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| Reinhold Matay - USA TODAY Sports Jarvis Landry cuts through the Falcons' mediocre defense. |
Dolphins defeat Falcons 17-6
A difference in offensive play-calling quality is made abundantly clear in Miami's effortless win over Atlanta.
Which starter looked the best? Dolphins' rookie left guard Laremy Tunsil is somehow already the best player on Miami's offense (Yes, including Jarvis Landry). The rookie tackle-turned-guard and gas mask-enthusiast fell twelve picks from when he should have gone (first overall) and has yet to not only allow any sacks but, the Ole Miss Rebel has yet to allow any pressure on Ryan Tannehill or any other quarterback once all preseason. With Tannehill being the most sacked quarterback in 2015, it's obvious that this team's biggest need was on the offensive line and the team did a phenomenal job on not passing up this once-a-decade talent.
Which starter looked the worst? Matt Ryan is still a good NFL quarterback and nobody can tell me any differently because, I saw those first five seasons of his career and they were fantastic. Recently though, the team has undergone some personnel changes (the hiring of Mike Smith & Kyle Shanahan), some unfortunate injuries (Julio Jones in 2013 & the entire offensive line in 2014) and just plain shitty offensive line play that have all caused Ryan's past three years to turn him into a mediocre NFL quarterback. This game was no different for him (12/22-129-0-1) as he threw an interception in the end zone and the plays drawn up by notorious QB-killer Kyle Shanahan featuring five-wide sets inside the 20-yard line on first and second downs were extremely questionable as always. Ryan and the Falcons are in for a rough season.
Backup of the Game: Backup Dolphin linebacker Mike Hull continues to build up his resume as one of the greatest preseason defensive players ever. The second-year Penn State Nittany Lion recorded nine tackles and would never give up an extra yard to any Falcon rusher. I am a fan of his and believe he would do well if given the opportunity to start.
Miami's cuts to a 75-man roster: LB Akil Blount, OL Ruben Carter, LS Ryan DiSalvo, TE Gabe Hughes, PK Marshall Koehn, CBs Al Louis-Jean and Brandon Harris, G Vinston Painter and WRs A.J. Cruz, Matt Hazel and Brandon Shippen
Atlanta's cuts to a 75-man roster: QB Sean Renfree, RB Gus Johnson, WR Jordan Leslie, TE Arthur Lynch, OL Michael Huey, DL Brandon Williams, LB Ivan McLennan, CB Ryan White, S Sergio Brown
Biggest Overreaction: The Dolphins are ready to steal this division with Tom Brady suspended and the short passing game looking so smooth.
Seahawks defeat Cowboys 27-17
Tony Romo breaks bone in back as 'boys are bogus and beaten by a bunch.
Which starter looked the best? If he stays healthy for all 16 games, there is very little doubt in my mind that this is the Russell Wilson (16/21-192-2-0) MVP season. Pete Carroll let him sling it around last year after Marshawn Lynch and Jimmy Graham went down with injuries and now, after a year in the system, I think that Graham will be much more important as a receiver as Wilson becomes an even more important passer than ever before.
Which starter looked the worst? Dallas better play Dez Bryant in bubble wrap because Terrence Williams sure as hell cannot handle being the #1 wide receiver. Everyone has been waiting for Williams' breakout season where he turns into a Golden Tate-type reliable receiver with speed after the catch but, we are in year #4 of the former Baylor product's career and he shows no signs of being anything special after not being able to get open for more than one 11-yard catch against Seattle's secondary.
Backup of the Game: After four years of being on practice squads and sitting on the bench, Cowboys DE Lawrence Okoye finally looks like a real NFL player instead of just being "that guy who is a discus thrower in the offseason". Okoye recorded five tackles in limited playing time and one sack.
Seattle's cuts to a 75-man roster: RBs George Farmer and Zac Brooks, WR Kevin Smith, C Patrick Lewis, G Kristjan Sokoli, DE Josh Shirley, LBs Quayshawn Nealy and Pete Robertson, DB Trovon Reed
Dallas's cuts to a 75-man roster: WR Richard Mullaney and Rodney Smith, C Dan Buchholz, G Mike McQueen, LB Henoc Muamba, DB Arjen Colquhoun
Biggest Overreaction: Dak Prescott is the second-coming of Russell Wilson and will lead Dallas to the postseason in his rookie year.
Patriots defeat Panthers 19-17
Garoppolo gets the start as Patriots' defense wins a close one over Carolina.
Which starter looked the best? After playing through the Super Bowl with a broken arm, it's amazing that Thomas Davis is still not considered one of the five best linebackers or better yet, defensive players in all of football. In this one, Davis looked his usual self while many others seemed to be sleepwalking as Davis grabbed four tackles and a sack against New England's #1's.
Which starter looked the worst? Cam Newton didn't seem all that interested in scrambling during a preseason game but, his stats (13/29-100-0-2 and a 9-yard carry) should still look better considering he was the MVP last season. Maybe he just lucked out by having to face Denver instead of New England in Super Bowl 50.
Backup of the Game: Panther wideout Marcus Lucas made Joe Webb play tolerably by catching two touchdowns (of 18 and 14 yards) from the quarterback-turned-wide receiver-turned-quarterback. Even though those were Lucas's only two catches, two touchdowns will get a player a long way on a team with little-to-no depth at wide receiver.
New England's cuts to a 75-man roster: RB Donald Brown, WR Nate Washington, TEs Steven Scheu and Bear Pascoe, C Bryan Stork, OTs Keavon Milton and Kyler Kerbyson, DT Terrance Knighton, LB Ramon Humber, CBs V'Angelo Bentley and E.J. Biggers, Safeties Cedric Thompson and Brock Vereen
Carolina's cuts to a 75-man roster: WR LaRon Byrd, DE Rakim Cox, S Trenton Robinson, P Mike Scifres
Biggest Overreaction: Chris Hogan is the new Wes Welker-Julian Edelman -insert white slot receiver here-
Washington defeats Bills 21-16
Huge second quarter is all Washington needs to take down Bill backups.
Which starter looked the best? Kirk Cousins (12/23-188-3-1) was not spectacular but, this was a game in which the Bills' starters were yanked by Rex Ryan quickly. Ultimately, he did throw three touchdowns and along with DeSean Jackson and a few of Cousins' other targets, won the game for the defending NFC East champions.
Which starter looked the worst? Washington tackle Morgan Moses left the game with a left ankle injury. This wouldn't typically be a "worst" but, so many starters left early and the entire Washington o-line seemed to crumble post-Moses injury.
Backup of the Game: Daniel "Boom" Herron has surprisingly reliable hands for a short stubby guy that plow ahead two to three yards at a time. This was the first game action that I have ever seen of Herron's and he was the one player keeping Buffalo alive late in the game with his receptions. The former Bengal and Colt finished with five carries for 17 yards and five catches for 49 yards for a total of 66 yards on ten touches.
Washington's cuts to a 75-man roster: RB Kelsey Young, WRs Valdez Showers, Dez Stewart & Jarvis Turner, OTs Al Bond and Cody Booth, LBs Shiro Davis, Ejiro Ederaine & Willie Jefferson, CB Jeremy Harris
Buffalo's cuts to a 75-man roster: K/P Jordan Gay, WR Greg Little, QB Austin Trainor, TE Jimmy Mundine, OL Robert Kugler, LS Reid Ferguson, DE Alameda Ta'Amu, DT Justin Zimmer, LBs Eric Striker and David Hawthorne
Biggest Overreaction: Robert Kelley is the exact same running back, or at least he'll give the same results, as Matt Jones.
Buccaneers defeat Browns 30-13
Mike Evans and Josh Gordon torch each other's secondaries as Cleveland shows no signs of defense in loss.
Which starter looked the best? Mike Evans is 6'5'' but, against Cleveland's lackluster Pop Warner defensive backs, the dude looked 7'0'' tall. He ended his Friday night with five catches on five targets for 115 yards and a touchdown. Evans won't be losing out on targets to Vincent Jackson anymore now that he and Winston have built a cozy relationship in Tampa that Buc fans will love for years to come.
Which starter looked the worst? Former Dolphins' cornerbacks Jamar Taylor (Browns) and Brent Grimes (Bucs) both gave up brutal completions to Josh Gordon and Evans. There's a reason Miami didn't want these guys anymore and it wasn't because they were overflowing with talent in that area.
Backup of the Game: Fun fact time! The Buccaneers have not had a ten sack season since Simeon Rice was in the NFL. That fact is insane. Now, Jacquies Smith does nothing but get sacks and that's great for Tampa Bay as they might finally reach double-digit sacks again. He abused Cleveland's offensive line and recorded two sacks of Robert Griffin III (one of the least aware QBs in the league when it comes to pressure) along with four tackles in total.
Tampa Bay's cuts to a 75-man roster: WRs Andre Davis and Donteea Dye, S Major Wright, P Jacob Schum, OL Joel Hale, LB Tevin Westbrook, DTs Travis Britz, Ishmaa'ily Kitchen & Martin Ifedi, RB Storm Johnson, CB Daniel Davie, T Taylor Fallin
Cleveland's cuts to a 75-man roster: QB Austin Davis, FB Robert Hughes, WRs Josh Boyce and Ed Eagan, TEs E.J. Bibbs and David Reeves, OL Corey Tucker, DL Nick Hayden, OLB Paul Kruger, DBs K'Waun Williams and Sean Baker, K Travis Coons
Biggest Overreaction: Josh Gordon is ready to return to the Pro Bowl.
Steelers defeat Saints 27-14
New Orleans' defense lives up to it's pathetic hype in loss to Pittsburgh.
Which starter looked the best? Considering Antonio Brown is the best player on either team, it should be no surprise that he looked the best. The Steelers' receiver caught all four of his targets for 87 yards and a touchdown. Will he be the #1 pick in your fantasy football draft this upcoming weekend? The hype surrounding him is large after a career year and with the production he's had the past few years, it's likely he will lead off many fantasy drafts.
Which starter looked the worst? The alleged rumors of new Saints tight end Coby Fleener being a drops machine appear to be true as he is still not on the same page as Drew Brees or Luke McCown. Fleener (1 catch on 4 targets for 4 yards) was a disappointment in Indianapolis and I see no difference for him in New Orleans other than they'll give him his most consistent playing time ever at the start of the season.
Backup of the Game: Amazingly, Landry Jones (who inspired zero confidence with four interceptions last week) looked like an NFL quarterback and then some versus the putrid Saints defense. The #1 guy behind Big Ben completed 19 of 22 for 206 yards and a touchdown to Sammie Coates.
Pittsburgh's cuts to a 75-man roster: S Jacob Hagen, DT Devaunte Sigler and Khaynin Mosley-Smith, CBs Julian Whigham and Kevin White, QB Dustin Vaughan, LBs Jordan Zumwalt and Mike Reilly, WRs Isaac Blakeney and Levi Norwood, TE Michael Cooper, DE Giorgio Newberry
New Orleans' cuts to a 75-man roster: FB Sione Houma, WRs Jared Dangerfield, Reggie Bell and R.J. Harris, TE RaShaun Allen, OL Cyril Lemon and Kaleb Eulls, DE Matt Shaughnessy, DT C.J. Wilson, LBs Dillon Lee and Tony Steward, CBs Jimmy Pruitt and Brandon Dixon, S Jamal Golden, LS Chris Highland
Biggest Overreaction: With so much youth on defense, the Saints are the worst team in the NFC South.
Packers defeat 49ers 21-10
Good Joe Callahan reappears in another easy win for Green Bay.
Which starter looked the best? One of the more surprising developments of any team's camp and preseason is the rise of 49ers cornerback Chris Davis. The same man behind Auburn's "Kick Six" was picked up in 2014 by the San Diego Chargers strictly as a return man and flamed out quickly as that was not his main forte' after all. Now in San Francisco, Davis has gone from having no NFL future to suddenly being the most impressive cornerback of the preseason. In game three, the former Tiger recorded six tackles (five solo) and two for loss.
Which starter looked the worst? After a tumultuous 2015 season and a bounce-back offseason, Davante Adams is back in the doghouse again. Adams dropped a bomb of a pass from Joe Callahan (something every receiver should take advantage of when it happens because Callahan's arm strength is low) in the end zone and only caught one pass on four targets for eight yards. Adams' spot on the final 53-man roster is in jeopardy again as Jared Abbrederis appears to be less mistake-prone than both him and Ty Montgomery.
Backup of the Game: Another corner on the 49ers who covered the entire field at some point Friday night was third-rounder Will Redmond of Mississippi State. The former Bulldog was battling multiple players including Davis and Kenneth Acker (since traded to the Chiefs for a 7th round draft pick) and made the choice harder by collecting five tackles, two for loss and one sack. His coverage skills need some work but, he is an excellent tackler for a player at his position.
Green Bay's cuts to a 75-man roster: RB John Crockett, WRs Ed Williams, Jamel Johnson and Harvey Binford, TEs Kennard Backman and Mitchell Henry, C Jacob Flores, G Josh Walker, DT Demetris Anderson, LB Derrick Mathews, CB Randall Jette, Ps Peter Mortell and Tim Masthay
San Francisco's cuts to a 75-man roster: DB Jered Bell, OLB Jason Fanaika, OT Erik Pears, TE Busta Anderson, RB Kendall Gaskins, WRs Jerome Simpson and DiAndre Campbell, K John Lunsford, DL Darren Lake, LB Wynton McManis, OL Blake Muir and Ian Silberman, CB Cleveland Wallace
Biggest Overreaction: The 49ers have the defense of a playoff team and the offense of an 0-16 team.
Chiefs defeat Bears 23-7
Bears continue stretch of uninspiring play with dull loss to Kansas City.
Which starter looked the best? 11 years into his career, the verdict is in: Derrick Johnson, he's good. The career-Chief had three solo tackles (4 total), two for loss and one sack and held Chicago scoreless while he was in the game as Kansas City's middle linebacker.
Which starter looked the worst? Bears QB Jay Cutler (6/15-45-0-0) used to at least be a tolerably mediocre NFL quarterback but, now he's just plain bad. I get that the Bears went through fifty years of fecal matter lining up under center but, we're in year number eight of the Cutler experiment and he seems to be regressing. It's time to move on and the team will realize that sometime around week ten probably.
Backup of the Game: Before suffering a broken leg on a potentially illegal hit by Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Bears QB Connor Shaw looked like the most talented quarterback on the roster (5/6-68-1-0, two carries for 15 yards). There was real discussion about the former Browns' QB stealing the backup job from other former Brown Brian Hoyer but alas, that will not be happening this year. Shaw's showed plenty of potential but, after a major thumb injury in 2015 and a sprained knee in college, another injury is the last thing the former South Carolina Gamecock needed on his resume'.
Kansas City's cuts to a 75-man roster: WRs Seantavius Jones and Kashif Moore, DBs Bryce Cheek and Malcolm Jackson, DL Niko Davis, LB Jonathan Massaquoi, OL Drew Nowak and Curtis Feigt
Chicago's cuts to a 75-man roster: RB Senorise Perry, FB Darrel Young, WRs Kieran Duncan, Derek Keaton and Darrin Peterson, TE Gannon Sinclair, OT John Kling, OL Martin Wallace, DL Keith Browner, LBs Lamin Barrow and Jarrett Grace, CBs Kevin Peterson and Joel Ross
Biggest Overreaction: The Bears receivers are going to cancel each other out for fantasy value this season which will be especially brutal when Jay Cutler throws like a sentient potato.
Ravens defeat Lions 30-9
Joe Flacco's return from ACL surgery goes extremely well as Baltimore dominates Lions.
Which starter looked the best? Haloti Ngata was not the same dominant defensive tackle in his first season as a Lion as he was in his previous nine seasons as a Raven. Maybe it was just the motivation of facing his former team that put him on high alert in this game but, Ngata looked like the 5X Pro-Bowler that he was in Baltimore Saturday night when he collected three tackles and a sack.
Which starter looked the worst? Lions' 2012 first round offensive tackle Riley Reiff has had an up-and-down career to this point and just when things seemed to be steadily on the up, he went and gave up a strip-sack and recorded two penalties. Luckily for him, he did recover the fumble but, he's never going to be an elite tackle and this game was further proof of that.
Backup of the Game: The player that forced the fumble on the sack that Reiff gave up? preseason standout Matt Judon. The fifth round pass-rusher has been phenomenal every game of the preseason and with a team-high five tackles (3 solo), a sack and a pass defended, he has earned serious starter consideration and a serious improvement in playing time.
Baltimore's cuts to a 75-man roster: QB Jerrod Johnson, WRs Dobson Collins, Darius White and Chuck Jacobs, C Anthony Fabiano, G Jarell Broxton, DT Trevon Coley, LBs Mario Ojemudia and Kavell Conner, K Wil Lutz
Detroit's cuts to a 75-man roster: RB Stevan Ridley, WR Quinshad Davis, TE Matthew Mulligan, Gs Chase Ferris and Geoff Schwartz, DEs Deonte Gibson, Quanterus Smith & Louis Palmer, LB Dominique Tovell, CBs Rashaad Reynolds, Crezdon Butler & Brandon McGee, K Devon Bell
Biggest Overreaction: 31-year old RB Justin Forsett is already washed up.
Eagles defeat Colts 33-23
Philadelphia has their annual preseason game where everything looks perfect in ten-point win over dinged-up Colts.
Which starter looked the best? Remember the game where Sam Bradford torched the Packers defense last preseason? Well, this game was sort of a repeat of that game. Bradford looked like a #1 overall pick in his accuracy and got Eagles' fans hopes up for a moment until he threw a pick and reality set in that this type of inconsistency is to be expected from Sam Bradford seven years into his career. Bradford finished 17 of 20 for 167 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Which starter looked the worst? Free agent signee CB Leodis McKelvin (two tackles) has been consistently getting beat in coverage this preseason and unfortunately for Philly, looks like he will be joining Nnamdi Asomougha and Byron Maxwell in the "failed cornerback signings" column.
Backup of the Game: With the lack of a definitive #2 RB, it would behoove of the Eagles to keep a guy like Byron Marshall (7 touches, 52 yards) rostered in case Wendell Smallwood and/or Kenjon Barner don't live up to their current hype while Darren Sproles handles the occasional carry with his four catches a game. The undrafted Oregon Duck's chances of making the 53-man roster are not great right now but again, this team has the least clear #2 RB situation so who really knows what might happen here?
Philadelphia's cuts to a 75-man roster: WRs Reuben Randle and Chris Givens, OL Andrew Gardner, DT Mike Martin, CBs Randall Evans and Denzel Rice, S Nick Perry, LS John DePalma
Indianapolis's cuts to a 75-man roster: RB Chase Price, WRs Justin Berger and Josh Stangby, TE Mike Miller, G Eric Herman, DE Delvon Simmons, DT Ricky Lumpin, LB Junior Sylvestre, CB Winston Rose, S Alden Darby
Biggest Overreaction: Philadelphia is a real NFC East contender as long as Matt Jones and Tony Romo are injured.
Giants defeat Jets 21-20
In the Snoopy Bowl, Tavarres King shines with two TDs including game-winner.
Which starter looked the best? Former Jet-turned-Giant DT Damon Harrison had the exhibition game of his life, thus giving hope to Giants fans that he won't be just another guy that quits playing well after getting an enormous payday. The one known as "Snacks" Harrison recorded seven tackles (four solo) and one sack against Nick Mangold and the Jets' starting o-line. Yowza.
Which starter looked the worst? The Giants' starting left guard is typically Justin Pugh (a good guard) but, he had to sit this one out with a minor injury which led to the team forcing Bobby Hart into a starting role. Let's just say that the Florida State seventh-rounder should gameplan better for men of Leonard Williams' stature.
Backup of the Game: Considering he caught two game-changing touchdowns and had a 1:1 big play:touches ratio, Giants' WR Tavarres King (20-yard run and 2 catches for 38 yards & 2 TDs) is the obvious winner here. No, this wasn't his Victor Cruz breakout game that will catapult his career into stardom and no, this wasn't his Corey Washington game that will 100% guarantee his place on the 53-man roster but, this game does guarantee King another shot in the future on somebody else's team and serious consideration for the Giants' practice squad right now.
Giant cuts to a 75-man roster: WRs Kadron Boone, K.J. Maye & Myles White, LS Tyler Ott, RB Marshaun Coprich, DTs Greg Milhouse and Davon Coleman, Safeties Bennett Jackson and Cooper Taylor, OL Shane McDermott, DB Joe Powell, DE Mike Rose
Jet cuts to a 75-man roster: RBs Lache Seastrunk, Terry Williams & Romar Morris, S Dion Bailey, DL Jake Ceresna, OL Deion Barnes, DT Shelby Harris, DE Helva Matungulu, WR Kyle Williams, TE Jason Vander Laan, K Ross Martin
Biggest Overreaction: The Jets offensive line is going to be the reason Ryan Fitzpatrick won't repeat last season's success.
Titans defeat Raiders 27-14
Tennessee continues to run over the league, this time through Khalil Mack and company en route to victory.
Which starter looked the best? The entire Tennessee offensive line has had an incredible preseason of keeping Marcus Mariota upright and blocking for two reliable running backs in DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. The Titans might be a sleeper to break through to a .500 or better record this season thanks to one of the more reliable lines in the NFL. I couldn't think of one guy that specifically stood out to me and therefor, the entire offensive line wins.
Which starter looked the worst? Latavius Murray did not see much playing time for a starting running back in the third preseason game and did less than hoped in the playing time allotted to him. The one-year starter was one of the least efficient runners in all of 2015 and is entering a contract year. Expect DeAndre Washington to get more playing time next season and if Murray keeps averaging 0.0 yards per carry, maybe the replacement takes place sooner.
Backup of the Game: Last year's Heisman winner Derrick Henry (13 touches, 57 yards and a touchdown) has impressed me to the point where I took him third overall in my longtime TD-only keeper fantasy league. Henry is running like Chris Ivory in his prime already and should only get better and could be one of the best RB's in football at some point if he doesn't suffer any major injuries or setbacks before 2021.
Tennessee's cuts to a 75-man roster: S Lamarcus Brutus, T William Campbell, WRs Reece Horn and Donte Foster, LBs Amarlo Herrera and Deiontrez Mount, CBs Tyler Patmon and Blidi Wreh-Wilson, OL Nick Ritcher, DE Mike Smith, RB David Cobb, C Andy Gallik
Oakland's cuts to a 75-man roster: C Ross Burbank, LS Andrew East, S Chris Edwards, S Chris Hackett, S Jimmy Hall, WR Joe Hansley, DB Tramain Jacobs, LB Lenny Jones, WR Max McCaffrey, DT Leon Orr, WR Nathan Palmer, K Giorgio Tavecchio, TE Colton Underwood, OL Terran Vaughn
Biggest Overreaction: Man, we sure overrated that Oakland defense.
Broncos defeat Rams 17-9
Mark Sanchez sits out possibly his final game as a Bronco as Denver wins over LA.
Which starter looked the best? As long as he's coming off a Super Bowl MVP win and manages to half-ass his way to two tackles, one sack and two QB hits in a short amount of time on the field, Von Miller is the best looking football player on either team. He's earned that huge pay day.
Which starter looked the worst? The active wide receiver with the longest 1,000-yard season streak is Demaryius Thomas with four consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards. On Saturday night, he looked more like Limas Sweed than a pro-bowler. He didn't do too horribly stat-wise (4 catches on 8 targets for 63 yards) but, he did have three terrible drops on short passes that had me asking "Why isn't Emmanuel Sanders going to lead this team in receptions this year?". Honorable mention to Jared Goff (4/12-45-0-0), who is not a starter yet but, should be one eventually in Los Angeles this year.
Backup of the Game: The Broncos signed 28-year old Dekoda Watson back on May 16th strictly as a preseason body that would get a chance to showcase his talents while Gary Kubiak rested some starters. Now, Watson likely has some value in the eyes of NFL front offices after he benefited from his teammates being double-teamed and ended the game with 2.5 sacks and four tackles (3 solo).
Denver's cuts to a 75-man roster: S Brandon Ross, TE Manasseh Garner, S Antonio Glover, OL Mathu Gibson, DL Calvin Heurtelou, OT Cameron Jefferson, NT David Moala, WR Durron Neal, WR DeVier Posey, ILB Darnell Sankey, ILB Frank Shannon
Los Angeles's cuts to a 75-man roster: K Taylor Bertolet, TE Benson Browne, DB Michael Caputo, DT Zach Colvin, C Brian Folkerts, LB Darreon Herring, RB Zach Laskey, WR Marquez North, LS Jeff Overbaugh, WR David Richards , TE Jake Stoneburner, T Jordan Swindle, QB Dylan Thompson
Biggest Overreaction: The Rams have absolutely no receiving help whatsoever.
Vikings defeat Chargers 23-10
Minnesota gets one last win before losing all of their hope before the season even begins.
Which starter looked the best? After a few years of guys like Cordarrelle Patterson and Charles Johnson breaking out as #1 wide receivers only to fall to the wayside the very next season, many surmised that Stefon Diggs would be a repeat of those other failed experiments. Alas, Diggs caught all five of his Teddy Bridgewater-thrown targets for 71 yards and despite the drafting of Laquon Treadwell, he should lead the team in receptions this year.
Which starter looked the worst? San Diego receiver Travis Benjamin let a rookie cornerback (Mackensie Alexander) give him trouble all game and had one brutal drop. With two catches on five targets for 32 yards, it's worth wondering whether he's talented enough to handle consistent targets as a starting wide receiver.
Backup of the Game: Former CFL defensive back Dexter McCoil should be on the Chargers' opening day roster. His roster status was not clear leading up to Sunday but, with eleven tackles and a forced fumble, it should not be difficult for McCoil to earn some playing time in this mediocre defensive backfield.
Minnesota's cuts to a 75-man roster: DE Theiren Cockran, G Sean Hickey, TE Brian Leonhardt, DE Claudell Louis, WR Marken Michel, LB Terrance Plummer, G Austin Shepherd, WR Terrell Sinkfield, C John Sullivan, WR Troy Stoudermire, DT Scott Crichton, S Antone Exum
San Diego's cuts to a 75-man roster: WR Torrence Allen, CB Greg Ducre, CB Mike Lee, DT Bruce Gaston, OLB Zach Hodges, C Bruce Johnson, QB Zach Mettenberger, WR Javontee Herndon, DT Zamir Carlis, OT Tyler Johnstone, RB Dreamius Smith
Biggest Overreaction: Jerick McKinnon would be a #1 running back on any other team.
Texans defeat Cardinals 34-24
The future of the Texans looks bright in a shootout win over Arizona.
Which starter looked the best? It is way too soon to consider the signing a success but, Brock Osweiler looked pretty damn reliable on Sunday (11/13-146-1-0). It was the most accurate and calm I've ever seen Osweiler in his now fifth NFL season and as long as the o-line is healthy, this team has a good shot at winning the AFC South.
Which starter looked the worst? I was worried about the carryover from last season's depressing NFC Championship bringing down Carson Palmer for good. Now, the Cardinals should be petrified after his ugly showing against Minnesota (5/9-64-0-2) because they have zero quality backups at quarterback (No, Drew Stanton does not count as "quality").
Backup of the Game: Houston OLB Brennan Scarlett is not expected to make the 53-man roster but, he's a lock for somebody's practice squad now. Arizona is fairly deep along the offensive line and the former Stanford pass-rusher still burst through for six tackles (four solo) and two sacks.
Houston's cuts to a 75-man roster: DT Ra'Zahn Howard, WR Tevin Jones, ILB Ryan Langford, WR Josh Lenz, T Matt Pierson, OLB Carlos Thompson, T Arturo Uzdavinis, DE Jeoffrey Pagan, OLB Gerald Rivers, CB Duke Thomas
Arizona's cuts to a 75-man roster: G Jake Bernstein, WR Amir Carlisle, TE Gerald Christina, QB Jake Coker, T Clay Debord, LS Daniel Dillon, DT Iosia Iosia, CB Asa Jackson, WR Franky Okafor, CB Shaun Prater, P Garrett Swanson, S Tyrequek Zimmerman, CB Elie Bouka, CB Alan Ball
Biggest Overreaction: Brock Osweiler is already the greatest quarterback in Texans history.
Jaguars defeat Bengals 26-21
Jags stay conservative in primetime win over Cincy on Sunday night.
Which starter looked the best? DT Geno Atkins got to hit the quarterback twice, which is rare for a defensive tackle as they are mostly trusted to plug up the running game. On Sunday night, the Pro Bowl d-lineman only played for one half and managed to consistently get around the Jaguars' center.
Which starter looked the worst? This choice is hard because both of these teams are extremely solid and played well all-around in this game. Bengals safety Shawn Williams showed some weaknesses and was really the only player that had an "off" game.
Backup of the Game: Jacksonville RB Joe Banyard (11-54-1) was surprisingly the most consistent runner in this entire game, a game that featured Jeremy Hill, Giovani Bernard (in small doses), T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory. The former Viking backup is fourth in line in Jacksonville but, with his recent off-field troubles, Denard Robinson can be passed up.
Jacksonville's cuts to a 75-man roster: LB Joplo Bartu, WR Shaq Evans, K Sam Ficken, CB Mike Hilton, RB Cameron Marshall, P Ryan Quigley, WR Jamal Robinson, DE Bjoern Werner
Cincinnati's cuts to a 75-man roster: LB Jayson DiManche, K Zach Hocker, WR Michael Bennett, FB Jeff Luc, TE John Peters, S Floyd Raven, DE Jack Gangwish, WR Antwane Grant, LB Darien Harris, QB Joe Licata, CB Corey Tindal, WR Brandon Tate
Biggest Overreaction: Blake Bortles will never throw deep ever again.
Best of luck to all of your teams this Thursday night and may you all hold on to your quarterbacks tightly before their leg tragically explodes.
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