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.
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| 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.
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