32 Teams, 32 Fringe Players to Watch

The preseason (thankfully) comes to an end tonight as all 32 teams play their final exhibition game in preparation for final cuts and, of course, the regular season. Teams have to shave down their rosters from 75 to 53 come Saturday, so this is the final chance for many fringe players to make an impact. To conclude my preseason coverage/analysis, I will give you 32 names to watch.


AFC East

Photo from thirddownconversion.com

Buffalo Bills: T.J. Graham, WR - Graham was a third-round draft pick out of N.C. State in 2012, but has failed to make any sort of impact in his first two NFL seasons. He was one of former Bills coach Chan Gailey's final draft picks. With the new Doug Marrone regime came new Doug Marrone players, and Graham has been passed on the depth chart by Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin, and trade acquisition Mike Williams, not to mention star-in-the-making Sammy Watkins. Graham's time may be up in Buffalo.

Miami Dolphins: Daniel Thomas, RB - Daniel Thomas was a second-round pick in 2011. When healthy, he has been featured in Miami's lousy backfield, but has failed to provide the ground punch Miami seeks. The Dolphins sought help in free agency by signing Knowshon Moreno fresh off a breakout season with the Broncos. Moreno and Lamar Miller are expected to see the lion's share of halfback reps this season, leaving Thomas to struggle with UDFA Damien Williams for his job.

New England Patriots: Stevan Ridley, RB - No, seriously. Earlier this week, Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston projected that Brandon Bolden, practice squad veteran Jonas Gray, and UDFA James White would round out the Patriots backfield behind Shane Vereen, with fumble-prone Stevan ridley being cut. It would certainly be a surprising move, even for the unpredictable likes of Bill Belichick. I would expect Bolden or Gray to be the more likely odd man out, but there's really no knowing with the Patriots.

New York Jets: Stephen Hill, WR - Hill has been one of the most disappointing draft picks of the Rex Ryan era, taken in the early second round of the 2012 draft. The reports speculating that Hill is either on the trade block--or worse, the roster bubble--have been relentless. I could see a very desperate team (like the Panthers) making a low-risk trade for Hill, but if there are no takers, there is a good chance he gets a visit from the Turk.


AFC North

Photo by Matthew Emmons, US Presswire

Baltimore Ravens: Arthur Brown, ILB - Brown isn't in jeopardy of losing his roster spot--that I know of. But his disappointing play makes him an interesting consideration when cuts are being made. Brown was hugely underwhelming in his rookie campaign, attempting in vain to partially fill the shoes of Ray Lewis; more disconcerting yet is the fact that the Ravens have already moved on from Brown, and invested their future at middle linebacker in rookie C.J. Mosley.

Cincinnati Bengals: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB - There are two huge factors working against "the Law Firm" and his bid to make final cuts with Cincinnati. One, he is overpaid for the contribution he offers. Green-Ellis is making better than two million dollars, heading into his age-29 season, which is the other factor: his age. The Bengals' drafting of Jeremy Hill is a not-so-subtle way of indicating that Green-Ellis is done with the Bengals. I doubt they will spend $2.3 million to keep Green-Ellis on the bench.

Cleveland Browns: Chris Ogbonnaya, RB/FB - My confidence in aging veterans Rex Grossman and Jim Leonhard is not all that high, but I think their rosters chances are better than Ogbonnaya's. Chris Ogbonnaya has had ample opportunity to break out, with the injury bug annually wreaking havoc on Cleveland's backs (Peyton Hillis, Montario Hardesty, Dion Lewis), but he has failed to do so. With Dion Lewis healthy and showing well in camp, Ogbonnaya's roster chances appear slim.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR - Darrius Heyward-Bey has taken on a lot of undue pressure since he was a top-ten draft-pick by the Al Davis Raiders. The selection of DHB was one of the last acts of Al Davis that led many speculators to seriously wonder if the old man was senile. He could've had Crabtree; he took Heyward-Bey. Now, Darrius is on his third team, fighting Lance Moore for a spot. He did have a pretty TD grab in the preseason to help his cause.


AFC South

Photo by Phil Sears, USA Today

Houston Texans: Shiloh Keo, S - Early on, Keo looked like he might be a steal coming out of Idaho in the fifth round. Keo has played all 16 games in each of the past two seasons, and recorded 62 tackles with a pair of interceptions. With D. J. Swearinger, Kendrick Lewis, and Chris Clemons, Houston's secondary is suddenly crowded, and, as of yet, Keo's production does not guarantee him a roster spot. His three-year cushion is a lot for a fifth-rounder. It's time to produce or be cut.

Indianapolis Colts: Zach Kerr, DT - When Arthur Jones went down in Indianapolis' dress rehearsal against New Orleans, the undrafted rookie Kerr was thrust into action with the first-teamers. Kerr played pretty much the remainder of the game and--I thought--showed well. The extent of Jones' injury is unknown, but Kerr's performance in the fourth and final preseason game will tell us whether or not he can be trusted as the first man up behind Jones.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Allen Hurns, WR - I don't even think one may consider Hurns a "fringe player" any longer. He has been an absolute stud in preseason (Blake Bortles has made him look good). How is this for a preseason statline: 13 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown, with a 17.7 YPC average? In the Florida Times-Union, Jags coach Gus Bradley called Hurns a "diamond in the rough." I would not be surprised to see Hurns outdo Mike Brown for a roster spot.

Tennessee Titans: Colin McCarthy, ILB - OK, so we aren't going to get any answers on Colin McCarthy tonight. The inside linebacker is already on injured reserve (again). The question is, is this the last straw. McCarthy has been injured for more games than he has been healthy, and the new regime in Tennessee has to have the walking-injury on a short leash already due to his history of fragility. McCarthy has all-star potential when healthy--but he never is. He might have played his last down as a Titan.


AFC West 

Photo by Andy Lyons, Getty Images

Denver Broncos: Virgil Green, TE - This one is tough. Denver has very little viable depth at tight end behind Julius Thomas and Jacob Tamme, so Green is worth keeping if only to play special teams, because he rarely catches passes, and rarely do the Peyton Manning Broncos employ blocking specialists at tight end. Truthfully, I like Green's roster chances, but his offseason and camp have been ominously quiet, and I haven't seen him make an impact in quite some time.

Kansas City Chiefs: A.J. Jenkins, WR - A high draft pick by the 49ers in 2012, it did not take the 49ers long to give up on Jenkins and exchange their underwhelming receiver for Kansas City's, Jon Baldwin. Baldwin has already gone on to be released by San Francisco, and I would not be surprised to see A.J. Jenkins meet the same fate in Kansas City. He is behind Dwayne Bowe, Donnie Avery, Junior Hemingway, and Frankie Hammond on the depth chart.

Oakland Raiders: Jack Crawford, DE - This is another case of simply not hearing from a player for so long that it becomes disconcerting. Crawford has been unable to climb the depth chart in his two seasons with Oakland, and remains buried beneath free-agency haul Lamarr Woodley, Justin Tuck, and C.J. Wilson. Greg Little might be another interesting candidate for release. Having already worn out his welcome in receiver-needy Cleveland, it's difficult to imagine Little having any more luck in Oakland.

San Diego Chargers: Marion Grice, RB - The Bolts beat me to the punch and released first-round bust Larry English before I could write this article. Marion Grice is a sixth-round pick out of Arizona State, but has been very unimpressive in OTA's, training camp, and exhibition work. His spot on the depth chart will likely go to the undrafted Branden Oliver out of Buffalo, who has vastly outperformed Grice in the preseason.



NFC East

Photo by Patrick Semansky, AP

Dallas Cowboys: Ryan Williams, RB - Williams had the talent to be a superstar with the Cardinals when he was drafted, but injuries and inconsistency derailed his career, leaving him to battle for a roster spot with the Cowboys. I am rooting for Williams, but with three good backs ahead of him in the pecking order (DeMarco Murray, Lance Dunbar, Joseph Randle), he is an underdog. He improved his chances in the 'Boys' third preseason game, but not playing special teams does not help.

New York Giants: Corey Washington, WR - Like Allen Hurns in Jacksonville, Washington has come out of nowhere to challenge his elders for a role in the offense. Nine catches, 152 yards, and four touchdowns into this preseason, Washington is likely to get the nod over veterans Mario Manningham and Preston Parker. Much like Victor Cruz a few years ago, Washington may well be on his way from preseason standout to legitimate receiving threat with the G-Men.

Philadelphia Eagles: Casey Matthews, ILB - Forever doomed to be "Clay's brother," Casey was handed a starting job straight out of the University of Oregon in 2011. He did not man it well, and ever since then, he has been relegated to backup duties. I am honestly surprised he has made it this far without being cut. Some other intriguing possible cuts include 6'7" WR Ifeanyi Momah, and former first-round pick Brandon Graham, an under-utilized edge rusher with trade potential.

Washington Redskins: Kai Forbath, K - When a team uses a draft pick on a kicker, the incumbent has received his death sentence. Washington drafted the big-legged Zach Hocker in the sixth round of May's draft, and the ensuing kicking battle has gone down to the wire. I have a hard time believing, however, that Washington would trash a draft pick, effectively investing faith in a kicker of questionable reliability like Forbath. Along with RB Evan Royster, longtime wideout Santana Moss may also finally meet his doom in the coming days.

NFC North

Photo by Brian Peterson, StarTribune

Chicago Bears: Armanti Edwards, WR - Edwards was a major bust in Carolina. A college quarterback, the Panthers tried the natural athlete at punt returner and receiver, but never saw him develop into a viable receiving option. After a short stint in Cleveland, he's made it to the round of 75 in Chicago, but is highly unlikely to beat out Josh Morgan and Santonio Holmes for one of the final roster spots. Meanwhile, rookie camp sensation Christian Jones has been pedestrian in preseason action, but I like him to make the cut.

Detroit Lions: Michael Egnew, TE - Freshly cut from the Dolphins, the former third-round pick is getting a second chance with the Lions, who claimed the bust off of waivers earlier this week. I don't know why; the Lions are very deep at tight end with Brandon Pettigrew, Eric Ebron, and Joseph Fauria. I suppose the Lions are hoping to see a flash of the brilliance that made Egnew a third-round pick out of Missouri. The chances are not good.

Green Bay Packers: Derek Sherrod, T - Another mega-bust, Sherrod inherited the right tackle spot in Green Bay after the retirement of Chad Clifton in 2011. Before he could get his career off the ground, however, Sherrod succumbed to a plague of injuries from which he is only now emerging. Had swing tackle Don Barclay not gone down to an ACL tear earlier in the offseason, Sherrod would possibly already be gone.

Minnesota Vikings: Christian Ponder, QB - Once the future of the franchise, Ponder has been a dreadful failure in Minnesota. His three-year "trial run" has expired and I think it is obvious that the Vikings need to go in another direction at quarterback, whether it be Matt Cassel or Teddy Bridgewater. Of course, with starting experience, Ponder may yet make the team, but as no better than a third-string quarterback in the case of an emergency.

NFC South 

Photo from cbssports.com

Atlanta Falcons: Peter Konz, C - It is a rare thing to see a center selected in the second round these days; rarer yet to see him cut after only two years, but in mid-June, Konz was splitting backup reps with Mike Johnson behind locked-in starter Joe Hawley. Teams do not keep three centers ever. Usually, a team will carry five interior linemen, including two versatile backups. Konz will have to prove he fits into that group to keep his roster spot. The loss of Johnson to a lisfranc injury increases his chances.

Carolina Panthers: Joe Webb, QB/WR - Carrying three quarterbacks is not in fashion these days. A week ago, I might have told you that Carolina would only carry two (Cam Newton and Derek Anderson), but Newton is earning the inauspicious title of "injury-prone," thanks to the row of turnstiles posing as his "offensive line," and his somewhat reckless mobility. Additionally, Newton has looked awful in preseason. It might behoove the Panthers to keep the versatile Webb--who has starting experience--on their roster.

New Orleans Saints: Shayne Graham, K - This is a case of someone just getting beat, plain-and-simply. Graham has made a career out of taking over as placekicker for desperate teams when injury or inefficiency struck their first options. By the looks of it, he will have to continue making his living this way, as the Saints seem poised to go with the younger, stronger Derek Dimke at kicker in 2014. Graham might get a look in Denver or Tennessee.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da'Quan Bowers, DE - It doesn't seem like that long ago Da'Quan Bowers was considered a top-five draft pick. That was actually 2011. About a week before that year's draft, word got out that Bowers had some serious knee issues, and the Clemson All-Pro would not be drafted until the second round. Though round two turned out to still be way too high, a top-five selection would have made Bowers one of the biggest busts of all time. His continuous injuries imperil his roster spot.

NFC West

Photo by Stephen Brashear, AP

Arizona Cardinals: Rob Housler, TE - Though more likely to be traded than cut, Housler's days in the desert have almost certainly reached their end. Housler was supposed to be a superstar coming out of Portland State in 2011, but, just like so many others on this list, never panned out. Competing with draftee Troy Niklas and veteran John Carlson, Housler's snaps will be seldom. The Cardinals would do well to deal him for anything at this point.

San Francisco 49ers: Stevie Johnson, WR - Johnson was supposed to be the No. 3 wideout when San Francisco traded for him early in the offseason. That was before Brandon Lloyd showed up and proved that he wasn't washed up; before the Niners fell in love with rookie Bruce Ellington; and before Johnson established a rapport with Kaepernick--which he still hasn't. Quinton Patton worked ahead of Johnson in the preseason dress rehearsal.

Seattle Seahawks: Terrelle Pryor, QB - If the Seahawks carry only two QB's, Tarvaris Jackson is likely to be the guy to back up Russell Wilson. Told by Pete Carroll that he has had his best camp as a Seahawk, Jackson has held off Pryor, who would probably fare better on the market anyway. I feel like Buffalo would snatch him up in a heartbeat if he gets cut; the Bills are scrambling to find a backup to E.J. Manuel, who is already one of the league's worst starting quarterbacks.

St. Louis Rams: Austin Pettis, WR - How many JAG's can one team have? The Rams have not had a true-blue star wide receiver since the days of the Greatest Show on Turf. St. Louis is hoping Kenny Britt can reach that level now that he is reunited with Jeff Fisher, while they hold out hope that former second-round pick Brian Quick lives up to his draft position. Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey are the next men up, leaving Austin Pettis and the once-promising Chris Givens to fight it out over the final receiver slot.

Whew, that was a lot more difficult than I exptected. Welcome, welcome regular season. Goodbye fake, preseason football!

What I'm Watching For: Preseason, Week 3: Saturday/Sunday

Saturday:
Tampa Bay @ Buffalo
Tennessee @ Atlanta
Dallas @ Miami
Washington @ Baltimore
St. Louis @ Cleveland
New Orleans @ Indianapolis
Minnesota @ Kansas City
Houston @ Denver
Sunday:
San Diego @ San Francisco
Cincinnati @ Arizona

1. Timeshare alert: Buffalo

Fred Jackson is a serious threat to C.J. Spiller's fantasy draft stock. (photo from the Score)

Last week, it was the Steelers; this week it is the Bills.

Of course, right after I drafted C.J. Spiller with the final pick in the third round of my first fantasy draft, it comes to my attention that--he's not getting very much playing time, nor is he getting a viable amount of first-teams reps. In Buffalo's most recent preseason game, Fred Jackson out-touched C.J. Spiller 13-6, and played on 26 first-team snaps to Spiller's 12. You might say, "Well, it's preseason; the Bills know what they've got in Spiller, and  they want to preserve him for your regular season." Sure, that's possible, but consider that Spiller didn't even get the start against Pittsburgh. That's a little more alarming. If the Bills are preserving Spiller, why play him at all if he is not going to start?

I will be watching Buffalo's dress-rehearsal matchup against Tampa Bay very closely. If Spiller gets drastically phased in favor of Jackson again, I will have to knock him down my draft board from the RB2 to the RB3 range, and I advise you to do the same.

It's a baffling situation considering Spiller is younger and more athletic than Jackson, but along with Doug Marrone's recent assertion that young backup Bryce Brown has the potential to start in the NFL, Spiller's apparent demotion could be further evidence that Buffalo intends to trade him. This is the same mistake Buffalo made by giving up on Marshawn Lynch in 2010, and it looks like history may repeat itself.

2. The Titans' tackle rotation

One of the most puzzling moments of free agency occurred when the Tennessee Titans took in Michael Oher from the Ravens, where the tackle of "Blind Side" fame had been on a downward spiral performance-wise since his rookie season. Not only did Tennessee sign Oher, they gifted him $9.5 million in guaranteed dough to man the right side of the offensive line, with stalwart Michael Roos on the left.

In the draft came the most inexplicable part. With the 12th pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, the Titans selected stud Michigan tackle Taylor Lewan. Why? In Tennessee's defense, Lewan was probably the best player available at that point in the draft, and, arguably, Tennessee did not have any major holes in their lineup (quarterback being a possible exception). So what this boils down to is either Oher or Lewan not playing--or, as briefly speculated after the draft, Michael Roos being traded. The Roos trade, at this point, seems unlikely, but the question at right tackle remains. Do you want a $9.5 million benchwarmer in Oher, or a first-round $11.5 million benchwarmer? I suppose Oher has the experience, but frankly, he has not played well in recent years; Lewan might simply be a safer option. Either way, the situation is befuddling. Lewan may get some looks at guard, and is definitely excellent insurance if anyone on the O-line gets hurt, but for now, the talented first-rounder is running with the twos.

3. Dallas' deteriorating defense

It all started when Jerry Jones inexplicably fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan after the 2012 season. Ryan had inherited the 31st-ranked defense in the league, and led them back up to a rank of 17th. He got the only real production to date out of first-round cornerback Morris Claiborne, and made Sean Lee a star inside linebacker.

Let me just get this out of the way: Jerry Jones is an idiot. Once upon a time, he went on a serious winning streak when he drafted Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Larry Allen; but ever since the Cowboys last won the Super Bowl in the 1995 season, Jones has done nothing but stand in the way of his team winning another title. The firing of Ryan is one of many terrible decisions executed during his reign of terror in the Big D.

Rob Ryan, as we know has since gone on to success as the defensive coordinator in New Orleans, bringing to the Big Easy a defensive presence it has not wielded since Sam Mills wore the fleur on his helmet. Meanwhile, under Monte Kiffin, Dallas' defense has reverted to its previous horrific form. Team leader and potential future hall-of-famer DeMarcus Ware was cut after an injury-riddled season. Morris Claiborne was barbecued in coverage as a sophomore, and a series of concussions prevented Sean Lee from making any kind of difference as the Cowboys embarrassed themselves all the way to last in the NFL in defense a season ago. And, in case you're wondering, no, Kiffin did not get fired. He was "demoted," and replaced by defensive line coach Rod Marinelli (of 0-16 Detroit Lions fame), but not fired--like Ryan was.

I could put a picture of the real Rob Ryan here--or I could use this photo of a hilariously accurate lookalike at a Saints game.

The offseason for Dallas has been a terrifying parade of injuries to the defense, beginning with Sean Lee, who tore his ACL during a non-contact drill early in OTA's when rookie guard Zack Martin plowed into him. Then second-round rookie edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence broke his foot going one-on-one with Tyron Smith in practice. Outside 'backer Anthony Spencer is currently on the PUP list. Defensive tackle Henry Melton, who tore his ACL in 2013, avoided PUP, but is now missing time with a groin injury. Orlando Scandrick, the only solid performer in the the defensive backfield, will miss the first four weeks of the 2014 season because of a PED suspension (stemming from the usage of "molly," which is not a PED in any sense, but still an illicit drug). To top it all off, Lee's potential replacement, DeVonte Holloman, injured his neck in preseason, ending his career--also a result of friendly fire.

It's a shame, and a damn bad run of misfortune and mismanagement, but at this point, Dallas' defense is an wide open gate for offenses to pass (and run) through at will.

4. Pass Distribution in Indy

As T.Y. Hilton recently encapsulated with his "three No. 1 wideouts" comment, Indy's receiving corps is absolutely loaded. Reggie Wayne, Hilton, Hakeem Nicks, a healthy Dwayne Allen, Coby Fleener--can these guys be stopped with Andrew Luck throwing them the ball? As the starters are likely to play well into the third quarter in the third preseason game, tonight should give us some sort of indication as to who will emerge from Indy's passing game as Luck's favorite target. My initial guess is Wayne--he is the most proven of the bunch with plenty of physical ability left in his tank. He is, however, recovering from a torn ACL, which could easily devalue the legendary receiver in both fantasy football and real life. If this is the case, Hilton is the clear-cut No. 1. In Wayne's absence, Hilton enjoyed a breakout year in which he posted 1,083 receiving yards, five touchdowns, and a fabulous playoff performance against the Chiefs. Add to the mix disgraced New York exile Hakeem Nicks, who is sure to rebound with a better ball club (than the Giants), and Hilton's claims aren't at all misguided or even exaggerated.

I also like Dwayne Allen to make a triumphant return to the Indy offense. He was one of Luck's favorite targets in 2012, but missed last season with a torn ACL. He is a superior receiving option to Coby Fleener (who isn't bad himself), and is sure to get his due share of targets.

5. The continuing story of Kansas City's bumbling offensive line

If you're expecting a big season from Jamaal Charles, beware: KC's O-line is looking shabby. (photo: Don McPeak, USA Today)

Did you see Eric Fisher in that game against Carolina a week ago?!

Neither did I. I think he forgot to get off the team bus. He might as well have, because Carolina's Greg Hardy strolled right past him time after time as if the former first-overall pick was not even there. Fisher is the most high-profile disappointment on Kansas City's offensive line due to his draft pedigree, but he is certainly not alone. Just yesterday, left tackle Donald Stephenson was busted for PED's and received a four-game ban--not like he was doing all that great on the blind side anyway. A Similar fate awaits guard Rokevious Watkins--when he returns from the PUP list. Center Rodney Hudson has looked good to me (in my admittedly limited viewing of Kansas City's offensive line), but has aroused concern during the offseason, leading to split reps with Jeff Allen.

Kansas City's offensive line might just be bad enough to warrant moving LeSean McCoy ahead of Jamaal Charles on your draft board. Charles will probably still have a good fantasy season, but more importantly, the Chiefs' shaky O-line could cost them dearly in the real world.

What I'm Watching For: Preseason, Week 3: Thursday/Friday

Thursday:
Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia
Friday:
Jacksonville @ Detroit
Carolina @ New England
New York Giants @ New York Jets
Oakland @ Green Bay
Chicago @ Seattle

1. Has Blake Bortles ignited a QB controversy?

Gus Bradley has stated over and over again, with utmost assurance, that Blake Bortles will carry the clipboard his first year and learn while Chad Henne runs the Jacksonville offense. Though Henne has done nothing to lose his starting designation, he has been thoroughly outplayed by the mesmerizing rookie wonder, Bortles. Against the Bears a week ago, I saw Blake Bortles make some truly elite throws into some tight windows, while rolling out. He was phenomenal. Through two preseason games, Bortles has completed 18 passes on 28 attempts for 277 yards and no touchdowns--which really is not all that impressive, but I suppose it is more the intangibles that have been so impressive. The small windows he's fitting his passes into; the mobility; the pocket awareness. Bortles looks the part of a franchise NFL quarterback--something Henne has never proven to be.

I know it is the popular thing to let quarterbacks learn the ropes as rookies before handing them the starting job, but Bortles is no Manziel, or Bridgewater. He's no Blaine Gabbert. He's no Brandon Weeden, or Christian Ponder. He is ready now--like Andrew Luck was as a rookie. It is not right and not smart to sit the best player at a certain position just because they bear the label of "rookie." Hopefully, Gus Bradley is not too stubborn to realize that, despite his initial intentions to sit him, Bortles is ready, and the Jags will win more games with him than they will with Chad Henne.

2. What is the deal with Nick Fairley?

When the Lions season came to a close last January, Nick Fairley stood atop a statline of career highs in tackles (35), sacks (6), and starts (15). He also added two forced fumbles. Fairley had a breakout year, but the Lions strangely declined to pick up his fifth-year option. One can glean from his 2013 stats that Fairley is a good ball player. The problem is his weight. At season's end, Fairley weighed over 320 pounds.

The Lions asked Fairley to "reposition" some of his weight over the offseason. Fairley responded by reporting to OTA's at a slim 295. Too light, apparently, and now Fairley is back up to a monstrous 315. Apparently, the Lions want him at about 305, and have demoted him to the second team until his gets his weight under control.

Yep, Nick Fairley is a big dude. (Photo: Raj Mehta, USA Today)

This cannot possibly last. Fairley is too good of a defensive force to keep off of the field. He and Ndamukong Suh are probably the most dominant defensive tackle tandem in the NFL since Minnesota's vaunted "Williams Wall" a few seasons ago. Surely, Fairley will find his way back into the starting lineup soon, and if Detroit doesn't want him after this year, some team will.

3. Who will step up in the Panthers passing game?

Among Carolina's many problem areas, the receiving corps might be the most disconcerting, as rookie Kelvin Benjamin is expected to be the go-to guy right off the bat, with geriatrics Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant as the two and three spots, respectively. Tiquan Underwood was signed away from the Bucs over the offseason, but has reportedly been terrible in training camp, and may not even make the 53-man roster at this point. The good news is that two youngsters, Tavarres King and Brenton Bersin, have distinguished themselves in camp and in preseason enough to show some promise and add some much-needed youth to this rag-tag bunch.

Despite having the best hair in the NFL, Tiquan Underwood is no lock for the Panthers' roster. (Photo: Jeremy Brevard, USA Today)

With only tight end Greg Olsen returning to his prominent role from a season ago, the idea that the Panthers might have a formidable passing game is a bit of a long shot, but then again, Carolina is where Ted Ginn, Brandon LaFell, and even Domenik Hixon revitalized--or at least, kept alive--their careers last year. Don't count the Panthers air attack out yet, but keep a close eye on it against New England tomorrow night and thereafter.

4. Will Matt Schaub regain his confidence?

When Oakland traded for Matt Schaub, I wondered if they were already making a bid for Jameis Winston in the 2015 draft, because surely any team investing hope in Matt Schaub had a death wish for the 2014 season. But no, Oakland legitimately has faith in Matt Schaub, and with more thought, I can kind of understand that.

True, there's no forgetting that Schaub was horrendously difficult to watch last year as he threw pick-six after pick-six and single-handedly cost Houston a handful of games. But, before that, there has been some forgetting that Schaub was a pretty good quarterback. He passed for 4,000 yards in three seasons, and led Houston to two serious postseason bids. The Texans were supposed to be a Super Bowl contender in 2013. What happened--particularly to Schaub? My theory is that, after a few disappointing losses at his own hands, Schaub simply lost his confidence, and never got it back. I still believe he can be a reliable quarterback; the question is will he.

So far, the signs do not look good. Schaub was OK in Oakland's preseason opener, but was nearly picked off on the first play of scrimmage; he followed up with a poor performance in week two, throwing one pick amid 13 attempts and eight completions.

I don't believe it is any secret that rookie Derek Carr is the QB of the future in Oakland. We might see him sooner rather than later, though.

5. Super Bowl rematches

Just a quick fun fact to conclude: the Carolina/New England and Oakland/Green Bay matchups are the first of six Super Bowl rematches happening this weekend:

Carolina vs. New England -- Super Bowl XXXVIII
Oakland vs. Green Bay -- Super Bowl II
Dallas vs. Miami -- Super Bowl VI
New Orleans vs. Indianapolis -- Super Bowl XLIV
Minnesota vs. Kansas City -- Super Bowl IV
San Diego vs. San Francisco -- Super Bowl XXIX

What I'm Watching For: Preseason, Week 2: Sunday Night

Sunday's games:
Denver @ San Francisco
Kansas City @ Carolina
And Monday's:
Cleveland @ Washington

Beginning tonight, and continuing through the week, all we will be hearing about on ESPN and NFL Network will be Johnny Manziel, and whether or not he will be named Cleveland's starting quarterback. I, however, am going to spare you the Johnny Football, and give you something fresh and original to watch for in tonight's games.

1. Denver's weak link(s)

We all know that Denver is stacked on offense. We all know they signed three HUGE names in free agency to improve the defense. Matt Prater and Dustin Colquitt are some of the best in the business on special teams. So what are Denver's weak links? Are there any? I cannot say definitively, but I know where to look.

The lone question mark on offense is Montee Ball. His opportunities as a rookie were few to begin with, and fewer when ball-security issues reared their ugly head at the rookie. Knowshon Moreno, not even a roster-lock a summer ago, had a comeback year as the Broncos' primary back. Montee Ball is a better athlete and running back than Moreno. In Peyton Manning's offense, the sky is the limit for Ball. He just needs to nix the fumbles.

After filling in for OLB Von Miller for much of 2013, Nate Irving will now be asked to start at MLB (photo: Ed Szczepanski, USA Today)

The more threatening issue for Denver is on defense. With stout starters and depth at every other position, the glaring question mark is at middle linebacker--the spot vacated by free agent and former captain Wesley Woodyard. Luckily, this is something Denver is prepared for (as much as they can be). In 2011, the Broncos spent a third-round draft pick on North Carolina State middle 'backer Nate Irving--a steal, as many "experts" projected him going in the first round. Irving has been mostly a reserve in his first two seasons; now, he has his chance to shine with the first team. If it doesn't work out, he can't blame it on a lack of talent around him. However, Denver's defense lost a big piece a few days ago when 2013's team leader in tackles, Danny Trevathan, fractured his knee. Trevathan could realistically begin this season on PUP as a result. For now, he will be replaced by any combination of rookie standout Lamin Barrow, veteran Jamar Chaney, and Brandon Marshall (not to be confused with the Brandon Marshall of Bears fame). Trevathan's spot is up for grabs right now.

2. Washington's crowded backfield

There are currently six men competing for Washington's tailback spots, of which there may be four, at most. Alfred Morris is the starter obviously, and Roy Helu, Jr. has a pretty firm grasp on the change-of-pace role. After that is anybody's guess. Chris Thompson has the skillset to serve in a Darren Sproles-esque role, but cannot stay healthy, and struggles in blitz pickup. I think his roster chances are more good than bad, but no certainty. Then there is sixth-round rookie Lache Seastrunk, who is Thompson's direct competition for RB3 duties. Seastrunk doesn't have the health issues, but shares Thompson's struggles as a pass protector. Seastrunk also has a damning reputation for dropping passes. Advantage: Thompson. But Seastrunk showed well against the Pats a week ago. If he can maintain that momentum for a few more weeks, he may yet hold off the fragile Thompson.

And it doesn't end there. You've still got Evan Royster, a 2011 sixth-rounder, and Silas Redd, a promising UDFA out of SoCal. After three nondescript seasons with the 'Skins, Royster's roster chances are slim. The only news about Roster coming out of camp is that he is, indeed, on the roster bubble. I expect him to be waived soon. Redd's chances hinge on what happens in the Thompson/Seastrunk battle. If Thompson wins a roster spot, the Redskins will probably be forced to keep Redd as insurance. If not, Redd and Thompson are both candidates for the practice squad.

What I'm Watching For: Preseason Week 2, Saturday Night

Saturday's Games:
Green Bay @ St. Louis
New York Jets @ Chicago
Baltimore @ Dallas
New York Giants @ Indianapolis
Buffalo @ Pittsburgh
Miami @ Tampa Bay
Atlanta @ Houston
Arizona @ Minnesota

1. LeGarrette Blount "steel"-ing carries

To begin, let's take a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive backfield. You might have been considering Le'Veon Bell in the first or second round of your fantasy draft, but not so fast. I'm looking into my crystal ball here, and I see--what's this?--a timeshare? With LeGarrette Blount? Surely not! But indeed, the murmurings are becoming clear, Le'Veon Bell is in very real danger of losing significant carries to LeGarrette Blount. From a non-fantasy perspective, I don't have a problem with this. I feel like Blount has earned a prominent offensive role after working his way out of near obscurity so many times. First, he doesn't get drafted. Then there's the UDFA signing debacle in which Blount psyched out San Francisco in favor of Tennessee, only to be waived by the Titans in the 11th hour. Then, despite playing pretty well for the Bucs, Blount's fumbling problem resulted in being traded to New England's crowded, young backfield for a measley seventh-round pick. Blount was no lock to even make the team in New England, but he did, and he worked his way out of depth chart purgatory to a heroic playoff performance and a new contract with the Steelers this past offseason. The guy has earned this opportunity. As Blount put it to surprised journalists after his unexpectedly voluminous workload in the first preseason game, "Ain't no one gonna sign me to sit me."

But anyway, back in fantasy land where hard work doesn't get you any extra points, coach Mike Tomlin added fuel to the speculative fire when he stated that both backs would "get their share [of carries]." Watch closely tonight, and be wary of drafting Le'Veon Bell too high if his first-team reps aren't plentiful. Already what fantasy footballers call a "touchdown vulture" (someone who steals carries at the goal line), LeGarrette Blount's stock is rising and circling overhead while Bell's diminishes.

2. Logan Thomas: QB of the future?

No, seriously, Logan Thomas killed it in the first week of preseason. Granted, this came against the Texans' third- and fourth-stringers, but, Thomas' laudable performance (11-12 for 113 yards and a TD) led Eagles great and ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski to proclaim that Thomas was the first week of preseason's most impressive rookie quareterback. Not Bortles, not Manziel, not Bridgewater, but fourth-rounder Logan Thomas of the Arizona Cardinals, who is currently buried on the depth chart behind Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley, not to mention starter Carson Palmer.

Logan Thomas' play in the Cards' first preseason game has drawn praise from high places (Photo by Matt York, AP)

After the terror that was the 2012 season, the Cardinals have no place for Ryan Lindley on their team--unless he is able to beat out Drew Stanton for No. 2 duties while Thomas is coached into an NFL quarterback. At 6'6" and 250 lbs., Thomas reminds me of Josh Freeman, but with greater mobility, and less immediate pro-readiness. With some polishing, Logan Thomas might just have the goods to be "The Guy" in the Desert when 34-year-old Carson Palmer's days are up.

3. Tampa Bay: Here, there be giants

It started in the Windy City, with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett--6'4", 6'3", and 6'6", respectively. With Jay Cutler's "Marshall-vision," the Bears' size advantages in the passing game did not really start to show up until Cutler's injury forced lifetime backup Josh McCown into starting services. Suddenly, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett became star pass-catchers alongside their heralded teammate Brandon Marshall; and, luckily for McCown, the 34-year-old was in a contract year. Though he could not save the Bears' season, McCown tossed 13 touchdowns and only one interception as starting quarterback, leading to a starting gig in Tampa bay in 2014.

McCown is only half of the story though. If he can throw so proficiently to the big receivers in Chicago, why should he not succeed all the more with the mountainous receivers in Tampa? Starting with 6'5" superstar Vincent Jackson, the Bucs added draftees Mike Evans in the first round, and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins in the second; both also stand at a towering 6'5".

I wonder if the defensive backs in the NFC South have ever attempted to prevent birds from flying into the uppermost reaches of tree branches. It might be a good way to practice covering these monstrous pass-catchers in Tampa.

4. Will the flag-fest continue?

If you haven't been watching preseason, well, first of all, I must not be doing a good job of arousing intrigue; secondly, you are "missing out" on the outrageous amount of flags being thrown in the first two weeks of preseason. Because I haven't a less cliched way of expressing it, it seriously seems like every other play results in a penalty--specifically, illegal contact, illegal hands to the face, or defensive holding. And you know, these are good rules to have. Defensive players should not be allowed to rough up receivers trying to run their routes; offensive lineman should keep there hands below the head-and-neck area when pass-protecting. I don't think these rules are over-bearing, and they certainly help the game more than hurt it. But with this preseason came a dreaded "emphasis" on these  particular penalties. Now, if a defensive back brushes a receiver's pinky finger with his own pinky finger, it's an automatic first down by penalty! Obviously, this over-officiousness prohibits any sort of physicality on part of defensive backs, rendering guys like Richard Sherman and his Legion-of-Boom comrades on the wrong side of the rulebook, as personified by the would-be house-call made by Tharold Simon against the Chargers last night. On the play, Simon defended the Chargers receiver beautifully on a pylon route thrown by San Diego backup Kellen Clemons; he played the ball the whole way, made a gorgeous, athletic interception over his shoulder, and ran the thing back for six points. But alas, the SC Top-Ten play was not meant to be, as the 94,637,963,763rd flag of the evening brought the Chargers back to Seattle's red zone to reclaim the six points. Did Simon touch the receiver? Damn right he did! He was playing physically, the way a defensive back should play. Did he disrupt the man's route? No! The route was sorry to begin with, and so was the ill-advised throw. The other thing that burns me up is the fact that defenders have the right to check receivers within five yards of scrimmage. This particular play was run from the five-yard line, and by the time the ball was thrown, Simon was still within that protected zone and already turning around to pick the ball off. It was the most high-profile bullshit call of a two-week stretch of NFL rules bullshit--also known as "ruleshit."

While Roger Goodell's lust for revenue and indifference to fans threaten to taint the game off the field, the referees are ruining it on the field. Of course, it is not all their faults; they don't make the rules, they simply enforce them. And we must also remember that the preseason is not just a trial period for the players, but also for the officials. Not all of these officials will be around to make questionable, game-altering calls come regular season, and it is reasonable to suppose or expect that those who are will allow for more leeway when it gets down to the nitty-gritty. Only time will tell, but if the NFL allows its games to be deluded by a yellow (pink in October) rain of penalty hankies, the product will pall. It's not fair to the fans, and it is certainly not fair to the players to make such a mess of this beautiful sport with tyrannically over-sensitive officiating. It needs to stop now.

What I'm Watching For: Thursday Night Football

Tonight, ESPN begins its coverage of the 2014 NFL season with an exhibition showdown between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Chicago Bears. Here are two items to keep an eye on during the game:

1. Will Marqise Lee come out of his shell?

The Jaguars stole USC wide receiver Marqise Lee early in the second round of the draft. Lee was a surefire first-rounder, but just before the draft, word got out that the knee injuries that beleaguered Lee's senior season were lingering. Lee, who would have been a top-ten pick in 2013, fell to the second round in 2014.

Jaguars fans are hoping Marqise Lee is the next Jimmy Smith (Photo from Jaguars.com) 

Lee took the field with the starters in the Jags' preseason openers against Tampa Bay. He made zero catches on zero targets, and had his effort publicly and harshly criticized by Jags coach Gus Bradley. In short, Bradley observed that Lee looked self-conscious and lackadaisical in his route-running. So much so that Bradley felt it was necessary to meet privately with the receiver to discuss what the heck he was doing. In light of that meeting--or in light of something--Bradley back-tracked on Monday, saying Lee was "focused," "competitive," and "driven"; that he "learned from those things and got better" (presumably referring to Lee's missteps in game one). Bradley attributed Lee's questionable effort to "confusion." That makes sense. After all, he is still a rookie. But he is a rookie who is being heavily counted upon to bring a Jimmy Smith-like presence back to Jacksonville, where Justin Blackmon has hitherto failed to do so. It is important for Lee to catch on quickly if he is going to be a day-one starter. Look for him to take the professionalism up a notch in the Hog Butcher tonight.

2. Under-the-radar defensive talent in Chicago

There are two young fellas in particular that I will be watching closely tonight, the first being fourth-round safety Brock Vereen.

First of all, yes, Brock is Shane Vereen's younger brother. Brock played all over the secondary as a Minnesota Golden Gopher, earning first-team All-Conference honors in the Big Ten as a senior. The peculiar thing about Vereen is that he has already taken over starting reps at free safety for the Bears. I thought, going into the draft, that Chicago was one of the most safety-needy teams in the league, but they passed on guys like Calvin Pryor and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the first round, and did not get around to addressing the deficiency until round four. Either they saw something real special in Vereen, and felt comfortable waiting for him in the fourth round (about where most draftniks had him going), or perhaps they did not consider the position a priority. After the way Chris Conte played in 2013, how could it not be a priority though?

Brock Vereen pinwheels Eagles tight end Zach Ertz in the Bears' preseason opener (photo by Charles Rex Arbogast, AP)

I don't know if Vereen was viewed as an immediate contributor from day one, but ever since OTAs began without Chris Conte who was recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Vereen has been "the guy." The reviews out of training camp were highly positive, and, after his solid preseason performance against Philadelphia a week ago, we see now that they were true. Even with a wealth of experience around him (Conte, M.D. Jennings, Adrian Wilson), Vereen appears poised to get the nod come regular season.

Another intriguing rookie is the undrafted free agent outside linebacker Christian Jones. Six-foot-three, 240-pound Jones is a physical prototype of an ideal 4-3 OLB. He has coverage skills, excels as a pass rusher, and is a sure-handed three-down tackling machine. So why did the gifted Florida State linebacker go undrafted? You guessed it: character issues. Considered a day-two prospect at first, Jones fell out of the draft completely after failing a drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine. Since then, Jones has--most importantly--stayed out of trouble, and, as a bonus, performed very well in camp. He must only overtake underwhelming Shea McClellin to crack the starting lineup. It should not be too difficult a task, as McClellin's only distinction in two years with the Bears has been breaking Aaron Rodgers' clavicle. For now, Jones is stuck on special teams duties, but don't be surprised--especially if he shows well tonight--to see Jones get some serious looks on the defense this season.

I hope you all reap your fair share of pithy Gruden-isms tonight. Football (on ESPN) is back!

What I Saw: Week 1, Saturday Night

I was unable to do a "What I'm Watching For" before Saturday night's four games, so in contrast, I will recompense with a "What I Saw" article.

Saturday's Games:
Cleveland @ Detroit
Pittsburgh @ New York Giants
Green Bay @ Tennessee
Houston @ Arizona

What I Saw:

1. Cleveland quarterbacks treading water

In the long-awaited debut of Johnny Manziel (who, as anticipated, ran with the second team), neither Manziel nor his competitor Brian Hoyer gained or lost any ground in the highly publicized QB battle. Hoyer led the way in yardage with 92 to Manziel's 63, but Manziel had the better completion rate (though both quarterbacks had to deal with butterfingered receivers). Manziel also demonstrated his superior scrambling ability, leading the Brown in rushing for the night. In addition to reflecting poorly on the Cleveland backfield, this showed us that Manziel suffers from "happy feet," and would rather take off than progress through his reads. That will work--for a while--until he gets his clock cleaned, thus discovering that the world is, in fact, safer inside the pocket. Neither quarterback led the team to the end zone.

If I had to choose between the two performances, I would have to say that Manziel looked like the better quarterback, but he didn't look like a winning quarterback. I don't think he did enough to supplant Hoyer, who was OK on Saturday night.

Eventually, I like Manziel to win this job, but as we have heard over and over again from Mike Pettine, it won't be handed to him. I expect Hoyer to eventually make a fatal mistake in preseason or later that will result in the starting reins being passed to Johnny Football.

2. Houston's offense is in trouble

I know Andre Johnson didn't play. I know Arian Foster didn't play. Here's the problem: Ryan Fitzpatrick did play. Or at least he was at the game, on the field, running around with the ball.

With Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm, Texans fans could be in for another long season (photo credit: Matt Kartozian, USA Today Sports)

Ryan Fitzpatrick was a pitiful sight to see Saturday night, as he led the first team to a three-and-out, an  interception, a punt, another punt, and a second interception. Fitzpatrick had a whole half to do something right, and could not capitalize--even when most of Arizona's starters on defense became spectators. This team cannot depend on Arian Foster who is an injury waiting to happen. It cannot count on Andre Johnson who is well past his prime, disgruntled, and can't help much without a decent quarterback throwing to him.  Worst of all, this team cannot--absolutely cannot--count on Ryan Fitzpatrick. This has become all the more evident after Saturday night's disaster.

And it doesn't stop there. When (not if) Arian Foster gets hurt, who will take his place. Longtime backup Ben Tate departed for Cleveland via free agency. The initial thought was that former Giant Andre Brown would be the new backup, but Brown received ZERO reps on Saturday night, and was surprisingly cut on Monday, along with Dennis Johnson and Tim Cornett, leaving only rookie Alfred Blue and waiver-claim Jonathan Grimes behind Foster on the depth chart. Shortly thereafter, the Texans added dinosaur Ronnie Brown to the mix along with William Powell.

With no quarterback, potentially no running back (at some point), and only one proven wideout, Houston looks poised to be a prime landing spot for Jameis Winston in the 2015 NFL Draft.

What I'm Watching For: Preseason, Week 1: Friday Night

Tonight's Games:
Miami @ Atlanta
Buffalo @ Carolina
Tampa Bay @ Jacksonville
Philadelphia @ Chicago
Oakland @ Minnesota
New Orleans @ St. Louis

What I'm Watching For:

1. Philadelphia's young receivers

The DeSean Jackson era is over in Philly. With Jackson's departure comes the return of Jeremy Maclin who missed 2013 with a knee injury. Also returning is Riley Cooper, who emerged from a morass of bad publicity to have a surprisingly productive year when the Eagles needed him most. As far as I know, Maclin will start tonight; Cooper, however, will sit it out with a foot injury, leaving the door open for one or more of Philly's many impressive young receivers to make an impression.

First are the draft picks, Jordan Matthews out of Vanderbilt, and Josh Huff out of Oregon--second- and third-round picks, respectively. Despite playing for arguably the worst team in the SEC, Matthews set conference records for catches and receiving yards. He has long arms, big hands, and a high football IQ. In the absence of Riley Cooper, Matthews has gotten most of the displaced looks with the starters. Huff is short, but very physical; he excels against bump-and-run, and is not afraid to absorb contact. Built more like a running back than a receiver, Huff's versatility works to his advantage. He's liable to get snaps in all sorts of formations and positions. Ifeanyi Momah is in his second stint with the Eagles after failing to make the squad in 2013. Momah is a redwood out wide at 6'7", 237 lbs. Surprisingly, Momah has also taken some first-team reps in training camp and might be a sleeper to make the 53. If Momah is a sleeper, UDFA Kadron Boone is narcoleptic. Boone received some praise from Philly reporters early in OTA's but has garnered no additional buzz since then. At this point, Boone's roster chances are next-to-none, but he will still get his opportunity in preseason.

With Brad Smith, Arrelious Benn, and Jeff Maehl also in the mix (among others), the Philly receiving corps is a crowded cage match at the moment.

2. Simply, Brandin Cooks

To say, "I am watching the rookies" is kind of a cop-out, because, well, aren't we all watching the rookies? It's the obvious answer to "What are you watching for in the preseason?" The reason I feel justified in devoting a third of this post to one rookie player is because, judging from the amount of buzz Brandin Cooks has been getting over the course of OTA's and training camp, you'd think he had already won Rookie of the Year.

The Saints selected Cooks 20th overall in May's draft. Since then, Cooks has been nothing short of sensational in team workouts. By July, Cooks' teammates had nicknamed him "Lightning." Drew Brees complimented the youngster's intelligence and work ethic (the two spent a couple weeks working out together in San Diego during the offseason), and confirmed that Cooks will fill the role of cap casualty Darren Sproles.

The reviews are in, and Brandin Cooks looks like the real deal in New Orleans (photo from The Oregonian)

If Cooks lives up to the absurd hype (unlikely), he will have a rookie season on par with that of Randy Moss in 1998. Cooks won't come anywhere close to that level of production, but you can't help but be excited nevertheless.

3. The post-"BullyGate" Dolphins

...Specifically the offensive line. After the snafu that was the Miami Dolphins Bullying Scandal, the Dolphins have none of 2013's starters returning to the offensive line in 2014 (with Mike Pouncey being an exception if he were healthy). It is not so much surprising as it is worrying. The Dolphins needed to clean house up front, but they now find their protective wall perhaps even more tenuous than it was a season ago when it allowed more sacks than any other team and provided no running room to speak of.

The Phins dished out the cash to big-name free agent Branden Albert who, as the only proven player of the starting unit, will protect Ryan Tannehill's blind side. He will be bookended by Miami's head-scratching first-round rookie Ja'Wuan James (head-scratching because only the Dolphins seemed so enamored with him as to take him in the first round). The situation on the interior is even worse. Mike Pouncey is to be replaced by Sam Brenner, a second-year UDFA out of Utah who started three games a season ago with very little positive impact. Veteran Samson Satele will compete for snapping duties. The guards will be Dallas Thomas and Daryn Colledge. Thomas has two NFL snaps (not starts) to his name, making him the most disconcerting of the group. Colledge, who played under Joe Philbin in Green Bay, was signed off the street in July and will provide a veteran presence if nothing else.

It will probably be a good while before the Dolphins are able to run the ball or protect the passer.

What I'm Watching For: Preseason, Week 1: Thursday Night

Tonight's games:
Indianapolis @ New York Jets
San Francisco @ Baltimore
New England @ Washington
Cincinnati @ Kansas City
Seattle @ Denver
Dallas @ San Diego

What I'm Watching For:

Ryan Mallett will get the start against the Redskins tonight. Is he being dangled as trade bait? (picture from Chat Sports)

1. Ryan Mallett getting the start

At first look, this appears to simply be a case of a tenured starter sitting it out because he can, and the coaches wanting to get a better look at their backups. And perhaps that is all it is. But I have a theory: this is a sales pitch--a sales pitch by Bill Belichick and the Patriots to lure some team into trading for Ryan Mallett. The Patriots rarely carry more than two quarterbacks, and now they have three high-profile passers. One, Tom Brady. He's the man--enough said. Two, Ryan Mallett--a fresh, physically gifted college stud in a contract year after studying under Brady and Belichick for a few seasons (someone who will get more than a few looks come free agency). Three, second-round draftee Jimmy Garoppolo--current "disaster insurance" and possible QB of the future. The chances of the Patriots trading Mallett rest primarily on how much the organization trusts Garoppolo to be a capable backup. So far, Garoppolo's camp reviews have been lukewarm, and the Patriots have said that Mallett won't be traded, but you can't count anything out in the NFL. I am certainly not buying it. If Mallett looks good tonight--and he should get plenty of playing time--the Patriots' phone will be ringing. Whether or not the Pats will be listening is the greater uncertainty.

2. Backup RB's in Balt/SF bout

The 49ers/Ravens matchup in Maryland features an interesting display of backup tailbacks who look to be seeing a lot of action in the upcoming regular season--mostly for unfortunate, unexpected reasons.

When the 49ers drafted Carlos Hyde in the second round of the draft, I was a little puzzled. Here is a team that has a healthy-as-ever Frank Gore, a solid backup in Kendall Hunter, another solid backup in LaMichael James, and a young up-and-comer in Marcus Lattimore. Somewhat expectedly, Lattimore is still not yet fully recovered from the gruesome knee injuries that ended his stellar college career, James spent the offseason griping about his place on the team and skipped voluntary team workouts, and most catastrophically, Hunter lost the 2014 season to a torn ACL last week. Retrospectively, the Carlos Hyde selection looks rather intuitive--almost clairvoyant. Just like that, Hyde is the first man up if 31-year-old workhorse Gore has any problems injury- or performance-wise. Tonight, we will get our first pro look at the young Buckeye.

On the other side of the field will be Bernard Pierce, the de facto week-one starter for the Ravens in light of Ray Rice's two-game suspension. Pierce, unlike Hyde, has already proven his worth in the NFL. He has been Rice's backup for two full seasons, and has made good of his limited opportunities. Rice was terrible a season ago, and there may be a slight window of opportunity for Pierce to permanently displace Rice in the first-team offense if he performs well enough. We'll get a glimpse of Pierce's campaign as starter in the preseason, but the regular-season reps during Rice's suspension will be what matters most.

3. Is Denver possibly better in 2014 than in 2013?

Seriously? Is that possible? Yes, I know Denver lost badly to Seattle in the Super Bowl, but I will still argue that Denver was the NFL's best team during the 2013 regular season. That offense shattered records behind Peyton Manning's 55 passing touchdowns. Here is an unbelievable list of all the records the Broncos tied and broke during their phenomenal 2013 campaign. So will the Broncs be even better? Well, Eric Decker is gone, replaced by Emmanuel Sanders from Pittsburgh. We don't really know how good Decker will be without Manning, but we have seen glimpses of legitimate production from Sanders in Pittsburgh. All respect due to Ben Roethlisberger, Sanders will profit even more catching passes from Manning. I believe he may be even better than Decker was in Adam Gase's system. Then there is the changing of the guards at running back. Montee Ball will take over for Knowshon Moreno. Unlike Decker, we know Moreno is no good without the Manning Effect; therefore, I see no reason why Ball's statistics and performance should not benefit similarly from playing in Manning's backfield. Montee Ball is a younger, better athlete than Knowshon Moreno to boot. Ball's experience is really the only major question mark.

The scariest improvements in Denver come on defense, however. The additions of T.J. Ward at safety, Aqib Talib at cornerback, and Demarcus Ware on the edge fill/improve holes that previously existed on Denver's good-but-not-great defensive unit. The position that concerns me is middle linebacker--the spot vacated by Wesley Woodyard. Youngster Nate Irving will get the first crack at winning the job, but fifth-round rookie Lamin Barrow has caught the attention of DC Jack Del Rio in the offseason and may contest Irving for snaps. It will be an intriguing battle to monitor over the course of the preseason.

I expect Denver's first teams to demolish every squad they encounter in preseason (including Seattle), and possibly thereafter.

Enjoy the games tonight, y'all. I'll be back tomorrow with some insight into Friday's slate of games.

My 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class

Now that the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2014 has received its honor, I would like to take a second to look ahead to next summer, and share with you whom I believe should be the next group of gridiron greats to don the gold jackets.

Photo from Packers Insider

1. Jerry (freakin') Kramer, Guard
Green Bay Packers

Kramer's continual omission is an outright embarrassment to the Hall year after year. Jerry Kramer should have been enshrined four decades ago. I don't know what kind of vendetta the writers/voters have against the man, but for whatever reason, Kramer is ignored every single year. His name was nowhere to be seen among even the first round of finalists this past year. It's not right. It is a disgrace. Shame on the Pro Football Hall of Fame and those who vote on its inductees.

Jerry Kramer is the reason that Vince Lombardi's Power Sweep won the franchise five championships and two Super Bowls in the 1960s. Alongside fellow offensive lineman Forrest Gregg (in the Hall of Fame), the man laid down highways for Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung (both in the Hall of Fame). You could make an argument that Jerry Kramer is the greatest pulling guard of all time. In his 11-year career, Jerry was an All Pro eight times. In the 1962 and ‘63 seasons, Jerry not only played guard at his usual all-pro level, but also placekicker, and in the 1962 championship game he provided the nine points that proved to be the difference in a victory against The New York Giants. In the 1967 NFL championship--AKA the Ice Bowl--Jerry threw the most famous block in the history of the NFL, paving the way for Bart Starr (in the Hall of Fame) to score the winning touchdown in one of the NFL’s most storied games. From 1960 to 1967 The Packers appeared in six NFL championship games, five of which they won; and the first two Super Bowls, both of which they won. Jerry played every single offensive down of each of them. He is the only member of the NFL's 50th Anniversary Team to not be in the Hall of Fame. Somewhat recently, the NFL Network series "Top Ten" ranked Jerry Kramer No. 1 on their list of players not in the Hall of Fame.

What is this conspiracy against an old man and great athlete who deserves the honor due to him? I hope to God that the Hall of Fame corrects this egregious, despicable error before Kramer passes away. This is an outrage.

Petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/kramerhof/

2. Kevin Greene, Outside Linebacker
Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers

Photo: from NewsObserver, Christopher A. Record

Next is the great Kevin Greene, who is riding a four-year streak as a HOF finalist, and an eight-year streak as a semi-finalist. Greene was kind of a journeyman in the NFL, spending time with four different organizations over his 15-year career. His best years came in the mid-'90s when Greene led the NFL in sacks as a Steeler in 1994, and as a Panther in 1996. Greene tallied double-digit sacks in ten different seasons (one of only three players to accomplish this), including four times past the age of 34. In all, Greene's 160 career sacks place him third on the all-time career sacks list behind only the great Bruce Smith, and the Minister of Defense Reggie White. This makes Kevin Greene tops in career sacks among linebackers, placing him above Lawrence Taylor, even. Eleven out of 15 years, Greene led his team in sacks, but KG was no one-trick pony; Greene's presence often resulted in his defense ranking among the top of the league in run defense. And when Jeff Fisher became the defensive coordinator in Los Angeles, Greene had to make the switch from 3-4 linebacker, to 4-3 defensive end (which didn't work so well due to Greene's size), then to 4-3 linebacker, a position in which blitz-specialist Greene was expected to drop into coverage every so often. And wouldn't you know it? Greene was good at that too!

Kevin Greene is a member of the NFL 1990's All-Decade Team, and now only awaits immortality as a bust in Canton. Most recently you have probably seen him on the sideline in Green Bay, coaching his mini-me Clay Matthews to similar greatness. Before Matthews made his game-changing forced fumble in Super Bowl XLV, Kevin Greene got in his grill, and told him simply, "It's time." Well, now it's Greene's time.

3. Jerome Bettis, Running Back
Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers

Photo from Pittsburgh Sports Report

In his fifth year of eligibility, "The Bus" is deserving of a stop in Canton. Jerome Bettis was a breakout rookie in Los Angeles for the Rams in 1993. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and All Pro right off the bat. A change in coaching philosophy resulted in Bettis being traded to the Steelers prior to the 1996 season, where Bettis continued his greatness, rushing for over 1,000 yards each season from 1996 until 2001. He was atop the league rushing list in 2001, when the first of a string of injuries sidelined him for the better part of two seasons. When Bettis finally regained his health, he returned to the Steelers a backup. For most running backs, this lot would spell doom, but Bettis not only won his starting job back, he came up just short of 1,000 yards in 2004, and earned his sixth Pro Bowl selection.

After the 15-1 Steelers suffered a disappointing loss in the 2004 AFC Championship Game, Bettis announced that he was considering retirement, but the lure of playing in the Super Bowl in his hometown of Detroit the next season was too much to pass up. Bettis returned for one more season, and sure enough, won a Super Bowl.

Bettis was also recognized for his greatness off the field, as he was the recipient of the 2001 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. In retirement, the Bus continues to provide aid to children in the Detroit area by providing them with sports equipment, and his Bus Stops Here Foundation benefits children with asthma.

4. Orlando Pace, Tackle
St. Louis Rams, Chicago Bears

Photo from Rams Talk

My first of two first-ballot HOFers, Orlando Pace was as essential to the success of the Greatest Show on Turf as any of the dynamic skill players that played in St. Louis during the glory days of Dick Vermeil and Mike Martz. Pace's first year of candidacy corresponds with the first year of eligibility for Rams teammates Kurt Warner, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt, but I believe Pace is most deserving of all. Warner--though great, no doubt--spent his years throwing to Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, and Larry Fitzgerald; when he didn't have All-Pro wideouts, he became tactless--see his disappointing stint in New York. Holt and Bruce will get in--maybe in 2015--but it would be a travesty if either of them went in before Tim Brown (luckily he is the last overdue '90's receiver left waiting now that Cris Carter and Andre Reed finally got their honors); so for now, I'm putting them in the "out" column.

Anyway, Pace was a seven-time Pro Bowler, and five-time All Pro. He was named to the NFL 2000's All-Decade Team and is the only one of the four tackles on that prestigious team not yet in the Hall of Fame (though he only just became eligible). Pace was an all-around stud on the end of the line, excelling as both a pass- and run-blocker. He provided the protection for Kurt Warner and Marc Bolger to make their marks through the air. More magnificently, he also paved the way for Marshall Faulk's Hall of Fame career, and played a pivotal part in Steven Jackson's early-career rushing success. Pace was a crucial ingredient in the potent offensive attack that took the Rams to Super Bowls in 1999 and 2001.

5. Junior Seau, Inside Linebacker
San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots

Photo from San Diego Chargers

This one is the only sure deal of the bunch. Seau is one of those players who was assured a first-ballot spot in the Hall of Fame the moment he retired. Seau was drafted by his hometown San Diego Chargers with the fifth pick of the 1990 NFL Draft. Beginning in 1991, Seau initiated a streak of consecutive Pro Bowl selections that lasted until 2002, his final season with the Bolts. In that time, Seau was a first-team All-Pro selection eight times, and a second-team honoree twice. After injuring his ankle in 2002--his 13th season with the Chargers--San Diego traded Seau to the Miami Dolphins, where Junior would spend three injury-filled nondescript seasons before retiring.

...Temporarily. For three days, Seau was a happy retiree; on the fourth he was a New England Patriot. Had Seau stayed retired, he would already be a Hall of Famer just from his time in San Diego, but it was clear by Seau's signing with New England, he wanted a Super Bowl. Seau had led the Chargers to a Super Bowl berth in 1994, but the Bolts came up short against the high-octane San Francisco 49ers. In New England, Seau would see a lot of winning. He played a key defensive role in the Patriots' undefeated regular season of 2007, and an even bigger role in the two playoff victories that followed. New England, however, would fall to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl that season, leaving Seau ringless.

After two more seasons with the Patriots, Seau finally called it quits for good. His final stat line read 1,526 tackles and 56.5 sacks.

Tragedy struck the football world when Seau was found dead in his Oceanside, California home. Seau had taken his own life. For better or worse--hopefully better--Seau's death has become the emblem of the movement to decrease head trauma in football, as it was revealed that Seau had suffered brain damage from multiple head traumas during his playing career. Whether this was the direct cause of Seau's suicide or not is subject to some fairly unsavory debate, but there is no argument against the notion that Seau's legacy transcends the gridiron, and that he is among the greatest linebackers to ever wear a helmet and shoulderpads.

Maybe Next Year: Kurt Warner, Marvin Harrison, Tim Brown, Tony Dungy, Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt