Preseason Week 3 Essentials
By Tony Mejia
You read in this space last week that the preseason is not only a necessarily evil, but also, that you can profit on it if you invest the preparation time. That opinion hasn’t changed, but those who despise the fact we’re still only halfway through the exhibition schedule got massive amounts of ammunition in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Green Bay’s top receiver, Jordy Nelson, tore his ACL. Top guard T.J. Lang left with a concussion. The Steelers lost center Maurkice Pouncey for most, if not all of the season, due to a broken fibula. DE Stephon Tuitt limped off with an ankle injury and backup QB Bruce Gradkowski hurt a finger. All of this happened inside of a half. It looked as ugly as it sounds, which is why you’ll hear outrage with the current system all week long.
Owners are stuffing their pockets, sure. We would all be better off with an 18-game regular season. One day, we’ll get it and find something else to complain about. Preseason games aren’t going away any time soon and it’s pointless to campaign for their removal. The injuries are unfortunate. Aaron Rodgers openly complained about how tough it is to lose Nelson in a “meaningless game.” It’s awful, but wouldn’t it be equally as disappointing if it had happened a few weeks from now in the Week 1 of the regular season?
In this case, the system is what it is. Football is what it is. The preseason isn’t exempt from the brutality we all appreciate and wager on.
Watch the second half of preseason action and you’ll see receivers getting blasted going over the middle as they try to field passes they’ll be catching on the practice squad – at best – if they happen to hold on enough. This is how football players make their livelihood. Let’s not feel sorry for anybody, especially given their earning potential. Linebackers and defensive backs are all in search of the big hit that will stand out when coaches review the film. That’s the game. This is the time of year they’ve been waiting for, the opportunity they train all year to try and take advantage of.
Nelson was lost for the season on an innocuous-looking play where he simply cut, lost his balance and had his knee give out. It could’ve happened in practice. It could’ve happened in the playoffs. He was playing football. Threat of injury is part of the job description.
Week 3 of the NFL preseason offers dress rehearsals for all. It’s almost like the 17th regular season game, by far the most important exhibition. We’ll undoubtedly lose a few more players. There won’t be any more of a consolation because it’s happening in a game that’s a tad more meaningful than the first or second preseason game. Here’s how the schedule unfolds:
Friday, Aug. 28
New England at Carolina: Whether or not there is any headway made on Tom Brady’s appeal, expect him to see his longest action this preseason against a sturdy Panthers defense. Cam Newton has gotten off to a rough start and started 0-for-4 with a pick against Miami in his first drive minus No. 1 WR Kelvin Benjamin, another victim of the preseason injury monster.
Tennessee at Kansas City: It's early, but QB Alex Smith has looked dreadful, turning the ball over with sloppy passes. He did finally complete a TD pass to a wideout last week, hitting new top target Jeremy Maclin. Establishing chemistry will be key here, while Marcus Mariota will look to get his first touchdown after being denied thus far.
Detroit at Jacksonville: QB Matthew Stafford has impressively marched the Lions offense down the field in his limited action despite top target Calvin Johnson sitting both games out as a healthy scratch. He’ll get some run against the Jaguars, who will see projected rookie starter T.J. Yeldon finally debut at tailback.
Saturday, Aug. 29
Pittsburgh at Buffalo: Losing Pouncey is a massive blow, as centers of his caliber are hard to come by. Getting new starter Cody Wallace up to speed at such a key position will now be the main focus of the offense between now and the season opener. Fortunately, he does have experience. Bills head coach Rex Ryan hasn’t announced a starting QB for this one, which is setting up as the final battle before Matt Cassel or Tyrod Taylor is handed the reins.
N.Y. Jets at N.Y. Giants: Snoopy Bowl 2015 features a pair of 1-1 teams that have each seen their share of struggles thus far. Injuries have played a large role in the shaky starts for both MetLife Stadium tenants, so it will be fun to see how they respond in a game that always seems to be competitive since both teams typically want the back page spoils.
Atlanta at Miami: The Falcons haven’t had running backs Davonte Freeman and Tevin Coleman in either preseason game and are hoping those guys can each gain some seasoning in South Florida. QB Ryan Tannehill’s improvement has the Dolphins excited. He’s led the Fins to touchdowns in three of his four drives.
Minnesota at Dallas: After Tony Romo made a cameo in San Francisco on Sunday, he will undoubtedly get his longest in-game workload of the preseason here. Adrian Peterson will sit out another game, but the Vikings have averaged 23 points per game without him as the passing game has looked sharp.
Cleveland at Tampa Bay: Ex-Buc starter Josh McCown is nursing an injured ring finger and backup Johnny Manziel had to cut Sunday’s practice short due to a sore elbow, so this could wind up being a difficult trip for the winless Browns. Rookie starting QB Jameis Winston should get plenty of varied defensive looks to work against, which can only aid his development.
Washington at Baltimore: Remember when we all doubted Joe Flacco? It wasn’t that long ago, so you should. Heck, there are still people who think it’s funny to debate whether the Super Bowl XLVII MVP is an elite quarterback. He plays like one, is paid like one and comes off posting career-highs in passing yards (3,986) and TD throws (27), so the answer is yes. On the other end of the spectrum is Robert Griffin III, who is both polarizing and currently mediocre despite all the hype. Sadly, new Ravens backup Matt Schaub is more accomplished than either or RG III or Kirk Cousins, which has to keep owner Dan Snyder up at night.
Chicago at Cincinnati: After playing at Tampa on Monday night, the Bengals turn right around and host the Bears, so it will be interesting to see how head coach Marvin Lewis treats this game. The Bears’ depth has been impressive so far this preseason, as they’ve outscored opponents 38-0 in the second half of games thanks to the play of their backups. With Jay Cutler scheduled to play into the second half, Chicago is looking for him to lead the team to its first touchdown after coming up empty in the first two games.
Philadelphia at Green Bay: The Packers are reeling from the loss of Nelson and have probably seen enough out of Rodgers that they won’t see the value in exposing him here, but backup Scott Tolzien was also banged up in Pittsburgh, suffering a concussion. Chip Kelly’s desire to see Sam Bradford take more live-action snaps may be dwarfed by the need to keep him healthy and confident, so be sure to monitor this situation.
Indianapolis at St. Louis: Both of these teams have struggled mightily so far, but there’s no panic setting. The Colts will be looking to see how their o-line holds up against the Rams’ primary strength. St. Louis will be looking to get Nick Foles on track after a dreadful start thus far.
Seattle at San Diego: This one is slated for a national broadcast and should be entertaining. The Seahawks have predictably not looked like themselves given the rebuilt offensive line and the absence of Legion of Boom members in the secondary, so 0-2 isn’t a big deal. Pete Carroll will want to see improvement against a Chargers squad that will allow Philip Rivers to participate for the first time since he went 2-for-2 on the opening drive of the team’s preseason.
San Francisco at Denver: QB Peyton Manning wasn’t able to get a rhythm in his debut, coming up empty on four drives while racking up just 67 yards on 19 plays in Houston. Count on him playing into the second half here as he seeks to gain his footing in Gary Kubiak’s new offense. Colin Kaepernick is 4-for-8 for 27 yards in limited action, so the 49ers are looking forward to seeing how he fares with a heavier workload.
Sunday, Aug. 30
Houston at New Orleans: Losing tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle is a major blow, but there was justifiable criticism that Drew Brees was targeting him too much at the expense of some of the other targets on the roster. With an abundance of talented receivers to spread the ball to, Brees has looked like his old self. It should be a blast to see how quickly he can get rid of it against the Texans stout front seven. J.J. Watt should be rested and ready to go after sitting out Saturday’s game against the Broncos. The QB battle between Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer has seen Hoyer named the starter for Week 1, so we'll see how snaps are handed down here.
Arizona at Oakland: Despite the presence of elite rookie WR Amari Cooper to ease his burden, Derek Carr has only produced field goals and has largely misfired. The Cardinals secondary presents a great test for him. Carson Palmer has participated in both preseason games thus far, flashing a great deep ball and confidence in the pocket. If Arizona can keep him upright, it should stay in contention.
