Training
Camp Update
Volume 9, Issue 2 – 8/12/14 We say it all the time because it's true: Things change fast in
the NFL. And they never change faster than they do in August.
And nobody covers those changes and team situations more
comprehensively than Footballguys.com. Our Training Camp
Updates come out once a week in August and our staff covers
everything you need to know about every NFL team. This is
the deep stuff that gives you an edge. We're not going to rave
that Peyton Manning and Jamaal Charles are great. You know
that.
Read our weekly updates to get the inside scoop on how the
Giants running backs are practicing and which player is the
best bet for your draft. Or the Eagles WR corps. Or which
Carolina receivers are shining in practice. It's the kind of
information that will put you over the edge and on the way to
dominating your draft.
Happy reading and let's have a great 2014 season,
Joe Bryant and David Dodds
Owners, Footballguys.com
Arizona Cardinals
QB: In the first preseason game of the year, Carson Palmer
threw the ball as well as he has at any other point over the past
10 years. Palmer didn't miss a pass during the one drive he
played. He had a touchdown pass wiped off the board because
of a penalty though, before he threw a second to Larry
Fitzgerald in the end zone. Drew Stanton came in afterwards
and solidified his place as the backup with an impressive
couple of series. Logan Thomas looks set to do everything he
can to challenge those two, but his chances of playing during
the regular season this year remain slim.
RB: The early talk during training camp has shifted from how
many touches Andre Ellington gets, to how many different
ways can Ellington touch the ball. Ellington is a very
versatile player and head coach Bruce Arians has a history of
splitting his running backs out wide in the passing game.
Stepfan Taylor appears to have the lead in the backup
competition; entering the first preseason game ahead of
Jonathan Dwyer. Taylor wasn't impressive, but neither was
Dwyer. It appears that the versatile Robert Hughes is in pole
position to win the fourth running back spot. Hughes can
play running back or fullback.
WR: The attention is always on Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona.
Michael Floyd is also a focus of much fanfare as he continues
to develop. Yet, this offseason has been all about 3rd round
rookie John Brown. Brown impressed throughout the
offseason and continued to impress in the first preseason
game. He announced himself with a 25-yard reception on 3rd
and 16 when the first team offense needed a big play. After
that he brought the second team offense down the field,
primarily because of a big pass interference penalty he forced,
before scoring at the goal line. Brown isn't just a speedster, he
is comfortable working over the middle and making difficult
receptions in traffic. He appears to be widening his gap over
Ted Ginn for the third receiver spot. Ginn will still carry value
as a special teams returner though, so his roster spot should be
safe. Jaron Brown appears to have an edge for the 5th receiver
spot. If the Cardinals keep six receivers, it likely comes down
to a battle between Britton Golden and Walter Powell.
TE: Veteran John Carlson has suggested that rookie Troy
Niklas is still acclimating to his role. Niklas wasn't used much
as a receiver in college and is a converted linebacker. His
value is as a blocker. For now, both Carlson and Rob Housler
remain ahead of him on the depth chart.
Defense: It was hard to learn anything about the Cardinals
first team defense against a Houston Texans offense that was
missing Arian Foster and Andre Johnson, while Ryan
Fitzpatrick started at quarterback. The run defense was an
early concern, as Jonathan Grimes was able to be productive,
but this unit still remains an unknown for the most part. Part of
that unknown is the status of outside linebacker John
Abraham. Abraham hasn't joined the team in the preseason
and recently released a statement about a recent DUI arrest.
Abraham is expected to return at some point, but exactly when
remains unclear. Sam Acho, who is returning from a broken
leg, replaced Abraham for the start of the preseason. Without
Tyrann Mathieu (Injury), Abraham (Absence), Karlos Dansby
(2013 starter not on team), Daryl Washington (2013 starter,
suspended for 2014) and Yeremiah Bell (2013 starter not on
team), it's going to take some time before we figure out
exactly what the Cardinals can be defensively.
K/P: Veteran kicker Jay Feely watched as rookie Chandler
Catanzaro got the opportunity to handle all the kicking in the
preseason opener against the Texans. Catanzaro made field
goals of 32, 28 and 25 and added three 33-yard extra points.
He tallied two touchbacks on seven kickoffs. Head coach
Bruce Arians noted: “He really kicked the ball well, especially
on his kickoffs. He was perfect and I liked his demeanor.”
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Feely will kick in next week, as they alternate games. Dave
Zastudil averaged 47.5 yards on a pair of punts.
OL: In their first preseason game, the Cardinals offense had
great success in the passing attack. However, free agent
addition Jared Veldheer had a bit of a rough night against
this year’s first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. This could be
more a statement about Clowney being elite than Veldheer’s
ability. Left guard Jonathan Cooper gave up a sack to J.J.
Watt, after getting his knee drained earlier in the week. Still, it
must be noted that the first team line only giving up two sacks
is actually an improvement for the Cardinals’ offensive line,
which had an overall strong performance this week.
Cardinals Depth Chart QB: Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Logan Thomas, Ryan
Lindley
RB: Andre Ellington, Stepfan Taylor, Jonathan Dwyer, Jalen
Parmale, Zach Bauman, Robert Hughes, Tim Cornett
WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, Ted Ginn
(KR/PR), John Brown, Jaron Brown, Walt Powell, Brittan
Golden, Dan Buckner, Teddy Williams
TE: John Carlson, Troy Niklas (inj), Rob Housler, Darren
Fells, Andre Hardy
LT: Jared Veldheer, Bradley Sowell
LG: Jonathan Cooper, Christian Johnson
C: Lyle Sendlein, Ted Larsen, Phillip Blake, John Estes
RG: Paul Fanaika, Earl Watford
RT: Bobby Massie, Max Starks, Nate Potter
K: Jay Feely, Chandler Catanzaro
DT: Dan Williams, Alameda Ta′amu, Anthony
McCloud, Everette Thompson
DE: Calais Campbell, Darnell Dockett (DT), Frostee Rucker
(DT), Ronald Talley, Kareem Martin, Ed Stinson
ILB: Kevin Minter, Larry Foote, Lorenzo Alexander, Kenny
Demens, JoJo Dickson, Daryl Washington (susp)
OLB: Matt Shaughnessy (W), John Abraham (W), Marcus
Benard, Sam Acho, Adrian Tracy, Alex Okafor, Keenan
Clayton
CB: Patrick Peterson (PR), Antonio Cromartie, Jerraud
Powers, Justin Bethel, Bryan McCann, LeQuan Lewis
S: Tyrann Mathieu (FS), Tony Jefferson (SS), Deone
Bucannon (SS), Rashad Johnson (FS), Orhian
Johnson, Anthony Walters (SS), Curtis Taylor
Atlanta Falcons
QB: Matt Ryan (7/7 for 53 yards passing, no TDs,
interceptions, or sacks taken) called the opening possession of
the preseason, which went 15 plays for 77 yards and a TD,
"exactly what you want for your first drive of the year... We
were able to run the ball pretty effectively, and when we did
have the opportunity to throw, we were able to move the
chains. We were able to overcome a couple of penalties, we
were able to keep going, and punch the ball into the end zone."
Head coach Mike Smith was not pleased with the conversion
rate on red-zone penetrations overall, though: "We had three
other opportunities there in the red zone where we did not
finish the drive [vs. Miami]. … Those are things that we
definitely will be addressing and talking about." T.J. Yates,
who joined the team via a June trade with Houston, looked
comfortable in his first game (albeit preseason) as a Falcon.
Yates was 7/16 for 127 yards passing, with zero TDs,
interceptions, or sacks taken, and 2/8/0 rushing. Sean Renfree
posted 6/15 for 108 yards, with zero TDs, interceptions, or
sacks taken, appearing late in the game with the reserves.
Yates has the early lead in the backup QB competition.
RB: Jacquizz Rodgers started in the first preseason game
(Steven Jackson remains out due to a hamstring injury), and
scored the team's only TD with a two-yard effort (all told
Rodgers posted 7/20/1 rushing). Antone Smith was unlucky
with two big-gainers (a 35-yard reception and a 76-yard TD
run) called back due to penalties. Smith's box score was
therefore lackluster with the second-string, showing as 3/5/0
rushing and 1/5/0 receiving. Coach Smith addressed the
penalties: "The big thing that sticks out is we cannot have nine
penalties. Those nine penalties, it was 240 yards given up that
would have been on our stat sheet. You start talking about the
hidden yards in a game, it looks like a 10-yard penalty on the
stat sheet. Well, it brought back a 70-something yard
touchdown run." Devonta Freeman played well later in the
game with 10/50/0 rushing and two targets for 1/57/0
receiving. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said he believes
Freeman is "coming along fine," but has only been "OK" at
pass protection. "I think that’s [pass protection] the biggest
adjustment for a running back going from college to the NFL,"
Koetter said. "He had a great college career but teams try to
test rookie running backs... There's a learning curve. He's on
the right track." A report on August 10 noted that Smith may
be in for a bigger role in camp going forward as the team was
pleased with his long gainers on Friday night (even though
they were negated by penalty).
WR: Roddy White had some action in the preseason opener
(four targets for 4/27/0 receiving), as did Harry Douglas (one
for 1/17/0). Julio Jones sat out as a precautionary measure
(foot injury/offseason surgery rehab). Coach Smith addressed
Jones' schedule in camp (practicing every other day): "I think
he's handled everything that we've asked him to do up to this
point in time. He hasn't missed any of the snaps that we've
talked about him taking." Undrafted rookie Bernard Reedy
(5'8", 175 lbs, from Toledo) led the Falcons in receiving
during the exhibition, with two targets for 2/61/0, while
Courtney Roby saw four targets for 2/27/0 receiving. Roddy
White didn’t practice on Saturday, August 9 because of a
scheduled day off. During Saturday's practice, Ryan targeted
Jones on three of four red zone attempts, with Jones hauling in
two touchdowns. Coach Smith wasn't happy with the team's
red zone showing against the Dolphins, without Jones in the
lineup. "We knew we needed to get red zone work right after
the first preseason game."
TE: Levine Toilolo was involved in the first-team passing
attack vs. Miami on Friday night, with three targets for 2/19/0
receiving to his credit. Toilolo, the #1 tight end on the depth
chart, played 43 snaps on offense and two on special teams,
according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Backup
Mickey Shuler caught two passes for 2/23/0 during the with
18 snaps on offense and 13 on special teams. Bear Pascoe
played 19 snaps on offense and four on special teams, reeling
in one pass for 6 yards. Brian Wosniak and Jacob Peterson
combined for 10 snaps on offense. “There are some interesting
battles going on in the tight end group,” tight ends coach Chris
Scelfo said recently. “Levine, Mickey, all five of those guys
are battling.”
Defense: Free safety Dwight Lowery (concussion) returned to
practice Saturday, August 9. The secondary is an area of
concern for the Falcons defense so his return to the active
lineup is a plus. LB Pat Angerer also rejoined practice
Saturday after recovering from a concussion. The defense
created a turnover to secure the win on Friday night.
"Individually and collectively, I thought the first impression
was good," Coach Smith said after the game. "We want to be a
physical football team and I thought we showed that." Smith
wasn't happy with how Ryan Tannehill and the first team of
Miami marched the ball down the field for an opening-drive
score. He added on Saturday August 9: "I think that we
ended up getting into too many third-and-shorts. We had an
explosive play (36-yard pass play from Ryan Tannehill to
Rishard Matthews), with a crossing route, and we just missed
the pickup there. We were in a coverage that we should be
able to stop that. We'll see it, and we'll be better in that area."
LB Marquis Spruill is out for the season after tearing his ACL
during practice this week. Early reports of a wrist fracture for
DE Ra'Shede Hageman were incorrect; he has a bone bruise
and played in the preseason game August 8, posting a solo
tackle and an assist. LB Tim Dobbins suffered an ankle injury
Friday night and is expected to be out for a few days.
K/P: The Falcons scored mostly by foot in their preseason
opener against the Dolphins. Starting kicker Matt Bryant made
a long extra point and a short field goal of 21 yards. Camp leg
Sergio Castillo made field goals of 21 and 34 yards. He also
got in some punting work, averaging 46.5 yards on a pair of
punts. Starting punter Matt Bosher averaged 53.0 yards on
four punts. On Sunday, the Falcons waived Castillo.
OL: Rookie right tackle Jake Matthews was called for two
holding penalties in the preseason contest against the
Dolphins. One of those called back a potential 76-yard
touchdown scamper by Antone Smith. Matthews actually
looked good in his other snaps, working mostly against
Cameron Wake, but obviously he needs to clean up his
technique. Earlier in the week, center Joe Hawley was tossed
out of an inter-squad practice with the Titans for fighting.
Gabe Carimi went down with a sprained ankle but the injury
is considered minor and he is still considered a likely bet to
make the team in a backup role. Backup tackle Terren Jones
returned to action after recovering from a concussion.
Falcons Depth Chart QB: Matt Ryan, T.J. Yates, Sean Renfree, Jeff Mathews
RB: Steven Jackson, Devonta Freeman, Jacquizz Rodgers
(KR),Antone Smith, Josh Vaughn
FB: Patrick DiMarco
WR: Julio Jones (inj), Roddy White, Harry Douglas
(PR), Drew Davis (inj), Darius Johnson, Devin Hester
(KR/PR), Kevin Cone, Geraldo Boldewijn, Bernard
Reedy, Courtney Roby, Jeremy Ebert
TE: Levine Toilolo, Mickey Shuler, Andrew Szczerba, Jacob
Pederson
LT: Sam Baker, Lamar Holmes, Ryan Schraeder
LG: Justin Blalock, Harland Gunn
C: Joe Hawley, Peter Konz
RG: Jon Asamoah
RT: Jake Matthews, Gabe Carimi, Terren Jones
K: Matt Bryant
NT: Paul Soliai, Travian Robertson, Donte Rumph
DE: Tyson Jackson, Jonathan Babineaux, Ra′Shede Hageman
(inj), Osi Umenyiora, Jonathan Massaquoi, Stansly
Maponga, Malliciah Goodman (inj), Corey Peters (inj), Cliff
Matthews, Adam Replogle
ILB: Paul Worrilow, Tim Dobbins, Yawin Smallwood, Pat
Angerer, Darin Drakeford, Sean Weatherspoon (IR), Marquis
Spruill (IR)
OLB: Joplo Bartu (W/S), Prince Shembo, Kroy
Biermann, Tyler Starr, Brenden Daley, Jacques Smith
CB: Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Josh Wilson, Robert
McClain, Javier Arenas (PR/KR), Ricardo Allen, Jordan
Mabin
S: William Moore (SS), Dezmen Southward (FS) (inj), Kemal
Ishmael (SS), Zeke Mota (SS), Tyrell Johnson (FS), Sean
Baker (FS), Dwight Lowery (FS) (inj)
Baltimore Ravens
QB: The Ravens’ overhauled offense under new OC Gary
Kubiak got positive reviews. Joe Flacco was limited to one
drive in the preseason opener Thursday night, but he made the
most of the opportunity by leading the team on a 10-play, 80-
yard drive that lasted nearly five minutes and culminated in a
Bernard Pierce touchdown run. Flacco completed 4 of 5
passes on the drive for 52 yards. The Ravens' opening
offensive drive was textbook Kubiak, a clinic on the offensive
coordinator's version of the West Coast offense. It included
the staples of the zone-stretch run, play-action, a tight end
screen and plenty of intermediate throws from Flacco
followed by some power football in the red zone. Flacco has
shown off his huge arm on occasion in camp. In 11-on-11
drills during Saturday’s joint practice with the San Francisco
49ers, Flacco made a beautiful throw when he scrambled to
his left and launched it 60 yards downfield to Marlon Brown,
hitting him in stride for the TD.
RB: The Ravens rushing offense showed a lot of potential as
the team ran 48 times for 237 yards Thursday. It wasn't
terribly complicated, but it isn't going to be during the season
either. Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce each showed well in the
first half. Rice rushed for 17 yards on three carries, averaging
5.7 yards during a brief appearance. That included a sharp 6-
yard run on the Ravens’ first play of the preseason as Rice
adeptly executed offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak’s
trademark zone-stretch run. From his first carry, it was clear
that this was not the same Ray Rice we saw last season. He
showed the speed and burst that made him one of the NFL’s
best RBs earlier in his career. “For me personally, it felt good
to get out there and show that I still have a burst,” Rice said.
“I was able to move and get into my correct reads with this
new offense. It was definitely great to gel with my
teammates.” Rice is noticeably quicker and leaner following
the worst season of his NFL career. "I do feel different," Rice
said. "I guess it's safe to say I feel like back when I was a
rookie. That's the weight I'm continuing to try to play at.
Obviously, what I went through when I added a little bit of
extra weight, you can't make the cuts like you want to do.
Training this offseason and focusing on the stuff that I needed
to focus on, diet, exercise, all the stuff I needed to do, finally I
got down to the weight I was comfortable at and went out
there and executed." Bernard Pierce rushed for 37 yards and a
touchdown on 10 carries. Pierce is slated to start in place of
Rice during the first two games of the regular season. Pierce
has also slimmed down since finishing last season at roughly
230 pounds and ballooning to 250 pounds following offseason
rotator cuff surgery on his right shoulder. Pierce has enjoyed
the new one-cut system that is similar to his college offense.
"I've lost a lot of weight and am lighter on my feet. So, I look
forward to running in this system. It's not that complicated to
run." Rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro impressed in his debut, as he
broke off big chunks of yardage in 2nd half action. Taliaferro
showed the kind of bruising, downhill back he's sometimes
unable to be in practice. Taliaferro seems to be establishing
himself as the 3rd RB in the Ravens stable and is a player to
watch in dynasty leagues.
WR: The Ravens WRs were quiet against the 49ers as the
offense focused on the run game. On Saturday in joint
practices with the 49ers, Steve Smith was the best offensive
player for the Ravens. Smith split a pair of 49ers defenders
and caught a 50-yard bomb during team passing drills. It was
one of at least three big touchdowns Smith caught on what
was his best day of practice since the start of camp.
TE: Dennis Pitta has looked great so far in camp, showing the
receiving skills to be a big weapon in the Ravens’ new
offense. Pitta was able to show off his run after the catch
ability on a TE screen Thursday night and picked his way for a
14-yard gain. The Ravens top 4 WRs are all primarily outside
guys which means Pitta should see a lot of snaps in the slot
and has a chance to put up big reception totals as the primary
underneath target. If there is one area Pitta has struggled, it has
been as a pass blocker. He had a rough day Saturday against
the 49ers as he struggled against some physical pass rushers.
While Pitta’s lack of blocking acumen will have to be
schemed around, it is not necessarily a negative for fantasy
owners. The Ravens will likely look to get Pitta out in routes
as a target for Flacco on the majority of passing downs instead
of keeping him in to block. The stars could be aligning for
Pitta to have a breakout season where he establishes himself as
a top 6 fantasy TE in PPR leagues in Kubiak’s new offense
that has allowed previous TEs like Owen Daniels to thrive.
Speaking of Daniels, he has continued to look average and
with past injuries taking a toll looks to be an old 31 years old;
he presents little threat to Pitta’s numbers.
Defense: The Ravens primary concern on the defensive side
of the ball is at CB where injuries have decimated the team’s
depth. Injury struck again Sunday as CB Asa Jackson left
practice Sunday with the aid of a trainer after injuring his right
leg on a pass defense during full-team drills against San
Francisco. Jackson, who is seeing significant time at
cornerback in the absence of injured veteran cornerback
Lardarius Webb, told trainers after his injury that he felt
something in his right Achilles, though he said he did not feel
a pop. The Ravens suffered a second serious injury on
Sunday’s practice as defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore,
listed as a second-string defensive end behind starter Chris
Canty, suffered what appears to be a torn Achilles’ tendon.
Thankfully, the Ravens have assembled a deep and talented
front seven and should be able to weather the Lewis-Moore
injury more easily than they would be able to cope with an
extended absence by Asa Jackson at CB. Rookie LB C.J.
Mosley continued his impressive start with a team leading
five tackles against the 49ers in his NFL debut. He also
notched his first NFL sack while displaying outstanding speed,
aggressiveness and instincts.
K/P: Early last week kicker Justin Tucker noted he had a 79-
yarder in warm-ups last year at a certain mile-high city. He
also noted: “I definitely feel stronger, and that’s a credit to our
strength and conditioning staff and the offseason program and
the work that I was doing back in Texas… I guess now more
than ever, I feel like I’m hitting as good a ball as I’ve ever
hit.” Although he didn’t get any attempts that long in the
preseason win over San Francisco, he did connect from 42, 22
and 55 yards.
OL: The Ravens’ offensive line looked good in the team’s
preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. Eugene
Monroe is reportedly exhibiting Pro Bowl form. The entire
unit’s run blocking was improved from last year with center
Jeremy Zuttah looking solid and the right side of guard
Marshal Yanda and tackle Ricky Wagner leading the way
for a touchdown run. Wagner produced a solid performance
and was hailed for it by the coaches. Seeking to replace
Michael Oher, Wagner is an important player for this line, and
his emergence would be a key factor in this line’s
improvement over last season.
Ravens Depth Chart QB: Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor, Keith Wenning, Nick Stephens
RB: Ray Rice (susp), Bernard Pierce, Justin Forsett, Lorenzo
Taliaferro, Cierre Wood, Fitzgerald Toussaint
FB: Kyle Juszczyk
WR: Torrey Smith, Steve Smith, Marlon Brown, Jacoby Jones
(KR/PR), Deonte Thompson, Michael Campanaro, LaQuan
Williams, Jeremy Butler, Kamar Aiken, Gerrard Sheppard
TE: Dennis Pitta, Owen Daniels, Crockett Gillmore, Nathan
Overbay
LT: Eugene Monroe, David Mims
LG: Kelechi Osemele, Will Rackley
C: Jeremy Zuttah, Gino Gradkowski, A.Q. Shipley, Ryan
Jensen
RG: Marshal Yanda, John Urschel
RT: Ricky Wagner, Jah Reid
K: Justin Tucker
DT: Brandon Williams (NT), Timmy Jernigan (NT), Terrence
Cody (inj), Cody Larsen, Derrick Hopkins
DE: Haloti Ngata (NT/DE), Chris Canty, DeAngelo
Tyson, Pernell McPhee, Brent Urban (IR), Kapron Lewis-
Moore (IR)
ILB: Daryl Smith (M), C.J. Mosley (W), Arthur Brown
(W), Josh Bynes (W), D.J. Bryant, Austin Spitler
OLB: Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil (S), Courtney
Upshaw, Albert McClellan, John Simon
CB: Lardarius Webb (PR) (inj), Jimmy Smith, Chykie
Brown, Asa Jackson, Dominique Franks, Aaron Ross (IR)
S: Matt Elam (SS), Darian Stewart (FS), Terrence
Brooks, Will Hill (susp), Brynden Trawick (FS), Anthony
Levine (SS), Jeromy Miles (SS), Omar Brown
Buffalo Bills
QB: The Bills played their 2nd preseason game in Carolina on
Friday night and came out with a win over the Panthers. EJ
Manuel looked impressive as he connected on his first seven
attempts of the night and played into the second quarter. He
spread the ball around, made quick decisions, and helped lead
two good drives. “His footwork was good,” Bills coach Doug
Marrone said of Manuel. “We had good targets, the receivers
were open. We had really good protection against a team
that’s very good up front, a very good front seven. We were
able to give him some time. … EJ looked comfortable in the
pocket, good completion percentage. I really thought he did a
very good job. We’ve just got to keep working, but I was very
happy.” The only knock on the first team offense in the game
is that they couldn’t get the ball into the end zone. Thad Lewis
took over in the second quarter, but didn’t do much to pull
ahead of Jeff Tuel in the battle for the #2 QB job. Tuel had
mop up duty late in the game and completed 4 of 5 passes with
a touchdown and interception.
RB: C.J. Spiller got the start against Carolina and showed off
his quickness right away with a 14-yard run on the first play of
the game. He was replaced by Fred Jackson once the team got
into the red zone, which is probably how things will go during
the regular season. Jackson picked up 9 yards on his first two
carries to get the team to a 3rd and 1 situation from the 2-yard
line, but he was stuffed for no gain on two straight attempts.
Midway through the 2nd quarter, Bryce Brown entered with the
second string offense and exploded for 25 yards on his first
two carries. Anthony Dixon replaced him near the goal line
and was able to convert with a 1-yard touchdown plunge.
Brown was a workhorse in the second half and finished the
game with 13 touches for 82 yards. It certainly appears that
the Bills have a capable backup for Spiller in Brown, and
Dixon can handle some of the short-yardage duties if Jackson
went down with an injury.
WR: Sammy Watkins got the start and caught the first three
passes thrown to him for 21 yards total. The play of the game,
however, was made by Mike Williams who went up and
brought in a 28-yard pass despite being double covered.
Robert Woods was once again the most active receiver on the
team despite not getting the start. He did see some time with
the first string offense this week, however, and finished the
game with 4 catches on 8 targets for 31 yards. Chris Hogan
had the longest catch of the night as he got behind the defense
for a 32-yard gain on the first drive. He continues to make
plays and push for a roster spot. T.J. Graham has been
struggling a bit in camp as he recovers from offseason hip
surgery, and he could be on the roster bubble. Marquise
Goodwin returned to action after sitting out last week’s game
and had an 18-yard catch. Chris Summers made a nice catch
on a low throw for the Bills only receiving touchdown of the
game.
TE: Scott Chandler returned to action and got the start in the
Panthers game, but was held without a catch. Lee Smith and
Chris Gragg also played, but the tight ends as a group were
used mainly as blockers. The tight end position hasn’t
typically been a focal point of the Bills offense under
Marrone, but Chandler still figures to be an important player
who will provide a reliable target in the middle of the field
with all the speed outside.
Defense: The Bills defense was helped out by the fact that
Cam Newton sat out the game with an injury. The run defense
played very well, as they held Carolina to 69 yards on 24
carries with most of the damage done by the QBs. The pass
defense gave up a couple of touchdowns, including a 29-yard
play by rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin over Stephon Gilmore in
the first half. Duke Williams started at strong safety, but split
time with Da’Norris Searcy who helped his case with an
interception of Matt Blanchard near the end of the first half.
Backup safety Jonathan Meeks added another interception late
in the fourth to preserve the win. The only regular starter to
miss the game was corner Leodis McKelvin, who is still
recovering from hip surgery. At linebacker, it was once again
Brandon Spikes and Nigel Bradham in the nickel packages.
This defense may not be as aggressive rushing the passer as
they were under Mike Pettine last year, but they do look like
they will be tougher to run against.
K/P: Against the Panthers, kicker Dan Carpenter made field
goals of 19 and 42 yards, but was wide left on an attempt from
45 yards. Dustin Hopkins, hoping to make the final roster as a
kickoff specialist, had touchbacks on two of his four kickoffs.
Jake Dombrowski, aiming to overtake Brian Moorman for the
punter/holder job, launched a 56-yarder on his only punt in the
game. Moorman had 43-yarder and placed a 33-yard punt
inside the 20-yard line.
OL: Left tackle Cordy Glenn passed his physical and was
removed from the non-football injury list. Glenn is being
brought along slowly and is not yet working in team drills.
When Glenn does get back, seventh round rookie Seantrel
Henderson could be thrown into the right tackle mix.
Henderson has impressed coaches subbing at left tackle with
the first team during Glenn’s absence. Henderson had a great
game against the New York Giants in preseason action.
Fellow rookie Cyril Richardson looked stout on the second
team, while Cyrus Kouandijo looked ineffective against third
teamers.
Bills Depth Chart
QB: EJ Manuel, Thaddeus Lewis, Jeff Tuel, Dennis Dixon
RB: C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, Bryce Brown, Anthony
Dixon, Ronnie Wingo
FB: Frank Summers, Evan Rodriguez
WR: Sammy Watkins, Mike Williams, Robert
Woods, Marquise Goodwin (KR), T.J. Graham, Marcus
Easley, Chris Hogan, Kevin Elliott, Tori Gurley, Chris
Summers, Caleb Holley, Naaman Roosevelt
TE: Scott Chandler, Tony Moeaki, Lee Smith, Chris Gragg,
Dominique Jones
LT: Cordy Glenn, Seantrel Henderson
LG: Chris Williams, J.J. Unga
C: Eric Wood, Doug Legursky
RG: Kraig Urbik, Cyril Richardson
RT: Erik Pears, Cyrus Kouandijo, Chris Hairston
K: Dan Carpenter, Dustin Hopkins
DT: Marcell Dareus (NT), Kyle Williams, Corbin
Bryant, Stefan Charles(NT), Damien Jacobs, Landon Cohen
DE: Mario Williams, Jerry Hughes, Manny Lawson
(S/DE), Alan Branch, Jarius Wynn, Ikponmwosa
Igbinosun, Bryan Johnson, Jacquies Smith
MLB: Brandon Spikes, Preston Brown (S), Jimmy Gaines
OLB: Keith Rivers (S), Nigel Bradham (W) (susp), Ty
Powell (S),Stevenson Sylvester (W), Nathan
Williams (S), Randell Johnson, Kiko Alonso (inj), Darrin
Kitchens (IR)
CB: Stephon Gilmore, Leodis McKelvin, Nickell
Robey, Corey Graham, Ron Brooks, Mario Butler, Ross
Cockrell, Kamaal McIlwain
S: Aaron Williams (FS), Da′Norris Searcy (SS), Duke
Williams (SS),Jonathan Meeks (SS), Jajuan
Harley (FS), Kenny Ladler
Carolina Panthers
QB: Cam Newton hasn't been allowed to scramble or run the
read-option in training camp as a precaution to protect his
surgically repaired ankle. "The big thing is he's got to be able
to protect himself," head coach Ron Rivera said. "...The other
thing, too, is if he takes a hit on it. That's the other thing we've
got to make sure of, that it's structurally sound." The Panthers
held Newton out of the first preseason game on Friday,
although Rivera does expect him in the lineup for the August
17th contest. Newton described the sensations in his ankle:
“It’ll hurt [sharply] for that little second but it’ll go away after
2-3 minutes. It’s a reminder that, hey, you better check
yourself.” Offensive coordinator Mike Shula isn't worried
about Newton: "With all that there's a calmness and
confidence. He's always had that cool personality on the field.
Now there's some added confidence with experience."
During the preseason game on Friday, Derek Anderson (5/7
for 65 yards passing, with one TD throw) scrambled for two
first downs. With 10 yards on two carries he was the Panthers’
leading rusher during the first half. "We just need to be
cleaner. Get out of the huddle and see things better," Anderson
said. "I was seeing the defense pretty good, but we can always
get better seeing coverage." Joe Webb played the entire
second half, and was the team's leading passer (16/28 for 180
yards, one TD and one interception, with one sack taken for -6
yards) and rusher (4/30/0) during the contest. Matt Blanchard
had a terrible outing (2/8 for 13 yards passing, zero TDs, one
interception thrown and one fumble lost), taking two sacks for
-20 yards, leading to a rarely-seen quarterback rating of 0.0.
RB: Jonathan Stewart missed the first two weeks of camp
with a hamstring injury. He looked good running straight
ahead on a side field during practice Thursday, August 7.
Stewart worked out before Friday’s preseason game and took
part in his first practice of training camp on Sunday, August
10th. As expected, Stewart was held out of the game, as was
DeAngelo Williams (coach’s decision - no injury related
reason). Kenjon Barner (8/8/0 rushing) and Mike Tolbert
(2/2/0) didn't impress during the game. Roster longshot Fozzy
Whittaker led all running backs with two targets for 2/16/0
receiving. Barner was targeted twice but didn't reel in a
reception. Darrin Reaves had eight carries for 19 yards and a
touchdown – he's an undrafted free agent fighting for a role.
WR: Rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin reportedly had
what was his worst practice of training camp on Thursday,
August 7. Benjamin dropped three passes and Coach Rivera
said it appeared Benjamin’s focus was lacking. Benjamin
bounced back on Friday night, hauling in 1/29/1 on two targets
during the preseason loss to the Bills (18-20). "I stepped on his
heel and stumbled, and was able to keep my feet and just
follow the ball all the way to the ground," Benjamin said after
the game. "That's how you catch the ball, with your eyes." On
Cam Newton was effusive this week in his praise of
Benjamin: “Words can't even explain, man. I've seen so much
growth, and I'll continue to see progress.” Jerricho Cotchery
had a brief cameo with one target for 1/8/0 receiving. During
the game, 17 Panthers were targeted at least once. Tavarres
King reportedly rebounded well from his hamstring injury to
catch four passes for 50 yards. King tied tight end Brandon
Williams as the leading receiver for the game. Philly Brown
saw five passes come his way (3/23/0) and one of his misses
was Webb's fault on a bounce pass 2-point conversion attempt.
Brenton Bersin didn't help his chances of making the roster
with four targets for 1/19/0 during the game. Marcus Lewis
saw three targets for 1/14/0 receiving. As Rivera noted earlier
in the past week, nothing is "set in stone" behind Benjamin
and Cotchery yet, so performance in the preseason games is
going to determine several backup spots. Brown and King
seem to have gained an initial boost in the jockeying after one
preseason contest.
TE: Brandon Williams saw extensive work in the preseason
game, catching 3/50/1 on seven targets. “He’s probably come
as far as anybody on this team,” said starting tight end Greg
Olsen. “I’m really happy for him because he’s a great kid. He
wants to learn. He works his ass off. Physically, he has a lot of
gifts that are hard to coach.” Williams commented: “I say the
sky's the limit. I try not to give myself a ceiling.” Olsen had
two targets for 2/22/0 during a cameo appearance in the first
preseason game. Mike McNeill suffered a right knee sprain in
the second half during the game Friday night; he'll be
evaluated further in the coming days.
Defense: The Panthers sat out a pair of starters against the
Bills – DE Charles Johnson (hamstring injury) and SS Roman
Harper (toe injury). All told six defensive players were held
out due to injuries. During the game on Friday, the Panthers'
defense made a solid goal-line stand against Fred Jackson.
“We had a tendency on what they were going to do on the goal
line, where they were going to run the ball and they tried to
bounce it,” OLB Chase Blackburn said. “When 38, the
fullback (Frank Summers), came outside to try to lead him, I
just hammered him back and we made a good play on it.” DE
Greg Hardy turned in a sack, a tackle for a loss, and an assist
in limited snaps Friday night.
K/P: Kicker Graham Gano missed the Bills game with a sore
back. “Graham might have overdone it a couple of days ago,
so he's a little bit tender,” Coach Ron Rivera had noted earlier.
In Gano’s absence, camp leg Jordan Gay handled the kicking.
He missed an extra point, his only placekick of the game, and
became the first player to miss a 33-yard extra point with
which the NFL is experimenting this preseason. Brad Nortman
averaged 46.6 yards on five punts, placing one inside the 20-
yard line.
OL: Given the start at left tackle against the Buffalo Bills,
Byron Bell responded to the challenge. The entire line kept
the quarterback clean with zero sacks recorded in the contest,
and pushed for a rushing touchdown against a talented Bills
defensive line. The question of who (between Bell and Nate
Chandler) will start at left tackle is still unsettled, but Bell has
made his case. In other news, Chris Scott took over for Amini
Silatolu at left guard in the contest, and played well. Starting
eight games last season, Scott could be a dark horse for real
playing time.
Panthers Depth Chart QB: Cam Newton (inj), Derek Anderson, Joe Webb, Matt
Blanchard
RB: DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart (inj), Kenjon
Barner, Darrin Reaves
FB: Mike Tolbert (SD), Michael Zordich
WR: Jerricho Cotchery, Kelvin Benjamin, Jason
Avant, Tavarres King, Tiquan Underwood, Kealoha
Pilares, Marcus Lucas, Marvin McNutt, Toney
Clemons, Corey Brown, Brenton Bersin
TE: Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson, Brandon Williams, Richie
Brockel (FB), D.C. Jefferson, Mike McNeill
LT: Nate Chandler
LG: Amini Silatolu, Brian Folkerts
C: Ryan Kalil, Fernando Velasco
RG: Garry Williams, Trai Turner
RT: Byron Bell, Travis Bond, Edmund Kugbila (IR)
K: Graham Gano
DT: Star Lotulelei (NT), Dwan Edwards, Kawann Short
(NT), Colin Cole, Drake Nevis, Linden Gaydosh, Casey
Walker (NT)
DE: Charles Johnson, Greg Hardy, Frank Alexander, Mario
Addison, Kony Ealy, Alex Hall, Wes Horton, Craig Roh
MLB: Luke Kuechly, D.J. Smith, Ben Jacobs
OLB: Thomas Davis (S), Chase Blackburn (W), A.J. Klein
(W), Jason Williams, Anthony Morales
CB: Antoine Cason, DeAndre Presley, Bene
Benwikere, Charles Godfrey, Melvin White, Josh
Thomas, Josh Norman, James Dockery, Carrington Byndom
S: Roman Harper (SS), Thomas DeCoud (FS), Robert Lester
(SS),Colin Jones (FS), Tre Boston (SS), Tom Nelson
Chicago Bears
QB: The Bears opened their 2014 preseason schedule with a
home game against the Eagles on Friday night. After a 3-and-
out series to open the game, Jay Cutler turned things around
quickly and led the team on a 13-play drive that ended with a
perfect back shoulder touchdown pass to TE Zach Miller who
was double covered. On the same drive, Cutler converted three
separate 3rd and long situations, showing that this offense will
once again have few problems moving the ball. Jordan Palmer
took over late in the first quarter and also put up solid numbers
with a touchdown and interception. It was Jimmy Clausen
who stole the show though as he lit up the Eagles for 150
yards and 2 touchdowns, including a beautiful 73-yard play to
WR Chris Williams in which he reportedly audibled out of a
running play. Developmental prospect David Fales came on
for mop up duty and also looked impressive. It’s clear that
head coach Marc Trestman has a way with QBs as all 4
players looked very comfortable running the offense as they
piled up over 400 yards and 4 TDs.
RB: Matt Forte didn’t find much room to run as he was held
to -5 yards on 3 carries, although he did have a 15-yard gain
wiped out due to a holding penalty. The second back to see
action in the game was Shaun Draughn, but he didn’t get a
chance to show much with just two touches. Rookie Ka’Deem
Carey took over in the second quarter and served as a
workhorse, although he picked up just 23 yards on 10 carries.
Senorise Perry, Michael Ford, and Jordan Lynch all split time
in the second half but none of the backs were really able to
separate themselves from the pack. Overall, it was an
underwhelming performance from the Chicago running game
as the backs combined for just 76 yards on 31 carries.
WR: The Bears offense was without the services of expected
slot WR Marquess Wilson, who could miss up to 3 months
with the broken collarbone suffered during the week. Brandon
Marshall and Alshon Jeffery continued to make things
difficult for defenses, particularly Marshall who came up with
a great one-handed catch. Eric Weems served as the primary
slot receiver in the game but he went catchless on two targets.
Chris Williams continues to make a case for himself as he
showed off his incredible speed on the 73-yard touchdown
catch and run. Another candidate for the slot job emerged
when Michael Spurlock picked up 56 yards on 4 catches,
including the game-winning touchdown.
TE: Starter Martellus Bennett missed the game while serving
his suspension, but it appears the Bears had more quality
behind him than we realized. Matthew Mulligan got the start,
but he’s more of a blocking specialist. Zach Miller has not
played since 2011, but was the star of the game as he pulled
down 6 passes for 68 yards with 2 touchdowns in the first half.
Dante Rosario also saw time with the first string offense and
pulled in a key 23-yard pass on 3rd and 10.
Defense: The Bears first team defense helped neutralize Nick
Foles and the Chip Kelly-led Eagles offense in their preseason
opener. Jared Allen and Tim Jennings sat out, but it didn’t
seem to matter much as Willie Young helped rush Foles into
throwing an interception to safety Ryan Mundy on the first
possession. Things didn’t get better on the next series as the
Bears front helped induce several holding penalties that led to
another short series. The starters were pulled at that point and
the Eagles got back into the game, but overall there were
positive signs that the rebuilt Bears defensive front is going to
be much tougher to play against. Most of the camp attention
thus far has been on the safety position, as there is a deep
group of players fighting over both starting spots. Ryan
Mundy and Danny McCray got the starts, but veteran Adrian
Wilson was impressive once again and rookie Brock Vereen
led all safeties in tackles. On the injury front, the Bears got
some reinforcements lately as CB Tim Jennings and S Chris
Conte both returned to practice recently. Among the
linebackers, it appears that Shea McClellin is likely to play a
2-down role at strongside linebacker while Jon Bostic is
seeing snaps with the first string nickel defense. If that holds,
Lance Briggs might be the only 3-down linebacker here with
significant fantasy value in IDP leagues.
K/P: Kicker Robbie Gould made field goals of 25 and 26
yards against the Eagles, but had a 41-yard attempt blocked.
Rookie Pat O’Donnell remains the favorite to serve as holder
(and punter). He averaged 43.5 yards on two punts in the
game. Challenger Tress Way averaged 37.5 yards on a pair of
punts. The long snapping competitors, Chad Rempel and
Brandon Hartson, each had five snaps in the game. Rempel
worked with O’Donnell and Hartson worked with Way. Gould
has been working with all of them in camp, aside from his
own kicking.
OL: With starting right guard Kyle Long (ankle) and right
tackle Jordan Mills (foot) out of the lineup against the Eagles,
the offensive line had a mixed performance. In pass
protection, the line was very good, keeping Jay Cutler clean.
Michael Ola was starting for Mills, and this could be the
makings of a competition should Mills not return to the lineup
soon. However, the line could not open up holes for the Bears’
tailbacks, and remains an area of concern. Eben Britton missed
the contest with his hamstring strain and second team center
Brian de la Puente suffered a grade 2 MCL sprain during the
second half. According to beat writers, he is expected to miss
a couple of weeks. Tough guy Rob Turner was signed to help
with the center depth.
Bears Depth Chart QB: Jay Cutler, Jordan Palmer, Jimmy Clausen, David Fales
RB: Matt Forte, Shaun Draughn, Ka′Deem Carey, Michael
Ford, Jordan Lynch, Senorise Perry
FB: Tony Fiammetta
WR: Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Marquess
Wilson, Josh Morgan, Eric Weems (KR), Michael Spurlock
(KR), Armanti Edwards, Terrence Toliver (inj), Josh
Bellamy, Chris Williams, Dale Moss, Greg Herd
TE: Martellus Bennett, Zach Miller, Dante Rosario, Matthew
Mulligan, Jeron Mastrud
LT: Jermon Bushrod, Eben Britton
LG: Matt Slauson, James Brown
C: Roberto Garza, Brian De La Puente
RG: Kyle Long, Rob Turner, Charles Leno, Dylan Gandy
RT: Jordan Mills, Dennis Roland, Rogers Gaines
K: Robbie Gould
DT: Stephen Paea (NT), Jay Ratliff, Ego Ferguson, Will
Sutton, Tracy Robertson, Brandon Dunn, Lee Pegues
DE: Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen, Willie Young, David
Bass, Cornelius Washington, Austen Lane, Trevor Scott
MLB: D.J. Williams, Christian Jones, Jerry Franklin
OLB: Lance Briggs (W), Jon Bostic (S/M), Shea McClellin
(S),Khaseem Greene (S), Lawrence Wilson (S), Jordan Senn
(W), Devekeyan Lattimore (W), Tana Patrick (S)
CB: Charles Tillman, Tim Jennings, Kyle Fuller, Sherrick
McManis, ,Kelvin Hayden, Demontre Hurst, Isaiah Frey, C.J.
Wilson, Derricus Purdy
S: Ryan Mundy (SS), Brock Vereen (FS), M.D. Jennings
(SS), Danny McCray (FS), Adrian Wilson (SS), Christopher
Conte (FS), Craig Steltz (SS)
Cincinnati Bengals
QB: With his contract extension done, Andy Dalton can
concentrate on football. There wasn’t much to concentrate on
during the team’s first preseason game against Kansas City.
Dalton played just one series behind an offensive line with
two rookies, two undrafted free agents and just one starter
from last season. He completed three passes including a 53-
yard bomb to A.J. Green down the middle that he didn’t seem
to step into all the way. His two incompletions came in the red
zone, including a back line pass to Tyler Eifert that was
slightly overthrown. Jason Campbell played into the second
half and was erratic before suffering an arm injury that the
team is calling a bruise. He’s expected to be back next week,
but Tyler Wilson was signed to take snaps with Matt Scott this
week. A.J. McCarron remains on the NFI list and there is
speculation that he may be moved to injured reserve at the end
of the preseason.
RB: The Bengals will undoubtedly mix it up more in the
regular season but the running game against Kansas City
consisted entirely of power runs, isolation plays and counters
with Gio Bernard, Jeremy Hill and BenJarvus Green-Ellis
running downhill immediately and successfully. Hill played
the second and fifth series with an additional carry on the first
play of the third quarter, while Green-Ellis handled the third
and fourth (one play, INT returned for TD) series. Hill was
clearly quicker than Green-Ellis and consistently fell forward
at the end of his runs. Green-Ellis didn’t play poorly aside
from a missed blitz pickup, but is likely fighting for his roster
spot. Rex Burkhead (5-21) and Cedric Peerman (5-20) had
nearly identical second half stat lines and are key special
teams players, further jeopardizing Green-Ellis’ roster spot.
WR: Dalton connected with Green on two early targets,
including a deep post route on which Green split the corner
and safety easily. Mohammed Sanu was Green’s running mate
early. Marvin Jones was activated from the PUP list early last
week but missed the preseason game. He subsequently broke
his foot in practice and will miss an indeterminate amount of
time – certainly extending well into the regular season. Dane
Sanzenbacher was already a heavy favorite to make the team
as a slot receiver / special teamer, but probably cemented his
role with two stellar routes and catches out of the slot.
Brandon Tate continues to battle for a roster spot and had a
physical slant route and diving catch for a touchdown with the
second team.
TE: There were concerning observations from beat writers
last month that Jermaine Gresham was struggling to get back
into playing shape after offseason surgery. He was activated
from the PUP list last week. He sat out the first preseason
game but has been participating in team drills in camp; he
should return soon. Tyler Eifert had two targets, both inside
the red zone, against Kansas City. He had separation on a
route in the back of the end zone in the team’s first drive but
Dalton’s ball was just out of his reach.
Defense: The Cincinnati first team defense played three series
against Kansas City. They forced a three and out on the first
series, converted a sack/strip/fumble into a turnover on the
Kansas City 16-yard line on the second, and held the Chiefs to
a field goal after a long kickoff return into Bengals’ territory.
Geno Atkins is off the PUP list, but his snaps are being
carefully managed and he’s yet to see action in team drills.
The team expects him to be ready for Week 1. Marvin Lewis
had high praise for Darqueze Dennard last week, calling him
the best rookie corner he’s seen. Dennard may not see much
playing time, though, with veterans Terence Newman, Adam
Jones and Leon Hall healthy. Dre’ Kirkpatrick returned a
terribly thrown ball for a touchdown against Kansas City but
is seemingly an afterthought right now with the depth the
Bengals have at corner. Carlos Dunlap and Wallace Gilberry
are the starters at defensive end, but it was rotation players
Robert Geathers (strip-sack) and Margus Hunt (consistently
impressive night included a one-arm ragdoll of the second
team Chiefs’ offensive tackle and quarterback sack) who had
the unit’s best plays during the preseason game.
K/P: Kicker Mike Nugent made a 30-yard field goal and three
extra points (which were longer than the field goal due to the
preseason rule experimentation) in the loss to the Chiefs. In
his first game action since breaking his jaw last year, punter
Kevin Huber averaged 44.5 yards on four punts (although he
watched one of those returned 80 yards for a touchdown).
Camp leg Quinn Sharp also added an extra point and handled
kickoffs in the second half.
OL: Despite missing three starters (Andrew Whitworth, Clint
Boling and Andre Smith), as well as versatile backup Mike
Pollak, the Bengals’ offensive line did a good job against the
Chiefs. The makeshift line created running room. Left guard
Trey Hopkins played well, especially considering his lack of
experience. Backup tackles Marshall Newhouse and Will
Svitek were solid in a new system. Rookie Russell Bodine
had a mixed game, looking excellent in run blocking but
giving up a sack. Bodine has been listed as the starting center
on the team’s first depth chart. The injuries to the starters are
not serious on the whole, and all should be ready for Week
One of the regular season.
Bengals Depth Chart QB: Andy Dalton, Jason Campbell, A.J. McCarron, Matt
Scott, Tyler Wilson
RB: Giovani Bernard (3RB), Jeremy Hill (SD), BenJarvus
Green-Ellis (SD), Cedric Peerman, Rex Burkhead, James
Wilder Jr., Jeff Scott
FB: Ryan Hewitt, Nikita Whitlock
WR: A.J. Green, Marvin Jones (inj), Mohamed
Sanu, Brandon Tate (KR), James Wright, Dane
Sanzenbacher, Ryan Whalen, Cobi Hamilton, Colin Lockett
TE: Jermaine Gresham, Tyler Eifert, Orson Charles
(HB), Alex Smith, Kevin Brock
LT: Andrew Whitworth, Marshall Newhouse
LG: Clint Boling, Mike Pollak
C: Russell Bodine, Trevor Robinson
RG: Kevin Zeitler, TJ Johnson
RT: Andre Smith, Will Svitek, Tanner Hawkinson
K: Mike Nugent
DT: Geno Atkins, Domata Peko (NT), Devon Still, Brandon
Thompson, Chriso Bilukidi (NT), Ogemdi
Nwagbuo, Lakendrick Ross
DE: Carlos Dunlap, Robert Geathers, Wallace
Gilberry, Margus Hunt, Will Clarke, David King, Sam
Montgomery, Larry Black
MLB: Rey Maualuga, Vincent Rey, J.K. Schaffer, James
Davidson
OLB: Vontaze Burfict (W), Jayson DiManche (S), Brandon
Joiner (S),Sean Porter (W), Emmanuel Lamur (W), Dontay
Moch (W), Bruce Taylor (S), Marquis Flowers (S)
CB: Leon Hall (inj), Darqueze Dennard, Terence
Newman, Pacman Jones (PR), Dre Kirkpatrick, R.J.
Stanford, Lavelle Westbrooks, Chris Lewis-
Harris (susp), Onterio McCalebb, Victor Hampton
S: Reggie Nelson (FS), George Iloka (SS), Danieal
Manning, Shawn Williams (FS), Taylor Mays (SS), Isaiah
Lewis
Cleveland Browns
QB: The quarterback battle between Brian Hoyer and Johnny
Manziel continued last week. Manziel began seeing first team
reps in practice, but Hoyer started the team’s first preseason
game against Detroit. Hoyer’s three series were marred by
overthrows and untimely drops, but he twice moved the team
into field goal range. Manziel played four series with the
second and third team. He showed more zip on his passes than
Hoyer, but looked hesitant at times and pulled the ball down to
run on two plays in which he had an open receiver. The
Browns also used the read option frequently with Manziel and
Terrance West. Manziel rushed for 27 yards on six rushes –
about 25% of his 25 snaps in the game. Mike Pettine denied an
ESPN report that Manziel had won the quarterback job last
weekend. Pettine noted Manziel’s improvement but said he’d
like to see the rookie’s pocket awareness improve. He also
said he thinks it’s ideal for a rookie quarterback to sit behind a
veteran and learn. Both quarterbacks will again work with the
first team this week in practice. Pettine would not name a
starter for this week’s preseason game but still plans to have
the competition settled and a regular season starter announced
before the third preseason game.
RB: Competition also continues at running back. Ben Tate
started and played two series. He showed his usual
decisiveness on zone running plays, gaining 25 yards on six
carries against the first team Detroit defense. He recovered his
own fumble during his second series. Ball security was an
issue for Tate in Houston and could cost him playing time if it
becomes a chronic issue in Cleveland. Terrance West took
over for one series with the starters in the second quarter and
played into the third. He had 22 yards on ten carries and one
catch for eight yards. West looked hesitant in his first series,
but showed very quick feet in traffic. His decisiveness was
better after the first series on those runs, but lost yardage on
multiple zone-read plays with Manziel. Dion Lewis and Edwin
Baker each had three carries. Isaiah Crowell was active and
played three special teams snaps but did not play an offensive
snap. He’s listed as a fifth string player on the Browns’ depth
chart. Pettine has said the depth chart is fluid, but Crowell
may have some work to do to make the final 53.
WR: The league hasn’t given a timetable for a final decision
on Josh Gordon’s appeal of his indefinite suspension. The
team hopes that the punishment will be reduced to eight games
but legal observers have said that the suspension is an all-or-
nothing decision. There would have to be negotiations
between the league and the player for a reduced suspension;
those negotiations reportedly have yet to happen. Gordon
started the preseason game alongside Miles Austin, with
Andrew Hawkins filling the third wide receiver role in passing
packages. Austin looked healthy and was targeted three times.
One of those targets was a bad drop down the sideline on a
Hoyer play fake and bootleg that would have resulted in a big
gain inside the five yard line. Nate Burleson (hamstring) and
Travis Benjamin (knee) did not play, which opened up playing
time for Anthony Armstrong (1 target, 1 catch, six yards),
Charles Johnson (6 targets, 3 catches, 30 yards) and Taylor
Gabriel (7 targets, 3 catches, 32 yards). Johnson was the most
impressive, showing some separation and open field running
ability on short routes and screens. He’s a big receiver that
should be able to get open downfield. Expect both Burleson
and Benjamin to see live action soon. Willie Snead drew some
praise during practice last week but wasn’t able to make a play
on his three targets in the second half.
TE: Jordan Cameron has an AC sprain. The team says it’s just
being cautious with their starting tight end and there are no
indications his injury is significant enough to last into the
regular season. Jim Dray started in Cameron’s place, but H-
back MarQueis Gray was the most productive of the backup
tight ends. He got open out of the backfield often and turned
an outlet pass into a 28-yard gain in the first quarter.
Defense: The first team defense allowed a field goal to a first
team Detroit offense who played one series and was without
Calvin Johnson. The front seven played the run and pass well
and did not give up any splash plays. Paul Kruger and
Barkevious Mingo started at outside linebacker, with Jabaal
Sheard working in on some packages. Mingo was aggressive
pursuing the run and easily won a back-on-backer
confrontation for a sack in his second series. Craig Robertson
drew the start next to Karlos Dansby, but Christian Kirksey
continues to impress in practice and it may not be long until
the rookie takes over. Rookie first round pick Justin Gilbert
missed the preseason game with a reportedly minor groin
strain.
K/P: Last week, kicker Billy Cundiff discussed his NFL
travels: “When I was out, I knew I had the talent. I was getting
enough feedback from scouts on numerous NFL teams saying
I had the talent. My wife and agent kept me focused. I was
always ready when I had a tryout. When I’m done with this, I
don’t ever want to say, ‘I wish I would have.’ I know I’ve
given everything I have.” This week he accounted for all of
the Browns’ scoring in the loss to Detroit, with field goals of
43, 26, 41 and 41 yards.
OL: When pitted against a pretty good Lions defensive line,
the Browns’ first team offensive line kept starting quarterback
Brian Hoyer’s jersey clean. The line was led by an outstanding
effort by right guard John Greco. Greco executed a vicious
“de-cleater” hit against Lions’ defensive end Darryl Tapp.
The play initially drew a flag but the referees conferred and
picked it up. Greco has been battling Garrett Gilkey in camp,
but it seems increasingly unlikely that Gilkey can overcome
Greco in preseason. Meanwhile, guard Jason Pinkston’s
blood clot condition has returned; he is likely to retire.
Browns Depth Chart
QB: Brian Hoyer, Johnny Manziel, Rex Grossman, Connor
Shaw
RB: Ben Tate, Dion Lewis, Terrance West, Isaiah
Crowell, Edwin Baker, Jamaine Cook
FB: Chris Ogbonnaya, Chris Pressley
WR: Josh Gordon (susp), Andrew Hawkins, Miles
Austin, Charles Johnson, Nate Burleson, Willie Snead, Travis
Benjamin (PR/KR),Marlon Moore, Tim Smith
TE: Jordan Cameron, Gary Barnidge, MarQueis
Gray, Keavon Milton, Jim Dray, Andre Smith, Kyle
Auffray, Martell Webb
LT: Joe Thomas, Reid Fragel, Chris Faulk
LG: Joel Bitonio, Paul McQuistan
C: Alex Mack
RG: John Greco, Garrett Gilkey, Jason Pinkston
RT: Mitchell Schwartz, Martin Wallace
K: Billy Cundiff, Brandon Bogotay
NT: Phil Taylor (DE), Ishmaa′ily Kitchen
DE: Ahtyba Rubin (NT), Desmond Bryant, Billy
Winn, Armonty Bryant, John Hughes, Cam Henderson
ILB: Karlos Dansby, Christian Kirksey, Craig
Robertson, Tank Carder, Keith Pough
OLB: Paul Kruger (S), Jabaal Sheard, Barkevious Mingo, Eric
Martin, Darius Eubanks, Jamaal Westerman
CB: Joe Haden, Justin Gilbert, Buster Skrine, Leon
McFadden, Pierre Desir, Isaiah Trufant, Jordan Poyer, T.J.
Heath, Aaron Berry
S: Donte Whitner (SS), Tashaun Gipson (FS) (inj), Johnson
Bademosi (FS/KR), Jim Leonhard (FS), Josh Aubrey (SS)
Dallas Cowboys
QB: Tony Romo has been smart about his recovery from
offseason back surgery; making sure to not overdue early
practices as he did coming back from his first back injury last
year. Although Romo sat out of this week’s preseason contest
versus the Chargers, he and his coaches are pleased with the
pace of his recovery. Romo told the press this week about the
importance of core strength in combating his back injuries:
"Not everyone knows but once you have back surgery you
kind of have to change the way you do things," Romo said.
"You have to constantly work on your glutes, your hamstrings,
your abs and strengthen everything around that area and so life
will be different after that. But that doesn't mean you can't do
the things that it takes to be successful on the field or whatever
you want to do. There's been plenty of people who've done it.
You just got to go do it. It just takes work." Both head coach
Jason Garrett and QB coach Wade Wilson highlighted
Romo’s Saturday efforts, indicating he is finally starting to
look like himself.
Brandon Weeden got the start against San Diego and played
well (13-for-17 for 107 yards and a touchdown) including the
Cowboys lone score of the night – a 4-yard touchdown to
backup TE James Hanna. It’s difficult to read too much into
Weeden’s performance, and given his play in Cleveland would
be a high risk proposition to all the Cowboys skill players if he
had to step in for an injured Romo. Dustin Vaughan was less
successful (7-of-14 for 80 yards) while Caleb Hanie played
sparingly (2-of-4 for 17 yards and two sacks).
RB: Neither Demarco Murray nor Lance Dunbar played
against the Chargers, although both are healthy and have
looked good throughout the early preseason. Their absence
provided Joseph Randle and Ryan Williams chances to stake
their claims on the RB3 role. Randle led the Cowboys with 13
carries for 50 yards (3.8 per carry) while Williams logged 8
carries for 29 yards (3.6 per carry). Williams caught five
receptions for 31 yards, showing he can be a capable 3rd down
option when needed. Williams and Randle are likely fighting
for one roster spot, and special teams may ultimately be the
deciding factor. Beat writer Bryan Broaddus notes Randle
serves as a personal protector on punt duties, which could
make the difference if their running skills are on even keel. In
related news, Broaddus questions whether the Cowboys will
keep a fullback on the active roster.
WR: Dez Bryant has looked dominant in the early weeks of
camp; not surprising but notable considering the presence of
OC Scott Linehan – the play-caller that’s led Calvin Johnson
to dominance in Detroit. Bryant, like many of the Cowboys
top skill players, sat out against the Chargers. Terrance
Williams played and caught two receptions for 19 yards and
has been locked in with a string of great practices over the last
week. The backup roles remain in flux, particularly with
Dwayne Harris struggling. Harris failed to catch a pass against
the Chargers (targeted only once) and then had multiple drops
on Saturday – on a day when the passing offense was clicking
otherwise. Rookie Devin Street led the team with 43 yards
receiving (4 receptions) while Jamar Newsome (3 for 38
yards), Tim Benford (3 for 23 yards) and Cole Beasley (1 for 6
yards) all figured into the box score.
TE: With Jason Witten sitting out against the Chargers, it was
James Hanna shining (2 receptions and the Cowboys lone
touchdown) over more heralded backup Gavin Escobar.
Escobar had a 26-yard gain but was otherwise uninvolved in
the offense. Neither poses a threat to Witten’s playing time
once the regular season gets underway.
Defense: It’s important not to overvalue the early preseason
but the Cowboys porous defense vs. the Chargers did little to
assuage the belief that Dallas’ defense is going to be a
problem throughout the season. San Diego only attempted 16
passes (completing the first 12 attempts) and was able to
control the game on the ground (42 carries for 153 yards and 2
touchdowns). The final score (27-7) could’ve been worse had
Dallas not come up with two goal-line stops. Optimists will
point to those stops (including a forced fumble) as a sign that
Dallas can “bend and not break” while the pessimist will note
that San Diego was moving up and down the field at will
against the 1s, 2s and 3s.
K/P: Last week, rookie punter Cody Mandell commented: “It
has been hard to find that balance sometimes, but it has been
fun. I am out here to earn a job and play in the NFL.” He
appeared to help his cause in the preseason opener by
averaging 43.7 yards on three punts, placing all of them inside
the 20-yard line. Incumbent Chris Jones averaged 38.5 yards
on two punts. Mandell was released two days later, and the
team suggested they may add a kicker to ease Dan Bailey’s
preseason workload. Bailey kicked an extra point in the loss to
the Chargers.
OL: The overall news from the Cowboys’ preseason has been
very positive. Tyron Smith absolutely embarrassed Martez
Wilson in pass rush drills. A beat writer calls this, “the best
line Tony Romo has ever played behind.” Still, the left guard
spot remains a concern. Both Mackenzy Bernadeau and
Ronald Leary played at sub-replacement level in the first
preseason game against the Chargers, giving up pressures and
penalties. Bernadeau showed some push in the run game and
was working with the second team as a center, which helps
with depth. He probably has the lead at this point, but it is also
possible that the team finds another outside option at the
position, as they did with Brian Winters last year.
Cowboys Depth Chart
QB: Tony Romo, Brandon Weeden, Caleb Hanie, Dustin
Vaughan
RB: DeMarco Murray, Lance Dunbar, Joseph Randle, Ryan
Williams, Ben Malena
FB: Tyler Clutts, JC Copeland
WR: Dez Bryant, Terrence Williams, Dwayne Harris
(KR/PR), Cole Beasley, Devin Street, Jamar
Newsome, LaRon Byrd, Chris Boyd, Tim Benford, Dezmon
Briscoe
TE: Jason Witten, Gavin Escobar, James Hanna, Jordan
Najvar
LT: Tyron Smith, Darrion Weems
LG: Ronald Leary, Mackenzy Bernadeau
C: Travis Frederick
RG: Zack Martin
RT: Doug Free, Jermey Parnell
K: Dan Bailey
DT: Henry Melton, Nick Hayden, Ken Bishop (NT), Ben
Bass, Amobi Okoye, Terrell McClain, Chris Whaley (IR)
DE: George Selvie, Demarcus Lawrence (inj), Jeremy
Mincey, Anthony Spencer, Tyrone Crawford, Ben
Gardner, Ken Boatright, Adewale Ojomo
MLB: Justin Durant (S), Anthony Hitchens, Rolando
McClain, Will Smith, Orie Lemon (RFA), Sean Lee (IR)
OLB: Bruce Carter (W), Kyle Wilber (S), DeVonte Holloman
(S/M),Martez Wilson, Caesar Rayford, Jonathan
Stewart, Cameron Lawrence
CB: Brandon Carr, Orlando Scandrick (susp), Morris
Claiborne, B.W. Webb, Sterling Moore, Terrance
Mitchell, Korey Lindsey
S: Barry Church (FS), J.J. Wilcox (SS), Jeff Heath (SS), Matt
Johnson (FS), Jakar Hamilton (FS), Ahmad Dixon, Johnny
Thomas
Denver Broncos
QB: Peyton Manning continues to look healthy and unaffected
by age. Against the Seahawks’ first-string defense, he
overcame a series of penalties to lead Denver on a 14-play,
61-yard touchdown drive that took 9:09 on the game clock.
The drive was longer than any Denver produced in 2013, and
Manning converted 3rd and 9, 3rd and 7, and 3rd and 7 plays
to keep it alive. Once the first-string offense left the field,
Brock Osweiler handled all of the snaps in Denver’s first
preseason game. His deep accuracy was not where it was last
season, going 1-of-4 on attempts downfield and throwing an
interception on a terrible decision. Osweiler did show off
some solid scrambling ability and bounced back from his
interception by leading a 10-play, 80-yard game-winning
touchdown drive, capped off with a 34-yard pass for the score.
RB: Montee Ball underwent an emergency appendectomy on
Monday and should be able to return by Denver’s regular-
season opener. Coach Fox suggested Ball will not play again
during the preseason, saying “We saw plenty of him a year
ago and saw plenty of him in the offseason.” In Ball’s
absence, Ronnie Hillman started against Seattle. Hillman
found little room to run, finishing with 15 yards on 6 carries,
but did manage to punch a carry right up the middle for a 1-
yard score on 3rd-and-1. C.J. Anderson also received reps
with the first-team offense against Seattle and was active in
the passing game, but suffered a concussion and left the game
early. Anderson was still suffering headaches on Saturday,
though Coach John Fox said that is “normal at this stage.”
Juwan Thompson found plenty of holes against Seattle’s
second-stringers, ripping off gains of 18, 15, 22, and 20 yards,
(though one play was called back due to offensive holding.)
Thompson also showed off pass protection skills, executing a
phenomenal blitz pickup to keep Osweiler upright and extend
a drive. With Ball sidelined and Anderson’s recovery timeline
uncertain, Thompson might see an expanded role in Denver’s
second preseason game. Kapri Bibbs had a handful of carries
Denver’s game against Seattle and showed reasonably well
against the Seahawk backups. With Ball and Anderson ailing,
Bibbs will have more opportunities to show what he can do.
He is currently fighting to make Denver’s final roster.
WR: Demaryius Thomas began 2014 like he ended 2013: as
the focal point of Denver’s offense against the Seahawks.
Thomas was in midseason form, converting on three separate
third-and-long plays to extend Denver’s scoring drive and
finishing the day with five receptions for 52 yards in a
quarter’s worth of action. Wes Welker had a quiet week in
Denver as most of the starters received a light workload. He
should see more action next week against the San Francisco
49ers. Emmanuel Sanders had a quiet day against the
Seahawks as Denver’s first-string offense left the field after
just two drives. Despite the limited game action, Cecil
Lammey of ESPN Denver says Gase has been “very creative”
with Sanders in practices. Since Demaryius Thomas’ return to
the team following his grandmother’s death, Cody Latimer has
returned to the second string. Andrew Mason of
www.DenverBroncos.com reports that Latimer has been hard
at work developing a timing with backup Brock Osweiler that
could certainly come in handy in the future.
TE: Just four years removed from playing college basketball,
Julius Thomas continues to work on the finer points of playing
tight end in the NFL. He spent some time during special teams
drills this past week working on timing routes with Peyton
Manning and rookie Cody Latimer.
Defense: Even with Von Miller sitting out of the matchup
against the Seattle Seahawks, Denver showed a very deep and
effective class of pass rushers. Demarcus Ware started the
game off with a statement, sealing the edge on a run, forcing
an incompletion, and registering a sack on Seattle’s first three
plays. Quanterus Smith, who spent his rookie year on the IR,
registered four hurries on 17 pass rushes. DE Malik Jackson
and DTs Terrance Knighton and Marvin Austin were also
terrors rushing the passer. Early returns suggest a much
improved pass-rush in 2014. On the other end of the defense,
Denver’s back seven struggled with the new emphasis on
illegal contact, giving up seven automatic first downs via
penalty, but newcomers T.J. Ward, Aqib Talib, and Brandon
Roby all showed an aggressiveness and willingness to mix
things up in run support. On Tuesday, Danny Trevathan was
carted off the practice field with a fractured knee. He will be
sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks and he avoided any damage to his
ACL or MCL.
K/P: Camp leg Mitch Ewald made two extra points in the win
against the Seahawks. Starting kicker Matt Prater added
another, but missed wide left from 54 yards on his lone field
goal attempt. Britton Colquitt had one good punt (48 yards)
and one not-so-good punt (35 yards).
OL: In the first preseason game, the Broncos’ offensive line
did a much better job of pass protection. Fans will remember
this being a problem in the Super Bowl, and the team
obviously hopes that problem has been corrected. The early
returns are good. In his return to game action, left tackle Ryan
Clady looked solid, blocking effectively against the
Seahawks’ offensive line. Getting Clady, a former All-Pro,
back from injury could have one of the biggest impacts in the
entire league. Orlando Franklin, playing at left guard for the
first time, also looked good, opening up holes for the Broncos’
tailbacks. In terms of depth, the team will likely cut someone
who can play elsewhere, as there appears to be 10 (or more)
quality players at this position currently on the roster
Broncos Depth Chart
QB: Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler, Zac Dysert, Bryn
Renner
RB: Montee Ball, C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, Juwan
Thompson, Brennan Clay, Kapri Bibbs, Jerodis Williams
WR: Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker (PR), Emmanuel
Sanders, Cody Latimer, Andre Caldwell, Jordan
Norwood, Gregory Wilson, Bennie Fowler, Nathan
Palmer, Gerell Robinson
TE: Julius Thomas, Jacob Tamme, Virgil Green, Cameron
Morrah
LT: Ryan Clady, Winston Justice, Vinston Painter
LG: Orlando Franklin, Ramon Harewood
C: Manny Ramirez, Will Montgomery, Matt Paradis
RG: Louis Vasquez, Ryan Miller
RT: Chris Clark, Michael Schofield
K: Matt Prater, Mitch Ewald
DT: Terrance Knighton (NT), Sylvester Williams, Kevin
Vickerson, Mitch Unrein (NT), Marvin Austin, Sione Fua
(NT)
DE: DeMarcus Ware, Derek Wolfe, Malik Jackson, Quanterus
Smith, Kenny Anunike, Brian Sanford
MLB: Nate Irving, Jamar Chaney, Lamin Barrow, L.J. Fort
OLB: Von Miller (S), Danny Trevathan (W) (inj), Steven
Johnson (W),Brandon Marshall (S), Jerrell Harris, Lerentee
McCray, Corey Nelson, Jameson Konz, Shaq Barrett
CB: Aqib Talib, Bradley Roby, Chris Harris (inj), Kayvon
Webster, Tony Carter (inj), Jerome Murphy
S: T.J. Ward (FS), Duke Ihenacho (SS), Rahim Moore
(FS), Quinton Carter (FS), Omar Bolden (FS), David Bruton
(SS)
Detroit Lions
QB: The Lions opened the preseason Saturday night with a
13-12 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Matthew Stafford
played one series, an eight-play, 32-yard drive that led to a
field goal. Stafford, who did not have the services of Calvin
Johnson, finished 2-of-4 for 18 yards (one incompletion was a
drop by Reggie Bush). "It was good to get our feet wet, mix
some personnel groupings, things like that", Stafford said.
“We had a decent little drive, got some points, so it was a
good start." Dan Orlovsky didn’t fare as well, hitting 12-of-23
passes for 89 yards. The Lions punted in five of the six drives
during Orlovsky’s stint. Kellen Moore had an impressive
showing, finishing 11-of-13 for 121 yards, including a game-
winning 21-yard touchdown pass to Corey Fuller with just
over a minute left. Head Coach Jim Caldwell was asked if
Moore would get practice time with the second-team,
Caldwell said, “It’s a long stretch that we have going. It’s
something we’ll look at.
RB: Reggie Bush and Joique Bell both saw snaps with the
starters as the Lions utilized several different personnel
groups. Bush, who struggled mightily with drops last season,
dropped a pass in the flat on his only target during the first
drive. Bush finished with two carries for three yards and did
not play after the first drive. Bell had an impressive 11-yard
run in which he demonstrated his decisiveness, burst, and
power. Theo Riddick, who has had a strong camp, caught a
nine-yard pass and was leveled by Browns safety Donte
Whitner. He held onto the ball but suffered an abdominal
injury on the play and did not return. Mikel Leshoure saw
extended action and finished with 31 yards on eight carries,
including a 14-yard run. The most impressive running back for
the Lions was George Winn, who ran for 39 yard on six
carries and added three receptions for 23 yards. The only
blemish for Winn was losing a fumble but he still caught the
eye of Caldwell. “Any time you have a turnover, it is
something of a concern, but I think he played hard and played
well,” Caldwell said.
WR: Calvin Johnson sat out the game and Caldwell did not
say what his preseason plans are for Johnson. Even though the
Lions are implementing a new offense, Stafford is not
concerned about the lack of playing time with his superstar
receiver. “I've played with him for quite some time, so he and
I have pretty good communication”, said Stafford. Golden
Tate demonstrated his sure hands on his only target, a 14-yard
laser thrown by Stafford in the middle of the field. Kevin
Ogletree, who has been leading the battle in camp for the third
wide receiver spot, had a bad drop on his only target. Ryan
Broyles, who has suffered a season-ending injury in three
consecutive years, hauled in all three of his targets for 27
yards. Broyles was just happy to be playing football again.
“It’s really a good feeling going back on the football field and
making a couple of catches”, Broyles said. Corey Fuller, who
had problems in camp as a rookie last year beating press
coverage, did exactly that to free himself up to catch the
game-winning touchdown pass from Kellen Moore. Rookie
T.J. Jones remains on the PUP list and has no timetable to
return.
TE: Eric Ebron made his Lions debut, catching a two-yard
pass and drawing a defensive holding penalty. Ebron’s
reception was a nice grab of a low pass from quarterback Dan
Orlovsky. Ebron lined up all over the formation during the
game, including snaps as an in-line tight end, in the slot, split
out wide, and in the backfield. Ebron was injured earlier in the
week and it was uncertain whether he would suit up for the
game. “I’m glad he got healthy where he can get some work
because he needs it”, said Caldwell. Joseph Fauria caught all
three of his targets for 12 yards, but the highlight of his night
was a crunching block on a Cleveland defender, which led to a
14-yard run by running back Mikel Leshoure.
Defense: Most of the Lions starters did not play many snaps,
but among those that did was cornerback Darius Slay. Slay
was matched up with Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon for
much of the game and other than allowing a 22-yard
completion, Slay played a solid game. “He got me on one play
but that was it,” Slay said. “Other than that, I was on him,
competing with him.” With the starters playing limited snaps,
it gave some rookies and other backups a chance to make an
impression on the coaching staff. Rookie linebacker Kyle Van
Noy almost had an impressive strip-fumble (the play was ruled
incomplete because the running back bobbled the ball). It
demonstrated the playmaking ability that the Lions saw in Van
Noy when they drafted him in the second round. Van Noy is
battling Ashlee Palmer for a starting outside linebacker job.
Rookie defensive end Larry Webster had three tackles,
including one for a loss and a quarterback hit while rookie
defensive tackle Caraun Reid had two tackles for losses.
Starting defensive end Ezekiel Ansah remains on the PUP list
with a shoulder injury but all indications are that he will be
returning soon.
K/P: Kicking competitors Nate Freese and Giorgio Tavecchio
have been handling kickoffs in camp as well as in the
preseason opener against Cleveland, but the winner will
probably not do so in the regular season as punter/holder Sam
Martin is expected to assume that role. Freese made field goals
of 37 and 32 yards while Tavecchio kicked the game-winning
extra point with a minute remaining. In practices last week,
Tavecchio fared better than Freese.
OL: Starting left tackle Riley Reiff and right guard Larry
Warford look to build on their success from last season.
Center Dominic Raiola and left guard Rob Sims only played
one series in the preseason game against Cleveland. Undrafted
rookie Cornelius Lucas appears to have the lead over
Michael Williams for the fourth tackle spot. Standing 6’9”,
Lucas is tall, rangy and hopes to become this year’s version of
right tackle LaAdrian Waddle. Once a converted tight end,
Williams is an athlete in his own right, but still seems like a
long shot to overcome Lucas for that final spot. It will be
interesting to see if Williams gets picked up or if the Lions
stash him on the taxi squad.
Lions Depth Chart
QB: Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, Kellen Moore, James
Franklin
RB: Reggie Bush, Joique Bell (SD), Theo Riddick, Mikel
Leshoure, Steven Miller
FB: Jed Collins, Montell Owens
WR: Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate (PR), Kevin
Ogletree, Ryan Broyles, Kris Durham, Jeremy Ross
(KR/PR), TJ Jones, Corey Fuller, Patrick Edwards, Cody
Wilson, Conner Vernon
TE: Brandon Pettigrew, Eric Ebron, Joseph Fauria, Jordan
Thompson
LT: Riley Reiff, J.B. Shugarts
LG: Rob Sims, Rodney Austin
C: Dominic Raiola, Travis Swanson
RG: Larry Warford, Garrett Reynolds
RT: LaAdrian Waddle, Corey Hilliard
K: Nate Freese, Giorgio Taveccio
DT: Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, C.J. Mosley, Caruan
Reid, Andre Fluellen, Jimmy Saddler-McQueen, Corvey Irvin
DE: Ezekiel Ansah, Jason Jones, Devin Taylor, Darryl
Tapp, Larry Webster, Xavier Proctor, George
Johnson, Kalonji Kashama
MLB: Stephen Tulloch, Julian Stanford, Travis Lewis
(S), Brandon Hepburn
OLB: DeAndre Levy (W), Kyle Van Noy (S), Ashlee Palmer
(S), Tahir Whitehead (S), Cory Greenwood
CB: Darius Slay, Rashean Mathis, Bill Bentley, Drayton
Florence, Cassius Vaughn, Jonte Green, Nevin Lawson, Nate
Ness, Aaron Hester
S: Glover Quin (SS), , James Ihedigbo (FS), Don Carey
(SS), DeJon Gomes (SS), Isa Abdul-Quddus (SS)
Green Bay Packers
QB: Aaron Rodgers was held out of the Packers' preseason
opener for precautionary reasons (there was heavy rain in
Tennessee on Saturday night and the field was sloppy/muddy).
Matt Flynn led the Packers to a TD on the first drive,
connecting on a 10-yard flare to tight end Richard Rodgers
and running for a five-yard gain while mostly handing off to
James Starks. All told, Flynn threw 5/10 for 49 yards, with
zero TDs, interceptions, or sacks taken, and added 3/9/0
rushing. "I struggled getting a grip on the ball a little bit,"
Flynn said. "Taking positives out of it, I felt like I made good
decisions and went to the right place with the ball. The ball
was pretty rough out there, but there's not much else that can
be done." According to Packersnews.com, Scott Tolzien had
more success [than Flynn] once the rain dissipated during the
second half. He drove the Packers' offense into Titans'
territory in his three series, including a seven-play, 79-yard
touchdown drive after halftime featuring the no-huddle.
Before Tolzien exited the field he had posted 8/12 for 124
yards passing, with zero TDs or interceptions. He was sacked
twice for -25 yards. Tolzien also had a fumble that he
recovered on his own. "I thought he did a lot of good things,"
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said. "I thought the no-
huddle really flourished in Scott's two series. To have the
fumble, and then make the play... and hit the second-and-20
play to get us down there in the red zone, I thought Scott did a
lot of good things". Fourth-stringer Chase Rettig netted zero
yards in a brief appearance late in the game (1/3 for 10 yards
passing, with two sacks taken for -10 yards).
RB: Eddie Lacy was held out of the Packers' first exhibition
game for precautionary reasons. "It was coach's decision and
it's about understanding that he's making the best decision for
the team," Lacy said after the game. "I know it was for a
reason and I just followed it." According to the Milwaukee
Journal-Sentinel, on the opening drive, the offense drove 64
yards in eight plays for a touchdown. James Starks ran on six
of the plays for 49 yards (8.2 yards per carry average),
including consecutive runs of 4, 3, 11 and 20 yards to close
out the drive. "He picked up where he left off," Coach
McCarthy said after the game. "James looked like he was in
midseason form. That first drive was impressive. We wanted
to accomplish running the football in the first drive. James was
excellent." Dujuan Harris was the next Lacy backup to appear,
and he ended the night with 7/18/0 rushing and 2/6/0 receiving
on the night (he also had a nice 40-yard kickoff return on
special teams). "I'm not surprised how we ran it," Harris said
after the game. "The offensive line was working hard and
opening up some holes. With all the talents we have, we have
something big here. We just have to keep on getting better."
Harris was followed by undrafted rookie Rajion Neal (5/39/1
rushing). The Packers' running back stable is in great shape
heading into the second preseason game. Lacy has been very
impressive by all accounts during training camp and is the
clear #1 while Starks looked outstanding in his own right.
WR: Jordy Nelson was held out of the Packers' first preseason
tilt for precautionary reasons. Jarrett Boykin (zero targets in
the game) killed the team's fourth drive with an offensive pass
interference call, and Flynn was done for the night after the
penalty. Davante Adams saw three targets for 2/22/0
receiving, but muffed a punt that set up a Tennessee score.
Backups Chris Harper (three targets for 2/55/0 receiving) and
Kevin Dorsey (five targets for 3/23/0) put up the top two
nights among the Packers' receivers at Tennessee. "Physically,
it's just one of those weird games that you can't really go back
and critique mechanics or receivers can't really critique their
routes too much because it was a sloppy game," Flynn said.
"Next week, we're in the dome (at St. Louis), so hopefully
we'll be able to execute a little better." Earlier in the week a
local source (Bob McGinn) noted that Nelson has looked
"superlative" during training camp with seven TDs to his
credit, vs. only one scored by Randall Cobb (who was
described last week as looking "rather commonplace"). Adams
is seen as best in the slot so far, and that would put him behind
Cobb on the depth chart. Myles White (two targets for 1/12/0
on Saturday in Tennessee) and Harper are behind Adams in
the camp battle for backup slots so far.
TE: Rodgers (starting with the first team in this game) caught
one pass on the first drive Saturday, and then saw two other
targets on the night (no other receptions). Brandon Bostick
created a 24-yard gain with a nice run after a Flynn flare on
his only opportunity of the night with the second team.
Andrew Quarless had one pass come his way but failed to reel
it in. It was a slow night for the Packers' tight end corps (there
were 25 pass attempts and 14 total receptions by the Packers
on Saturday night, vs. 35 rushing attempts). The battle for
position on the depth chart remains wide open after an
inconclusive first preseason game played in inclement
weather.
Defense: Titans quarterback Jake Locker didn't fare much
better in the messy conditions Saturday night, completing only
one pass against the Packers' first team defense. The starting
defense, minus injured S Morgan Burnett, forced two punts
during the first two Tennessee series. However, McCarthy and
defensive coordinator Dom Capers decided to send them out
for an "adversity series" after Adams muffed a punt catch that
Tennessee recovered. The starters gave up a 13-yard
touchdown run to Shonn Greene on the first play after the
turnover. "I know personally I could have been better (on the
touchdown)," DT Mike Daniels said after the game "I took
the guard and ran him so far out of the gap that I took myself
out of the play. I can live with it when it's a matter of, 'Hey,
kick his butt this way, don't kick his butt that way,' instead of,
'Hey, you got your butt kicked.'"
K/P: Last week, special teams coach Shawn Slocum said of
kicker Mason Crosby: “Last year, he was under a pretty
intense competition. He did well towards the end of it and had
a good season. He's come back this year, and I really like
where he's at in terms of his kicking. He's got a good mindset,
and I think he's in a good place.” Crosby made a 32-yard field
goal and a 33-yard extra point in this week’s game against the
Titans. Tim Masthay averaged 39 yards on five punts.
OL: Starting center J.C. Tretter was given extra reps in the
team’s game against the Tennessee Titans this week. After the
first team left the game, Tretter remained on the field with the
second team to better familiarize himself with the position.
Draft pick Corey Linsley replaced Tretter in the second half,
and does not seem to be a threat for the starting job. Backup
tackle Don Barclay was lost for the year with a torn ACL.
Barclay has starting experience and is a versatile backup. His
injury makes Derek Sherrod (who is playing well) more
likely to be the swing tackle, and elevates Lane Taylor to the
next man up at guard.
Packers Depth Chart
QB: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, Scott Tolzien
RB: , Eddie Lacy, James Starks, DuJuan Harris, Michael
Hill, Rajion Neal, LaDarius Perkins, Orwin Smith
FB: John Kuhn, Ina Liaina
WR: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Jarrett Boykin, Davante
Adams, Jeff Janis, Myles White, Chris Harper, Kevin
Dorsey, Alex Gillett, Jared Abbrederis (IR)
TE: Richard Rodgers, Andrew Quarless, Brandon
Bostick, Ryan Taylor, Jake Stoneburner, Colt Lyerla
(inj), Raymond Webber
LT: David Bakhtiari, Derek Sherrod, Aaron Adams
LG: Josh Sitton, Lane Taylor
C: J.C. Tretter, Corey Linsley
RG: TJ Lang, Andrew Tiller
RT: Bryan Bulaga, Don Barclay
K: Mason Crosby, Tim Masthay
NT: B.J. Raji, Letroy Guion, Josh Boyd
DE: Datone Jones, Mike Daniels, Julius Peppers, Mike
Neal, Jerel Worthy, Khyri Thornton, Mike Pennel
ILB: A.J. Hawk (L), Brad Jones (M), Jamari Lattimore
(M/R), Sam Barrington (L), Victor Aiyewa
OLB: Clay Matthews, Nick Perry (L), Chase Thomas
(L), Andy Mulumba (R), Jayrone Elliott, Nate Palmer
(R), Carl Bradford
CB: Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, Davon
House, Jarrett Bush (FS), Antonio Dennard, Demetri
Goodson, Jumal Rolle, Ryan White
S: Morgan Burnett (SS), Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FS), Micah
Hyde (FS),Chris Banjo (SS), Sean Richardson (FS), Tanner
Miller, Charles Clay
Houston Texans
QB: The Texans received good news last week when doctors
gave owner Bob McNair a clean bill of health after 10 months
of treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The
momentum was short-lived, though, as the Cardinals routed
the Texans 32-0 in their preseason opener. Ryan Fitzpatrick’s
first game didn’t go well either as he played through the first
half completing just 6 of 14 for 55 yards with two
interceptions. The Texans were without a few of their best
players - wide receiver Andre Johnson, running back Arian
Foster and cornerback Johnathan Joseph – due to minor
injuries. The Cardinals outgained the Texans 407 to 172.
O’Brien has dialed up the intensity in his first camp as head
coach, but he also took the blame for the team’s lopsided loss
stating that his staff has to do a better job of coaching, starting
with him. Case Keenum remains ahead of rookie Tom Savage
and he worked the third quarter finishing 3-of-5 for 23 yards.
Savage didn’t fare much better as his day ended as he was
tackled in the end zone with 1:28 to play for a safety.
Fitzpatrick is reportedly looking more comfortable in the
offense each day using his legs regularly thanks to the
constant pressure he gets from J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney
and even safety D.J. Swearinger. Depending on who wins the
backup job, the Texans will keep two quarterbacks (if Savage
wins) or three (if Keenum holds him off). Savage’s reps have
increased throughout camp as his grasp of the offense
increases. On Thursday, a receiver lined up in the wrong spot,
but Savage noticed it and got him into the correct position.
RB: The RB depth chart, beyond Arian Foster, is in complete
upheaval. Arian Foster and Andre Brown were inactive
against the Cardinals, giving Johnathan Grimes the start.
Grimes gained 39 yards on 10 carries. Rookie Alfred Blue also
worked with the first team and ran for 30 yards on five carries
highlighted by a 14-yarder. On Monday, Andre Brown,
Dennis Johnson and Tim Cornett were released – and replaced
by Ronnie Brown and William Powell. Beat writers believe
this cements Grimes as the primary backup, but it’s hard to
take a firm stance on the depth chart given what just
transpired.
As if anyone needed any excuses to lay off Foster in the
second round of drafts, he revealed last week that he
contemplated retirement after last year’s season-ending back
injury and spending some time with Texas legend and former
league MVP Earl Campbell. "Any time an athlete goes
through an injury like that -- a back, a neck, even knees or
hips, something that puts you out for the entire season -- you
kind of re-evaluate your life," said Foster, who will celebrate
his 28th birthday later this month.
WR: Andre Johnson continues to nurse his hamstring and has
not resumed practicing since tweaking it on July 28th. As
Johnson takes his time getting back to 100%, 2nd year
DeAndre Hopkins is starring. Team scribe John Harris noted
that Hopkins is “ready for the next step." With Johnson
missing all of OTAs and most of camp, Hopkins has caught on
quickly to the new scheme. "He's a very hard worker. ... He's a
guy that really, in our opinion, gets better and better every
day," head coach Bill O'Brien said. Hopkins’ ADP remains
relatively low considering his talent level, but much of that has
to do with the team’s iffy quarterback situation and
Fitzpatrick’s underwhelming arm. That might not last long,
though, if Hopkins continues to make leaping catches as he
has in the first two weeks of camp. Even Johnson took notice
of Hopkin’s increased confidence and improving rapport with
Fitzpatrick. Mike Thomas is pushing DeVier Posey and
Keshawn Martin for the team’s No. 3 job. Thomas led Texans
receivers with 4-40-0 against the Cardinals and his solid play
in camp continues, but it would still be a minor surprise if
Thomas ends up winning that spot over Posey or Martin.
Posey is taking advantage of Johnson’s missed time running
with the ones opposite Hopkins and making some impressive
catches during 11-on-11s. On Friday, the team released
undrafted rookie Kofi Hughes.
TE: Another mild surprise has been the play of rookie third-
round pick C.J. Fiedorowicz, who is running ahead of second-
year Ryan Griffin as the in-line tight end opposite “move”
tight end Garrett Graham. It looks like O’Brien will feature the
‘12’ formation prominently as his base offense. Griffin
performed well when called upon late last season after injuries
thrust him into the starting lineup, but Fiedorowicz was
drafted by O’Brien, perhaps giving him a leg up. On Friday,
Fiedorowicz made a nice grab going against Shiloh Keo. He
didn’t catch a ton of passes at Iowa but has shown consistently
good hands in camp. Earlier in the week, the team released
their unofficial depth chart that listed Fiedorowicz as a third-
teamer but the team’s beat writers all confirmed Griffin seems
to have fallen behind the rookie in practices.
Defense: Much of the news from the defensive side of the ball
centered around three of the team’s top players. Bob McNair
made comments to ESPN about potentially using the franchise
tag on DE J.J. Watt if needed. "You've got guys in the Hall of
Fame that have been franchised in back-to-back years,"
McNair said. "The franchise tag is worth something to the
team, and you can't be afraid to use it." Watt is under contract
through 2015 and McNair made is clear that he wants Watt to
be a Texan for many seasons to come. When he gets a new
contract, Watt is likely to become the highest-paid non-
quarterback in the league. Top pick Jadeveon Clowney
returned to practice on Thursday and he came up with a tackle
for a loss against Arizona; popping Stepfan Taylor in the
backfield for a five-yard loss. He narrowly missed a sack on
Carson Palmer, but Watt got there first. Clowney was tested in
coverage as John Carlson beat him for a touchdown in the first
half on a play that ended up coming back due to a penalty.
O’Brien said he’s managing Clowney and Johnathan Joseph as
they’re both coming back from offseason surgeries. Joseph
expects to be fine for the regular season. Safety D.J.
Swearinger, a former teammate of Clowney’s at South
Carolina, is giving the team a bit of swagger with his non-stop
talking during practices and games. "He talks trash all day.
We'll be at the house and he's still talking trash," said
teammate (safety) Eddie Pleasant. One battle that remains
unsettled is who will start inside at linebacker next to Brian
Cushing. It remains a close competition between four guys -
Mike Mohamed, Justin Tuggle, Jeff Tarpinian and rookie Max
Bullough. With Cushing still on the PUP, Tuggle and
Tarpinian have been running with the ones.
K/P: The preseason opener didn’t tell us much about the
kicking competition between Randy Bullock and rookie Chris
Boswell. Bullock sent the opening kickoff six yards shy of the
goal line, and the both sat on the bench while the Texans were
shut out. So far in practices, Boswell may have a very slight
edge. Boswell did get a chance to punt against the Cardinals,
averaging 47.3 yards on three punts. Starter Shane Lechler
averaged 49 yards on three punts.
OL: Despite the 32-0 final score against the Cardinals, the
Texans’ first team offensive line actually played well. The
running game was consistent, despite starting right guard
Brandon Brooks still not being available for action. Brooks’
injury, plus those of Cody White and Will Yeatman, have left
the depth somewhat lacking. Alex Kupper did an okay job in
place of Brooks, but he was sometimes overmatched. Rookie
Xavier Su’a-Filo is playing left tackle with the second team
due to all the injuries there. Left tackle Duane Brown publicly
came out in support of starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick,
despite his 14.6 rating in the exhibition.
Texans Depth Chart
QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum, Tom Savage
RB: Arian Foster (inj), Jonathan Grimes, Alfred Blue, Ronnie
Brown, William Powell
FB: Jay Prosch, Toben Opurum
WR: Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins, Keshawn Martin
(KR/PR),Devier Posey, Mike Thomas (KR/PR), Alec
Lemon, Anthony McClung, Travis Labhart, Uzoma
Nwachukwu, Lacoltan Bester, Joe Adams, Alan Bonner (IR)
TE: Garrett Graham, C.J. Fiedorowicz, Ryan Griffin, Zach
Potter, Anthony Denham
LT: Duane Brown, Will Yeatman
LG: Ben Jones, Xavier Su’a-Filo
C: Chris Myers, Cody White (IR)
RG: Alex Kupper, Brandon Brooks (inj), Conor
Boffeli, Bronson Irwin
RT: Derek Newton, Tyson Clabo, Brice Schwab
K: Randy Bullock, Chris Boswell
NT: Jerrell Powe, Louis Nix (inj), Ricardo Mathews, David
Hunter, Austin Brown
DE: J.J. Watt, Jared Crick, Tim Jamison, Jeoffrey
Pagan, Keith Browner, Julius Warmsley
ILB: Brian Cushing, Jeff Tarpinian (S), Justin Tuggle, Mike
Mohamed, Max Bullough, Akeem Dent, Paul Hazel, Chris
Young
OLB: Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus, Brooks
Reed, Ricky Sapp, Quentin Groves, Lawrence Sidbury
CB: Johnathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson, Brandon
Harris, Elbert Mack, Josh Victorian, Andre Hal, A.J.
Bouye, Marcus Williams
S: D.J. Swearinger (SS), Kendrick Lewis (FS), Chris Clemons
(FS), Shiloh Keo (FS), Eddie Pleasant (SS), Jawanza Starling
(SS), Lonnie Ballentine (FS)
Indianapolis Colts
QB: Andrew Luck continues to do nothing to shake anyone’s
confidence in his ability to be a high-end quarterback this
season. Luck went 4/5 for 53 yards against Rex Ryan and the
Jets defense in Week One of the preseason. The third-year
passer looked smart, efficient and was willing to take shots on
a weak secondary. His surgical approach to the game bodes
well for his prospects in any potential up-tempo offense,
where he is the featured player. Yet, at least one Colts’ veteran
wondered aloud whether that was the best course of action.
Backup Matt Hasselback opined that the Colts might be
putting a little too much on Luck’s shoulders too fast. While
this is just one man’s opinion, there might some clues here.
Hasselback’s worries at least lead you to believe that
Indianapolis is gearing up to run an offense built with Luck
and the passing game as the foundation. As for Matt
Hasselback himself, he was excellent in the preseason opener.
That’s to be expected from a longtime, experienced player
battling second stringers. Third string quarterback, Chandler
Harnish, went 4/7 for 16 yards and didn’t look like he
belonged.
RB: All the glowing reports surrounding Trent Richardson did
not materialize on the field against the Jets. Richardson took
his five carries for a meager 13 yards. It didn’t look like he
was any more explosive, or decisive, than the 2013 rendition
of himself. It doesn’t help matters that a shallow offensive line
continues to lose players to injury. The latest news
surrounding the Colts’ starter involves a new mentor in
Edgerrin James. Indianapolis’ brain trust is hoping their
former franchise icon can assist Richardson in making the
necessary tune-ups. It remains to be seen whether that will
help matters. A different running back caught observers’ eyes
against the Jets, and that was Dan Herron. The 212-pound
back hasn’t done much at the NFL level, but rumbled through
the New York backups. What’s even more important is that he
chipped in with six receptions out of the backfield. With
Ahmad Bradshaw’s injury history, Herron bears watching.
WR: During the first training camp report, everything
surrounding Hakeem Nicks indicated his working with the
first team. And while Nicks continues to insist he’s in “the
best shape of his life”, the buzz seems to be dying down fast.
Pep Hamilton gave about the farthest thing from an
endorsement possible by saying, “I don't know if I can say that
I've seen enough. I think he is still working to get himself in
game shape.” You’d like to hear better quotes from the
offensive coordinator, and time appears to be of the essence
for Nicks. On the other hand, he did catch a sideline pass from
Andrew Luck early in the first preseason game. T.Y. Hilton
looks to have a strong hold on the title of the top dog in the
passing game. With Reggie Wayne resting, Hilton snared
three passes for 38 yards against the Jets. He looked in gear,
and ready to be a reliable target beyond the deep portions of
the field. Da’Rick Rogers and Donte Moncrief were each
targeted twice, but only hauled in one catch apiece. Although,
Moncrief was the receiver on field with Andrew Luck and
company during the first drive of the game.
TE: During the preseason loss to the Jets, Dwayne Allen and
Coby Fleener both saw time with the ones. In fact, there were
a few plays where both tight ends were on the field together.
Neither play did much to stand out in the passing game. Both
failed to catch a pass in limited action. However, Allen was
noticeably used as an inline blocker on several occasions.
While it’s not sexy, this is part of his appeal. If the Colts stick
with a power run offense, he can help seal the edge for Trent
Richardson. Should they go pass happy, Allen can chip in as a
sixth blocker and assist a troubled offensive line. Blocking is
part of the reason Allen is the top tight end on the depth
chart, and the main man to monitor at the position. It’s clear
Pep Hamilton missed Dwayne Allen last season. The offensive
coordinator called his tight end “Robocop” and gushed about
him as a player.
Defense: The Colts defense kept the Geno Smith led Jets out
of the end zone, and a few players stood out. Last year’s first
round pick, Bjoern Werner, was one of the defenders with an
eye-opening performance. He took snaps with the first team,
while playing with intensity and physicality. Bleacher
Report’s Kyle Rodriguez noted it was the fastest he’s ever
seen Werner play during his time in Indianapolis. The Colts
need Werner to step up and be a cornerstone of the defense.
The early returns seem positive. Montori Hughes received nice
reviews from the coaches during the early parts of camp, and
he brought his good play to the field. Pro Football Focus
charted Hughes with a quarterback hurry and defensive stop
against the Jets. It looks like the big man continues to exceed
expectations in his battle for a role. The Colts defense held up
well considering they were without cornerstones like Robert
Mathis, Vontae Davis and Laron Landry. Chuck Pagano
thought, “The effort was outstanding” and “the tackling was
good. The defense, other than one drive where we shot
ourselves in the foot, played outstanding”.
K/P: Adam Vinatieri made a 39-yard field goal in the
preseason loss to the Jets, but was wide left on a 29-yard
attempt at the end of the first half. Punter, holder, and kickoff
specialist Pat McAfee got off to slow start, sending his first
punt only 31 yards and out of bounds. He regrouped and
ultimately averaged 46.5 yards on six punts during the game.
McAfee noted: “First ball hailed from Shankesville, but some
bombs followed.” Camp leg Cody Parkey had touchbacks on
two of his three kickoffs.
OL: Injuries are stacking up for the Colts’ offensive line.
Starting center Khaled Holmes is out three weeks with an
ankle sprain. The injury looked more serious at the time and
the team hopes to have him back for Week 1 of the regular
season. Undrafted rookie Jonotthan Harrison out of Florida
replaced Holmes during the game against the New York Jets
and had a mixed performance. Harrison had two bad snaps and
the team signed Thomas Austin less than a day later. Rookie
Jack Mewhort played decently at left guard and also could be
an option at center, if needed. Backup tackle Ulrick John
suffered a broken ankle during the Jets game and he should be
out for an extended period.
Colts Depth Chart QB: Andrew Luck, Matt Hasselbeck, Chandler Harnish
RB: Trent Richardson, Ahmad Bradshaw, Dan Herron, Zurlon
Tipton, Davin Meggett, Phillip Tanner, Vick Ballard (IR)
FB: Stanley Havili (PUP), Mario Harvey, Cam White
WR: Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton (KR/PR), Hakeem
Nicks, Donte Moncrief, Da′Rick Rogers, Grif Whalen, Josh
Lenz, Ryan Lankford, Eric Thomas, Tony
Washington, Nu′Keese Richardson
TE: Dwayne Allen, Coby Fleener, Jack Doyle, Weslye
Saunders, Erik Swoope
LT: Anthony Castonzo, Jack Breckner
LG: Jack Mewhort, Lance Louis, Donald Thomas (IR)
C: Khaled Holmes, Joe Reitz
RG: Hugh Thornton, Eric Pike
RT: Gosder Cherilus, Xavier Nixon, John Ulrick
K: Adam Vinatieri, Cody Parkey
NT: Josh Chapman, Montori Hughes, Brandon
McKinney, Fili Moala (IR)
DE: Cory Redding, Arthur Jones, Ricky Jean-Francois, Zach
Kerr, Tyler Hoover, Nnamdi Obukwelu, Gannon Conway
ILB: Jerrell Freeman (W), D′Qwell Jackson, Kelvin Sheppard
(M), Josh McNary, Andrew Jackson, Shawn Loiseau, Henoc
Muamba
OLB: Robert Mathis (susp), Erik Walden (S) (susp), Bjoern
Werner, Jonathan Newsome, Andy Studebaker, Cam
Johnson, Phillip Hunt, Jonathon Sharpe, Aaron Morgan (IR)
CB: Vontae Davis, Greg Toler, Darius Butler, Sheldon
Price, Josh Gordy, Marcus Burley, Loucheiz Purifoy, Johnny
Adams, Kameron Jackson, Qua Cox
S: LaRon Landry (FS), Sergio Brown (FS), Delano Howell
(FS), David Sims (SS), Colt Anderson, Mike Adams, Dewey
McDonald
Jacksonville Jaguars
QB: The team remains firm in its stance that Blake Bortles
will redshirt his rookie season, but Bortles’ fine performance
in the preseason opener might force the coaches to reconsider
the strategy. The third overall pick was on top of his game
completing 7-of-11 passes for 117 yards in relief of starter
Chad Henne, working with the second-team against the
Buccaneers second-team defense. "I thought he did a nice
job," Head Coach Gus Bradley said. "He's shown some good
poise. ... I thought he did some good things. I know that there's
some things Jedd and I quickly talked about with the
quarterbacks --areas of improvement. But the poise factor; we
wanted to see that, and he did a nice job." The poise Bradley
referred to was when Bortles stood tall in the pocket, took a
shot to his face and still completed a 31-yard pass to Mike
Brown. He only had one bad throw in four series, but still only
mustered three points as three of his incompletions were drops
– two by Brown and one by Chad Bumphis. Two other
completions were negated by offensive pass interference
penalties. "Felt pretty comfortable," Bortles said. "Felt
comfortable with the plays Jedd was calling. Felt comfortable
with the reads and where to go with the ball. That's just
something that I have to get more [predisposed] to and more
comfortable with. That'll take place over however long. I'll
continue to study and continue to ask questions and try to
learn." Henne also played four series completing 4-of-7 for 30
yards as the offensive line struggled to open lanes for the
running game and center Mike Brewster sailed two shotgun
snaps over Henne’s head for a combined loss of 37 yards.
Bortles has yet to take a single snap with the first-team offense
in camp.
RB: Toby Gerhart (hip) hoped to play against the Bucs, but he
was inactive after being sidelined since August 1st. Gus
Bradley is playing it cautiously with his new starting running
back. His availability for the season opener is not in question
and he should be good to go by the team’s third preseason
game. "He's made great progress but we just felt like at this
point in time, for the number of carries he's going to get in
there, we'd rather have that recovery time," Bradley said.
Jordan Todman got the starting nod in Gerhart’s absence.
With the line struggling he gained only five yards on five
carries and he caught one pass for six yards. Robinson
performed well against the Bucs second-team defense as he
took a pitch 23 yards around the left end untouched for a
touchdown that gave the Jaguars the lead for good. He
finished with 36 yards on seven carries. Johnson ran nine
times for 21 yards and he was the second back in the game
after Todman. Undrafted rookie Terrance Cobb, out of
Cumberland College, got some reps late in the game with six
carries for 13 yards and one catch for 2 yards.
WR: Cecil Shorts (hamstring) said he is ahead of schedule
after running at 100% in a straight line during practice last
week. Shorts was inactive against the Bucs and has been
sidelined since suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain on July
25. Second round pick Allen Robinson has also been sidelined
with a hamstring strain since July 31. Tandon Doss suffered a
severely sprained ankle on August 1st and is sidelined
indefinitely. Rookie free agent Damian Copeland was placed
on injured reserve with a wrist injury. Undrafted rookie
Nathan Slaughter suffered a sprained foot and is out for
several weeks. Beyond that, Ace Sanders is suspended for four
games and Justin Blackmon most likely for the year. That left
the cupboard bare for the Jags as rookie Marqise Lee and
third-year backup Mike Brown started on Friday night. Even
Brown was a question mark, though, after leaving
Wednesday’s practice early with a tight hamstring. Brown and
undrafted rookie Allen Hurns turned in decent performances
with two catches each. Brown hauled in a 31-yard catch while
Hurns had a 24-yard reception. Brown was recently praised by
receivers coach Jerry Sullivan as he dubbed him the team’s
best receiver through the first week or so in camp. Of course,
that’s after six different players, Brown included, succumbed
to injury.
The surprise of the evening was the lack of involvement from
Lee, who wasn’t targeted at all while playing with the first
team and he finished without a catch. Lee has been the most
impressive rookie on the team through the first two weeks of
camp, but after the game Gus Bradley questioned Lee’s effort.
"That’s one of those things we’re looking at. Run your routes
[like the football] is coming to you," Bradley said. "I’d like to
visit with him about what happened. He could have done some
things more precise. It wasn’t exactly where we need him to
be." The coaches want more consistency out of Lee, but make
no mistake; he has been impressive enough that his highlights
prompted Jaguars.com writer John Oehser to write last week
that “this guy has … it.” Shorts agreed, “You see flashes of
why he was so coveted coming out.”
TE: The team signed veteran free agent Fendi Onobun last
week with Brandon Barden (illness) and Clay Harbor (calf)
sidelined. Onobun was recently waived by the Bears.
Undrafted rookie free agent D.J. Tialavea remained active
with a pair of catches for 15 yards against the Bucs. Starter
Marcedes Lewis caught one ball for 9 yards.
Defense: The Jaguars defenses recorded three sacks – one
each by Chris Clemons, Tyson Alualu and rookie DE Chris
Smith. Winston Guy returned an interception 68 yards for a
touchdown in the first quarter and Sen’Derrick Marks had a
strong showing with four tackles, a forced fumble and a forced
incompletion when he got into Josh McCown’s face. His
pressure forced McCown’s poor throw that was picked off by
Guy for the touchdown. The Jaguars had one of the league’s
worst defenses last year, finishing 27th overall, but after
spending $53+ million in free agency on their line to add
Clemons, Red Bryant and Ziggy Hood, they could be one of
the most improved units in the league. The coaches are
experimenting with a “lightning” package featuring four
defensive ends on the field at the same time during obvious
passing downs - Andre Branch, Ryan Davis, Clemons and
Smith. If the defense is going to improve, though, the
linebackers will need to get better. Paul Posluszny is a
playmaker, but the team hopes free agent addition Dekoda
Watson and fifth round pick Telvin Smith will do the trick.
Watson hasn’t practiced yet due to a groin injury, while Smith
has earned some first team reps as he appears to be ticketed
for third down duty where the team can take advantage of his
speed and instincts. LaRoy Reynolds has been filling in for
Watson at the weakside linebacker position.
K/P: Camp leg Kasey Redfern got some work in all phases of
specialization in the preseason win over Tampa Bay. He
kicked a 26-yard field goal, kicked off twice, and averaged 47
yards on two punts, placing one inside the 20-yard line.
Starting kicker Josh Scobee was less busy, kicking an extra
point and kicking off once. Bryan Anger averaged 45.6 yards
on five punts, placing one inside the 20-yard line.
OL: The Jaguars offensive line did not have a good game
against the Tampa Bay defense. The team was not able to
establish the run, only producing 12 yards on eight carries on
the first four series. Some of this is probably a matter of
cohesion, as they are starting new players across the board.
However, starting center Mike Brewster was especially
worrisome, as he had two wayward shotgun snaps. Observers
are concerned that he lacks the functional strength for the
position; the third-year pro has never started in the league and
the team tried to replace him in the offseason.
Jaguars Depth Chart QB: Chad Henne, Blake Bortles, Ricky Stanzi, Stephen
Morris
RB: Toby Gerhart, Jordan Todman (KR), Denard Robinson
(KR/WR), Storm Johnson, Terrance Cobb
FB: Will Ta′ufo′ou, Bradie Ewing
WR: Cecil Shorts (inj), Marqise Lee, Allen Robinson
(inj), Ace Sanders (PR) (susp), Mike Brown, Tandon Doss
(inj), Chad Bumphis, Kerry Taylor, Stephen Burton, Lamaar
Thomas, Kevin Smith, Kenny Shaw, Justin Blackmon (susp)
TE: Marcedes Lewis, Clay Harbor, Danny Noble, Brandon
Barden, Marcel Jensen, Fendi Onobun
LT: Luke Joeckel, Demarcus Love
LG: Zane Beadles, Drew Nowak
C: Mike Brewster, Patrick Lewis, Luke Bowanko
RG: Brandon Linder, Jacques McClendon
RT: Austin Pasztor, Cameron Bradfield
K: Josh Scobee
DT: Senderrick Marks, Roy Miller, Ziggy Hood, Deandre
Coleman, Abry Jones, Ricky Havili-Heimuli, David Carter
DE: Tyson Alualu, Red Bryant, Andre Branch, Chris
Clemons, Ryan Davis, Chris Smith, Gerald Rivers
MLB: Paul Posluszny, LaRoy Reynolds (M/S), Nathan
Stupar, Allen Bradford
OLB: Geno Hayes (W), Dekoda Watson (S), Telvin Smith
(W), J.T. Thomas (W), Chris Smith (S), Marcus
Whitfield, Josh Hull
CB: Dwayne Gratz, Alan Ball, Will Blackmon, Mike
Harris, Demetrius McCray, Aaron Colvin, Jamell
Fleming, Jeremy Harris, Deion Belue
S: John Cyprien (SS), Winston Guy (FS), Christopher
Prosinski (SS),Sherrod Martin (FS), Josh Evans (FS), Craig
Loston, Joe Young
Kansas City Chiefs
QB: The Chiefs first preseason game against the Bengals was
a mixed bag at quarterback. Alex Smith didn’t have a
particularly productive first quarter, leading three drives that
resulted in a three-and-out, a lost fumble, and a field goal.
Smith only attempted 5 passes, completing 3 of them for 19
yards. Chase Daniel played the second quarter and threw a 69-
yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce and a 40-yard pick-6 to
Dre Kirkpatrick. The interception was a terrible decision but
Daniel only threw two incompletions on the night. Tyler Bray
only attempted three passes but Andy Reid singled him out
earlier in the week as being the team’s most improved
player. By the end of the week Bray was actually taking some
reps with the second team. Aaron Murray barely saw the field
and continues to look like the 4th best quarterback in practice.
Unless the team tries to trade Daniel it looks like the Chiefs
may try to sneak Murray onto the practice squad.
RB: Jamaal Charles touched the ball early and often in the
first quarter against Cincinnati, and that seems to be the game
plan moving forward. Peter King was in Kansas City for the
game and after talking to Andy Reid he speculated on
Charles’ touches on the team’s broadcast. "Andy Reid didn't
give me a number but I think he's going to touch it 350 times
if he's healthy." Knile Davis was the first to return kicks in the
exhibition game and was impressive on his two carries,
picking up 28 yards. The star of the night, however, was
De’Anthony Thomas. Thomas was hit immediately after
catching his first punt and bounced off the tackler and
promptly sprinted 80 yards up the field for a touchdown. The
play showed that his world-class speed definitely translates in
pads to the NFL. Thomas also had one carry with the first
team but was not involved in the passing game. Cyrus Gray
and Charcandrick West were both impressive in the second
half. Gray is battling for a roster spot while West was likely
just being given a chance to get himself on film to show other
teams. Special teams coach Dave Toub says Gray’s helping
himself on special teams. “Right now, Cyrus is really our
captain,” Toub said. “He kind of runs the show, makes all the
calls. He’s like the quarterback of our punt teams.”
WR: It was a quiet night for the wide receivers with A.J.
Jenkins, Junior Hemingway, and Mark Harrison all sitting out
because of injuries. After Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery
took a majority of the first quarter snaps, the team used the
opportunity to get long looks at Albert Wilson, Frankie
Hammond, and Kyle Williams. Wilson made an exciting play
on special teams with a 65-yard kickoff return and a couple of
solid grabs as well. With Donnie Avery dismissed for personal
reasons this weekend, A.J. Jenkins took first team snaps and
Junior Hemingway returned from his hamstring injury. It’s
looking more and more like Hammond and Williams are
competing for the final roster spot at receiver behind Bowe,
Avery, Jenkins, Hemingway, and Wilson.
TE: Travis Kelce made the play of the night, a 69-yard
touchdown on a seam route. Kelce shook his defender with a
fake early in the route and then showed blazing speed to finish
the play off. Andy Reid was impressed. “It was good to have
him back out there and he had quite a few snaps,” Reid said.
“And I think he did a nice job out there. He showed a little
speed at the end, I mean heck, he was pulling away from
secondary players. It wasn’t just a linebacker so, I was
impressed with that. He did some in-line block, line-of-
scrimmage blocking which I thought he did a really good job
of." Kelce’s play came against the second team because
Anthony Fasano is still running with the first team. Fasano is
completely healthy and figures to see a lot of snaps regardless
of how well Kelce plays. Third team tight end Demetrius
Harris solidified his hold on a roster spot this week with a 30-
yard catch and run. Harris is still raw but he’s put himself in
an excellent position to see extended action if either Fasano or
Kelce struggles with injuries again.
Defense: If the team’s first preseason game was any
indication, the secondary is going to be very risk-reward
heavy. They were routinely beaten on routes, but also returned
two interceptions for touchdowns. One of those returns came
from Sean Smith, who is in a battle with Ron Parker to start at
corner. Parker did not have a good night in the exhibition, but
has bounced back in practice. The battle at corner is ongoing
according to defensive coordinator Bob Sutton. “There’s far
less separating them than it might appear," Sutton said. “I
hope they make it a hard decision. That would be the best
thing for us. That would be great." Rookie corner Phillip
Gaines saw a lot of time in the second half, and didn’t look
overwhelmed. Another rookie OLB Dee Ford showed great
speed off the edge, but also a lot that he needs to work on.
Jaye Howard was given the opportunity to start due a Mike
DeVito injury, and looked impressive. Howard’s versatility is
giving him a chance to join the defensive line rotation. “He
has been able to have some flexibility in where he’s played,”
Sutton said. “He has flashes of really good athleticism. He can
be a very explosive guy. From his standpoint, the thing he has
to do is become more consistent. If he does that, he is going to
be a really good football player for us.” Joe Mays has all but
locked up the starting linebacker job opposite Derrick Johnson
and it looks like James Michael-Johnson, not Nico Johnson,
will be his backup.
K/P: After one preseason game, the kicking competition
remains very close. Ryan Succop and rookie Cairo Santos
each made a short field goal against the Bengals, 27 and 28
yards, respectively. Both made a couple of extra points.
Succop faired slightly better on kickoffs, with three
touchbacks and one several yards deep into the end zone.
Santos sent one to the goal line, had one several yards deep,
and another for one touchback. Dustin Colquitt averaged 51
yards on a pair of punts.
OL: Eric Fisher’s recovery from offseason shoulder surgery is
ongoing. Fisher looked awesome in the run game, burying
Bengals defensive end Wallace Gilberry with the dreaded
“pancake block.” On the minus side, he gave up some
pressure which resulted in a strip sack. Fisher has only
recently began practicing with live action in pass rush drills,
and further improvement is to be expected. Backup center
Eric Kush has been gaining a lot of buzz for his strong
performances. Head coach Andy Reid called backup guard
Ricky Henry “a dirtbag” who “looked like Larry The Cable
Guy” but he meant it as a compliment. Henry has been gaining
first team reps at both guard spots, and has climbed above
Rishaw Johnson on the depth chart. Henry could compete with
Zach Fulton for real snaps.
Chiefs Depth Chart
QB: Alex Smith, Chase Daniel, Tyler Bray, Aaron Murray
RB: Jamaal Charles, Knile Davis (KR), De′Anthony Thomas
(KR), Cyrus Gray, Joe McKnight
FB: Anthony Sherman
WR: Dwayne Bowe, Donnie Avery, A.J. Jenkins, Junior
Hemingway, Weston Dressler, Kyle Williams, Albert
Wilson, Frankie Hammond, Mark Harrison, Jerrell
Jackson, Fred Williams, Deon Anthony
TE: Anthony Fasano, Travis Kelce, Demetrius
Harris, Richard Gordon
LT: Eric Fisher, Jeff Linkenbach, R.J. Dill
LG: Jeff Allen, Rokevious Watkins
C: Rodney Hudson, Eric Kush
RG: Zach Fulton, Ricky Henry, Rishaw Johnson
RT: Donald Stephenson, Ryan Harris, Laurent Duvernay-
Tardif, Colin Kelly
K: Ryan Succop
NT: Dontari Poe, Jaye Howard
DE: Mike DeVito, Allen Bailey, Vance Walker, Mike
Catapano, Dominique Hamilton, Chas Alecxih
ILB: Derrick Johnson, Joe Mays, Nico Johnson, James-
Michael Johnson, Jordan Campbell
OLB: Justin Houston, Tamba Hali, Dee Ford, Frank
Zombo, Ridge Wilson, Alonzo Highsmith, Devan
Walker, Josh Martin, Josh Mauga
CB: Marcus Cooper, Sean Smith, Ron Parker, Phillip
Gaines, Chris Owens, Vernon Kearney, Kevin
Rutland, DeMarcus Van Dyke, Justin Rogers, Kip
Edwards, Brandon Jones, Quinton Byrd, Sanders Commings
(inj)
S: Eric Berry (SS), Husain Abdullah, Malcolm
Bronson, Jerron McMillian, Steve Gregory
Miami Dolphins
QB: Some turbulence has continued for Ryan Tannehill with
interceptions plaguing the quarterback during the early part of
the week. Hesitation was the main cause, which will hopefully
be corrected as he continues to gain a better comfort level
within Bill Lazor' offense. The system focuses on smart, quick
decisions and also an increased threat as a runner from the
quarterback. Versus the Atlanta Falcons we saw this
demonstrated on the opening drive when an option play was
called where he could either hand it off to the back, keep it
himself, or throw a quick screen. That play resulted in an
eight-yard gain on the screen and the drive was capped off
with a walk-in six-yard passing touchdown on play action.
Tannehill finished six of six passing for 62 yards with the one
touchdown. Matt Moore (shoulder soreness) returned to
practice last week, albeit on a limited basis. He, nor Pat
Devlin, played in the preseason game. Seth Lobato was the
only other quarterback to play, completing just 14 of 28 passes
for 124 yards and also had one lost fumble. Pat Devlin was
released following the game in favor of veteran Brady Quinn.
RB: Knowshon Moreno passed his physical and is now active.
Head coach Joe Philbin has said nothing is settled in the
backfield, but it remains likely and most sensible that Lamar
Miller holds onto the lead back role while Moreno acts as the
third-down back. As expected, Moreno did not play in the
preseason opener. Miller managed only 11 yards on four
carries and eight yards on two receptions, although he nearly
dropped one of them. Daniel Thomas continues to be
lackluster and his grip on a roster spot is slipping. He’s also
been dealing with a hamstring injury and missed the game.
Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald even warned, “Don’t
be surprised if Thomas struggles to make this team.” Mike
Gillislee has begun to show improvement and is close to
overtaking Thomas as the number three back. He led the team
with 30 yards rushing on eight carries. Unfortunately, he was
forced to exit from Sunday’s practice early with a knee injury.
Damien Williams didn’t find much running room in the game,
finishing with just two yards on six carries, but did add three
receptions for 18 yards before departing with an ankle injury.
WR: Mike Wallace (hamstring) returned to practice last week
although he remained limited and did not suit up on Friday.
The injury has stalled the development of chemistry between
him and Tannehill, specifically on the deep ball. Brian
Hartline is now a full participant in practice, but was also held
out of the game. This left Brandon Gibson as the top receiver;
he caught two passes for 14 yards, including the previously
mentioned walk-in touchdown. Jarvis Landry has remained
the most impressive rookie at camp, although he’s still likely
to begin the season behind Gibson and managed only one
reception for a loss of one yard. On the first drive, Rishard
Matthews picked up a short first down and then found open
space for a 36-yard reception. A roster spot is becoming more
likely for him.
TE: Injuries have decimated the tight ends. Charles Clay
(knee) has been held out of practice and missed the preseason
opener. Michael Egnew suffered a concussion that caused him
to miss nearly a full week, while Gator Hoskins (hamstring) is
also banged up and rookie Arthur Lynch (undisclosed) is
limited in practice. Those injuries have benefitted Dion Sims,
leaving him with plenty of work. To his credit, he has played
well enough to lead the competition for the backup job.
Defense: The preseason opener was forgettable for the
defense. In the one drive versus Atlanta’s first team offense,
the unit allowed seven of seven passing on a 15-play, 77-yard
drive that resulted in a 2-yard touchdown run. In total, they
allowed only 84 yards on 32 rushing attempts, but Antone
Smith did gash the defense for a 76-yard touchdown run that
was negated due to a holding penalty. Additionally, they
recorded no official sacks or turnovers, but were plagued by
missed tackles (12 according to ProFootballFocus) throughout
the game. As LB Koa Misi continues his transition to middle
linebacker questions about his leadership have dissipated, but
he made the highlight reel when Jacquizz Rodgers left him to
fall quietly on the turf. In fairness, Misi did reach Matt Ryan
on a B-gap blitz for a sack that was negated. The most notable
performance was DE Terrence Fede, who hurried the
quarterback a handful of times. He may fill in for DE Dion
Jordan during his suspension at the very least. CB Will Davis
also showed well; he had a few pass deflections, including a
near inception when jumping a route, and also drew an
offensive pass interference penalty. In camp, rookie LB Chris
McCain’s athleticism has stood out, while fellow rookie
linebacker Jordan Tripp has also impressed Philbin with his
speed and work ethic. CB Cortland Finnegan has continued
his stellar camp, regularly creating turnovers, although he
allowed both targets on Friday to be completed. The biggest
development this week was SS Reshad Jones being suspended
four games for violating the league’s policy on performance
enhancing drugs. Jimmy Wilson, who was the primary nickel
back, will be covering for Jones at SS during his absence.
Jamar Taylor will now get the first crack at nickel.
K/P: Kicker Caleb Sturgis is nursing a minor groin injury and
did not play in the preseason opener against the Falcons.
Camp and AFL veteran Danny Hrapmann, who was signed
last week, handled the kicking duties. He hit a 42-yard field
goal and added an extra point. Sturgis might play this week, or
he might rest again. Coach Joe Philbin noted: “In talking to
our medical people, I think it’s a day to day thing.” Brandon
Fields averaged 47.5 yards on six punts against Atlanta.
OL: As expected, Samson Satele has taken over as the first
team center. Satele looked good in the Dolphins’ preseason
opener, handling the snaps without incident. Satele is a natural
center and looked to be comfortable back in a Dolphins
uniform. Rookie right tackle Ju’Wuan James has been steady
as a starter and is looking like a really strong pick for the
team. Another former Tennessee Volunteer, Dallas Thomas,
looked solid in his first team reps at right guard, next to James.
Thomas looks to have the edge over Shelley Smith and Billy
Turner in the competition for the open right guard spot. This
line is trending upward and really coming together with the
return of Satele.
Dolphins Depth Chart
QB: Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore, Brady Quinn, Seth Lobato
RB: Lamar Miller, Knowshon Moreno (3RB), Daniel
Thomas, Mike Gillislee, Cameron Marshall, Damien Williams
(inj)
WR: Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Jarvis
Landry, Rishard Matthews, Matt Hazel, Damian
Williams, Marcus Thigpen (KR/PR), Ryan Spadola, Armon
Binns, Kevin Cone, Stephen Williams
TE: , Charles Clay, Dion Sims, Michael Egnew, Arthur
Lynch, Gator Hoskins, Kyle Miller, Emmanuel Ogbuehi, Brett
Brackett
LT: Branden Albert
LG: Darren Colledge, Shelley Smith
C: Samson Satele, Mike Pouncey (inj), David Arkin, Nate
Garner, Sam Brenner
RG: Dallas Thomas, Billy Turner, Danny Watkins
RT: Ja’wuan James, Jason Fox
K: Caleb Sturgis, Danny Hrapmann
DT: Randy Starks, Earl Mitchell, Jared Odrick, A.J.
Francis, Isaako Aaitui
DE: Cameron Wake (W), Olivier Vernon, Dion Jordan
(susp), Derrick Shelby, Terrence Fede
MLB: Koa Misi, Jason Trusnik (S)
OLB: Philip Wheeler (S), Dannell Ellerbe (W), Jonathan
Freeny (S),Jordan Tripp, Jelani Jenkins (W)
CB: Brent Grimes, Cortland Finnegan, Jamar Taylor, Will
Davis, Jalil Brown, Walt Aikens
S: Reshad Jones (SS) (susp), Jimmy Wilson (FS/SS), Louis
Delmas (FS), Don Jones (FS) (susp), Jordan Kovacs
(SS), Michael Thomas(SS)
Minnesota Vikings
QB: The first round in the battle for the Vikings’ starting QB
job was scored decidedly in favor of Matt Cassel during
Friday night’s preseason opener against Oakland. Cassel
completed five of six pass attempts for 62 yards on
Minnesota’s opening drive; capped off by a 1-yard Matt
Asiata TD run. Head coach Mike Zimmer was impressed with
the veteran, saying, “I thought he did a great job. He made a
couple big throws on third down. He played like a veteran; he
had control in the huddle." After the game, Cassel stated he
was “very comfortable” running Norv Turner’s offensive
scheme, but expressed a desire for increased reps. Teddy
Bridgewater, who had reportedly been closing the gap on
Cassel in training camp practices, came in on the next series
and played into the third quarter. While his one drive with the
starters ended in a 30-yard Blair Thomas field goal,
Bridgewater was predictably erratic in his first NFL action. He
finished six out of 13 for just 49 yards, and was sacked twice,
including a strip sack in the red zone. "There was a couple
times in the game when he just didn't act like a veteran,"
Zimmer said. "Things happened that he hadn't seen before.
So those are all great experiences for him, but he made some
great throws. There was a couple mishaps that he had, but I
think Teddy's going to be a great player.” The Vikings
remain without a timetable to name a starter, but at this
point it would be a major upset if Cassel is not behind center
in Week One. Meanwhile, Christian Ponder has continued to
struggle.
RB: With Adrian Peterson unlikely to see a preseason carry,
it was Matt Asiata who played the entire opening series with
the Vikings’ starters (including third downs). Asiata would
finish with three carries for 13 yards, including the
aforementioned goal line TD. The player to watch from a
fantasy perspective is rookie Jerick McKinnon, and he didn’t
disappoint as Minnesota’s most heavily featured back. On his
only drive behind the Vikings’ starting offensive line,
McKinnon picked up 36 yards on six carries, including a
long run of 12 yards that he bounced outside and turned up the
sideline. The third rounder out of Georgia Southern would
finish with 45 yards on 12 carries, but his pass protection was
the biggest story to come out of his pro debut. McKinnon,
whose workout metrics make him the “Calvin Johnson of
running backs”, should push the plodding Asiata for backup
duties, or at least carve out a role on third downs if he
continues to prove capable as a pass blocker. Teammates and
coaches have praised his ability to pick up the skill, and
McKinnon himself sounds confident in the progress he’s
made. Zimmer was impressed with McKinnon as well,
though he did offer up a critique on his special teams play.
WR: Fantasy owners who plan on meeting Cordarrelle
Patterson’s steep asking price should be encouraged by the
team high four targets and 38 yards he posted in just one
quarter on Friday night. Patterson displayed physicality and
ran sharp routes, the latter of which will be crucial to his
success in OC Norv Turner’s vertical scheme. Starting flanker
Greg Jennings caught one pass for 13 yards, but had a 21-yard
gain (on Bridgewater’s best throw of the night) negated by an
illegal formation penalty. Both Jerome Simpson (one catch for
six yards on two targets) and Jarius Wright (zero catches on
three targets) did little to distinguish themselves in the battle
for WR3 duties, though it was interesting to see Wright do his
best Patterson impression on a 17-yard end around.
TE: Kyle Rudolph lived up to the hype in the preseason
opener, getting pushed out of bounds just short of the pylon on
a 22-yard first quarter grab. Rudolph remains primed for a
career season, playing in the same offensive scheme that
turned Jordan Cameron into a top five tight end a year ago.
Earlier in the week, the Vikings waived rookie tight end
A.C. Leonard, a workout freak who had shown flashes as a
pass catcher during early training camp. The Vikings now
carry four tight ends on the 90-man roster behind Rudolph:
Rhett Ellison, Chase Ford, Allen Reisner and Mike Higgins.
Defense: Granted they were playing the Raiders, but
Minnesota has to be happy with the performance of the first
team defense. The Vikings gave up only one first down and
zero points on the first two series; holding QB Matt Schaub to
0-2 on third downs in the process. All eyes were fixed on ninth
overall pick Anthony Barr, who showed up on the score sheet
with a sack. After the game, Zimmer lamented not giving
Barr more opportunities to blitz. Minnesota’s 31st ranked
pass defense also looked improved in the small sample.
Backup free safety Kurt Coleman got a chance to start at
strong safety with Robert Blanton and Jamarca Sanford
injured. Coleman took advantage of the opportunity by
recording the game’s only interception. Earlier in the week,
the Vikings signed DB Chris Crocker, who spent seven
seasons playing under Zimmer in Cincinnati. Crocker figures
to enter the mix at strong safety as well.
K/P: The Vikings played their first game in TCF Bank
Stadium, in which kicker Blair Walsh, punter/holder Jeff
Locke and long snapper Cullen Loeffler have been assessing
wind patterns and conditions since early in the offseason,
along with quizzing several Minnesota Gophers specialists.
Against the Raiders, Walsh hit a 30-yard field goal, but was
wide right on a 53-yard attempt. Locke averaged 38.9 yards on
eight punts, placing two inside the 20-yard line.
OL: Left tackle Matt Kalil made a notable play in the
preseason win over the Raiders by out-running two defenders
to recover a Teddy Bridgewater fumble. Kalil technically gave
up the sack but it appears like the ball should have been gone
earlier. Center John Sullivan was given a slight
admonishment by the coaching staff for allowing the nose
tackle to disrupt. In spite of the criticism, Sullivan is one of
the league’s better centers and this seems like nitpicking. The
rest of the first team line was solid in run blocking during the
contest.
Vikings Depth Chart
QB: Teddy Bridgewater, Matt Cassel, Christian Ponder
RB: Adrian Peterson, Jerick McKinnon, Matt Asiata, Joe
Banyard
FB: Zach Line, Jerome Felton
WR: , Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson (KR), Jarius
Wright, Jerome Simpson, Adam Thielen, Rodney Smith, Josh
Cooper, Kamar Jorden, Kain Colter, Erik Lora
TE: Kyle Rudolph, Rhett Ellison, Chase Ford, Allen
Reisner, Michael Higgins
LT: Matt Kalil, Mike Remmers
LG: Charlie Johnson, Jeff Baca, David Yankey
C: John Sullivan, Zac Kerin
RG: Brandon Fusco, Vladimir Ducasse, Joe Berger
RT: Phil Loadholt, Kevin Murphy
K: Blair Walsh
DT: Linval Joseph (NT), Sharrif Floyd, Fred Evans
(NT), Chase Baker (NT), Shamar Stephen, Kheeston
Randall, Tom Johnson
DE: Brian Robison, Everson Griffen, Corey Wootton, Scott
Crichton, Justin Trattou
MLB: Jasper Brinkley, Audie Cole, Michael Mauti
OLB: Chad Greenway (W), Anthony Barr (S/DE), Gerald
Hodges (W),Larry Dean (S), Brandon Watts
CB: Josh Robinson, Captain Munnerlyn, Xavier
Rhodes, Shaun Prater, Marcus Sherels (PR), Antone
Exum, Kendall James, Derek Cox, Jabari Price, Kip Edwards
S: Harrison Smith (FS), Jamarca Sanford (SS), Mistral
Raymond (SS),Andrew Sendejo (SS), Robert Blanton
(FS), Kurt Coleman, Chris Crocker, Brandan Bishop
New England Patriots
QB: Tom Brady didn't play in the Patriots' first preseason
game of the year, but he took significant repetitions during
their joint practices with Washington. Reports suggest that
Brady shone in those practices. Ryan Mallett was another
player who supposedly shone in practice, but struggled once
the actual game began. Third-string quarterback Jimmy
Garoppolo has had an inconsistent start to training camp.
That inconsistency continued in his debut during the regular
season, but he did throw a few impressive deep passes against
the Washington third-string defense that hinted at his
potential.
RB: Stevan Ridley started against Washington. He only
carried the ball twice, but it was a good sign that the starting
role should be his if he can keep hold of the football. Rookie
James White has been impressive in training camp, but did
little of note against Washington. Jonas Gray led the team in
carries and Roy Finch led the team in yards against
Washington, but both had limited impact. It appears that
Ridley and Shane Vereen are likely to be the busiest backs in
New England this year, unless White can rebound with some
bigger displays over the coming weeks.
WR: After his breakout season in 2013, it appears that Julian
Edelman's relationship with his starting quarterback is
continuing to prove prosperous for the Patriots ahead of the
2014 season. Aaron Dobson is yet to practice and didn't play
against Washington. Dobson's absence should open the door
for Brandon LaFell to be a more prominent piece of the
offense. LaFell had a limited impact in his debut for his new
team, but it's also unrealistic to judge him until he plays with
his starting quarterback. Danny Amendola also sat out the
first preseason game, but Josh Boyce did little to make him
feel uncomfortable about his spot in the receiving pecking
order. The one receiver who did stand out against Washington
was Brian Tyms. Tyms finished the game with 119 yards on
five catches, including a 53-yard reception and one
touchdown. It should be noted that Tyms played against
Washington’s backups and will be suspended for the first
four games of the regular season.
TE: Predictably, Rob Gronkowski remains wrapped up in
cotton wool. Gronkowski is a transcendent talent. Missing
time at this time of the year shouldn't be a concern for him so
long as he stays healthy. The bigger concern for the Patriots
right now is the absence of Michael Hoomanawanui.
Hoomanawanui is a veteran and a reliable replacement for
Gronkowski if he misses games. Without those two, and third-
year journeyman D.J. Williams, undrafted free agents Justin
Jones and Asa Watson got the majority of the snaps against
Washington. Neither featured positively in the passing game
and that was likely a motivating factor behind the addition of
Ben Hartsock. Hartsock is primarily a blocking tight end.
Defense: Darrelle Revis has been the talk of training camp. He
appears to be fully healthy and has been shutting down his
assignments on a regular basis. It's the other cornerback spot
that will concern Patriots fans. Brandon Browner has been
roughing up receivers in practice and was immediately
flagged in his first preseason game. Aggressiveness is a
huge aspect of Browner's play on the field, with the NFL
focusing on calling more illegal contact penalties his
effectiveness may take a significant hit. The Patriots didn't put
the starting defense on the field for the first preseason game.
The Patriots have a lot of veterans on that side of the ball at
this stage, so there isn't a huge amount to investigate.
K/P: Kicker Stephen Gostkowski discussed his quirks last
week: “You know, as you get older, I might look at (kicking)
like setting up for a golf shot. But there’s really nothing that
I’m anal about. Maybe in my first couple of years, but I’ve
come to realize that stuff doesn’t help you. I just try to focus
and have a positive attitude.” This week against Washington
he missed his only field goal attempt, a 54-yarder that hit the
upright. The long snapping competition between Danny Aiken
and rookie Tyler Ott rages on.
OL: The Patriots trotted out a patchwork line in their first
preseason contest against Washington. Along with Tom Brady
and the rest of the team’s best players, Logan Mankins had the
night off. In something of a surprise, Dan Connolly started the
game at center, with Ryan Wendell not appearing until the
second half. Jordan Devey started in place of Mankins while
Josh Kline started in Connolly’s usual right guard spot.
Neither player was impressive. Wendell was seen getting first
team reps at practice in the days after the game. The team
reportedly wants to cut either Connolly or Wendell for
financial reasons, but don’t appear to have an obvious
replacement. This interior line situation bears further
observation. Fourth round draft pick Bryan Stork has been
slowly rehabbing his injury and is mostly watching this center
competition from the sidelines.
Patriots Depth Chart QB: Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett, Jimmy Garoppolo
RB: Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen (3RB), James
White, Brandon Bolden, Jonas Gray, Roy Finch, Tyler
Gaffney (IR)
FB: James Develin
WR: Julian Edelman (PR), Aaron Dobson, Danny
Amendola, Kenbrell Thompkins, Brandon LaFell, Josh
Boyce, Jeremy Gallon, Matt Slater, Reggie Dunn, Brian
Tyms (susp), Greg Orton (IR)
TE: Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui (FB), D.J.
Williams, Nate Byham, Justin Jones, Asa Watson
LT: Nate Solder, Cameron Fleming
LG: Logan Mankins, Jon Halapio
C: Ryan Wendell, Bryan Stork, Braxton Cave
RG: Dan Connolly, Josh Kline
RT: Sebastian Vollmer, Marcus Cannon
K: Stephen Gostkowski
DT: Vince Wilfork, Tommy Kelly, Dominique Easley, Chris
Jones (NT),Armond Armstead, Joe Vellano, Sealver
Siliga, Marcus Forston, Eathyn Manumaleuna
DE: Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Jake Bequette, Michael
Buchanan, Will Smith, Zach Moore
MLB: Jerod Mayo, Chris White
OLB: Jamie Collins (W), Dont′a Hightower (S), James
Anderson, Steve Beauharnais (S), Ja′Gared Davis
CB: Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner (susp), Alfonzo
Dennard, Logan Ryan, Kyle Arrington, Justin Green
S: Devin McCourty (KR/FS), Duron Harmon (SS), Tavon
Wilson (FS),Patrick Chung (SS), Jemea Thomas, Nate
Ebner, Kanorris Davis
New Orleans Saints
QB: Drew Brees missed the first preseason game as he
continues to nurse his sore left oblique. Head coach Sean
Payton commented: "We'll be smart with his recovery. He
understands it's an area that affects you every time you throw."
Luke McCown played two series, posting 7/10 for 49 yards
passing, zero TDs and one interception thrown. Ryan Griffin
played for the majority of the contest, and looked good with
16/23 for 179 yards passing, one TD and zero interceptions
thrown, with zero sacks taken (none of the Saints'
quarterbacks were sacked in the game), although he did
fumble a snap. Logan Kilgore came in late in the exhibition
and threw 4/7 for 24 yards, zero TDs and one interception.
"Overall I thought they had good command of what we're
doing," Payton said of the quarterbacks who played. "I thought
they located the ball well." Griffin may surpass McCown to
become Bree's backup if his solid play continues throughout
the rest of preseason. He is a player on the rise according to
the local media. The Saints break camp this week (Thursday)
and return to New Orleans.
RB: Mark Ingram had two 22-yard long runs (one went for a
TD) and finished the game with 8/83/1 rushing and 1/4/0
receiving, while counterpart Khiry Robinson (5/23/1 rushing
with 2/16/0 receiving) also had solid results in the contest.
"I'm just trying to get back out there and get into a groove,"
Ingram said after the game. "The line did a great job just
getting movement off the ball and creating seams for us to run
through." Coach Payton added: "I was encouraged with our
ability to run the ball and their efforts. I thought they played
with good pad level. It was good to see from both of them."
Payton refused to comment on why Pierre Thomas sat out of
the first preseason contest, reiterating that he doesn't address
injuries during preseason. The opinion of local beat writer
Larry Holder is that Thomas is falling to #3 on the depth
chart, with Ingram and Robinson heading for a work-sharing
arrangement between #1 and #2. Other local reports indicate
that during practices, Thomas has started taking snaps with the
second team in walkthroughs while Ingram and Robinson got
the first team reps. FB Eric Lorig was out with an undisclosed
injury, but Greg Jones, signed just last Wednesday, did play in
the contest at fullback. Tim Flanders (1/3/0 rushing with 1/9/0
receiving at St. Louis) and Derrick Strozier (1/5/0 rushing
with 3/23/0 receiving) are not projected to be on the final 53-
man roster, according to NOLA.com's Larry Holder .
WR: Brandin Cooks stole the show at wide receiver (again)
during the first preseason game, with eight targets for 5/55/1
receiving to his credit. "It was fun to get out there, had to get
some of the jitters out in the first couple of series, but that's
how the game is," he said. "I was blessed enough to be able to
come out here and play in my first NFL game." Coach Payton
commented. "He's quick with the ball in his hands," He later
added, "I thought he played hard, he's smart, gets lined up very
quickly. We'll keep bringing him along. There's a lot of things
he needs to work on still." Brandon Coleman didn't have a
good game Friday night, dropping both of his targets,
including one that went off his hands for a St. Louis
interception. All told, 15 Saints were thrown at least one
pass – Nick Toon (three targets for 3/11/0) and Joe Morgan
(three for 1/13/0) had unexciting outings, while Marques
Colston posted 2/10/0 out of four targets during a cameo
appearance. The depth chart at wide receiver is still being
shaken out heading into the second preseason game, though
Cooks definitely seems to be separating himself from the rest
of the crowd. Kenny Stills sat out the game due to the
quadriceps injury that has kept him off the practice field
throughout camp. It is unclear if the team will keep five or six
receivers. Larry Holder projects six on the 53-man roster
based on training camp/preseason so far.
TE: Josh Hill had an impressive play in the first preseason
game, catching a short pass and running for 50 yards while
stiff-arming defenders along the way, and ended the night as
the Saints' leading receiver with 2/67/0 to his credit. Hill is
playing well enough to stick on the final roster with his
contributions on offense and special teams. Jimmy Graham
grabbed both passes that came his way with 2/13/0 during a
brief appearance in the exhibition.
Defense: DE Tyrunn Walker played a strong game with the
second-team defense vs. St. Louis, posting a game-high five
tackles, a sack for a 14-yard loss, three tackles for loss and a
quarterback hit. DE Glenn Foster had two tackles and a sack
for a six-yard loss during the contest. “We have a talented
defensive front at every position," Foster said. "This is my
second year playing with Tyrunn and we know how to play
with each other... We're supposed to dominate." S Jairus Byrd
sat out as he continues to recover from offseason back surgery,
as did DB Champ Bailey (undisclosed injury). Larry Holder
projects six defensive linemen and 10 linebackers will make
the final regular-season roster.
K/P: The competition between kickers Shayne Graham and
Derek Dimke has been relatively close during camp. In the
preseason opener against St. Louis they had a field goal
attempt apiece, both from 37 yards, and both were good. The
one difference and a strike against Graham was his missed 33-
yard extra point in the second quarter that hit the upright.
Coach Sean Payton commented afterward: “Listen, the ball’s
on the 15-yard line, so we’re not talking about hitting a 50-
yard field goal here. I’d like to think we can hit a field goal
when it’s on the 15.”
OL: The Saints established the run in their first preseason
game against St. Louis. This occurred despite being without
their two Pro Bowl guards, Jahri Evans and Ben Grubbs.
Grubbs returned to practice this weekend but Evans is still
recovering from an unspecified injury. Senio Kelemete and
Marcel Jones subbed for these players, and both performed
decently. A strong performance is helping Tim Lelito
continue to hold off Jonathan Goodwin for the starting center
position. On paper, that job should be Goodwin’s, but Lelito is
making the most of his chance in this preseason. Here is an
interesting article from an unnamed scout breaking down the
differences in these players’ respective games, and other
informative notes about the rest of the offensive line.
Saints Depth Chart
QB: Drew Brees, Luke McCown, Ryan Griffin
RB: Mark Ingram, Khiry Robinson, Pierre Thomas
(3RB), Travaris Cadet (KR/PR), Tim Flanders
FB: Erik Loreg, Austin Johnson
WR: Marques Colston, Kenny Stills, Brandin Cooks, Nick
Toon, Joe Morgan, Robert Meachem, Brandon
Coleman, Andy Tanner, Charles Hawkins, Chris Givens (IR)
TE: Jimmy Graham, Ben Watson, Josh Hill, Richard
Quinn, Nic Jacobs
LT: Terron Armstead, Ty Nsekhe, Tavon Rooks
LG: Ben Grubbs, Mike Golic Jr.
C: Jonathan Goodwin, Tim Lelito, Matt Armstrong
RG: Jahri Evans, Senio Kelemete
RT: Zach Strief, Marcel Jones, Bryce Harris
K: Shayne Graham, Derek Dimke
NT: Brodrick Bunkley, John Jenkins
DE: Cameron Jordan (DT), Akiem Hicks, Glenn Foster
(inj), Tyrunn Walker, Cheta Ozougwu, Brandon
Deaderick, George Uko
ILB: Curtis Lofton, David Hawthorne, Ramon
Humber, Kevin Reddick, Khairi Fortt, Kyle Knox
OLB: Junior Galette, Parys Haralson, Victor Butler, Keyunta
Dawson, Ronald Powell, Rufus Johnson
CB: Keenan Lewis, Patrick Robinson, Champ Bailey, Corey
White, Stan Jean-Baptiste, Rod Sweeting, Trevin
Wade, Terrence Frederick, Derrius Brooks, AJ Davis
S: Jairus Byrd (FS), Kenny Vaccaro (SS), Rafael Bush
(FS), Marcus Ball (SS), Vinnie Sunseri (SS)
New York Giants
QB: All eyes are on Eli Manning this preseason as he attempts
to rebound from an abysmal 2013 by learning a more efficient,
ball-control offense under the tutelage of new offensive
coordinator Ben McAdoo. Progress has been inconsistent
through the opening weeks of training camp, and Manning
failed to quell his critics in limited action against Pittsburgh
this week. Manning finished his short appearance 0-for-2 with
an 8-yard sack. The backup battle remains tough to call as 2nd
year Ryan Nassib got extended work (12-of-21 for 81 yards)
while Curtis Painter finished up the game and was perfect on
the night (7-for-7 for 68 yards and a touchdown).
RB: Rashad Jennings reasserted himself as a viable fantasy
starter thanks to a 73-yard breakaway touchdown run against
the Steelers. "It feels good to get out there and jell with the
offense," Jennings said. "Find a big hole like that and make a
big play." Rookie Andre Williams – who played well in the
Hall of Fame game – followed up with another impressive
outing. Williams ran for 35 yards on seven carries (5.0 per
rush) and showed power and vision. 2nd year fullback Kendell
Gaskins got significant work in the 2nd half, including a team-
leading 10 carries (45 yards) and three receptions for 19 yards.
While Gaskins made his mark against the Steelers backups,
it’s notable to think Gaskins may fit into a hybrid role under
McAdoo’s system. Gaskins was considered a roster long shot
but if he continues to perform in this manner, we have to
rethink whether Michael Cox and Peyton Hillis are both locks
for the 53-man roster.
WR: It was a forgettable night for the receivers, aside from
roster longshot Corey Washington’s 3-yard go ahead
touchdown in the 4th quarter. The undrafted rookie (Newberry
College) also had a TD catch against the Bills in the Hall of
Fame Game. Victor Cruz has now gone consecutive games
without a target, but isn’t concerned: “I would love a few
targets, a few catches. Who wouldn’t? Any receiver would
love a few catches. But I’m a team guy, as long as we’re
winning, as long as I’m doing all the little things right, as long
as I’m continuing to listen to the offense, to listen to the calls,
to make sure I’m getting everything clearly and making the
right reads and making the right plays, that’s all I’m worried
about. A couple catches on top of that wouldn’t hurt.” Rookie
Odell Beckham Jr missed the game as he continued to rest his
hamstring, but returned to practice over the weekend.
TE: Fantasy owners are going to want to look elsewhere for
their tight end sleepers; the Giants are going to try to band-aid
together a loose committee approach. Against the Steelers
Larry Donnell (2 for 13), Kellen Davis (1 for 9) and Adrien
Robinson (1 for 9) all figured into the box score but offered
little in the way of excitement.
Defense: The Giants defense held the Steelers to 7 points in
the first half, but the majority of Pittsburgh’s starters only
played a few snaps so it’s important not to read too much into
the outcome. Markus Kuhn and Jordan Stanton had the team’s
only sacks of the game, as the starting unit failed to get
consistent pressure. Star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul had
four tackles and a quarterback pressure on Saturday night, and
feels healthy after consecutive injury-plagued seasons. “I
felt good,” Pierre-Paul said. “I still have to get better. I’ve got
a lot of improvement to do. Otherwise, I feel good. Running to
the ball, I wasn’t tired, especially on that long (46-yard)
screen. I had chased him down. I wasn’t going to catch him
but… I feel good, though. I wasn’t tired. That was a long run
for me, so I wasn’t tired at all.”
K/P: Special teams coordinator Tom Quinn said of the kicking
competition: “A lot of times, you have an old kicker and a
young kicker and the young kicker has such a strong leg. But
Brandon (McManus) will really have to beat him out in all
areas to win the job and he knows that." So far, McManus has
tied Josh Brown. In the game against the Steelers, Brown
kicked a 45-yard field goal and an extra point. McManus
kicked a 46-yard field goal and an extra point. Brown had two
touchbacks on two kickoffs. McManus had three touchbacks
on three kickoffs.
OL: The Giants offensive line had a spotty performance
against Pittsburgh. While they did run block well, as
evidenced by Rashad Jennings’ outstanding performance,
there were several glaring mistakes. Charles Brown, starting at
left tackle for the still injured Will Beatty, surrendered a key
sack. Guards Brandon Mosely and Geoff Schwartz committed
holding penalties. Mosely did look good pulling on Jennings’
long gainer but he and the rest of the first unit needs to show
consistency in pass protection. Head coach Tom Coughlin
believes it is just a matter of the players gaining experience
together and building cohesion. It could be a valid point as
only right tackle Justin Pugh is in the same spot as last season.
Giants Depth Chart
QB: Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib, Curtis Painter
RB: Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams (SD), Peyton
Hillis, Michael Cox (KR), David Wilson (IR)
FB: John Conner, Henry Hynoski, Kendall Gaskins
WR: Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle (PR), Odell Beckham
(inj), Jerrel Jernigan, Mario Manningham, Trindon Holliday
(KR/PR), Marcus Harris, Preston Parker, Julian Talley, Kris
Adams, Travis Harvey, Corey Washington
TE: , Larry Donnell, Daniel Fells, Xavier Grimble, Adrien
Robinson, Kellen Davis
LT: Will Beatty, Charles Brown
LG: Geoff Schwartz, James Brewer, Troy Kropog
C: JD Walton, Dallas Reynolds
RG: Weston Richburg, John Jerry, Brandon Mosely, John
Sullen
RT: Justin Pugh, Steven Baker
K: Josh Brown, Brandon McManus
DT: Cullen Jenkins, Markus Kuhn, Johnathan Hankins, Jay
Bromley, Everett Dawkins
DE: Damontre Moore, Jason Pierre-Paul (inj), Mathias
Kiwanuka, Robert Ayers, Israel Idonije, James Gayle, Kerry
Wynn
MLB: Jon Beason (inj), Mark Herzlich, , Terrell Manning
OLB: Spencer Paysinger (W), Jameel McClain
(S/M), Jacquian Williams (W), Devon Kennard, Spencer
Adkins (W), Kendrick Adams(S)
CB: Corey Webster, Prince Amukamara, Dominique Rodgers-
Cromartie, Walter Thurmond (susp), Jayron Hosley
(susp), Zackary Bowman, Charles James, Bennett Jackson
(inj), Trumaine McBride, Junior Mertile, Chandler
Fenner, Ross Weaver
S: Stevie Brown (SS), Antrel Rolle (FS/SS), Cooper Taylor
(SS), Chaz Powell (FS), Quintin Demps (SS), Nat Berhe
New York Jets
QB: Geno Smith continues to set high expectations for
himself and his career. Not long ago, he had said he expects to
be a top-five quarterback in a few years. According to Rich
Cimini of ESPN New York, he has now compared his skillset
to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He’s got
the raw basics, sure—mobility and a decent arm—but has a
long way to go to really compare. Smith didn’t play badly
against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday but he failed to
lead the team to a touchdown in his two possessions. The Jets
need more from him if they are to win this season. Michael
Vick continues to play well, and he ran the ball effectively
while also passing to convert third and fourth down
opportunities. Ultimately this is Smith’s team but the Jets need
to win and if he’s the one holding the offense back, the team
will absolutely give Vick the nod. Matt Simms looks to have
the third string spot locked up as rookie Tajh Boyd didn’t even
play Thursday night. It appears he’s destined for the practice
squad.
RB: Stop us if you’ve heard this before: Chris Ivory has a rib
issue and might not play next week against the Cincinnati
Bengals. This is life with Ivory—he has a ton of talent which
is never fully realized because he is constantly on the trainer’s
table. Chris Johnson looked a tad rusty against the Colts,
though he did score a touchdown and only carried the ball four
times. Johnson also made a pair of catches. Bilal Powell
remains out with a hamstring injury, giving Daryl Richardson
a longer look. Richardson looked fine, but didn’t run away
with the #3 job—not with a 3.0 yards per carry average
against backups. By comparison, former Green Bay Packers
back Alex Green had a very good day against the lower end of
the roster, gaining 29 yards on seven carries including a 20-
yard carry in the fourth quarter.
WR: If you are going to be a receiver on the New York Jets
this year it’s clear you better be just as effective without the
ball coming your way. To a man, this receiving corps is
aggressively blocking downfield. Unfortunately, there have
been plenty of injuries. Greg Salas has been dealing with a hip
injury and David Nelson has a bruised hand and it’s fair to
wonder if he might have bruised it on the crushing block he
used to lay out a Colts cornerback on Chris Johnson’s
touchdown. Eric Decker was limited this weekend in practice
due to a quadriceps injury and was already battling hamstring
and foot issues. Decker looked fine on Thursday night, as he
was targeted twice and caught both passes for 12 yards.
Jeremy Kerley was in the game but wasn’t targeted once by
either Geno Smith or Michael Vick. Stephen Hill continues to
have good practices but played 35 snaps against the Colts and
was targeted just once, on a play which was wiped out by a
penalty. However, Hill didn’t have an awful game. He got off
the line more quickly than he did last season, and did a pretty
good job run blocking. Hill clearly had a step or two on the
coverage when Vick went another way, so he wasn’t
completely blanketed. It continues to be a process with Hill
but there is forward progress. Fourth round pick Jalen
Saunders has settled into a punt return role while fellow rookie
Shaq Evans is dealing with a significant shoulder injury and
the Daily News’ Seth Walder says it could land him on
injured reserve. Clyde Gates has been looking fine while
returning from his own season-ending shoulder injury and will
probably find himself on the final roster with all the injuries
piling up. Saalim Hakim is primarily handling kick returns and
sees little of the field during offensive plays, while Jacoby
Ford saw more time on offense late in the game.
TE: Rex Ryan tried to light a bit of a fire under rookie Jace
Amaro say saying they need to “give him tapes of Mike Ditka
or something and say ‘This is how we want you to play.’”
Ryan went on to tell the media Amaro, “Needs to recognize
you’re a big guy. You need to be a bully out there. When that
ball’s thrown up, you’ve got to go catch it. I don’t care where
it is.” The Jets knew they were getting a project in terms of
basic in-line tight end duties like run blocking, but catching
the ball is what Amaro does. They want no excuses. The Jets
have been much happier with Jeff Cumberland’s work, but
he’s not the guy they have high expectations for longer-term.
Sneaking up behind both is Zach Sudfeld, who has been
getting occasional first-team reps. If Amaro keeps struggling
and can’t turn on the aggression, the Jets might let Sudfeld off
the leash and see what his size and speed can do.
Defense: The secondary is the big question mark for the Jets
defense and Sunday brought news which made that point even
more critical. Dee Milliner will be laid out for a few weeks
with a high-ankle sprain which hurt so much he thought it
was broken. Unfortunately, the news isn’t as good for rookie
Dexter McDougle who tore his ACL and is done for the
season. This leaves the secondary with Dimitri Patterson and
Kyle Wilson. Wilson has struggled since entering the league
and Patterson has been an absolute disaster at cornerback. It’s
only a matter of time before Darrin Walls gets a sniff,
especially after a solid 2013. This may not be as big a deal if
the pass rush was on fire, but it’s not. While IK Enemkpali
had a game-winning sack in the fourth quarter, and the starters
brought some pressure, it wasn’t as consistent as it needs to
be. The front seven consistently destroyed run plays though,
and if nothing else opposing teams will have difficulty running
against this unit.
K/P: Starting kicker Nick Folk and camp leg Andrew Furney
each kicked 51-yard field goals against the Colts. Furney’s
came with just over a minute left and proved to be the game
winner. “It was one of those things where I got to see Nick's
kick and said, okay, there might be some face wind there. I
had to drive it a little bit more. He was kind of the learning
curve for me a little bit.” Jake Schum had the edge in punting
numbers in the game, averaging 41 yards on pair, compared to
starter Ryan Quigley’s 38 yard average on four punts.
OL: The Jets’ lineup is mostly settled in terms of who is
starting and where. The only uncertainty is at left guard, where
incumbent Brian Winters has been rotating with fellow
second year player Oday Aboushi. Aboushi has played well
this preseason but can’t seem to unseat Winters. It is possible
both players will be needed this season, as right guard Willie
Colon is not the most durable. Starting right tackle Breno
Giacomini generally looked good against the Colts, but did
give up a pressure in the first half. The Jets signed Bruce
Campbell to add depth, who had worked out for the team
earlier this offseason.
Jets Depth Chart
QB: Geno Smith, Michael Vick, Tajh Boyd, Matt Simms
RB: Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory (inj), Bilal Powell
(3RB), Daryl Richardson, Alex Green, John Griffin, Michael
Smith
FB: Tommy Bohanon
WR: Eric Decker, Stephen Hill, Jeremy Kerley (PR), David
Nelson, Jacoby Ford (KR), Clyde Gates, Jalen Saunders, Shaq
Evans, Quincy Enunwa, Greg Salas, Vidal Hazelton, Saalim
Hakim, Michael Campbell
TE: Jeff Cumberland, Jace Amaro, Zach Sudfeld, Konrad
Reuland, Chris Pantele, Colin Anderson
LT: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Ben Ijalana
LG: Brian Winters, Oday Aboushi
C: Nick Mangold , Caleb Schlauderaff
RG: Willie Colon, Dakota Dozier, William Campbell
RT: Breno Giacomini, Bruce Campbell
K: Nick Folk
DT: Sheldon Richardson, Damon Harrison (NT), Kenrick
Ellis (NT), T.J. Barnes
DE: Muhammad Wilkerson, Jason Babin, Leger Douzable, IK
Enemkpali, Tevita Finau
ILB: David Harris (M), Demario Davis (W), Nick Bellore
(M), Jeremiah George, Troy Davis (W)
OLB: Quinton Coples, Calvin Pace, Garrett
McIntyre, Antwan Barnes, Trevor Reilly, Tim
Fugger, Jermaine Cunningham (IR)
CB: Dee Milliner (inj), Ellis Lankster, Antonio Allen
(FS/CB), Dimitri Patterson (inj), Darrin Walls, Kyle
Wilson, Ras-I Dowling, Johnny Patrick, Brandon Dixon, Nick
Taylor, Jeremy Reeves, Dexter McDougle (IR)
S: Dawan Landry (SS), Calvin Pryor (FS), Jaiquawn Jarrett
(FS), Josh Bush (SS), Rontez Miles, Brandon Hardin
Oakland Raiders
QB: The Raiders quarterbacks struggled in their first
preseason game against a Minnesota defense that isn’t
expected to be particularly strong. Matt Schaub played three
series and didn’t complete a pass to a wide receiver. Schaub
and his coaches were not pleased with the performance.
“Overall, we were pretty sloppy,” he said, via
CSNCaliforna.com's Scott Bair. “We hurt ourselves with a lot
of penalties and we put ourselves in long yardage situations.
It's tough to win that way. We have to really look hard at the
mistakes and clean those up because they are things we can
control, especially pre-snap issues. We need to iron those
(mistakes) out if we want to be the type of team we want to
be.” Derek Carr had a little more success down the field but
also threw the team’s only interception. Carr seems firmly
entrenched with the second team and Matt McGloin didn’t
enter the game until the 4th quarter. McGloin scored the team’s
only touchdown on a 10 yard scamper in the 4th quarter but
was unimpressive with his arm.
RB: Despite the fact that Darren McFadden was listed atop
the depth chart, Maurice Jones-Drew started the team’s first
game and had some success in the first quarter. Jones-Drew
was heavily involved in the passing game and picked up 10
yards on his two carries. McFadden’s only carry went for 23
yards in the first quarter as he showed that he’s bounced back
from last year’s injuries. Latavius Murray saw extended time
with the second and third team and led the team with 28 yards
rushing. Dennis Allen was pleased with what he saw from
Murray. "Latavius is a big, powerful back that really also has
exceptional speed. When he gets out into the open, he has an
opportunity to take the ball the distance. I thought he ran the
ball hard in the game ... I thought he did a pretty good job, for
the most part, of making the right reads and putting the ball
where it needs to go in the run game." Kory Sheets did very
little with the touches he got late in the game and looks to be
squarely on the roster bubble.
WR: It’s difficult to gauge the battle for the Raiders starting
receiver as none of them logged a catch in the first preseason
game. James Jones, for one, is not excited about the
possibility of a reduced role. "I wouldn't like that at all,"
Jones said. "I have missed two games in five years. I came
from a no-huddle offense, real high tempo. ... My body is built
to go through the season. If I have to take practices or plays
off, it's time for me to hang my cleats up." Brice Butler (4-44)
and Denarius Moore (3-28) were both active in the passing
game but their action came after the starters had left the game.
Moore needed the strong performance as he’s slid down the
depth chart recently, and Butler is in a fight to make the roster.
TE: Mychal Rivera did not help his case in the battle to be the
TE1 against the Vikings. Rivera dropped at least one catchable
pass, something that was not lost on Allen. “I mean, two of
the third-down throws, you know, he tries the back-shoulder
throw down the middle to Mychal Rivera and that's a catch
that he's made consistently in training camp. The corner route
on a third down was an outstanding throw in a tight window
against Cover 2 and Mychal again wasn't able to come up with
that play.” Rivera started the game due to David Ausberry
having an unexpected knee surgery. At this point there is no
timetable for Ausberry’s return. "We should be able to get him
back at some point and time," Allen said. "I don't know how
long that is going to be. We'll have to evaluate that as we go
along."
Defense: The Raiders made a lot of acquisitions this offseason
to improve their pass rush and it looked like it worked this
week as they logged six sacks against the Vikings. One
defender that didn’t have a sack was first round pick Khalil
Mack, but Mack said he learned a lot. “I mean, you could
say I settled in,” Mack said. “I got better today. (I) learned a
lot of things.” The first team defense was shredded by Matt
Cassel on the first drive as he completed 5/6 throws on a 70-
yard touchdown drive. The Raiders were still without a large
portion of what they hope will be their starting secondary and
were called for several penalties. The team did get some good
news earlier in the week when Allen said he expected to have
D.J. Hayden back sooner than later. “I expect to see him
before preseason [ends],” Allen said, via ESPN.com, “but
we’ll have to wait and see. He is getting better, but he is not
ready to be out here playing football yet.”
K/P: The Raiders changed camp legs last week, releasing
Michael Palardy and signing Kevin Goessling. In the
preseason opener, kicker Sebastian Janikowski’s only work
was the kickoff at the beginning of the second half. The only
placekick came early in the fourth quarter, when a 44-yard
attempt by Goessling was blocked. Punter/holder Marquette
King was much busier in the game, averaging 45.6 yards on
seven punts and placing three of those inside the 20-yard line.
OL: The Raiders’ offensive line had problems in their first
preseason action against the Vikings. Right tackle Menelik
Watson was called for a false start before the first play from
scrimmage. This play set the tone for the evening and it is
questionable how much longer Watson will man that spot
before team moves Austin Howard back to his normal right
tackle position. The team is obviously hopeful that Watson
plays better in the weeks to come. Later in the game, a first
down completion was wiped out by a holding call on left
tackle Donald Penn. It wasn’t all terrible news as rookie Gabe
Jackson looked excellent at second team left guard. Jackson
started 52 games at the position at Mississippi State and could
push Khalif Barnes for starting reps sooner rather than later.
Raiders Depth Chart
QB: Matt Schaub, Derek Carr, Matt McGloin, Trent Edwards
RB: Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew, Latavius
Murray, Jeremy Stewart (KR), Kory Sheets, George Atkinson
III
FB: Marcel Reece, Jamize Olawale, Karl Williams
WR: Denarius Moore, James Jones, Rod Streater, Andre
Holmes, Juron Criner, Brice Butler, Greg Jenkins, Mike Davis
TE: Mychal Rivera, David Ausberry (inj), Nick Kasa
(inj), Jake Murphy, Brian Leonhardt
LT: Donald Penn
LG: Gabe Jackson, Khalif Barnes, Lucas Nix
C: Stefen Wisniewski, Tony Bergstrom
RG: Austin Howard, Kevin Boothe, Lamar Mady
RT: Menalik Watson,
K: Sebastian Janikowski
DT: Antonio Smith, Pat Sims, Stacy McGee (NT), Justin
Ellis, Ricky Lumpkin, Torell Troup
DE: LaMarr Woodley, Justin Tuck, Jack Crawford, C.J.
Wilson, Shelby Harris, Ryan Robinson
MLB: Nick Roach, , Kaluka Maiava
OLB: Kahlil Mack (S), Miles Burris (W), Sio Moore
(W), Kaelin Burnett(S), Frank Beltre, Justin Cole, Spencer
Hadley
CB: Carlos Rogers, D.J. Hayden (inj), Tarell Brown, Chimdi
Chekwa, Johnny Adams, Taiwan Jones (KR), Keith
McGill, Travis Carrie, Chance Casey, Neiko Thorpe
S: Charles Woodson (FS), Tyvon Branch (SS), Brandian Ross
(SS/CB),Usama Young (FS), Jonathan Dowling, Shelton
Johnson, Larry Asante
Philadelphia Eagles
QB: Fantasy owners expecting last year’s legendary start to be
indicative of Nick Foles’ future value are in for a rude
awakening. Friday’s game against the Bears could not have
gone worse for the third year passer; Foles completed 6-of-9
passes for 44 yards along with two interceptions (38.4 passer
rating). Although one of the interceptions wasn’t Foles’ fault
per se, there was a third errant throw that could have been
intercepted. Any way you slice it, the film didn’t look good for
the young passer. Not surprisingly, Foles owned up to his
mistakes and isn’t going to dwell on the performance: "I didn't
play well tonight," said Foles. "As an offense, we can't hurt
ourselves. I threw two passes that weren't good decisions that
were picked off. There was a lot of good - seeing the young
guys go in ... it was one of those things that I'm going to learn
from it, I'm going to get better. It's correctable. It's not like it's
not correctable. I knew exactly when I did the mishaps what I
should have done and I'll learn from it and move forward."
Mark Sanchez played well (7-of-10 for 79 yards) and has fit in
well with the Eagles locker room; he’s been a quick study of
Chip Kelly’s offense. Matt Barkley was outplayed by G.J.
Kinne against the Bears’ backup defenders, but Barkley has
done enough throughout preseason practices to hold onto the
#3 job.
RB: The Eagles only attempted 18 rushes against the Bears,
with starter LeSean McCoy (1 carry) and backup Darren
Sproles (3 carries) seeing minimal snaps. Chris Polk missed
the game as he continues rehabbing from offseason shoulder
surgery. 2nd year Matthew Tucker made the most of his
opportunity, rushing 8 times for 40 yards including two
touchdowns. He also caught a 15-yard reception.
WR: Jeremy Maclin only caught one pass for 15 yards against
the Bears, but the mere fact he is healthy enough to get onto
the field is a major step on the right direction. Maclin has
shown no signs of last year’s torn ACL throughout camp and
appears set to lead the team in targets as long as he can stay
out of the trainer’s room. After the game, Maclin said, “I felt
great out there. I will continue to push myself and next week
we'll get more reps, so we'll go from there. It was good to get a
catch and it was good to be back out on the field.” Riley
Cooper missed the game nursing his foot injury, but returned
to practice on Sunday. The story of Friday night’s game was
the abysmal showing by rookie Jordan Matthews.
Expectations are high for Matthews, particularly as the Eagles
look to fill the void left by DeSean Jackson’s departure.
Matthews was targeted a team-high seven times, but dropped
three (yes, THREE!) passes and managed just 14 yards on four
receptions. Head coach Chip Kelly, perhaps understating
things, called Matthews inconsistent. Fellow rookie Josh
Huff only had one 4-yard catch versus the Bears, but it was a
key play that set up one of Matthew Tucker’s touchdowns.
Huff made his real mark on special teams, taking a 1st half
kickoff back 102 yards for the Eagles third touchdown.
TE: Zach Ertz has been dominant throughout training camp
and put on a display against the Bears. Ertz led the team with
four catches for 60 yards, and made opposing defenders look
bad multiple times. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur
recently explained how Ertz’ versatility makes him a
mismatch against opposing defenses. "I think Ertz is a guy
defenses (watch) - now you start adding the down and distance
to it. You put Ertz in the game with (Brent) Celek, and we
tighten him down. I think he's improved as a blocker on first
down," said Shurmur. "But if you put Ertz in the game on
second and third down maybe where it's more of a pass-first
type scenario to the defense for whatever reason, then we can
spread out Ertz. Now you have to decide are you going to
cover him with a linebacker or are you going to commit to
putting maybe a third defensive back in the game?"
Defense: The Eagles defense has to play better than they did
against the Bears or a return to the playoffs could prove
elusive. A quartet of Bears quarterbacks completed a
combined 29-for-44 (66%) for 399 yards and 4 touchdowns (2
interceptions) on route to a 34-28 loss. Most discouraging is
the fact backup tight end Zach Miller caught two first half
touchdowns running the same play in the same spot – showing
an inability of the defense to adjust. Defensive coordinator
Billy Davis tried to highlight the positives after the game:
“The run-game defense really was solid. I know they threw a
lot more than they ran, but when they ran the guys were really
playing some nice two-gap in there, we were fitting well in the
run game, and that was encouraging. We have to fix some
stuff in the back half of the passing game, and most of it came
in the second half.”
K/P: Kicker Alex Henery noted: “I’m more worried about
how I perform day to day. Whether you’re here by yourself or
you’re here with someone else, there’s always someone out
there who could come in and take your job.” So far he’s
secured his job. Rookie Carey Spear was active for the Bears
game but did not see any kicks. Henery kicked four extra
points and handled all the kickoffs, logging two touchbacks on
five kickoffs. Punter Donnie Jones averaged 46 yards on five
punts and placing two inside the 20-yard line.
OL: The Eagles’ offensive line struggled with penalties in the
team’s preseason game against the Bears. Left tackle Jason
Peters and left guard Evan Mathis (both Pro Bowlers last
year) were called for holding penalties early in the contest.
Mathis’ penalty called back a 20-yard reception, and Mathis
went on to be called for holding again in a future series. While
not great news, overall this is not a cause for concern, as this
particular set of referees were calling the game exceptionally
tight (17 flags in the first half). Backup center Julian
Vandervelde recently had back surgery, and he could miss
more than a month. In his place, David Molk hopes to make a
good impression as the backup to Jason Kelce.
Eagles Depth Chart QB: Nick Foles, Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley, GJ Kinne
RB: LeSean McCoy, Darren Sproles (3RB/KR/PR), Chris
Polk, Matthew Tucker, Henry Josey, David Fluellen
WR: Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper, Jordan Matthews, Josh
Huff, Brad Smith (KR), Ifeanyi Momah, Arrelious Benn, Jeff
Maehl, Damaris Johnson (KR/PR), B.J. Cunningham, Quron
Pratt, Kadron Boone, Trey Burton, Will Murphy
TE: Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, James Casey, Emil Igwenagu
(FB), Blake Annen
LT: Jason Peters, Andrew Gardner, Matt Tobin
LG: Evan Mathis
C: Jason Kelce, Julian Vandervelde, David Molk
RG: Todd Herremans, Karim Barton
RT: Allen Barbre, Lane Johnson (SUSP), Dennis
Kelly, Michael Bamiro
K: Alex Henery, Carey Spear
NT: Bennie Logan, Damion Square, Beau Allen
DE: Fletcher Cox, Cedric Thornton (RFA), Vinny
Curry, Brandon Bair, Taylor Hart, Joe Kruger, Alejandro
Villanueva
ILB: Mychal Kendricks, DeMeco Ryans, Jason Phillips
(RFA), Jake Knott (susp), Emmanuel Acho, Casey
Matthews, Najee Goode
OLB: Trent Cole, Connor Barwin, Brandon Graham, Marcus
Smith, Bryan Braman, Travis Long, Josh Kaddu
CB: Bradley Fletcher, Cary Williams, Brandon Boykin
(KR), Nolan Carroll, Jaylen Watkins, Roc Carmichael, Curtis
Marsh
S: Malcolm Jenkins (FS), Earl Wolff (SS), Nate Allen
(SS), Chris Maragos (FS), Keelan Johnson (FS), Ed Reynolds
(SS), Daytawion Lowe (FS)
Pittsburgh Steelers
QB: Ben Roethlisberger continues to discuss his leadership
role with a team of players as young as he’s ever had around
him. The veteran quarterback is the most important player to
this team, and he was given that kind of treatment in the
preseason opener on Saturday. He only played one series,
throwing two passes. His lone completion was a tunnel screen
to lightning-fast rookie Dri Archer, who went for 46 yards.
Bruce Gradkowski relieved Roethlisberger and got snaps with
the first team. He was underwhelming but didn’t make any big
mistakes. The conservative play calling was probably the
reason his performance was adequate but far from impressive.
Second-year player Landry Jones is the man the team is really
trying to evaluate. He struggled in camp and preseason as a
rookie and hasn’t been shining in this camp either. His 11-for-
21 performance yielded just 74 yards.
RB: LeVeon Bell ran well in his limited stint on Saturday. He
had 18 yards on his three carries and a reception for six yards.
Bell showed what is becoming a bit of a trademark for him as
he takes the handoff and pauses ever so briefly to assess his
line and where his hole might be. It’s a stutter-step type of
move that allows him to quickly evaluate his course of action.
Bell’s ability to re-accelerate after this move is fantastic for
any running back – let alone a man his size. Bell’s first carry
saw him break a tackle at the line, burst for five yards, meet a
safety, lower his shoulder, and get four more yards on the
nine-yard tote. Bell’s backup, LeGarrette Blount, brought the
hard running style for which he is known on his three carries.
He had a hard-earned 10 yards on the night. Rookie speedster
Dri Archer made his biggest impression when set as a slot
receiver. He took a tunnel screen, accelerated into the open
field, and then cut back across the field. He was finally caught
– but only because the defensive back had a nice pursuit angle.
Archer’s 46-yard catch and run was the biggest play of the
night for Pittsburgh.
WR: Antonio Brown continues to show the young receivers
on the team how to properly work and become better. Much
like the other starters, his play was limited Saturday. Brown
caught two passes for 21 yards. Markus Wheaton was used as
a receiver and a runner. He took an end-around for a 10-yard
gain in the first quarter while still playing with the starters
(minus Roethlisberger). He also caught a 28-yard pass from
Gradkowski in the second quarter on a 3rd-and-2 play. Justin
Brown got a chance to practice as the top slot man in front
of Lance Moore this week. However, it was Moore who saw
the field first on Saturday. Moore didn’t catch a pass, but he
was targeted on Roethlisberger’s last attempt – an
incompletion in the end zone where Moore ran a wheel route.
Neither player was at fault. The defensive back knew the route
was coming and bumped Moore off of it, ruining the play
before it could be successful. Brown was a hit in spring OTAs
but caught just two passes on Saturday. He received a deep
target from Gradkowski that didn’t connect. It will be
interesting to see if he can continue to push Moore in practice
and get more snaps with the starters. Rookie Martavis Bryant
received a handful of snaps with the first team in practice this
week, but he still has work to do to get consistent game reps.
He caught just one pass for 19 yards and fumbled twice (one
lost) on Saturday.
TE: The tight end position didn’t do much of significance on
Saturday, and the pecking order is pretty much set already –
particularly the first and second spot with Heath Miller and
Matt Spaeth. Miller should be a nice red-zone option, but he
didn’t receive any targets there Saturday. The team couldn’t
sustain any offense.
Defense: Rookie Stephon Tuitt got the start at defensive end
and performed reasonably well. The rest of the defensive line
held up well against the Giants offense, with the exception of
a 73-yard touchdown run by Rashad Jennings. The linebackers
and safeties, however, were the ones who missed their
assignments. Rookie first-round pick Ryan Shazier missed
Saturday’s game due to a knee injury he sustained last Sunday.
The team doesn’t seem too worried about it, but it would be
nice to see what the super-athletic rookie can do in a game
situation. Sean Spence started for Shazier and performed well.
Second-year player Jarvis Jones recorded a sack of Eli
Manning early in the game, a sight Pittsburgh hopes to get
used to. He had just one sack in his entire rookie season. The
secondary wasn’t bad against the pass, but the safety duo
contributed negatively to Jennings’ long touchdown run.
Strong safety Will Allen – in the game for Troy Polamalu,
who was held out electively by Mike Tomlin – missed a
tackle, and free safety Mike Mitchell took a bad angle and
couldn’t track down Jennings. Mitchell was playing after
missing a lot of time early in camp with a groin injury.
K/P: Against the Giants, kicker Shaun Suisham made field
goals of 26, 38 and 22 yards, but hit the upright on a missed
38-yard attempt. Brad Wing continued to work exclusively as
his holder while Adam Podlesh has been out due to his wife’s
pregnancy. Wing noted last week: “To take all the reps has
been good for me. That’s the only way you can get experience
in this league is to get the reps and do it… I think if I keep my
head down and keep working, good things will happen for
me.”
OL: Under the tutelage of new offensive line coach Mike
Munchak, the Steelers’ offensive line is emphasizing a gap
blocking system (as opposed to zone blocking). There is an air
of accountability that several sources speak of as an
improvement over last season. Overall this group looks to be
much improved, especially in the run game. One player that is
not much improved is backup tackle Mike Adams. Adams
was drafted to be a starter by now, but is not performing well
in second team action. Most of the concern with this unit
focuses on the depth players, such as Adams, and backup
center Cody Wallace. Wallace was flagged for holding during
the last preseason game.
Steelers Depth Chart QB: Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Gradkowski, Landry Jones
RB: Le′Veon Bell, LeGarrette Blount, Dri Archer
(KR/PR), Tauren Poole, Miguel Maysonet, Josh Harris
FB: Will Johnson
WR: Antonio Brown (PR), Markus Wheaton (KR), Lance
Moore, Justin Brown, Derek Moye, Martavis Bryant, Darrius
Heyward-Bey, Kashif Moore, Lanear Sampson, Jasper
Collins, James Shaw
TE: Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, Michael Palmer, David
Paulson, Rob Blanchflower
LT: Kelvin Beachum, Guy Whimper
LG: Ramon Foster, Wesley Johnson
C: Maurkice Pouncey, Cody Wallace
RG: David Decastro, Nik Embernate
RT: Marcus Gilbert, Mike Adams
K: Shaun Suisham
NT: Steve McLendon (inj), Hebron Fangupo, Daniel
McCullers, Al Lapuaho
DE: Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Cam Thomas
(NT), Brian Arnfelt, Nick Williams
ILB: Lawrence Timmons (R), Ryan Shazier (L) , Vince
Williams (L), Terence Garvin (R), Sean Spence (L), Jordan
Zumwalt (R), Daniel Molls
OLB: Jason Worilds (R), Jarvis Jones (R), Chris Carter
(L), Arthur Moats (R), Vic So′oto
CB: Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen, William Gay, Brice
McCain, Antwon Blake, Isaiah Green, Shaquille
Richardson, Ross Ventrone, Lew Toler
S: Troy Polamalu (SS), Michael Mitchell (FS), Shamarko
Thomas (SS), Will Allen (FS), Robert Golden (FS), Jordan
Dangerfield
St. Louis Rams
QB: Sam Bradford sat out the Rams' first preseason game of
the year. Bradford is expected to be ready to start in Week 1 of
the regular season, but the Rams are wisely not rushing him
back onto the field. That gave the team a chance to look at
new backup quarterback, Shaun Hill. Hill was sharp in his
debut. He threw for 84 yards and two touchdowns on just
seven attempts. As well as Hill played, he is clearly
established as a backup and no threat to Bradford barring
injury.
RB: Tre Mason caught the eye of onlookers during his NFL
debut, but he is still working his way up the depth chart.
This appears to simply be a matter of making the rookie earn
his place, as Mason is expected to be a key part of the Rams
running game alongside Zac Stacy. Stacy had four impressive
carries against the Saints, finishing the game with 22 yards
Isaiah Pead was held out of the game with a hand injury.
Pead should still be considered the favorite for a third down
role in St. Louis, but if he can't get on the field, Benny
Cunningham may grab the role away from Pead. Cunningham
also had a productive display against the Saints,; he had five
carries for 24 yards.
WR: It feels like an annual occurrence, but the Kenny Britt
excitement is building again. Britt didn't have a catch against
the Saints, but he has been impressive in camp. That alone
could be enough to assume Brian Quick's spot on the roster is
tenuous. Quick’s poor play appears to be catching up on him.
He hasn't developed the way the Rams thought he would.
Another player who appears to be falling out of favor is Chris
Givens. Givens was a starter last year and does appear to be a
talented player, but he is running with the third-team in his
third year in the league. Givens and Austin Pettis were
guaranteed their roster spots at this time last year, but they
may be fighting each other for places on the depth chart at this
point. On the other hand, Stedman Bailey is showing signs of
life after his subdued rookie season. Bailey is a favorite of
many draft writers. While Bailey is talented, he will be
suspended for the first four games so he needs to impress more
than most. Bailey's suspension could mean that the Rams
really don't finalize their depth chart until after their fourth
game of the regular season.
TE: It appeared that Jared Cook and Lance Kendricks would
retain their spots atop the Rams depth chart by default before
training camp began this year. They likely will still do that,
but undrafted rookie Alex Bayer is at least going to try and
push them during the preseason.
Defense: Aaron Donald's ability was easy to see for everyone
watching the Rams and Saints game, but that doesn't mean he
is ready to be a dominant player. Donald and Michael Sam
were the main attractions on the defensive side of the ball.
Sam played relatively well in his debut, but he should still be
considered a long shot to make the roster. Even though Sam
and Donald stole most of the attention, it was another rookie
who arguably had the most impressive display. E.J. Gaines
started with the first team at cornerback and played very
well. The Rams have both starting cornerbacks from the end
of last season returning to the roster, and the addition of
Lamarcus Joyner who will likely play both safety and
cornerback as a rookie, but Gaines is in a position where he
could win a starting role with a strong preseason and training
camp.
K/P: In the loss against the Saints, kicker Greg Zuerlein made
three extra points and a 45-yard field goal, but missed two
field goals wide left in the fourth quarter – a 46-yarder with
five minutes remaining and a 59-yarder on the final play.
Johnny Hekker averaged 43.3 yards on thee punts, while camp
leg Bobby Cowan averaged 50 yards on two punts. Cowan
also handled one kickoff, while Zuerlein took the first three of
which two were touchbacks.
OL: With several starters missing (left tackle Jake Long,
center Scott Wells and right guard Rodger Saffold) from the
Rams’ first preseason game, there was a ton of work for the
young players. Second overall pick Greg Robinson saw time
at both guard and tackle. Robinson and backup center Tim
Barnes had a miscommunication that led to a sack, but overall
Robinson acquitted himself well at both positions. Robinson
admitted to being a little nervous before the game, but it was
an overall positive debut for the talented player. Davin Joseph
filled in for Saffold while Mike Person started for Long at left
tackle. Person played well and he is likely to be the swing
backup once the season starts.
Rams Depth Chart QB: Sam Bradford, Shaun Hill, Austin Davis, Garrett Gilbert
RB: Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham (KR), Tre Mason, Isaiah
Pead (KR), Chase Reynolds
WR: Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey (susp), Tavon Austin
(KR/PR), Brian Quick, Chris Givens, Austin Pettis, T.J.
Moe, Justin Veltung, Emory Blake, Jordan Harris
TE: Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Corey Harkey, Justice
Cunningham, Alex Bayer, Brad Smelley, Mason Brodine (IR)
LT: Jake Long, Mike Person
LG: Greg Robinson, Brandon Washington
C: Scott Wells, Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney
RG: Rodger Saffold, Barrett Jones
RT: Joe Barksdale, Graham Pocic, Mitchell Van Dyk
K: Greg Zuerlein
DT: Kendall Langford, Michael Brockers, Aaron
Donald, Matt Conrath
DE: Robert Quinn, Chris Long, William Hayes, Eugene
Sims, Michael Sam
MLB: James Laurinaitis
OLB: Alec Ogletree (W), Jo-Lonn Dunbar (S), Ray-Ray
Armstrong, Phillip Steward, Daren Bates, Sammy
Brown, Etienne Sabino, Kourtnei Brown
CB: Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Brandon
McGee, Quinton Pointer (FS), E.J. Gaines, Greg Reid, Darren
Woodard
S: T.J. McDonald (SS), Rodney McLeod (FS), Lamarcus
Joyner (FS/CB), Mo Alexander (SS), Christian
Bryant, Matthew Daniels (FS),Cody Davis (FS)
San Diego Chargers
QB: The Chargers' trio of quarterbacks were impressive in the
first preseason game against the Cowboys. Philip Rivers
played only one series, but he was 4-for-4 for 61 yards and a
118.8 passer rating. He marched the team on a 90-yard
opening drive, going without a huddle much of the time.
Kellen Clemens went 5-for-5 for 134 yards and a touchdown,
earning a perfect 158.3 passer rating. Clemens had had a few
rough practices leading up to the game, but was quick and
sharp in his reads against the Cowboys. Brad Sorensen went 5-
for-7 for 48 yards. While he appears unlikely to pass Clemens
for the number two role, he continues to make a case for the
Chargers to keep three quarterbacks.
RB: There was good news and bad news regarding Ryan
Mathews' performance in the first preseason game. The good
news is that the elusiveness he's shown in practice was also
evident against the Cowboys: he made a potential tackler miss
on his first carry. Mathews was effective on the Chargers' first
drive until his goal-line carry, and here is the bad news: he
tried to jump over the pile, but a defender's helmet struck the
ball and caused a fumble. Over the past two seasons, Mathews
has fumbled four times on 531 touches. After the game, head
coach Mike McCoy dismissed the idea that the fumble would
put Mathews' role as the lead back in jeopardy. "No, he's our
bell cow," McCoy said. "He's jumped over the top a number of
times and scored his entire career here. The safety put his head
on the ball, and the ball came out, so that's all part of the
game." Danny Woodhead appeared to be in mid-season form
when he took a swing-pass for a 25-yard gain. Donald Brown
rushed for 22 yards on three carries, showing the vision and
balance that he's demonstrated throughout camp. One of the
stars of the game for the Chargers was undrafted free-agent
rookie Branden Oliver. Oliver had been turning heads in
practice, and played in the game ahead of fifth-round pick
Marion Grice. He was impressive. He rushed seven times for
64 yards (9.1 yards per carry) and a touchdown, reminding
some of former Charger Darren Sproles. Consider Oliver a
strong favorite to win the fourth RB spot over Grice.
WR: Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd, and Eddie Royal, the
Chargers' top three wide receivers, got only one series on
offense against the Cowboys; only Royal caught a pass.
Vincent Brown entered training camp as the fourth wide
receiver on the depth chart; but a calf injury that has kept him
sidelined since the second day of camp now has him in a four-
way battle, along with Dontrelle Inman, Seyi Ajirotutu, and
Tevin Reese, for (presumably) three roster spots. Brown is
expected to miss at least one more preseason game, which will
continue to give his competition the chance to shine in his
absence. Dontrelle Inman led all Charger receivers with three
catches for 107 yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys.
His 70-yard touchdown reception was an over-the-shoulder
catch of the sort that Inman and Eddie Royal have been
working on together after practice. With his performance in
the first two weeks of practice, in addition to his impressive
display against the Cowboys, Inman appears to be a strong
favorite to make the final roster. Seyi Ajirotutu may not be
one of the six best pure wide receivers in camp, but he has
been improving as a receiver, and his exceptional special
teams play gives him a solid chance to make the final roster as
well. After getting off to a hot start in Week One, Tevin Reese
was inconsistent in the second week of training camp
practices. He was targeted once against the Cowboys,
converting a third-down play into a 17-yard reception on a
crossing route for a first down.
TE: Antonio Gates got the night off against the Cowboys, and
Ladarius Green got only one series. Green caught two passes
from Philip Rivers on the team's first drive, and should be a
much bigger part of the team's offense this season than he was
in 2013. Chargers beat writer Kevin Acee expects Green to
double last season's 376 yards and three touchdowns. David
Johnson was an unsung hero of the first preseason game.
While he is listed as a tight end, he sometimes lines up at
fullback, and Branden Oliver's two big runs were both sprung
by blocks from Johnson. Johnson has no fantasy value as a
receiver, but his blocking – which has drawn comparisons to
that of former Charger Lorenzo Neal – could enhance the
fantasy value of the Chargers' RBs. John Phillips has had a
quiet training camp, but is projected to make the final roster as
the fourth tight end.
Defense: One of the training camp battles being fought is for
the number two nose tackle position behind Sean Lissemore.
Last year's UDFA Kwame Geathers, who looked strong
against the Cowboys' first team offense, appears to be solidly
ahead of this year's fifth-round pick, Ryan Carrethers. This
year's UDFA, Tenny Palepoi, is also threatening to move
ahead of Carrethers. Palepoi has impressed the coaches with
his constant hustle. On the pass-rushing front, Dwight Freeney
sat out the first preseason game, but both Melvin Ingram and
Jeremiah Attaochu succeeded in pressuring the Cowboys'
quarterback. There is a close battle brewing for the fifth OLB
spot between Tourek Williams and Thomas Keiser. Williams
has been the better all-around linebacker in training camp, but
Keiser made a splash in the first preseason game with a sack
and a forced fumble. At inside linebacker, Manti Te'o expects
to stay on the field in passing situations this year, making him
a three-down linebacker. Cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and
Jason Verrett both missed the first preseason game, but are on
track to play in the regular-season opener. They are in a three-
way battle, along with Shareece Wright, for the two starting
spots on the outside. Wright and Flowers appear to be the
favorites, with Verrett likely to play in the nickel. Yet another
training camp battle pits Marcus Gilchrist against Jahleel
Addae for the starting strong safety spot. That one is too close
to call at this point.
K/P: “I’m not gonna put a number on it and say, ‘Yeah, I’m
gonna play until I’m whatever age’, but if I’m still playing
when I’m 40, it wouldn’t shock me,” noted punter Mike
Scifres last week. He did not have any punts in the preseason
win over Dallas, while camp leg Chase Tenpenny averaged 38
yards on a pair of punts. Kicker Nick Novak made field goals
of 24 and 44 yards and added three extra points.
OL: Right guard Johnnie Troutman got the start against the
Cowboys in the team’s preseason opener. Troutman had been
losing the competition against rookie third rounder Chris Watt,
but Watt was injured in one of the last practices before the
game. Both players are battling for the right to replace
Jeromey Clary, who is still recovering from offseason surgery.
With interior options limited, versatile backup Rich
Ohrnberger played most of the game. Starting left tackle King
Dunlap had a mostly solid game, however was called for a
holding penalty on Jeremy Mincey. Right tackle D.J. Fluker
has no problem with the heat of preseason practices.
Chargers Depth Chart QB: Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens, Brad Sorensen
RB: Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead (3RB), Donald Brown,
Branden Oliver, Marion Grice, Kerwynn Williams
FB: David Johnson, Zach Boren
WR: Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd, Eddie Royal
(PR), Vincent Brown (inj), Tevin Reese, Seyi
Ajirotutu, Tobias Palmer, Dontrelle Inman
TE: Antonio Gates, Ladarius Green, John Phillips, Jake
Byrne, Ryan Otten
LT: King Dunlap, Kenny Wiggins
LG: Chad Rinehart, Willie Smith
C: Nick Hardwick
RG: Chris Watt, Johnnie Troutman, Jeromey Clary (PUP)
RT: D.J. Fluker, Michael Harris
K: Nick Novak
NT: Sean Lissemore, Ryan Carrethers
DE: Corey Liuget, Kendall Reyes, Kwame
Geathers, Lawrence Guy, Cordarro Law, Tenny Palepoi
ILB: Manti Te′o, Donald Butler, Bront Bird, Andrew
Gachkar, Reggie Walker, Kavell Conner
OLB: Jarret Johnson, Dwight Freeney, Melvin
Ingram, Jeremiah Attaochu, Tourek Williams, Thomas Keiser
CB: Shareece Wright, Brandon Flowers, Steve
Williams, Richard Marshall, Jason Verrett, Marcus
Cromartie, Crezdon Butler, Brandon Ghee, Chris Davis
S: Eric Weddle (FS), Marcus Gilchrist (SS), Darrell Stuckey
(FS), Jahleel Addae (FS), Adrian Phillips
San Francisco 49ers
QB: Backup quarterback is concerning after the first
preseason game - Blaine Gabbert was awful against the
Ravens with 3/11 passes completed for paltry 20 yards - with
an interception and no TDs. He was also sacked once for a 7-
yard loss. "I thought a couple balls slipped out of his hand,"
head coach Jim Harbaugh said. "... A throw he'd like to have
back on the interception. He did a good job running the team.
He did a good job getting us in and out the huddle and getting
us in the right play." For his part, Gabbert said, "I can't turn
the ball over like that. It's just a drive killer." Josh Johnson had
better numbers but also produced zero points. Johnson
completed 6/8 passes for 63 yards (97.4 rating), but fumbled a
snap on a first down that the Ravens recovered. "My job is to
go out and perform. And that's all I'm focused on," Johnson
commented. The 49ers are lacking in talent behind starter
Colin Kaepernick (1/1 for 17 yards passing in a quick
preseason cameo). "I think all the quarterbacks - Blaine, and
Josh and Mac (McLeod Bethel-Thompson, 3/7 for 26 yards
and an interception on Thursday night) - they're all coming out
of this thinking there's a few they'd like to have back," Coach
Harbaugh said. "I think they all did about the same." Earlier in
the week, local reports indicated that offensive coordinator
Greg Roman has simplified the playbook to make the team
quicker to the line of scrimmage: "I think everyone is just on
the same page," Kaepernick said after practice Tuesday
August 5. "We simplified some things and made it easier for
us to get in and out of the plays. That's helped us a lot so far."
Kaepernick also commented on the team's confidence entering
2014: "Now, everyone is confident is what our offense is
doing, what our defense is doing."
RB: Carlos Hyde started in place of a healthy Frank Gore for
the first preseason contest (seven of the 49ers' starters sat out
the game and Gore has skipped the first preseason game for
three consecutive preseasons). Hyde rushed for 39 yards on
five carries and posted gains of seven, 19 and eight yards on a
game-opening drive which resulted in a field goal. "I thought
he really ran the ball well," Coach Harbaugh said. "Had good
vision. Really lowered his pads... He's light on his feet." Jewel
Hampton (8/18/0 rushing with two targets for 1/3/0 receiving)
and Alfonso Smith (two targets for 1/10/0) did nothing to
shake up the depth chart. LaMichael James (elbow injury) and
Marcus Lattimore (knee injury) remain sidelined. Kendall
Hunter (right ACL tear) was placed on IR last week after
clearing waivers. Glenn Winston was signed on Monday to
take Hunter's roster spot during camp.
WR: Michael Crabtree sat out of the game in street clothes
due to his sore hamstring, and Brandon Lloyd was also in
street clothes due to a sore hamstring. Chuck Jacobs tore the
anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Thursday night and
is out for the season. To replace Jacobs, the 49ers signed
Lance Lewis, who spent last season with Washington, mostly
on the practice squad. Rookie Bruce Ellington had a busy
exhibition game: He caught all three passes thrown to him for
a team-high 35 yards; he averaged 31 yards on two kickoff
returns; and he muffed a third-quarter punt but managed to
recover the ball. Quinton Patton (zero receptions on three
targets) and Steve Johnson (two targets for 1/6/0) weren't
impressive in the game. The 49ers held their first practice in
new Levi's Stadium Monday, August 4. Harbaugh
commented, "We got to make it a home-field advantage...
That's what we have to get used to, the way we were used to
Candlestick. The grass there, the sightlines there, the wind, the
sun, angles, all those things."
TE: Vance McDonald caught both passes that came his way
in the first preseason game, going 2/24/0 on the night.
However, McDonald did not practice against the Ravens on
Saturday. He has an undisclosed injury. After the game (a 3-
23 loss to Baltimore), Vernon Davis indicated that the 49ers'
team needs "a lot of work."
Defense: ILB Michael Wilhoite led all players in the first half
with seven tackles vs. Baltimore. He looks entrenched as
NaVorro Bowman's replacement until Bowman returns. DT
Quinton Dial did well in place of injured Glenn Dorsey, with a
game-high 10 tackles and two forced fumbles. On Monday,
August 4 Harbaugh indicated he doesn't have a timetable for
Dorsey's return (torn biceps). "That was definitely a big
blow," Harbaugh said. Defensive linemen Demarcus Dobbs
and Lawrence Okoye left the Thursday game with ankle
injuries of unspecified severity. On Saturday practice, Okoye
remained out but Dobbs returned. “Thin still [along the DL]
and (we) will be through the weekend and until we get back,”
Harbaugh said. “We’ve got some reinforcements coming next
week, from our own team.” Justin Smith (offseason shoulder
surgery) and Ray McDonald (minor leg injury) are apparently
the reinforcements that Harbaugh was referencing. Aldon
Smith visited with Commissioner Goodell last Thursday but
no resolution to his pending league discipline was announced.
Earlier in the week, cornerback Chris Cook intercepted two
passes in practice. On his second pick, Cook got inside
position on receiver Chuck Jacobs, made a good read on the
ball and picked off the Blaine Gabbert throw as he dived into
the end zone. Cook also snagged an interception in the
preseason game on Thursday night.
K/P: Kicker Phil Dawson continues to assess the kicking
conditions in new stadium: “You'll be going along and think
you kind of got it all figured out, and then something will
change. The wind comes and goes.” He kicked a 25-yard field
goal for the 49ers’ only points in their preseason loss to the
Ravens. Punter Colton Schmidt kept himself on the NFL
radar, averaging 48.5 yards on a pair of punts and placing two
near the goal line, albeit one was negated by penalty.
OL: With right guard Alex Boone’s hold out continuing, the
line was a problem in the team’s first action against
Jacksonville. Joe Looney replaced Boone and did a subpar
job. Anthony Davis, dealing with a minor shoulder injury,
would normally be replaced by Boone (who also plays tackle)
but instead was replaced by Jonathan Martin. Martin had a
decent game but was called for a false start penalty. Depth
may have taken a further hit with veteran backup Adam
Snyder going down with a knee injury during Sunday’s
practice. The Niners’ offensive line depth is not as great as
they thought it would be, and they clearly need Boone back in
the lineup.
49ers Depth Chart QB: Colin Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert, Josh
Johnson, McLeod Bethel-Thompson
RB: Frank Gore, Carlos Hyde, LaMichael James (KR/PR)
(inj), Marcus Lattimore (inj), Jewel Hampton, Alfonso
Smith, Kendall Hunter (IR)
FB: Bruce Miller (inj), Trey Millard, Will Tukuafu, Alex
Debniak
WR: Michael Crabtree, Anquan Boldin, Steve
Johnson, Quinton Patton, Brandon Lloyd, Bruce
Ellington, Devon Wylie, David Reed, Kassim
Osgood, DeMarco Sampson, L’Damian Washington, Lance
Lewis, Chuck Jacobs (IR)
TE: Vernon Davis, Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, Derek
Carrier
LT: Joe Staley, Jonathan Martin, Carter Bykowski
LG: Mike Iupati, Joe Looney, Brandon Thomas
C: Daniel Kilgore, Marcus Martin
RG: Alex Boone, Adam Snyder, Ryan Seymour
RT: Anthony Davis, Al Netter, Luke Marquardt
K: Phil Dawson
NT: Ian Williams, Quinton Dial, Glenn Dorsey (inj),
DE: Justin Smith, Ray McDonald, Tony Jerod-
Eddie, DeMarcus Dobbs (TE), Kaleb Ramsey, Cornellius
Carradine, Aaron Lynch, Lawrence Okoye, Mike Purcell
ILB: Patrick Willis (M), Navorro Bowman (inj), Michael
Wilhoite, Chris Borland, Nick Moody, Shayne Skov, Blake
Costanzo
OLB: Ahmad Brooks (S), Aldon Smith, Corey Lemonier, Dan
Skuta, Darius Fleming, Morgan Breslin
CB: Chris Culliver, Chris Cook, Tramaine Brock, Kenneth
Acker, Perrish Cox, Keith Reaser, Dax Swanson, Darryl
Morris
S: Antoine Bethea (SS), Eric Reid (FS), C.J. Spillman
(FS), Jimmie Ward (FS), Craig Dahl (SS), Dontae
Johnson, Ray Ventrone, D.J. Campbell
Seattle Seahawks
QB: The status quo appears unchanged following the
preseason opener versus Denver. Both Russell Wilson (4-of-6
for 37 yards, 0 TDs) and Tarvaris Jackson (5-of-7 for 47
yards, 0 TDs) were efficient, if unspectacular. Terrelle Pryor
got an extended look as he tries to fight for a roster spot,
finishing the game 9-of-16 for 137 yards and an interception
to go along with a team-leading 28 yards rushing.
RB: Unsurprisingly, Marshawn Lynch didn't feature in the
first preseason game of the year. Robert Turbin (4 carries for 5
yards) got the start and Christine Michael had 10 total touches,
including a 1-yard touchdown run in the 2nd quarter. Despite
the excitement surrounding Michael amongst fans, neither he
nor Turbin did anything to motivate Lynch to play in any
preseason games this year. That's not to say that he won't, but
rather that he probably doesn't need to. Spencer Ware was the
team's fourth running back last season. He remains the
favorite to fill that spot again this year, even if he doesn't see
many carries once the regular season begins. Ware had four
carries for 11 yards against Denver and is now exclusively
playing running back.
WR: Paul Richardson was the standout player for the
Seahawks offense in their first preseason game. Working
against the Denver second-team defense, Richardson proved
that he isn't just a home-run threat with four receptions for 37
yards. There was one moment when he failed to understand
where the first down marker was and cost himself a first down
at the sideline, but it was a minor issue that should be easily
rectified. Percy Harvin just needs to stay healthy so he can be
effective during the regular season, but big plays in practice
won't be ignored. Harvin, Doug Baldwin and Jermaine
Kearse are assured of their roles, while Richardson appears set
to lock up the fourth spot on the depth chart. Ricardo
Lockette's roster spot should be safe thanks to his special
teams ability, but he also had two receptions for 35 yards
against Denver. Kevin Norwood should be the final receiver
on the roster, but he just had foot surgery. Head coach Pete
Carroll believes that Norwood will likely be back before the
end of preseason, so the fourth round pick should round out
the roster.
TE: Luke Willson and Zach Miller were involved with the
starting offense against Denver. Russell Wilson overthrew
Willson with his first target, before he slightly overthrew
Miller causing the ball to bounce off his hands as he extended
to make the catch. Miller should have caught the ball and he
was fortunate that there wasn't an interception for Rahim
Moore on the play. The Seahawks only kept two tight ends
on the roster last year, so Cooper Heifet will need to
continue to make more plays like he did in Denver. Heifet had
one reception for 20 yards over the middle in traffic; forcing
him to make a very impressive adjustment while in the air.
Defense: It appeared that the Denver Broncos made a
concentrated effort to target cornerback Byron Maxwell with
Demaryius Thomas in the first preseason game of the year.
Maxwell fit well with the Seahawks defense last year, but
struggled during this game. It's nothing that will cause the
Seahawks any kind of panic, but may be something to watch
moving forward as Maxwell hasn't proven himself over the
long-term. Bobby Wagner is dealing with a hamstring injury
that sidelined him against the Broncos, while Kam Chancellor
hadn't returned in time after offseason surgery. Neither
player is expected to miss significant time moving forward.
The Seahawks got an opportunity to look at a number of
different linebackers against the Broncos given all of the
injury-related absences, but this is probably the most settled
back seven in the whole league when healthy. On the
defensive line, Kevin Williams made his debut. Williams
could be a key component for the Seahawks front this year,
but little can be learned about a veteran player at this stage of
the preseason.
K/P: Three years ago, then Broncos kicker Steven Hauschka
caught the Seahawks’ attention in a preseason game and it
may have led to his current job. In the game this past
weekend, he made field goals of 41, 40 and 22 yards for
Seattle. Last week in a scrimmage, Hauschka also kicked three
field goals. Punter Jon Ryan averaged 50.3 yards on three
punts in the loss to Denver.
OL: Missing several starters, the Seahawks trotted out a
makeshift group in their preseason game against the Broncos.
Coming back from offseason foot surgery, left tackle Russell
Okung has since returned to practice, along with left guard
James Carpenter and center Max Unger. Unger was dealing
with a minor groin injury. While he was banged up, backup
lineman Stephen Schilling saw some time at center. Former
Pro Bowler Wade Smith has signed with the team to provide
depth and also to push Carpenter and J.R. Sweezy at the guard
spots. Rookie Justin Britt continues to hold off veteran Eric
Winston at the right tackle spot. Winston still is working with
the second team.
Seahawks Depth Chart QB: Russell Wilson, Tavaris Jackson, Terrelle Pryor, B.J.
Daniels
RB: Marshawn Lynch, Robert Turbin, Christine Michael
FB: Derrick Coleman, Spencer Ware, Kiero Small
WR: Percy Harvin, Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse
(KR), Paul Richardson, Ricardo Lockette, Kevin Norwood
(inj), Chris Matthews, Arceto Clark, Bryan Walters, Phil
Bates, David Gilreath, Morrell Presley
TE: Zach Miller, Luke Willson, Cooper Helfet, Anthony
McCoy (IR)
LT: Russell Okung, Alvin Bailey
LG: James Carpenter, Greg VanRoten
C: Max Unger, Lemuel Jeanpierre
RG: J.R. Sweezy, Jared Smith, Steve Schilling
RT: Eric Winston, Wade Smith, Justin Britt, Garrett Scott
K: Steven Hauschka
DT: Brandon Mebane, Tony McDaniel, Jordan Hill, Kevin
Williams, Jimmy Staten, D′Anthony Smith, Michael
Brooks, Andre Pulu, Jesse Williams (IR)
DE: Michael Bennett (DT), Cliff Avril, Greg Scruggs, Cassius
Marsh, Benson Mayowa, Jackson Jeffcoat
MLB: Bobby Wagner, Heath Farwell
OLB: Bruce Irvin (S/DE) (inj), K.J. Wright
(W/M/S), Malcolm Smith (W),Mike Morgan
(W)(RFA), Korey Toomer (S), Kevin Pierre-Louis, Mike
Taylor (S)
CB: Richard Sherman, Byron Maxwell, Therald
Simon, Jeremy Lane, Phillip Adams, Terrell
Thomas, DeShawn Shead, Akeem Auguste, Trey Wolfe
S: Kam Chancellor (SS), Earl Thomas (FS), Jeron Johnson
(SS) , Eric Pinkins, Terrance Parks (SS), Steven Terrell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QB: Josh McCown struggled in limited action. He was sacked
twice for a combined loss of 5 yards, and he fumbled twice,
losing one. McCown was 2/4 for 20 yards, zero TDs and one
interception passing with 2/13/0 rushing during the
Buccaneers' first preseason contest. The interception was
returned for a Jaguars' TD as the Buccaneers fell 10-16 to their
Florida rivals. "We're not ready yet... This first game, we kind
of see where we are a little bit," Lovie Smith said. "Had some
protection issues, didn't protect the quarterback well enough.
That's pretty much it." Mike Glennon came on in relief of
McCown and tossed 11/19 for 140 yards passing, one TD and
zero interceptions, while taking one sack for -2 yards. Glennon
threw his third-quarter touchdown pass to Tommy Streeter,
who has been having a solid training camp. Before the game,
Glennon spoke about waiting for another shot to be a starting
quarterback in the NFL: "I've always had confidence in
myself. … I felt like I showed what I could do last year, and I
know that I can succeed at this level. I've always had
confidence in myself, and I know what I'm capable of doing."
Third-string quarterback Mike Kafka completed 2-of-7 for 14
yards, with zero TDs or interceptions. Coach Smith
admonished the media for over-reacting to the first game:
"Just like when you come out to practice, the first preseason
game, don't start printing up the Super Bowl tickets or cutting
everybody on the team. Let things play out a little bit. That's
what preseason games are for... You have to keep in mind
what the goal of the preseason is: to get ready for the Carolina
Panthers (in the season opener). With that, we wanted to put
our guys in position to... let them play. We didn't have an
extensive game plan or anything like that."
RB: Doug Martin played with the first team and he struggled
along with his quarterback, managing 3/6/0 rushing and 1/2/0
receiving on the night. ESPN's Pat Yasinkas noted after the
game that the Tampa offensive line (especially the guards)
struggled against the Jaguars' first team defense. Bobby
Rainey came in after Martin left the field, with 6/25/0 rushing.
"I thought I played all right for the most part, made a couple
good runs, but my main focus was really on special teams,"
Rainey said after the game. "I wanted to make an impact on
special teams. I wanted to make a tackle on the punt team, but
I didn't get to do that." Charles Sims was third to play, (6/13/0
rushing with three targets for 3/32/0 receiving) followed by
Mike James (3/12/0 rushing and 1/20/0 receiving). Jeff Demps
(2/4/0 rushing with two targets for 1/8/0 receiving), Lonnie
Pryor (1/3/0 rushing), and Jorvorskie Lane (1/1/0 rushing) had
a handful of attempts combined. Sims gained the most yards
overall, but the depth chart behind Martin is far from settled
after a lack-luster game vs. Jacksonville.
WR: Vincent Jackson had an 18-yard reception as one of the
few bright spots for the Buccaneers' first team offense Friday
night, and rookie Mike Evans started across from Jackson
(two targets for zero receptions). Backup Louis Murphy led
the team with four targets for 3/34/0 receiving, while Robert
Herron was third among wide receivers with four targets for
1/10/0. Streeter caught the lone TD pass of the game with one
target for 1/6/1 receiving. In all, 14 Buccaneers were
targeted with passes.
TE: Rookie Austin Sefarian-Jenkins snagged a nice pass from
Kafka during the exhibition, but had the 48-yard gain called
back on a penalty. All told, Sefarian-Jenkins was third on the
team Friday night with three targets for 2/29/0 receiving. Tim
Wright saw four targets but only managed to haul in one, for
six yards. Luke Stocker saw one target but didn't make the
catch.
Defense: DE Steven Means was a bright spot playing with the
second team, recording a sack and two tackles for a loss. The
Jaguars punted on all three of their first-quarter possessions,
gaining only 35 yards in 13 plays from scrimmage. Tampa
Bay’s rush defense was particularly stout early, limiting the
Jags to 5 yards on their first six carries as second-year CB
Johnthan Banks was credited with three tackles. Smith said he
was pleased with the play of the defense, particularly the first
unit and specifically DT Gerald McCoy and LB Lavonte
David. He also singled out CB Johnthan Banks and DE/DT
Da'Quan Bowers. "I just played my assignment and did what
the coaches asked me to do — play fast and hard," Bowers
said. "I just happened to be in the right place at the right time."
According to the Tampa Tribune, Jacksonville finished the
opening half 0-for-7 on third down, averaging 3.6 yards per
offensive snap. Ronde Barber, working as an analyst for
WFLA after 16 years in the Buccaneers' secondary, stated:
"I'm definitely encouraged by what the Bucs have done in the
offseason. I still think there’s room for this team to grow. By
no means do I think they're there, but there's no reason the
Bucs can't make a dramatic turnaround." CBs Alterraun
Verner and Mike Jenkins, S Dashon Goldson and DLs Scott
Solomon and Jibreel Black did not dress for the Bucs on
Friday night. Verner has been hampered by a hamstring injury
- "I plan on being back on the field soon," he said after
Wednesday's practice. "It's not like I'm on vacation... I've been
getting a lot of mental reps."
K/P: Kicker Connor Barth saw his first game action since
tearing his Achilles tendon last summer. He hit a 44-yard field
goal in the preseason opener against the Jaguars. Michael
Koenen averaged 46 yards on five punts. Camp leg Patrick
Murray got work in both facets, kicking an extra point and
averaging 45 yards on two punts. Last week, the Bucs worked
out kickers Rob Bironas and Anthony Fera, causing
speculation that Barth’s and Koenen’s jobs might be in peril.
OL: After an atrocious performance against Jacksonville, the
Tampa Bay offensive line has come under intense scrutiny.
Jamon Meredith was demoted to the second team, with Jace
Daniels now taking the first team reps at right guard. Daniels
had been impressive as the second team center and the team
hopes he can continue his process. Oneil Cousins continues to
hang on to his starting left guard position, but he could face
further competition from Patrick Omameh. It was not all on
the guards however, as starting left tackle Anthony Cousins
gave up a sack to Chris Clemons. Starting right tackle Demar
Dotson was called for holding, nullifying a first down
completion. Despite this, Dotson played well overall as did
new center Evan Deitrich-Smith. In general, this line still has
more questions than answers.
Buccaneers Depth Chart QB: Josh McCown, Mike Glennon, Mike Kafka
RB: Doug Martin, Charles Sims, Bobby Rainey, Mike
James, Jeff Demps (KR)
FB: Lonnie Pryor, Javorskie Lane
WR: Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans, Louis Murphy, Robert
Herron, Eric Page (KR/PR), Tommy Streeter, Chris
Owusu, Skye Dawson, Russell Shepard, Lavelle
Hawkins, Solomon Patton, Aaron Burks
TE: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Brandon Myers, Tim
Wright, Luke Stocker, Kyle Adams, Cameron Brate, Ian
Thompson
LT: Anthony Collins, Kevin Pamphile, Matt Patchan
LG: Kadeem Edwards, Jason Foster
C: Evan Dietrich-Smith
RG: Jamon Meredith, Oneil Cousins, Patrick Omameh
RT: Demar Dotson, Emmett Cleary
K: Connor Barth, Patrick Murray
DT: Gerald McCoy, Akeem Spence (NT), Clinton
McDonald, Everett Dawkins, Jibreel Black
DE: Michael Johnson, Adrian Clayborn, William
Gholston, Da′Quan Bowers, Steven Means, Mathew
Masifilo, Scott Solomon, James Ruffin, Ryne Giddins
MLB: Mason Foster, Dane Fletcher, Damaso Munoz
OLB: Lavonte David (W), Jonathan Casillas (S), Marvin
Booker (S),Danny Lansanah, Ka′lial Glaud, Brandon Magee
CB: Alterraun Verner, Johnthan Banks, Leonard
Johnson, Mike Jenkins, Danny Gorrer, Deveron Carr, Rashaan
Melvin, Bobby Felder, Anthony Gaitor
S: Mark Barron (SS), Dashon Goldson (FS), Major Wright
(FS), Keith Tandy (SS), Kelcie McCray (FS), Bradley
McDougald (FS)
Tennessee Titans
QB: The Titans played the Packers Saturday in monsoon
conditions with the relentless downpour lasting nearly the
entire game. The conditions led to a sloppy play and forced
the offense to deviate from the intended game script. “A lot of
the things we had planned went out the window with the rain,”
said head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Jake Locker and the Titans'
starting offense played the entire first quarter but rain ruined
any plans of a passing game, leaving Locker just 1-of-2
passing for five yards. “It’s a lot of water,” said Locker.
“Given the circumstances, we were able to move the ball a
little running it. We would liked to have done a little better in
the passing game, but it’s something that we know we can
work on going forward.”Backup Charlie Whitehurst played
relatively well, completing 10-of-15 passes for 94 yards.
Rookie Zach Mettenberger played the fourth quarter,
completing 4-of-7 passes for 87 yards. He showed off his
strong arm on his first throw, a laser to Isaiah Williams.
Mettenberger struggled with the wet conditions however as his
first two drives ended in turnovers. He bounced back at the
end of regulation, completing long throws to TE Chase
Coffman and WR Brian Robiskie to put the Titans deep in
Packers territory where FB Jackie Battle was able to seal the
win with a 7-yard TD run.
RB: The rainy conditions meant the offensive focus was
squarely upon the RBs and the top three all had impressive
moments. Shonn Greene showed no lingering effects of the
knee injury that consumed most of his offseason. He showed
burst and impressive vision on his touchdown run, making one
cut to find the hole on the left side for the 13-yard score. He
finished with four carries for 20 yards and the touchdown.
With an average draft position of RB55, Shonn Greene is a
very nice value right now, especially in standard scoring
leagues in which his lack of receiving prowess is less an issue.
Peter King recently speculated that the Titans would feature a
60/30/10 rushing split between Greene, Bishop Sankey and
Dexter McCluster respectively.
While 60% may be a bit high for Greene if Sankey continues
to impress, it seems likely that the Titans backfield is headed
towards a committee approach (at least in the early part of the
season). Sankey took the lion’s share of the workload
Saturday however, gaining 37 hard earned yards on 13 carries.
Sankey also excelled in the passing game, hauling in three
passes for 38 yards and the Titans second touchdown of the
game. The rookie didn’t find space often, but when he did,
showed his ability to earn every inch. On four out of the five
final plays on his scoring drive, Sankey had a run for nine
yards, a run for eight yards, a run for three yards, and the five-
yard touchdown catch out of the backfield. “We expected to
give (Sankey) some work,” said Whisenhunt. “Things got
distorted a little bit. Our rotational plan changed a little bit
when the conditions changed. That affected us, but I think
what we wanted to see out of Bishop is a good start. This by
no means answered a lot of questions, but it helped to start to
answer some of them.” “I felt comfortable once I got out there
and kind of got in the groove of things,” said Sankey. “It’s all
about improving and looking back and seeing my mistakes
and correcting those for the next week. I was expecting
anything. As many times as they wanted to give me the ball,
that’s what I was willing to do tonight. It kind of just went
that way. We were able to put that good drive together and
take the lead. It felt good out there. What worked for me
tonight was finding those little holes and creases, and just
really driving the ball down the field.” Sankey has shown off a
strong all-around game, but his current ADP of RB21 is
probably too high at this point based upon his likely role in the
offense.
McCluster only had three carries but made a statement with a
tough ten-yard dash up the middle in which he barreled over
rookie Hasean Clinton-Dix to pick up the first down.
McCluster’s hope is to carve out a role similar to that of
Danny Woodhead in Whisenhunt’s San Diego offense last
season.
WR: The rain made for few highlights for the WRs. The catch
of the game was a 38-yard grab by Brian Robiskie who
stretched out to snag a deep ball from Mettenberger to setup
the game winning touchdown. Kendall Wright and Justin
Hunter remain entrenched as the starting WRs and only real
fantasy factors. For Wright to ascend to greater fantasy
heights, he will have to score more than the two TDs he
managed last season and make more big plays. Wright hopes
to do just that, claiming he is just as fast as his teammate
Hunter. “If you’re running down the sideline and you just flat
out-run somebody, they’ll be like, ‘You’re fast,’” Wright
said. “You don’t have to be fast to outrun somebody. It’s just
proper technique. Some people like Justin are real fast. Me
coming in the middle, you can’t see that I’m the same speed as
Justin because I’m going in and out of traffic. I can’t break up
out of it. This year I plan on breaking a little more of those
tackles, trying to get loose and go score, and I’ll show
everybody how fast I am.”
TE: Backups Chase Coffman and Taylor Thompson both
made nice plays in the win over the Packers with Coffman
making a crucial 26-yard grab late in the 4th quarter and
Thompson hauling in three passes for 33 yards overall.
Thompson has shown some modest improvements as a route
runner and could be ready to be Delanie Walker’s primary
backup.
Defense: Inside LB Zach Brown has had a solid camp as he
has tried to hold off Moise Fokou, Colin McCarthy, Zavier
Brown and Avery Williamson for the starting job. However,
Brown found himself on the bend for the defense’s first series
as punishment for breaking a team rule. "I would describe it as
pissing me off," Whisenhunt said. Brown said "If he ain't
elaborating, I ain't either."
K/P: So far in camp, Travis Coons has been more accurate on
field goals than Maikon Bonani. In the game against the
Packers, neither attempted any field goals. Each made one
extra point. Bonani also missed one extra point although it was
in rainy weather and the snap and hold were suspect. Late last
week, head coach Ken Whisenhunt still wasn’t willing to say
much: “I haven't seen enough of either of those guys yet to say
I'm impressed or displeased with them. It's still a process.”
Brett Kern averaged 39.2 yards on six punts.
OL: Starting left tackle Michael Roos only played one quarter
in the team’s first preseason game against the Packers. First
round pick Taylor Lewan took over for Roos (in extremely
wet and rainy conditions) and played very well in his place.
Lewan still doesn’t have an obvious starting position this
season, but he could be a gem after Roos leaves the team.
Starting center Brian Schwenke had two mishandled snaps in
the downpour and this did not create good feelings among
coaches and fans who are concerned with his progress. The
job is clearly Schwenke’s for now, as backup center Chris
Spencer injured his ankle during the contest, and it is not clear
how long he will require in recovery.
Titans Depth Chart QB: Jake Locker, Charlie Whitehurst, Zach Mettenberger
RB: Shonn Greene, Bishop Sankey, Dexter McCluster
(WR), Jackie Battle, Leon Washington (KR), Antonio
Andrews, Waymon James
FB: Collin Mooney, Quinn Johnson
WR: Kendall Wright, Nate Washington, Justin
Hunter, Michael Preston, Marc Mariani, Derek Hagan, Derel
Walker, Isaiah Williams, Lamont Bryant
TE: Delanie Walker, Craig Stevens (FB), Taylor
Thompson, Chase Coffman, Dorin Dickerson (IR)
LT: Michael Roos, Taylor Lewan
LG: Andy Levitre, Chris Spencer
C: Brian Schwenke, Tyler Horn
RG: Chance Warmack, Eric Olsen
RT: Michael Oher, Byron Stingily
K: Brett Kern, Maikon Bonani, Travis Coons
NT: Sammie Lee Hill, DaQuan Jones, Chigbo Anunoby
DE: Jurell Casey, Al Woods, Mike Martin, Ropati
Pitoitua, Karl Klug, Lavar Edwards, Lanier Coleman
ILB: Wesley Woodyard, Zach Brown, Zaviar Gooden, Moise
Fokou, Avery Williamson, Brandon Copeland, David
Hinds, Colin McCarthy (inj)
OLB: Akeem Ayers (S), Derrick Morgan, Shaun
Phillips, Kamerion Wimbley, Patrick Bailey, Jonathan Willard
CB: Jason McCourty, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Tommie
Campbell, Coty Sensabaugh, Micah Pellerin, George
Baker, Khalid Wooten
S: Bernard Pollard (SS), Michael Griffin (FS) (susp), George
Wilson (SS/FS), Daimion Stafford (SS), Marqueston
Huff, Hakeem Smith, Marc Anthony
Washington Redskins
QB: Washington breaks camp this week and unfortunately the
quarterback situation isn’t as crystal clear as fantasy owners
would’ve hoped. Robert Griffin III is healthy and the clear
starter, but his play in the preseason and during practices
hasn’t been strong enough to comfortably slot him back into
the top tier of young passers. After two days of joint practices
against the Patriots, ESPN’s Mike Reiss suggested that Kirk
Cousins was the better quarterback, and that his view was
echoed by ‘some others in the Patriots organization.’ While
we need to take any observation by a beat writer (from another
team) with a grain of salt, it’s notable that Washington Post
beat writer Mike Jones wasn’t effusive in his defense of
Griffin a few days later.
Jones said, “…But, I will say that most days in practice, the
gap isn’t as big as you’d like to see between your No. 2
overall pick and a fourth-round pick. Griffin does make some
plays – particularly when things break down – that very few
quarterbacks can make. But when it’s a drop-back passing
situation where the play takes longer to unfold and he has to
recognize coverage while feeling the pressure, he hasn’t
looked exceptional. He looks okay at times, good other times,
and then he makes some bad throws other times. Uneven is the
best way to describe it. Cousins also has had his struggles. He
gets rid of the ball more quickly, but he also makes some
unwise throws. He turns the ball over a lot, and in my opinion
hasn’t even looked as sharp as he did last year. He too has
been uneven.”
In game action, Griffin only attempted four passes (2-for-4 for
9 yards) before giving way to Cousins. Cousins played well
(9-for-13 for 103 yards and a touchdown) and, ironically,
outrushed Griffin (2 yards vs. 0).
RB: Alfred Morris looked solid against the Patriots first team
defenders, running five times for 27 yards (5.4 per carry)
before calling it a night. Presumed #2 Roy Helu was less
successful (5 rushes for 14 yards) but showed his worth as an
outlet receiver (two catches for 23 yards). Rookie Lache
Seastrunk led the team with 63 yards on 12 carries, and seems
a good bet to land on the 53-man roster at the expense of
either Evan Royster or Chris Thompson.
WR: DeSean Jackson missed the Patriots game after a New
England defender stepped on his ankle during the intra-team
practice. Jackson is set to return against the Browns in next
week’s preseason tilt, and has resumed full practices.
Following Monday’s practice, Jackson felt no ill effects: "I felt
good, man," he said. "Had a little sore, bruised ankle for the
last couple days. So good to be back in the midst of things.
Felt good." Fellow starter Pierre Garcon also missed the
Patriots game with a hamstring strain, but returned to practice
on Monday. In their absence, Aldrick Robinson (3 receptions
for 45 yards and a touchdown) led the Redskins in a bid to
hold onto a roster spot. Presumed slot receiver Andre Roberts
wasn’t targeted in the passing game, but did serve as the punt
returner.
TE: Jordan Reed has been a playmaker throughout training
camp, but missed the final four days of camp with a
mysterious illness that resembled a ’24-hour’ stomach bug.
Against the Patriots, rookie Ted Bolser caught a 7-yard
touchdown and veteran Logan Paulsen had a key grab in the
team’s opening drive.
Defense: The Redskins defense showed well against the
Patriots, as the first team personnel set the tone with
consecutive three-and-outs to start the game. Brian Orakpo
had the team’s lone sack, while Akeem Jordan had three
tackles and a fumble recovery. Orakpo was understandably
pleased after the game: “We’re building a foundation at the
linebacker corps,” he explained. “Guys are going out there
making plays, and we’re going to need that as the season
progresses.” Fellow linebacker Keenan Robinson played well
in his new role as the defensive play-caller (replacing London
Fletcher), and more importantly is healthy after missing most
of the last two years with a torn pectoral.
K/P: Rookie Zach Hocker made two field goals and kicked
off well in the preseason win over the Patriots. Kai Forbath
came up short on a 46-yard field goal and sent one of his
kickoffs out of bounds. Coach Jay Gruden commented: “Zach
had a couple great kickoffs and a good tackle and a field goal.
And Kai, you know, he had the kickoff out of bounds like I
said. So that’s a decision that’s going to come after the fourth
preseason game. I know it.”
OL: Starting left tackle Trent Williams was named the
offensive captain in the contest against the Patriots, and this
could be a preview of who will wear the C patch during the
regular season. Williams didn’t play much, as rookie tackle
Morgan Moses played 68 snaps in the contest. Moses was up
and down, being called for holding and giving up a sack early
in the game. However, he settled down and played well
overall. Backup center Mike McGlynn missed the contest due
to back spasms, and was replaced by Tevita Stevens. Back at
practice, Maurice Hurt continues to struggle, as he got the
worse end of a pass protection battle with backup linebacker
Gabe Miller.
Redskins Depth Chart QB: Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy
RB: Alfred Morris, Roy Helu (3RB), Chris Thompson
(3RB), Lache Seastrunk, Evan Royster, Silas Redd
FB: Darrel Young
WR: Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, Andre Roberts
(PR/KR), Leonard Hankerson, Santana Moss, Aldrick
Robinson, Ryan Grant, Nick Williams, Cody
Hoffman, Rashad Lawrence, Jerry Rice Jr. (inj)
TE: Jordan Reed, Logan Paulsen, Niles Paul (KR), Ted
Bolser, Gabe Miller, Mike Caussin
LT: Trent Williams, Tom Compton
LG: Shawn Lauvao, Maurice Hurt, Spencer Long
C: Kory Lichtensteiger, Mike McGlynn
RG: Chris Chester, Josh LeRibeus, Adam Gettis
RT: Tyler Polumbus, Morgan Moses
K: Kai Forbath, Zach Hocker
NT: Barry Cofield, Chris Neild, Robert Thomas
DE: Jason Hatcher (inj), Jarvis Jenkins, Chris Baker
(NT), Kedric Golston, Doug Worthington (RFA), Stephen
Bowen, Clifton Geathers, Frank Kearse
ILB: Perry Riley, Keenan Robinson, Akeem Jordan, Darryl
Sharpton, Will Compton, Jeremy Kimbrough
OLB: Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan (inj), Adam
Hayward, Trent Murphy, Rob Jackson, Adrian Robinson
CB: DeAngelo Hall, David Amerson, Tracy Porter, E.J.
Biggers, Bashaud Breeland, Chase Minnifield, Richard
Crawford (inj), Peyton Thompson
S: Brandon Meriweather (SS), Ryan Clark (FS), Phillip
Thomas (FS),Bacarri Rambo (FS), Jose Gumbs (SS)
(RFA), Trent Robinson (FS), Akeem Davis, Da′Mon
Cromartie-Smith, Tanard Jackson (susp)