The NFL Preseason is often times over analyzed and over hyped but can often times reassure some thoughts that one had going in. The best indicator is to look at the players who are battling for a roster spot or a starting position rather then analyzing an entrenched starter. Let’s take a look at some of the takeaways I had from Week 1 of the 2015 Preseason.
1. Jimmy Garappolo Will Fill In Fine For New England During Tom Brady’s Absence:
Garappolo’s debut was shaky at best, but you can see the 2nd year pro from Eastern Illinois has a bright future. After a rough start Garappolo finished the game 20/30 for 159 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 1 interception. The jump from Division 1 AA is a much tougher task than translating from a D1 school as you could tell the speed of the game startled the young quarterback at times. Garappolo reminds me of a young Tony Romo who at the moment is a bit raw but possess some serious escapability giving offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels a little more freedom in the play-calling department. If there is one team that will find a way to develop the 2nd year pro it’s the New England Patriots.
2. Marc Trestman’s Offense Looks Flawless:
One of the biggest concerns for the Baltimore Ravens was replacing play caller Gary Kubiak who departed for the Denver Broncos this past offseason. The Ravens in turned replaced him with former Bears head coach Marc Trestman who looks ready for the task thus far. Trestman decided to keep Kubiak’s fundamental zone running game while implementing a more vertical passing game, which showed potential in the Week 1 affair against New Orleans. Baltimore converted scores on their first four possessions playing mostly backups for the majority of the game. Even back up Matt Schaub looked to be in stride converting a 45 yard score with Michael Campanaro in the first quarter as starter Joe Flacco only played one possession. Ravens running backs also look like they will be more involved in the passing game as Matt Forte caught 102 passes in Trestman’s offense last season.
3. Ameer Abdullah May Be A Star In The Making:
The 2nd round pick from Nebraska showed he is the real deal against a tough Jets defense. (The Jets offense on the other hand is a story for another day.) I have always been a fan of Abdullah’s game as he showed of his lateral quickness hitting the holes quick instead of being indecisive and dancing around. Starter Joique Bell did not play which allowed Abdullah to show the Lions he deserves a bulk of the carries in 2015. 3rd down back Theo Riddick also looked good, but Abdullah was the story of the Lions in week one.
4. Zach Mettenberger Is Simply Better Than Marcus Mariota:
I have never been a fan of Mariota’s game even dating back to his final year at Oregon. While it’s entirely to early to make any prognosis on Mariota’a future his NFL debut was ugly to say the least. Mariota’s first two NFL possessions ended up in turnovers throwing a interception on a screen pass for crying out loud and fumbling, something he was prone to do in college. I have often compared Mariota to Akili Smith and Andre Ware as I truly do not see a future for him in the league. Then again only time will tell.
On the other hand Mettenberger’s transformation became apparent as you can tell he has really progressed from his rookie season. The 2nd year pro from LSU finished the game 8/11 with 129 yards, 1 td, and 1 pick. Mettenberger’s performance went beyond his statistics as his pocket presence, command of the huddle, and ability to read through his 2nd and 3rd receiving targets had me highly impressed. Any team in need of a quarterback should really consider trading for Mettenberger before Tennessee realizes his future is much brighter than Mariota’s.
5. Tyrod Taylor Gives The Bills The Best Chance To Win:
Tyrod Taylor’s preseason performance may have caught my eye more than any other player this week. Taylor’s game is reminiscent of Michael Vick’s as he impressed in his first preseason action. Taylor, 26, spent his first four seasons in Baltimore as Joe Flacco’s backup being highly unproven but always flashing his potential. The Bills have already announced he will start the 2nd preseason game for the team, as we will get to see how he fares vs. the starters. We know that E.J. Manuel and Matt Cassel stink so giving the unproven Tyrod Taylor a shot only seems to be the only logical solution. If the 5th year pro via Virginia Tech succeeds the Bills offense could be dangerous providing a high paced, fast offense with runningback LeSean McCoy.
6. The Steelers Defense Looks Ugly:
The Pittsburgh Steelers are far removed from the days of the Steel Curtain as I came away questioning how good Pittsburgh’s defense can be in 2015? The Steelers made a questionable move this offseason when the team decided to part ways with long time defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau in one of the more curious moves of the offseason. Instead the team promoted Keith Butler to take over the reigns implementing more zone coverages putting the brakes on some of the riskier overload blitzes. Thus far Pittsburgh’s secondary has been disastrous two games in a row. Teddy Brigewater did his thing in the hall of fame game but this week’s performance was a bit more concerning. Both Jaguars quarterbacks Blake Bortles and Chad Henne put on passing clinics this week that is a statement in itself. Bortles went 11/15 while Henne was 9/10, not a good sign when playing a weak Jacksonville squad. If there was one sign of encouragement it was 2nd year pro Ryan Shazier who has responded well to the scheme change which makes sense as his best fit was always a Tampa 2 zone style defense.
7. The Eagles Offense Can Be Explosive IF……..Sam Bradford Is The Real Deal And Healthy:
The Eagles may have been the most impressive team of the entire preseason hitting on all cylinders in a 36-10 win over the Colts. Head Coach Chip Kelly made questionable moves this past offseason and is out to prove the rest of the doubters wrong. Make no mistake about it the Eagles are real contenders for an NFC East crown as Chip Kelly may be one of the games brightest football minds.
Quarterbacks Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkely, and the infamous Tim Tebow had their fair share of ups and downs during the game. Sanchez did start the game and did nothing to prove he deserves to start missing a number of wide open receivers that could have resulted in scores. Sanchez did have one touchdowns in large part to rookie receiver Nelson Agholor who I will get to a little later. The 7th year pro from USC finished the game 2/7 for 52 yds., and 1 touchdown. Later in the game featured a battle for the 3rd quarterback spot in Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow. Both quarterbacks turned in average games as the Eagles will need more time to evaluate that battle. If there is one thing that is certain Philadelphia will need a healthy Sam Bradford if they hope to win the NFC East this season. Bradford did not play in the game, as the team has been cautious about his recovery from an ACL injury a season ago. Bradford is expected to make his Eagles debut Friday against the Baltimore Ravens which is a must see game. If there is one man who can transform Bradford into a pro bowl caliber quarterback it’s Chip Kelly.
As for the receivers I was highly impressed with the young receiving tandem of Jordan Mathews and Nelson Agholor. The Eagles receivers often times are given tasks outside the league norm as the faster slot guys are normally lined up outside giving bigger targets like Jordan Mathews free reign to cause havoc over the middle. Mathews could be a serious gem for fantasy owners as he could be a real stud in the league. He of course is a relative of Jerry Rice. Agholor on the other hand looks like he will fill in Jeremy Maclin role just fine, as he looked explosive in his debut. The rookie from USC caught 3 balls for 57 yards and 1 score.
The running game was a bit one dimensional running a majority of the plays from the reed option. It remains to be seen how the Eagles will use DeMarco Murray as he is obviously a better fit for a power running game as opposed to what we saw from Philadelphia this week. Murray’s fantasy potential is also up in the air as Darren Sproles also figures to play a large role in the teams reed option rushing attack.
