Week one of the 2016 NFL Preseason has wrapped up. The preseason is of course designed to get the kinks out and find out who is going to make your roster. While the preseason obviously doesn’t mean anything, sometimes it is fun to panic or get excited about a player’s future. Who struck my eye for better or worse in week 1?
The Patriots Are Loaded:
The Patriots kicked off preseason action on Thursday and couldn’t have looked better defensively. From watching you could not tell Chandler Jones was not on the team anymore. Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower and budding superstars who are in line for big pay days following this season. Offseason additions Chris Long, Shea McClellin, and Terrence Knighton will make big impacts to their defense. Rookie 2nd round pick Cyrus Jones had a big debut as well as he could start opposite of Malcolm Butler at corner. Second year pro Trey Flowers also had a defensive touchdown who could be coming into his own. This may not be the best defense Bill Belichick ever assemble but they could be the deepest. This team’s going to be just fine with Jimmy Garoppolo under center.
When Will Joey Bosa Show Up?:
This is now the longest rookie holdout ever since the new CBA was agreed upon a few years ago. The holdup in negotiations has to deal with offset language that basically gives Bosa more guaranteed money if the Chargers decide to release him during his rookie deal. For that to be an issue for Bosa’s camp likely has bust written all over it as I discussed prior to the combine. San Diego’s defense was torched by the Titans of all teams in week one. Bosa is obviously not a great scheme fit as it is but his presence is needed at this point.
Who Takes Control Of Ravens Inside Linebacker Spot?:
The days of Ray Lewis are long gone. Baltimore was served up Myles Jack on a silver platter when he fell to them on the 2nd round but decided to pass in favor of a trade down and selection of Kamalei Correa. Correa did not play in the week one win over Carolina but there is no denying this is a huge hole on the defense. Bronson Kafusi is already out for the season regardless of how silly it was taking a 27 year old from BYU in the 3rd round. Failed 2nd round pick Arthur Brown is currently in a battle with undrafted 2nd year man Zach Orr. This problem may have to be solved externally.
Jacksonville’s Defense Shows Promise:
The Jaguars lost to the Jets 17-13 but that isn’t to say they didn’t look dynamic. Linebacker Telvin Smith was my breakout candidate this year and flied around the football all afternoon. Myles Jack also made his debut and looked good despite not being 100 percent yet. Key under rated contributors such as Bjoern Werner, Michael Bennett, and Yannick Ngakoue all recorded sacks as well.
