McCoy, Bryce Brown, Fred Jackson, Anthony Dixon). I watched plenty of Stanford games these past few years and I do not remember a single game that this guy was in. It is a nice story that the occupational therapist (at least, last week he was) got the chance to play in the NFL and I hate putting a damper on a good story but, with Seale's bland college career and ten yards on eight carries, he'll be cut as soon as one of those Running Backs heal.
Biggest Overreaction: Josh McCown threw two interceptions! Why isn't Manziel starting yet?!?!
Jets defeat Falcons 30-22
Brandon Marshall gets acquainted with his new Quarterbacks in Jets shootout win.
Rookie of the Game: Jets DE Leonard Williams was the sixth overall pick out of USC and will fit in perfectly with Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison during the impending Sheldon Richardson suspension. The mammoth of a man whom they refer to as "Big Cat" made it look like the Falcons offense was trying to save Matt Ryan from an actual, live tiger. Five tackles, 1.5 sacks, three TFL's and all in one half? He seemed like the surest thing on draft day and he certainly looked like the surest thing on Friday night.
Position Battle Update: Atlanta's third receiver battle to see who gets targets on the rare occasions when Julio Jones and Roddy White aren't open is down to Leonard Hankerson and East Carolina rookie Justin Hardy (sorry Devin Hester). Hankerson has experience from his days with RG3 tossing him the pigskin and Hardy set all types of career records in college that convinced Atlanta to take him in the fourth round. This preseason has made the possibility of Justin Hardy starting in the "Harry Douglas Role" a much larger reality. Hardy has seven receptions for 94 yards so far while,Hankerson doing a bit less in the slot with 28 yards and a touchdown on four catches.
Who Should Stay?: His coverage might not be fully developed yet but, Jets Defensive Back Rontez Miles has collected nine tackles in two games and shown an ability to wrap up a receiver which is a lost art among present-day defensive backs. The 26 year old has done his time, spending two full seasons on the Jets' practice squad and he seems to finally have a real chance at making their roster with Calvin Pryor ailing and Miles being listed as the only other Strong Safety on staff.
Who Should Go?: Matt Ryan's backup T.J. Yates has had poor results from playing against the Titans and Jets (17/30-183-0-2) and Atlanta felt worried enough that they actually called up Rex Grossman and put pen to paper in a move that is the definition of desperation. T.J. Yates once started a playoff game. Former Duke QB Sean Renfree (16/21-162-0-0) has been nice but, can he even take on second-stringers? The Falcons have yet to switch Yates' backup role with Renfree's and I really think they should if they are this concerned about what is going on behind Matt Ryan.
Biggest Overreaction: Bryce Petty (12/19-168-1-0) looked awesome, why don't the Jets start him week one?
Chiefs defeat Seahawks 14-13
Seahawks beat Chiefs by 1 in otherwise dull contest.
Rookie of the Game: Tyler Lockett (again!) was the only rookie other than Chiefs LB Ramik Wilson (also again!) that caught my eye and impressed. Lockett continues to look like the most talented active receiver on the Seahawks roster with three more catches for 42 yards. With both Jimmy Graham and Lockett, Seattle won't need Russell Wilson to rush for 800+ yards again.
Position Battle Update: Does anybody have any clue what Kansas City is doing with their #2 WR slot? Jason Avant has the experience, Albert Wilson has the upside and De'Anthony Thomas has the versatility to do anything if he can hang onto the football and stay healthy. This game told us nothing about who is favored to win the job as Avant grabbed his first pass of the preseason for a whopping nine yards, Wilson had two receptions for fifteen yards last week but, disappeared this weekend and Thomas has one catch for no yardage. The disappointing reality is that Andy Reid has known Jason Avant since their days in Philadelphia and Avant is most likely to start considering his experience.
Who Should Stay?: LB Frank Zombo has always been impressive in short bursts of playing time and although the Chiefs are already stacked at Middle Linebacker, they could always use another body behind the injury-ridden Derrick Johnson. Zombo has eight tackles so far and has not lost a step despite not getting much playing time over the past five seasons. If Kansas City cuts him, he will find a bigger role elsewhere (Washington mayhaps?).
Who Should Go?: Sixth year DT D'Anthony Smith has disappointed throughout his career and even though most of that is due to injury, his most recent performances have been underwhelming. It's entirely plausible for Seattle to hang onto Smith with all of their cap restrictions but, there are plenty of Defensive Tackles on their roster that they could keep over Smith (Brandon Mebane, Ahtya Rubin, Jordan Hill, Landon Cohen, Jesse Williams are above him). Smith has one tackle this preseason.
Biggest Overreaction: Six tackles for losses by Kansas City? Seattle's offensive line is a disaster. Stay away from Marshawn Lynch in fantasy!
Panthers defeat Dolphins 31-30
Josh Freeman calls one great play and then loses all credibility again on failed two-point conversion.
Rookie of the Game: Iowa Running Back Brandon Wegher may not have played himself into a roster spot yet but, there is not an easier place to slip into the team's RB depth than in Carolina. Jonathan Stewart is a constant injury risk, Cameron Artis-Payne is a yet-to-be-proven rookie and the third spot is a free-for-all between veterans Jordan Todman and Fozzy Whittaker and the leader of the pack so far, Wegher. Wegher has ten carries for 39 yards and two touchdowns (both coming against Miami on Saturday). Wegher also caught a touchdown last week and really does seem to have convinced Carolina's coaches that he can play in the NFL. Jordan Todman will probably get a spot thanks to his special teams play but, Wegher seems to be the better Running Back right now.
Position Battle Update: Jordan Tripp and Zach Vigil are fighting for a roster spot as a backup Linebacker. Jordan Tripp is currently out with his long-term status unknown and Vigil is taking advantage of the opportunities he is getting now. Vigil, un-drafted out of Utah State, led the team in tackles last weekend with 5 (2 for loss and a sack) and recorded 4 more in another impressive outing against Carolina. Vigil will definitely make (at least) the practice squad at the end of the preseason.
Who Should Stay?: I think I already covered this. Zach Vigil and Brandon Wegher have earned spots.
Who Should Go?: Dolphins RB Mike Gillislee has gotten chances in the regular season (see: 2013) and provided no help to Ryan Tannehill and company. The fact that he looks totally brutal in the preseason (12-32-0) nails his fate. Damien Williams, LaMichael James, Jay Ajayi and Lamar Miller are higher on the totem pole.
Biggest Overreaction: Cam Newton went 4/10 without Kelvin Benjamin. No point in owning him in fantasy this year.
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| AP Photo/Bob Leverone Most of Newton's value is in his legs anyway. |
Chip Kelly's off-season additions make an impressive debut.
Rookie of the Game: Un-drafted Villanova RB Kevin Monangai is playing like every other Eagles deep, fifth-string Running Back in previous Chip Kelly-coached preseasons. Monangai and Raheem Mostert have been an awesome revelation and will likely both sit on somebody's practice squad this season the way Kenjon Barner sat on Philly's P. Squad most of 2014. Monangai racked up 95 yards on 11 touches this week and Mostert picked up 73 yards on 12 touches last week. All of this probably says more about Philadelphia's offensive line depth but, it's hard not to see real talent when Monangai ran all over that Panthers' third-string defense.
Position Battle Update: Breshad Perriman has sat out most of training camp and all of the preseason with a knee injury. This will have a great impact on his playing time at the beginning of the season. So, while Perriman's out, who gets the #2 WR job? Marlon Brown (1-21-0) has been thrust into the role before, Kamar Aiken (1-13-0) had been breaking out as a potential #3 option at the end of 2014 and Michael Campanaro (2-58-1) is a sleeper whom the Ravens seem to have high hopes for although, maybe not #2 receiver high hopes. I'd take Brown in this race since he has actually performed as a starter albeit, two years ago.
Who Should Stay?: The upside of RB Fitzgerald Toussaint is not as high (in my opinion) as the upside of RB Terrence Magee. I'm not saying that either guy should get more than 100 regular season carries in the future but, Magee (13-43-0) looks more elusive than Toussaint (9-31-0) so far this preseason. This battle is not over yet but, Magee should make the practice squad.
Who Should Go?: Matt Barkley has only 18 of 34 passes and with Tim Tebow exciting the fanbase, Barkley should be on the trading block if he weren't already. Remember how in 2012 Matt Barkley could have been the #1 overall pick but, decided to stay in college? Yeah, he definitely regrets that right now. He's about to lose his job to Tim Tebow which might not have been as embarrassing to 2012 Matt Barkley but, Tebow hasn't started since 2011.
Biggest Overreaction: Baltimore's defense was not prepared for this game, they'll probably be very poor this season.
Patriots defeat Saints 26-24
We're sorry we ever doubted you, Jimmy Garoppolo.
Rookie of the Game: Patriots Wide Receiver Chris Harper has people questioning why the Patriots ever trusted Aaron "Dropson" Dobson or Josh Boyce. The un-drafted California Golden Bear has shown potential as a possession receiver with 12 catches for 117 yards and a TD this week against New Orleans. If I were Bill Belichick (and I am most certainly not), I would move Harper up the depth chart to third behind Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell.
Position Battle Update: Dustin Hopkins made two of three field goals, missing a challenging 55-yard kick. Zach Hocker did not even play. It has become apparent that Hopkins is the favorite to win the job and if Zach Hocker sits out game #3, lock it in.
Who Should Stay?: Despite the signing of Reggie Wayne this week, New England should keep Jonathan Krause along with the previously-mentioned Harper. Nine catches for 75 yards and Krause has established himself as a reliable receiver who might have a real on-the-field relationship with Jimmy Garoppolo. Remember, Reggie Wayne's roster spot is not guaranteed if Torry Holt and Joey Galloway's weren't.
Who Should Go?: It was very nice of Sean Payton to give RB Tim Hightower a chance after not playing in an NFL game for nearly four years. The 29 year old former Cardinal back has 38 yards on 15 carries and will likely be one of the first cuts next week. Besides, New Orleans already has C.J. Spiller, Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson so the workload would have been non-existent for Hightower.
Biggest Overreaction: GOATroppolo looks like the real deal now! Nothing that happened in the first game matters anymore!
Bears defeat Colts 23-11
Colts' reserves look putrid again as Bears win behind Jeremy Langford.
Rookie of the Game & Position Battle Update: Jeremy Langford seems to be the Matt Forte'-handcuff we have all been waiting for. While Senorise Perry (4-1-0) and Ka'Deem Carey (5-13-0) regressed from their preseason debuts, Langford (9-80-1) won the game on his legs with some help from the o-line, Jacquizz Rodgers (9-34-0) and Jimmy Clausen (6/9-54-1-1). Here is an update on how each of the four Running Backs behind Matt Forte' have performed this preseason...
Jacquizz Rodgers: 17 touches, 69 yards, 0 TD
Jeremy Langford: 15 touches, 97 yards, 1 TD
Ka'Deem Carey: 12 carries, 47 yards, 1 TD
Senorise Perry: 14 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD
Daniel Thomas did not play and is incredibly unlikely to make the team.
Who Should Stay?: Josh Robinson is a virtual guarantee to make the Colts roster if they have any idea how football is played. Last week's performance (11 touches, 55 yards, 1 TD) just wasn't enough for Robinson so, he decided to come back better than ever this week with 14 touches for 67 yards. The thing that really impresses me with Robinson (a sixth-rounder from Mississippi State) is the consistency in his yards gained. That is something Indianapolis has not had since the early days of Joseph Addai.
Who Should Go?: Bryan Bennett (1/7-17-0-0) might just be the most over-matched Quarterback I have ever seen in my life. The scrambling capabilities are there but, that seems to be this guy's only weapon. Maybe a position change would do him some good but a 21.7% completion percentage through two games might just be a "Here's your sign" moment for Bennett.
Biggest Overreaction: Sam Acho sacked another QB? It's like Lance Briggs came back and was in his prime all over again!
Giants defeat Jaguars 22-12
A field goal festival ends with an overpaid receiver scoring the only touchdown.
Rookie of the Game: Giants DE Owa Odighizuwa made an impact in a game that was harder for rookies than others for some reason (I mean, I'm really reaching on this pick even though I liked what I saw from Owa). Odighizuwa lived up to his incredibly long and un-pronouncable name with two tackles and a pass deflection while causing havoc for Blake Bortles and his mediocre offensive line.
Position Battle Update: The Giants are totally screwed at Safety right now as second-year Safety Nat Berhe is out with a calf issue while other projected starter Landon Collins (2nd rounder from LSU) is out with a knee injury. If that wasn't bad enough, Bennett Jackson just tore his ACL during this very game. The current starters are former-Raven Jeromy Miles (bleh) and recent signee Brandon Meriweather (Yikes).
Who Should Stay?: James Jones caught 73 passes in 2014 as an Oakland Raider and is not far removed from his prime. I have no clue why Jones was left for dead in free agency for so long but, the man has shown Eli Manning and Ryan Nassib just what a steal he was for New York as Jones caught five passes for 83 yards in his Giants preseason debut. I would be a lot more confident in his "fantasy sleeper" status if Reuben Randle weren't already on the roster but let me make it clear, James Jones will make this roster easily.
Who Should Go?: Storm Johnson has 17 yards on eleven carries this preseason. After averaging just three yards per carry last season after a ton of hype from Jacksonville's staff, the 2014 7th-rounder short Jaguars stint may be finished. The team wants to keep Toby Gerhart (despite his contract) and use him in more of a Fullback role and Denard Robinson is clearly not going anywhere so, Storm may just have to storm out of Gus Bradley's office once he's cut. (Using puns about people losing their jobs? Real classy.)
Biggest Overreaction: Who is Geremy Davis? I don't know but, he looked good and caught four passes! Victor Cruz and Corey Washington better watch out! There's a new unheard of Giants receiver ready to take over the league!
Vikings defeat Raiders 20-12
Teddy Bridgewater continues to impress in Mike Zimmer's 7th consecutive preseason victory.
Rookie of the Game: Raiders LB Ben Heeney it is again! The Oakland starting Linebacker corps (Curtis Lofton, Khalil Mack and Malcolm Smith) is pretty much set especially when Heeney is almost exclusively an interior linebacker. The Kansas Linebacker now has 13 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble on the preseason. He might not be a starter but, he should make one hell of a backup.
Position Battle Update: I was one of many that believed in the raw talent that Jerick McKinnon showed flashes of last season. I still believe in McKinnon but, the belief is fading as do McKinnon's flashes. Matt Asiata (6-28-0) did a much better job at the goal line last season and has looked better in smaller doses than McKinnon does in any doses (17-28-0). McKinnon will need to take a backseat for another year as he'll likely fall to third in favor behind Asiata and Adrian Peterson.
Who Should Stay?: Oakland has not had a problem keeping troubled players on their rosters in the past (see: Randy Moss, DeAngelo Hall, Terrelle Pryor) and Michael Dyer appears to be enough of a talent on the field that if he ever does get to be a headache, they might be willing to ignore it. Dyer's tale began in 2011 when Auburn suspended him for an undisclosed violation of team rules. In March of 2012, Dyer was pulled over with a gun and a bag of marijuana. Dyer was then dismissed from Arkansas State before ever playing a game for them. In an effort to rehabilitate his image, Dyer attended Arkansas Baptist College for a year and only studied without any football to be played. In 2013, Dyer transferred to Louisville and was improving his stock until he was determined academically ineligible for the Belk Bowl last December. Now, Dyer is an un-drafted free agent trying to earn a roster spot over draft bust Trent Richardson or former Cornerback Taiwan Jones. If his past showings on the field in college weren't enough and if his preseason showing (17-56-0) isn't enough, it might not even matter considering how horribly Trent Richardson has played (10-23-0).
Who Should Go?: Trent Richardson. It's over folks. It's over.
Biggest Overreaction: Amari Cooper caught one 40-yard pass. Calvin Johnson catches 40-yard passes all the time! Coincidence? I think not.
Broncos defeat Texans 14-10
Denver's lineman cause issues for the Houston offensive line in a low-scoring struggle.
Rookie of the Game: Defensive Tackle Darius Kilgo sure makes a lot of plays for being a Defensive Tackle. Kilgo's impact has been felt in both Bronco games thus-far with four tackles and a sack against Seattle and two additional tackles with another sack this week. The sixth-rounder out of Maryland does not have much of a chance at playing time behind former first-rounder Sylvester Williams and fifth-year vet Sione Fua but, he probably doesn't need to worry about being cut by the Broncos.
Position Battle Update: Brandon McManus has won over Gary Kubiak (apparently) and Connor Barth was released in a shocking move (to people that care about Denver's kicking situation). Barth was a perfect 3/3 on field goals and made his only extra point on Saturday but, now he'll enter a new battle with Patrick Murray as he signed with Tampa Bay (again) almost immediately after his Denver release. McManus is now a serious option at Kicker in fantasy but, can you trust him after his replacement last year? Gary Kubiak seems to think so.
Who Should Stay?: Texans RB Chris Polk (12 touches, 70 yards, 0 TD) should not only make the active roster, he should probably start while Arian Foster is down with his current injury. Polk is the receiving threat that Foster is and Alfred Blue is not while also looking like the far superior rusher this preseason. Alfred Blue has carried the load before but, even then he only averaged 3.1 yards per carry last year. Polk was always interesting in Philadelphia and might finally get a chance to showcase his ability in Houston this year.
Who Should Go?: Kenny Hilliard has 42 yards on 20 carries in two games and with the team's faith in Alfred Blue and the breakout of Polk, Hilliard's roster slot is likely to be filled already. Jonathan Grimes certainly isn't budging either with the most experience of any of Houston's options in the backfield. Hilliard (a 7th-rounder out of LSU) will get assigned to the practice squad in all likelihood because he is nowhere near ready to play in the NFL yet.
Biggest Overreaction: Texans LB Kourtnei Brown (who had two sacks last week and a pick-six this week) is already better than the former #1 draft pick DE Courtney Brown.
Chargers defeat Cardinals 22-19
Philip Rivers sits out a comeback win for San Diego as the city's team stays sunny and undefeated.
Rookie of the Game: Northern Iowa RB David Johnson is good after all! I became very skeptical about Johnson's value to Arizona once the team signed veteran RB Chris Johnson but, with a new injury as part of the CJ2K package, David Johnson is back in the lead for Arizona's backup Running Back spot. DJnoK's touched the ball fifteen times for 81 yards against San Diego's defense. This all came a week after DJnoK's (I really hope this catches on) sat out the game against Kansas City so, he left an impressive first piece of tape. Chris Johnson really doesn't seem like a fit in Arizona for major playing time (like Emmitt Smith's final season only, minus the carries given based out of respect) and this Position Battle Update is something that could change overnight as Andre Ellington starting is not a given, David Johnson is still a virtual unknown and CJ2K could be cut or injured at any moment without prior warning. Arizona has built a terrific team under Bruce Arians but, they have no clue what they are doing at Running Back right now nor have they since Edgerrin James retired.
Who Should Stay?: UAB Receiver J.J. Nelson has the purest speed on Arizona's roster and his 57-yard catch this week let him grab the viewer's attention for a couple of seconds. Nelson now has three receptions for 77 yards and the fifth rounder does not need to do much other than keep on running to make Arizona's roster. If Bruce Arians does not keep Nelson, somebody will scoop him up ASAP.
Who Should Go?: Sacred Heart Corner Gordon Hill just looks plain outmatched on the few plays that QB's have targeted Hill's receiver he was supposed to be covering. The un-drafted rookie Charger has amassed two tackles and is highly unlikely to make the team despite an impressive camp.
Biggest Overreaction: The Chargers' o-line can't run block at all! Melvin Gordon is going to have a terribly disappointing season.
Steelers defeat Packers 24-19
Sloppy field and sloppy play leave Green Bay down a receiver and Pittsburgh minus a Center.
Rookie of the Game: Steelers' receiver Tyler Murphy convinced a lot of skeptics on whether or not he could transition from Quarterback to Wide Receiver for a better chance at an NFL career. The mobile Boston College athlete caught four passes for 61 yards including a 22-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. Maybe, there is a chance that Murphy is the next Antwaan Randle El after all.
Position Battle Update: Bruce Gradkowski was placed on Injured Reserve thanks to a non-throwing arm injury. As an immediate reaction to the news, Pittsburgh knew they could not trust Landry Jones yet (nor should they ever) and signed Michael Vick to a one-year deal. Vick is a step up from every backup Pittsburgh has owned since Charlie Batch retired and hopefully, he's thinking about more than just the paycheck this season.
Who Should Stay?: Green Bay LB Carl Bradford is having a very good string of performances so far. After a learning curve put him on the practice squad in 2014, the fourth-rounder from Arizona State seems ready to play some NFL snaps. After his two tackles and a sack last week, Bradford added five tackles and one for a loss on Sunday against Pittsburgh. A.J. Hawk's departure may give Bradford more playing time but, it is unlikely that we see him beat out the Jake Ryans of the world for a starting job yet.
Who Should Go?: Shakim Phillips may have looked alright this week with three catches for 47 yards and a touchdown but, the Steelers are absolutely stacked at the Wide Receiver position. Phillips made an impressive catch in his Steeler debut during the Hall of Fame game but, followed it up with a single easy catch on six targets against Jacksonville. That game last week sealed his fate on a roster that includes Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton, Tyler Murphy, Sammie Coates, C.J. Goodwin (also likely to be released) and Darrius Heyward-Bey (probably on the roster bubble at this point). Phillips may find work elsewhere but, I'm not that impressed after three games.
Biggest Overreaction: Jordy Nelson tore his ACL so, I'm not picking Green Bay to win the division this year. It's not like the insane amount of mediocrity from the rest of the division for the past thirty years will carry on any longer.
49ers defeat Cowboys 23-6
Only defense and special teams mattered in this one as Romo completed one pass for negative yardage and exited.
Rookie of the Game: Former rugby star Jarryd Hayne just keeps on rolling. Another 54 yards on eight carries would have the sports world exited enough but, the three long punt returns of 23, 27 and 34 yards has everybody elated at this great story. Hayne is averaging an incredible amount of yardage on punt returns and with San Fran's roster in a continuous state of flux, he should be on the 53-man roster at the end of the preseason and he is Who Should Stay.
Position Battle Update: Joseph Randle has the Running Back position locked down for Dallas as long as he doesn't need cologne or underwear anytime soon. Darren McFadden (3-4-0) had a quick and uninspiring debut behind Dallas's elite o-line while, Randle (7-30-0) clearly has the fresher set of legs and should rush for a nice 1,000 yards this season with health.
Who Should Go?: Dallas Linebacker Ka'Lial Glaud is a former Buccaneer looking to make it as a backup in Dallas. If he wants to make it, he's going to need to stop whiffing on as many tackles as I've seen him do these past two weeks. The un-drafted third-year pro out of Rutgers has matched his career total of two tackles over two games with a single pass deflection and with all Dallas LB's currently healthy, Glaud does not have much of a chance.
Biggest Overreaction: Dallas's starting offense looked really mediocre. THEY MUST BE REGRESSING! NO PLAYOFFS THIS YEAR!
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| Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle Hayne refuses to go down unless tackled by a Punter. |
Nick Foles has more trouble adjusting to new team than Mariota in Titans win over St. Louis.
Rookie of the Game: Sean Mannion flew under the national radar at Oregon State and will likely do the same in St. Louis if he ever gets the chance to start. Mannion was selected with the 89th overall pick during the third round of this year's draft and was taken as a safety precaution in case Nick Foles gets injured (something he's been known to do) or disappoints (something else he has done in the past). Mannion looked like the future of St. Louis for a series during this nationally-aired game, completing six of seven attempts for 93 yards and screen-pass touchdown to RB Malcolm Brown. His stats were majorly inflated by Brown's yards after the catch but, Mannion still showed precision that neither Case Keenum nor Austin Davis have consistently shown in the NFL. Keenum is the odd man out with 19 completions in 33 attempts so far while, Austin Davis and Mannion are left to battle it out for Nick Foles' backup position.
Position Battle Update: The Titans' Running Back battle is important as whomever wins will be trusted with taking some of the pressure off of rookie QB Marcus Mariota. Here is an update on the two candidates totals through two weeks...
David Cobb: 21 touches, 88 yards, 0 TD
Bishop Sankey: 14 carries, 60 yards, 0 TD
If I had to guess, I would say that Cobb is your week one starter (or at least, the better fantasy option) at this point because he has played with both the first-string and second-string offenses while, Sankey has barely played after the first-team leaves the game. Sankey looks good so far this preseason but, he looked great last preseason and that did not work out so hot. Cobb looks much better with the first-team offense and tends to follows his blockers and be much harder to bring down than Sankey. It will be a Running Back by committee at first but, Cobb seems to be the more trustworthy option early on.
Who Should Stay?: Rams RB Trey Watts looks like the guy I irrationally hype up as the next Darren Sproles as I do every preseason. Watts touched the ball nine time for a total of 99 yards and was instrumental in the safety-blanket shot-passing game. Watts made the team late last season and got seven attempts for thirty yards after every Rams backup RB was injured. This season, Todd Gurley and Tre' Mason are sealed in above him on the depth chart but, the third spot is up for grabs and I like Watts to make the team over Malcolm Brown.
Who Should Go?: Nobody's fate should be decided by a missed tackle during the preseason but, Khalid Wooten has bounced around on Tennessee's practice squad during their most mediocre seasons as a football team (2013 & '14). My point is that Wooten's had his chances, he's gotten his playing time and at a certain point, Tennessee should move on from the un-drafted Nevadan Corner. He was barely involved in Sunday night's game until he missed a tackle on Malcolm Brown's ridiculous 54-yard catch-and-run touchdown.
Biggest Overreaction: Nick Foles is awful. Chip Kelly has already won that trade.
Buccaneers embarrass Bengals 25-11
Which team went 2-14 again? I forgot.
Rookie of the Game: Jameis Winston went 8/13 for 90 yards and scrambled into the end zone for another touchdown run. He's earned that starting job and looks like he might just be good right away.
Position Battle Update: Chris Conte has been absent from Buccaneer games and practices due to a lingering hamstring injury but, he should return this week against the Browns. Bradley McDougald has done all that he could manage with Conte sidelined (2 tackles and an interception) and it seems like a stalemate for the moment but, we've all seen Conte play before and McDougald seems like the better option based on the uncertainty as to whether or not he could be at least average (an improvement over Conte).
Who Should Stay?: WR Russell Shepard continues to play special teams at a level you would not expect a legitimate Wide Receiver to play the position. Shepard has three special teams tackles through two games (something he did quite well last season) and has actually improved in the passing game as an additional bonus to keeping him on the roster. Two catches, 44 yards and one TD are not typically stats to get exited about but, when Shepard is more used for his easily-replaceable special teams abilities, it's nice to see him as a potential threat on offense as well.
Who Should Go?: Marvin Lewis. In all seriousness, I am not sure why the Bengals' organization still has so much faith in a man who has yet to win a playoff game. This should be the make or break year for him and if he could not get his starters to actually play like they meant it on Monday Night Football in front of the nation, he will not be making it through the end of the year.
Biggest Overreaction: Fire Marvin Lew... Oh wait, I actually said that. Ok, I'm officially reading too much into the preseason.
Good luck to your teams and may everyone stay healthy! Nobody likes torn ACL's.
