For anybody to pretend that they have any real knowledge of what players like Mariota, Jameis Winston or Johnny Manziel will look like this season based on a couple of preseason games is downright insulting to the football fans intelligence. That's why this is the Preseason Overreaction! piece and not a "recap" as if there is more to take away than who will make the roster and who could be part of the 37-man cut list before Week 1 of the REAL season.
NOTE: All Biggest Overreaction posts are just that, huge overreactions that could hold true but it's way too soon to make these statements with the utmost confidence and not coming out looking foolish by week one.
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| David Butler II - USA TODAY SportsPatriots fans better hope Jimmy Garoppolo learns how to avoid a sack before September 13th. |
Jimmy Garoppolo makes an unimpressive debut before Tom Brady's 4-game suspension kicks off the new season.
Rookie of the Game: Packers ILB Jake Ryan (6 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack) was selected in the 4th round (129th overall) out of Michigan, supposedly as the man taking the role of former top-ten pick A.J. Hawk. I was surprised during the draft that it took Green Bay four rounds to take a Linebacker but, with GM Ted Thompson's "best player available" approach, they decided to fill the needs at Cornerback and then select WR Ty Montgomery (Stanford) who was also impressive in his debut. Green Bay needs Ryan to be productive right away during his rookie season and this game was a good start which had a lot of Packer fans saying "Oh yeah! This is what it was like to have an athletic Middle Linebacker who plays there full-time!".
How about those first-rounders?: New England's #32 overall pick, DT Malcom Brown certainly looks like an NFL player but, after just one tackle and no obvious impact defensively, nothing can really be made of his debut other than he is a very large man who would force me to retire immediately once he tackled me.
On the Packers end of the ball, 1st round S/CB Damarious Randall was inactive. However, CB Quinten Rollins was taken in the second round since one of Green Bay's most glaring absences was at the Cornerback position with the losses of Davon House and Tramon Williams. His debut was impressive enough to make me a believer in his talent and football abilities and I think, given the right coaching, he can be a decent starting NFL defensive back right away. This doesn't mean he will be but, I like his odds compared to say... Ahmad Carroll's odds of succeeding in 2004.
Quick Notes
1. QB Jimmy Garoppolo looked inexperienced (he is) completing 20 of 30 for 159 yards with one bad interception (are there good ones?). I thought he looked very confident to the point of making stupid decisions on the field, lobbing up terrible passes that would have been picked off had he not been facing the second, third and even fourth string Packers defense.
2. That Green Bay O-Line sure knows how to run-block. The pass blocking was good as well and Rodgers likes to hang onto the ball as long as possible to let his receivers fight their ways open which occasionally leads to a pass-rusher breaking free. If healthy, this will be one of the three best offensive lines in the league.
3. RB Jonas Gray (7 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD) is a lock to make somebody's team. I'm not sure if New England still thinks he is a poor team-player but, when the dude does exactly what you tell him to on the field and does it exceptionally well, why wouldn't you want him? Arizona/Cleveland/Dallas would love this guy.
Biggest Overreaction: RB James White is a fantasy super-sleeper! LeGarrette Blount won't last! Belichick hates Jonas Gray! Who even is Travaris Cadet? I'm taking White!
Ravens defeated Saints 30-27
QB Brynn Renner led the Ravens to a game-winning drive over a Brees-less Saints team.
Rookie of the Game: The player selected seven picks ahead of Jake Ryan, Ravens OLB Za'Darius Smith (4th rd., 122nd overall) went from recording 5 tackles per game and a sack every 3 games in his senior season to tackling 4 Saints, sacking a Quarterback and deflecting a pass. Smith is not projected for much playing time in Baltimore but, in case of Terrell Suggs needing a breather, Smith is well on his way to being a nice defensive player.
How about those first-rounders?: Saints' Linebacker Stephone Anthony of Clemson had a heck of a debut. If a team drafts an Inside Linebacker, he either needs to record a high percentage of tackles or be really good in some other statistical category (sacks, passes defended, interceptions) and Anthony is your prototypical Middle Linebacker so far with six tackles in one half of football. A promising start for the first-round defensive selection. On the offensive end, New Orleans also took OT Andrus Peat from Stanford and the offense's highest production took place with Peat on the field against the second-string Baltimore defense.
Baltimore rested WR Breshad Perriman but, TE Maxx Williams of Minnesota (2 catches, 36 yards) looks like a nice weapon for Joe Flacco if poor Dennis Pitta gets injured again.
Quick Notes
1. Two major defensive off-season acquisitions for New Orleans suffered injuries. Two-time Super Bowl champion Brandon Browner limped off early and LB Dannell Ellerbe also suffered an undisclosed injury on the same exact drive. Ouch. Not many things from the preseason have much of an impact on the regular season but, injuries could certainly crumple this already mediocre (although improving) defense.
2. Baltimore RB's Lorenzo Taliaferro, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Terrence Magee are all likely in a battle for the #3 Running Back position on the Ravens' roster and Magee should get a heavier workload in the remainder of the preseason as two carries for a loss of a yard doesn't tell anybody anything about his future. Taliaferro (12-36-1) wins round one over Toussaint (6-11-0).
3. Saints Kicker Zach Hocker missed a 50-yard kick but later made 47 and 50-yard field goals to clear his name of any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, former Buffalo Bill Dustin Hopkins made two extra points without a field goal attempt. Hocker may have very minor NFL experience in his resume' but I believe that Hopkins is still the favorite for now. Either way, Shayne Graham is on speed-dial.
Biggest Overreaction: Saints TE Josh Hill (3-40-0) is the new Jimmy Graham. Clearly he has a relationship built with Ryan Griffin, Luke McCown and Garrett Grayson. It will only be a matter of time before Drew Brees comes in and realizes Hill's greatness.
Lions defeat Jets 23-3
Geno Smith is dearly missed as Jets get nothing out of their offense in loss to electric Lions.
Rookie of the Game: Lions RB Ameer Abdullah (7-67-0) was a trending topic on Twitter much of Thursday night thanks to a few impressive runs with cut-backs and speed reminiscent of the greatest Lion ever, Barry Sanders. Keep in mind, IT'S ONLY SEVEN CARRIES but damn... those were some impressive runs for the second rounder out of Nebraska.
How about those first-rounders?: Former Duke Guard Laken Tomlinson made his presence known in his Lions debut. ProFootballFocus rated him as the Lions third-best offensive lineman in Thursday night's game and it was pretty clear just by watching that Laken is a tremendous run-blocker who, if everything goes right, should be an anchor on this line for years to come. There is still three weeks left for Jim Caldwell to decide between the rookie and Manny Ramirez for the starting Left Guard position but, the upside for Tomlinson is too high to ignore.
Leonard Williams of USC is coming into the league with a ton of hype as many saw him comparable to Khalil Mack in that they were both #1 on many boards but, due to other dire needs, both fell a few picks. After one game of no impact whatsoever, the hype might cool a tad on Williams despite the opportunity Sheldon Richardson has so generously gifted him.
Quick Notes
1. Bryce Petty was wayyyyyyy too cautious and simple with his throws. He finished with ten of eighteen passes completed and only threw for fifty yards. The former Baylor star is going to have to do more than that if he wants to convince Todd Bowles that the Fitzmagic carpet ride is the lesser option at QB. Speaking of Ryan Fitzpatrick (2/3-16-0-0), the Jets started him and got basically nowhere with him either even though he produced the only scoring drive of the game (which ended in a Nick Folk field goal).
2. Journeyman Wide Receiver Greg Salas went from catching eight passes in a season for the Jets to catching five passes in a preseason game against the Jets. He won't be fantasy relevant but Salas could replace Ryan Broyles as the fourth or fifth option after Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Eric Ebron and maybe whomever starts in the backfield. Lance Moore is still on the team's roster but Salas is the younger option and unless Moore makes some plays soon, Salas should make the active roster.
3. The Lions reserve defense was on point in this game. Despite the losses of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, the defense shut down the Jets' backups by giving up just 123 total yards of offense. The Detroit offense also outdid New York by accumulating twenty-six first downs compared to the Jets' six measly first downs. It was as close to a dominant performance that you'll see this preseason (that is unless New York signs Tyler Thigpen for humorous reasons).
Biggest Overreaction: This Lions offense is going to be stellar all year long! How could I not take every single player on their roster in my fantasy draft? Hell, I'll even take Greg Salas!
Washington defeats Browns 20-17
It might take awhile for the Browns' new jerseys to grow on the public but one thing that will never grow on the public? Dan Snyder.
Rookie of the Game: 38th overall pick and the sixth pick of the second round, former Mississippi State Bulldog OLB Preston Smith was all over the Browns backfield in his first game as the apparent Brian Orakpo replacement. Six tackles, one sack and an additional tackle for a loss have no doubt impressed Washington coaches and with a top five pick in Brandon Scherff and a potential key part of their offense in #2 RB Matt Jones, this team must really like their draft class thus far.
How about those first-rounders?: #4 pick and former Iowa Hawkeye Brandon Scherff looked like a seasoned veteran against the Browns above-average Defense. His technique was perfect and Scherff seems like a plug-and-play guy where it does not matter which position the coaching staff decides to set him at, Scherff will get the job done and do it well.
The Browns got a holding penalty and not much else of note out of OL Cameron Erving (position yet to be determined although it seems like they are leaning towards pushing Alex Mack out and making Erving the Center of the future). Their earliest first rounder, DT Danny Shelton was also barely of note for this game, recording one tackle and not doing enough to help stop the run. Cleveland is begging these two to turn around the Browns' recent draft history.
Quick Notes
1. Washington's Tight End depth is non-existent. Logan Paulsen tore a ligament in his toe during practice and will miss the 2015 season. Niles Paul broke his ankle after reports had Jay Gruden favoring him over Jordan Reed for the starting job and if that wasn't enough, TE Je'Ron Hall hurt one of his thighs. Chris Cooley better be in shape because Jordan Reed was previously the Washington Tight End most known for injury issues.
2. Rookie Linebacker Houston Bates of Louisiana Tech recorded sacks on back-to-back plays for Washington in the fourth quarter. The un-drafted rookie's chances of making the practice squad looked much better after that surprising sequence of events.
3. Cleveland has a kicker battle going on as well between Carey Spear and Travis Coons. With no prior pro experience, this preseason means everything for the future of this position for the Browns. Spear made a field goal of 47 yards and an extra point of 33 (new rule!) while Coons just booted an extra point as Cleveland's offense was quite different and inconsistent between lineup switches.
Biggest Overreaction: Johnny Football is back! He's matured and now we'll get to see all that was shown to us at Texas A&M. Gig 'em! Yeehaw! pewpew!
Bears defeat Dolphins 27-10
So, you're telling me that playing Josh Freeman with fourth stringers DOESN'T end well?
Rookie of the Game: Undrafted Free Agent Linebacker Zach Vigil of Utah State. For what was a very underwhelming game for all rookies involved, Vigil stood out as his name has arisen as a potential backup on a fairly timid linebacking corps. Vigil tackled five Bears including one Quarterback (a sack) and another runner in the backfield (2 TFL). I do not remember much about Vigil as I was not a frequent viewer of Utah State but, I am convinced now to look through more of his "tape" (let's be honest, it's just going to be Youtube highlights) to further evaluate his potential.
How about those first-rounders?: They did not play. WR Kevin White (Bears) due to a potential season-ending shin operation and WR Devante Parker (Dolphins) due to a minor foot injury that he may be ready to play through this upcoming weekend.
Quick Notes
1. Let the epic battle for Matt Forte's backup/handcuff begin! Each of the Bears options behind Forte' participated in Thursday's exhibition and here are the results...
Senorise Perry (2nd year): 10 carries, 89 yards, 8.9 YPC, 1 TD (a 54 yarder)
Ka'Deem Carey (2nd year): 7 carries, 34 yards, 4.9 YPC, 1 TD (21 yarder)
Jacquizz Rodgers (5th year): 7 carries, 33 yards, 4.7 YPC, 0 TD
Daniel Thomas (5th year): 5 carries, 9 yards, 1.8 YPC, 0 TD
Jeremy Langford (Rookie): 4 carries, 1 yard, 0.25 YPC, 0 TD
What do they do with that? I have no idea but, it appears that Rodgers (given his experience) will start out as the #2 back and they will keep two more Running Backs in Langford (they won't give up on a draft pick that quickly) and Perry while maybe looking for a trade partner for Ka'Deem Carey if they are not pleased with his progress or are extra satisfied in Perry's progress.
2. Josh Freeman's 2011 season seems like it happened ten years ago but alas, here we are. Freeman completed 5 of 16 for "who cares, that's an awful completion percentage" yards with "what the hell happened to this guy?" touchdowns and "I won't even mention it because I just feel bad for the guy" interception. McLeod Bethel-Thompson is far ahead in the Dolphins "practice squad arm" race with a terrible performance of his own (5/12-71-0-2) but, at least Bethel-Thompson doesn't have the "lazy" label attached to him.
3. Bears receiver Cameron Meredith (un-drafted out of Illinois State) made his case for a roster spot that is now potentially open thanks to the bleak news on Kevin White. Meredith's game (4-47-0) showed that his hands are capable of catching passes from an inconsistent NFL Quarterback (Jimmy Clausen) while Rashad Lawrence (Northwestern) made his own case with 3 receptions for 25 yards. Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson will most likely be the #2 and 3 guys among the receivers and the battle for #4 continues onward throughout the preseason.
Biggest Overreaction: Man, that is the most alert Bears team I've seen in two years! They'll really dedicate themselves to winning this time! It's not like the majority of the game being played by potential cuts who needed to show energy in order to not get released immediately. Bear down! Rawr! Shout out to the Fridge!
Chargers defeat Cowboys 17-7
The most difficult game to view closed out Thursday night with a lot of Dustin Vaughan and Brad Sorensen.
Rookie of the Game: Former Ball State Cardinal RB Jahwan Edwards played a vital role in keeping San Diego on the field as his 53 yards on 11 carries (0 touchdowns) kept drives alive. The Chargers needed Edwards in this game as their Quarterbacks amassed a measly 64 yards of passing offense in an un-watchable contest from start to finish. Edwards has a chance at making the practice squad but, considering the money invested in third-stringer Donald Brown, I doubt Edwards has much of a fair shot at making the active roster.
What about those first-round draft picks?: Cowboys Corner Byron Jones (5 tackles) was playing like Dallas's new best defensive back, covering receivers perfectly at moments and tackling receivers immediately if they did get their hands on a football. Jones showed a ton of capability by covering all parts of the field and being involved in many of the plays that he was on the field for.
Newest Charger Running Back Melvin Gordon also played in this game with minimal impact. Six carries for eleven yards won't get the job done after a couple of weeks and patience might wear thin with Mike McCoy if Gordon looks like he did Thursday night. Every concern I had about him in college (being too reliant on the offensive line, only being productive on sweeps) came true against Dallas and there is definitely going to be a learning period for Gordon this year before he can finally fulfill the needs of a Running Back taken in the first round.
Quick Notes
1. Dallas's emergency RB Gus Johnson did not have "getting away from the cops speed". With Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar all on the mend, Johnson was thrown into a tricky situation, being forced to start. The former Stephen F. Austin RB carried the ball 13 times for 35 yards along with 1 touchdown which wasn't that bad considering the circumstances of his emergency start. Everything was all hunky dory until Johnson separated his shoulder and although it does not require surgery, the Cowboys are now down to their fifth Running Back (Lache Seastrunk) and it seriously would not hurt them to trade for a more playable runner.
2. Controversial draft pick and former Nebraska Cornhusker Randy Gregory made his presence known with two tackles and a very impressive sack. Gregory is currently implanted as one of the two starting Defensive Ends for Dallas with Greg Hardy suspended for the same amount of games as Tom Brady (4). Once Hardy comes back, the 60th overall pick may have to sit on the bench as Jeremy Mincey is coming off a nice year as Dallas's leading pass-rusher. The whole Defensive End depth chart is too nice for it's own good at this point as 2014 second rounder DeMarcus Lawrence will have trouble finding playing time with such high-ceiling players above him.
3. Branden Oliver (10-53-1) looked much improved on his mediocre 2014 season when he was thrown into a few starts due to injuries and averaged just 3.6 yards per carry. Oliver has a very real chance of being fantasy relevant again this year if Melvin Gordon looks anything like he did in this game. Chances are he'll only be a handcuff though but, drafting him late is not the worst thing to happen to your roster.
Biggest Overreaction: Chargers LB Denzel Perryman (5 tackles and a pass deflection) is my sleeper pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He'll be like C.J. Mosley only with more tackles since he's on a worse defense.
Falcons defeat Titans 31-24
Matt Ryan and Julio Jones haven't lost a step in win over young Titans.
Rookie of the Game: Un-drafted OLB Derek Akunne of North Texas showed the Falcons' coaching staff how much he really wants to make the roster by wrapping up a team-high eight tackles. If he plays well enough, the Atlanta defense is weak enough that they may even consider starting him right away in week one of the regular season. Atlanta is known for picking up random dudes off the street and shoving them into starting roles with mixed results (Paul Worrilow, Prince Shembo, Brent Grimes, Kemal Ishmael). With Dan Quinn under the headset, anything is possible defensively.
How about those first-rounders?: I feel like I have covered Marcus Mariota thoroughly enough in the intro but, I give his debut a B+.
OLB Vic Beasley (Clemson) interestingly started at Defensive End and was seen constantly switching back and forth between DE and Outside Linebacker. Beasley finished with a single tackle and his impact was not seen quite yet. Give it time and Beasley might show Elvis Dumervil-like skills.
Quick Notes
1. Seemingly every offensive rookie impressed me in some manner. Titans RB David Cobb racked up 54 yards on 12 touches while fellow draft pick and WR Dorial Green-Beckham grabbed a 32-yard pass of his own as DGB tries to steal playing time from Harry Douglas, Hakeem Nicks and possibly Justin Hunter. Atlanta's WR Justin Hardy broke all types of records at Eastern Carolina and showed how well his talents could translate to the professional level with 41 yards on 3 receptions. I expect Hardy to be a great fantasy sleeper in case Roddy White struggles to stay on the field.
2. Ryan Succop missed an extra point. That probably says more about his job security than the impact of the new yardage rule on extra points.
3. Matt Ryan (6/6-86-1-0) will be one of the top 3 Quarterbacks in the NFL once Manning and Brady retire. It should be quite easy for Ryan to lead one of the stronger offenses with such elite targets as Julio Jones (4-61-1) and Roddy White (0 receptions). He looked perfect on his one drive but, don't think he'll be THAT much better since this was JUST the Titans defense. The same defense that was incapable of picking off a rookie Quarterback in training camp.
Biggest Overreaction: Clearly Levine Toilolo won the starting job at Tight End for Atlanta with his three catches, last year was just a fluke for him.
Panthers defeat Bills 25-24
A last-minute two-point conversion puts Carolina on top of Buffalo.
Rookie of the Game: Un-drafted FS Dean Marlowe of James Madison Univesity grabbed an interception late in the fourth off of Matt Simms and that wasn't the only play he made an impact on in his very quick time on the field. One tipped pass and a tackle have pretty much guaranteed Marlowe a spot on somebody's practice squad. His chances of Carolina keeping him are especially high with their less than stellar depth at his position.
How about those first-rounders?: Carolina Linebacker Shaq Thompson sat out the game with a tight hamstring and Buffalo traded their first-round draft pick as part of last season's deal to acquire Sammy Watkins.
Quick Notes
1. Buffalo's QB situation could not be more muddy right now. Matt Simms (0/3-0-0-1) is clearly just present for the purpose of having a fresh arm in camp for the receivers. The other three are where the questions lie within the franchise. Tyrod Taylor (5/8-49-0-0) has temporarily convinced Rex Ryan to start him this upcoming preseason weekend and watching this game, he clearly is the most talented of the three options. It wasn't even the passing numbers that put Taylor ahead of Matt Cassel and E.J. Manuel as the former Baltimore Raven ran six times for an impressive 47 yards. His results are sure to be less convincing against first-string defenses but, the talent is obviously there. Matt Cassel was solid (7/8-45-0-0) though he did not take many risks while, Manuel (4/8-77-1-0) was relegated to facing the third-string defense and as a result, took more chances with adequate results. This is definitely a battle that will take place on the field and is one of the more intriguing things to actually watch in the NFL preseason.
2. I loved what I saw from former Michigan WR Devin Funchess (2-53-0) and he resembles teammate Kelvin Benjamin as the Panthers finally have two solid receivers to go along with a mobile Quarterback (Cam Newton) and a reliable Tight End (Greg Olsen).
3. Carolina's Linebacker depth might have been stronger than everybody thought after all. With first-rounder Shaq Thompson in tow along with Pro Bowler Luke Kuechly and former Pro Bowler Thomas Davis, the starting lineup was already impressive and now the team has had an impressive game from both Adarius Glanton (10 tackles) and A.J. Klein (7 tackles). This could signal a problem within the Panthers defensive line but, I think it tells us more about how deep this team is at Linebacker.
Biggest Overreaction: Cam Newton looked a little shaky... HE'LL NEVER BE ELITE!
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| Aren't overreactions fun? |
Pittsburgh cannot recover from Hall of Fame game, season already in turmoil.
Rookie of the Game: Steelers WR Sammie Coates (5-52-0) was the only receiver that showed any consistency whatsoever in grabbing balls from the shaky arm of Landry Jones. The former Auburn Tiger is not likely to see many targets this year with Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell, Heath Miller, Markus Wheaton and breakout candidate Martavis Bryant all calling dibs on targets before the rookie earns his Steelers bumblebee stripes.
What about those first-rounders?: Jacksonville's third overall pick was Defensive End Dante Fowler Jr.. His career got off to a tremendous start when he tore his ACL in the first hour of his first practice with his new team.
Pittsburgh took Linebacker Bud Dupree late in the first with the belief that his ceiling was much higher than other defensive players left on the board. After just one tackle in his second game, his ceiling has clearly not been so much as grazed yet. There was not much to take away from Dupree's performances so far other than last year's disappointment and fellow first-rounder Ryan Shazier (8 tackles) looks like he woke up from a year-long nap and finally realizes what he is doing and that he is quite good at it.
Quick Notes
1. Jaguars QB Blake Bortles showed promise and intelligence by spreading the wealth of targets around, completing 11 of 15 for 118 yards with no receiver finishing with higher than three catches. Bortles never seemed to get tempted into throwing to just one receiver last season which is something that only the best of the best seem to realize really works to confuse defenses (Rodgers, Brady, Peyton Manning). Bortles has a long way to go and probably needs a better #1 target than the now-injured Julius Thomas (just a hand, out for preseason) before he can even get close to his first 20-25 touchdown season.
2. I'm not one to typically tell people they can't do something (follow your dreams!) but, this NFL thing is not for Steelers backup QB Landry Jones (24/46-200-1-0). He has looked absolutely atrocious in back-to-back games with no improvement in sight during his third season.
3. The Jacksonville Running Back conundrum is just that, a conundrum. T.J. Yeldon sat out the game in worry that he may aggravate a hand injury which he will return from this upcoming weekend. Here are the results of the other guys...
Denard Robinson (3rd year): 4 carries, 22 yards, 5.5 YPC, 0 TD
Storm Johnson (2nd year): 7 carries, 16 yards, 2.3 YPC, 0 TD
Bernard Pierce (4th year): 8 touches, 37 yards, 3.0 YPC, 0 TD
Toby Gerhart (6th year): 6 touches, 43 yards, 3.3 YPC, 0 TD
and Corey Grant who is pretty much guaranteed NOT to get the starting or backup role: 3 touches, 21 yards, 3.0 YPC, 0 TD
Biggest Overreaction: The finger injury to Julius Thomas totally kills any chance he had of making my fantasy team this year. It's bad enough that he signed with Jacksonville!
Bengals defeat Giants 23-10
Giants run defense gets bulldozed in 13-point loss to Bengals.
Rookie of the Game: Former USC Cornerback and balcony jumper Josh Shaw (6 tackles, 1 PD). Shaw was always believed to be worthy of a third-round draft pick or better and when Cincy picked him in the fourth round, it was seen as a steal. Of course, there is still the off-the-field concern of Josh Shaw being a liar but, I don't really see that one incident showing any signs of him being a problem for coaches.
What about those first-rounders?: OT Cedric Ogbuehi of Texas A&M was taken 21st overall by Cincinnati and is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season.
The Giants selected OT Ereck Flowers of Miami (FL) in the first and plan on making him their starting Left Tackle from the get-go in a move that could easily backfire. So far, so good though as Flowers didn't look too shabby for a guy in his first game, blocking Michael Johnson. The only time he looked rookie-like was when he got called for a holding penalty and cost the team some yardage.
Quick Notes
1. Azusa Pacific un-drafted RB Terrell Watson (7-52-0) and RB James Wilder Jr. (15 touches, 50 yards, 1 TD) both had very nice games behind the Bengals' improved O-line and one of them will probably end up booting Rex Burkhead (4-23-0) and Cedric Peerman (4 touches, 29 yards, 0 TD) off of Marvin Lewis's roster.
2. TE Tyler Eifert is back! two catches for thirty yards and reports signaling that him and Andy Dalton are on the same page may signal a breakout season for the third-year Tight End now that Jermaine Gresham is in Arizona.
3. One player that I've always thought was a starting-caliber Linebacker that has never gotten the chance is Nico Johnson. Johnson was previously a backup in Kansas City behind Derrick Johnson and others and performed nicely when given the rare opportunity. Saturday night in Cincinnati, the new Bengal recorded ten tackles and a pass defended in a strong showing that should guarantee him a roster spot at the end of the month.
Biggest Overreaction: Greg Little caught 3 passes for 65 yards? He's back! Finally, Greg Little will reach his potential! None of the five years worth of tape we have on him sucking matters anymore!
Raiders defeat Rams 18-6
I think that by defeating the Rams, the Raiders now have the right to move to Los Angeles.
Rookie of the Game: Stud college Linebacker for Kansas, Ben Heeney, was taken 140th overall in the fifth round by the Raiders as the expected backup Middle Linebacker. Well, now that he has that role, he's earning it. Eight tackles and one sack have opened up the eyes of all Raider coaches and made them believers in Heeney's skill-set as a tackler who can also rush the passer when necessary.
What about those first-rounders?: WR Amari Cooper had the opportunity to play two drives with the Raiders' starters and looked nice grabbing three passes for 22 yards. His second drive came to an abrupt end as QB Derek Carr threw an ill-advised pass to Cooper that was intercepted by Trumaine Johnson. It's a nice start for Cooper and I can't wait to see him build off of this.
St. Louis's RB Todd Gurley is still recovering from his Torn ACL and will sit out the entire preseason with the expectation that he will be ready to run in week one.
Quick Notes
1. Nick Foles threw a screen pass to Tavon Austin which provided St. Louis with their greatest Tavon Austin highlight of his now three-year long career. Austin made some incredible moves, bursting through the defense with his almost unstoppable speed for a 35-yard gain. Foles' debut went about as well as his Eagles' history would have us expecting him to play. Meanwhile, Austin did not get any more reps after the first-team left which means he is locked into a starting role when nothing we have seen from him at any point has suggested that he is a starting NFL Wide Receiver.
2. Latavius Murray is Oakland's starting Running Back without a doubt now. His Saturday night (6 carries, 35 yards, 0 TD) showed up every other RB listed on Oakland's roster and made it clear that if this team wants to start winning now, they cannot bench Murray even if he begins to have a fumbling issue.
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| Come on, Man. |
Broncos defeat Seahawks 22-20
In a rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII, Denver's offense gets the best of Seattle's mostly-reserve defense.
Rookie of the Game: Seattle's second rounder and first pick of the 2015 Draft, DE Frank Clark was OUTSTANDING in his debut. Nine tackles, a forced fumble, incredible footwork and the attention paid to whomever controls the ball are the reasons why he won this fake award hands-down for this game. If he can keep his head on straight off the field, Clark could (very strong could) be a beast.
What about those first-rounders?: Seattle dealt their first-round pick along with Center Max Unger for TE Jimmy Graham (who caught Russell Wilson's only pass for twelve yards) and a 4th round draft pick.
Broncos DE/OLB Shane Ray made one mistake (an offsides forcing a fumble) and one tremendous play (forcing a fumble). The former Missouri Tiger passed the eye test and despite looking like a rookie at times, also looked like a rookie ready to make an impact immediately.
Quick Notes
1. Seattle's offensive line needed the Tom Cable hiring more than they would like to recognize. The team's offensive line currently starts Russell Okung and a bunch of guys I can't even name off the top of my head. Denver's defense recorded seven sacks of the three different Seahawks QB's that played in Saturday night's contest. The run blocking needs some help also.
2. The deepest depths of the Broncos receiving corps is still really good as every pass-catcher fights for the chance to play with Peyton Manning. Previously a practice squad WR, Bennie Fowler grabbed three passes for 67 yards in his first real breakout game of his preseason career. Expected to be the new #3 receiver, Cody Latimer looked quite promising on his four receptions from Brock "Lobster" Osweiler for 49 yards. Backup Tight End Virgil Green even showed previously unexplored receiving ability on his five catches for 45 yards. There's strong Julius Thomas vibes coming off of Green and it won't be a secret much longer.
3. Tyler Lockett of Kansas State is a very real fantasy sleeper and I fully expect him to be one of the three best rookie receivers this year considering the injuries and bad quarterbacking that are bound to happen to the rest of this year's class. Every single return he caught, he made enough moves to threaten making it to midfield at least. Lockett even returned a kick for a 103 yard touchdown as he continues to look like the same exact player he was in college, the dude who scores basically every time he has the football or at least once per game.
Biggest Overreaction: Brock Osweiler looked nice. Maybe it is time to start pushing Peyton Manning out the back door?
Texans defeat 49ers 23-10
Jim Tomsula's first game as a Head Coach featured a rugby player making a statement run despite the loss.
Rookie of the Game: 27 year-old former Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne is now trying to break into the NFL as a full-time Running Back and is off to a nice start. It may have only been five carries (for 63 yards) and 3 returns (including one kick return of 33 yards) put Hayne looked like the most elusive Fullback I've ever seen with his size and speed. He is a very odd player to watch as it seems like there is no way this guy should make the team but, the results speak for themselves I suppose.
What about those first-rounders?: Defensive Lineman Arik Armstead of Oregon finished two tackles and had a nice impact in his 49er debut especially for a rookie Defensive Tackle.
Texan Cornerback Kevin Johnson also recorded two tackles and showed decent coverage ability. Nothing flashy stood out in Johnson's game and hopefully, we'll have a better idea on where he is at in his quest to becoming a starting defensive back alongside Jonathan Joseph.
Quick Notes
1. Here are the results from the first round of the battle for Houston's starting Quarterback duties...
Best: Brian Hoyer 2/4-67-1-0
Good but not as effective: Ryan Mallett 10/11-90-0-0
No chance of winning but okay: Tom Savage 9/14-97-1-0
2. 49ers WR Jerome Simpson is now suspended for six game for violating the league's substance abuse policy instead of the original ten games that he was facing.
3. Houston's backup defense looked very nice with good games out of second round Linebacker Bernardrick McKinney (8 tackles) and unknown LB Kourtnei Brown (2 tackles, 2 sacks). The Texans' defense really seemed to pressure the right guys (Kaepernick, Torrey Smith) at the right times.
Biggest Overreaction: I can't wait for San Francisco's football team to implode coming off of this worst off-season ever. They'll probably trade Kaepernick and blame it all on him.
Vikings defeat Buccaneers 26-16
Jameis Winston hits all the highs and lows of his game while Teddy Touchdown does nothing but succeed in a Viking win.
Rookie of the Game: Vikings 2nd round LB Mychal Kendricks (UCLA) won over a large portion of Vikings fans with his performance Saturday night. Kendricks made six tackles, two for a loss and one for a sack. It seemed like he fell for no good reason on draft night and when the first night was completed, I was shocked to still see him on the draft board. Teams like Green Bay, San Francisco and the Chargers may regret their decisions to pass on a proven talent like Kendricks.
What about those first-rounders?: Vikings CB Trae Waynes struggled in coverage and had one of the shakier performance in an otherwise solid weekend of performances from first rounders. Three tackles are all Waynes has to his name from this game against Tampa Bay and the Vikings would like to see more before throwing him out their every snap of a real game.
Tampa Bay took QB Jameis Winston with the first overall selection and he played like a rookie Quarterback. I don't think you can tell a whole lot from how a Quarterback plays in the preseason if they look inconsistent and that is exactly what Winston did. Jameis has made a name for himself at Florida State as a really slow starter and then once he gets rolling, he gets really tough to play against. Winston's field vision seemed very off for much of his performance and he finished with nine out of nineteen passes completed for 131 yards with an interception and a fairly easy touchdown run. I cannot tell what type of Quarterback Winston will become but, I have a sneaking feeling that his rookie season will have many difficult bumps in the road.
Quick Notes
1. Teddy Bridgewater is ready for the spotlight now. His night (7/8-86-0-0) combined with his Hall of Fame game performance is enough to get Vikings fans saving up to purchase playoff tickets. This kid is good and the only question I have is what is his ceiling? Carson Palmer in his prime? I would love to see Minnesota and Green Bay duking it out for first place in the NFC North for the next 5-7 years if at all possible. Bridgewater really knows how to give every receiver an opportunity with the ball and his pocket presence has vastly improved.
2. After grabbing an interception and a fumble recovery against Pittsburgh, another interception interception off of Jameis Winston has made Antone Exum Jr. a Vikings cult hero temporarily as his chances of making the 53-man roster went way up this week.
3. 2014 was Buccaneer Punter Michael Koenen's worst season yet and while fans aren't exactly clamoring for a replacement just yet, the team is certainly going to be paying close attention to un-drafted rookie Punter Karl Schmitz. Koenen and Schmitz both punted four times with neither punt falling inside the 20 yard line. Tampa might have one of the worst special teams units in the league along with coming off of a league-worst season.
Biggest Overreaction: Cordarrelle Patterson caught a touchdown, HE'S BACK!
Chiefs defeat Cardinals 34-19
Chase Daniel tosses NFL-leading three touchdowns in beating of Cardinals.
Rookie of the Game: Georgia Bulldog and 118th overall pick Ramik Wilson was clearly an NFL player if you saw him in college. His senior year caused his stock to take a bit of a tumble but, Wilson is back and making his name known among Chief and Cardinal fans. Wilson finished off Saturday night with six tackles, two pass deflections and one interception off Logan Thomas.
What about those first-rounders?: Chiefs Cornerback Marcus Peters was the missing man in this game as he played yet was never able to make any impact at any point despite how well he has reportedly played in training camp.
Arizona's handling of their draft picks on their offensive line has been brutal these past few seasons as 2013 first rounder Jonathan Cooper was selected seventh overall and only has two starts to his name while never seeming to get a fair shot. This year, the Cardinals took OT D.J. Humphries of Florida with the 24th overall pick and now say that Bradley Sowell will begin the season at Right Tackle. While that could easily change over the next three games, I would not put it past this staff to make an error handling the offensive line again.
Quick Notes
1. The Chiefs' rushing attack is ready for the season to start. 143 total yards on 32 carries (4.5 YPC) without Jamaal Charles or Eric Fisher? That is highly impressive.
2. This game featured both the first ever female NFL referee (Sarah Thomas) and the first ever female NFL coach of any type (Jen Welter, Cardinals intern).
3. It was also the first game back from cancer for Chiefs annual Pro Bowl-threat Eric Berry. He did not record anything for the box score but, he is sure to return to greatness very soon.
Biggest Overreaction: Andre Ellington scored a touchdown! Bruce Arians will actually use him in goal-line situations! Wait, they signed Chris Johnson? Meh, he's washed up! Why would they give him any carries?
and finally...
Eagles defeat Colts 36-10
Tebow ran in a touchdown as some other dudes did some stuff too but none of that is relevant because Tebow.
Rookie of the Game: Former Klein, Oklahoma High School students Eric Tomlinson and Eric Rowe were both very impressive in their debuts for Philadelphia. I'm giving the edge to the Tight End Tomlinson based on how pumped the crowd got once Tebow started succeeding at using Tomlinson as a safety blanket and easy short-yardage target. CB Eric Rowe recorded five tackles (one for loss) and a forced fumble.
What about those first-rounders?: Former Miami Hurricane WR Phillip Dorsett was the only stunning pick in the first round of this April's draft as Indianapolis already had one of the finest passing attacks in the league. Dorsett is not likely to see a ton of playing time with T.Y. Hilton, Andre Johnson and Donte' Moncrief ahead of him on the depth chart and a still-useful Frank Gore in the backfield. In this game, Dorsett (4-51-0) looked like he could play right now and if he does play with all of the other targets at full strength, Luck will throw fifty touchdown passes.
On Philly's end, Nelson Agholor turned into a health risk (something Chip Kelly really doesn't seem to be afraid of) in his final days as A USC Trojan but, the team felt comfortable enough to select him as the Jeremy Maclin replacement they thought they needed. One game down (3-57-1) and he looks like he'll fit in extremely well. His speed was what surprised me the most as I was under the impression that the injuries wouldn't hurt his hands but, would slow him down somewhat.
Quick Notes
1. It really does not matter who Philadelphia trots out there, Chip Kelly runs the most exciting offense in the NFL (alongside Green Bay) and I hope to god Chip Kelly never leaves the NFL because the Eagles, Packers and Seattle are the only three teams that I thoroughly enjoy watching the way I enjoy college football. This has only been true for a few years since, you guessed it, Chip Kelly first came to Oregon and turned the tide on how college football is played today (okay, maybe that's too much credit).
2. Colts RB Zurlon Tipton (20 touches, 56 yards) is still not someone the Colts should be giving playing time to and frankly, with Vick Ballard returning from injury, Tipton shouldn't even be on the roster soon. Josh Robinson of Mississippi State looked nice though (11 touches, 55 yards, 1 TD).
3. Safety Ed Reynolds grabbed two interceptions while RB Kenjon Barner both ran in a touchdown and returned a punt for six. Their chances of making the practice squad at minimum are 100% at this very moment.
Biggest Overreaction: They took out Luck halfway through the first drive?! He must be injured! PANIC! PAAAANIIIC!!!
All overreactions are somewhat sarcastic and final.
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