19 takeaways from Saturday's preseason games.
Is Jadeveon Clowney poised to translate his prodigious physical gifts into an overdue breakout season in Houston? He offered promising signs in a dominant performance versus the New Orleans Saints' overwhelmed offensive tackles Saturday night.
Reminiscent of a rabid Seattle Seahawks squad in the preseason of 2013, the Texans' defense was flying to the ball in a summertime home game. Clowney was the ringleader, steamrolling helpless tackles Zach Strief and Andrus Peat en route to Drew Brees, who was tossed like a dog with a chew toy.
Clowney's bull rush was simply too powerful for the twin 6-foot-7, 320-pound behemoths in an obvious mismatch. Still in the game late in the third quarter, he threw reserve left tackle Tony Hills like a rag doll to hit tailback Daniel Lasco four yards deep in the backfield.
The top overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft led a comprehensive stifling of New Orleans' first-team offense, as Brees managed just 3.6 yards per attempt to go with Mark Ingram's 1.57 yards per carry.
If a freakishly talented Clowney carries this powerhouse form into the regular season as a complement to the unblockable J.J. Watt, Houston's defense is going to be nightmare fuel for opposing quarterbacks.
Here's what else we learned in Saturday's preseason action:
1. It was a small sample size, but the Indianapolis Colts had to be encouraged by Andrew Luck's performance in his first action since a lacerated kidney ended his disappointing 2015 season. Afforded solid pass protection, Luck showed 2014 form, looking comfortable in the pocket while moving the chains with short, quick throws. He also pulled the trigger on a sideline out route that seemed to be missing from his repertoire last year. Overall, it was a sharp performance for the NFL's highest-paid quarterback, finishing 8 of 8 for 69 yards.
2. Although undrafted rookie Josh Ferguson started in the Luck-less backfield last week, it was all Frank Gore and Robert Turbin with the first-team offense versus the Ravens. Ferguson has averaged a minuscule 0.69 yards per carry on 13 totes while blowing blitz pickup on multiple plays. Turbin should be locked into the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.
3. Claimed off waivers from the Seahawks back in September of 2015, T.Y. McGill was the most disruptive of the Colts' defensive linemen for the second straight week. He has always possessed intriguing talent, but the Seahawks let him go because he liked to freelance rather than staying disciplined in his gaps.
4. As impressive as Terrance West looked in the preseason opener, he was third in the backfield pecking order behind Justin Forsett and Buck Allen. Forsett started and handled the bulk of the first-team work, with Allen working as the receiving back. Rookie Kenneth Dixon remains fourth on the depth chart. Of the quartet, West had the best play of the game with a 19-yard reception.
5. Rookie wide receivers Will Fuller and Braxton Miller appear to be locked in as the Texans' starters alongside DeAndre Hopkins. Play-caller George Godsey has done an excellent job of manufacturing touches to get the ball in Miller's hands. Fuller's blazing speed showed up on a go route that resulted in a 19-yard touchdown pass from Brock Osweiler. With all the speed Houston has imported at the skill positions this year, Osweiler simply has to play like a point guard, distributing rather than forcing.
6. The Broncos' quarterback battle remains "wide open" after Trevor Siemian and Mark Sanchez were bitten by the turnover bug versus the 49ers.
7. Although Todd Davis is the favorite to replace Danny Trevathan next to Brandon Marshall at inside linebacker, Zaire Anderson is making a strong push for playing time in Denver. A practice squad member last season, Anderson forced a pair of fumbles on 49ers running back Mike Davis after scoring a touchdown on Bennie Fowler's blocked punt last week.
8. Rookie tailback Devontae Booker played ahead of Ronnie Hillman, who entered entered along with No. 3 quarterback Paxton Lynch in the third quarter. Booker looked impressive on eight carries, ostensibly leaving Hillman's role up in the air.
9. Blaine Gabbert's performance was unremarkable. He authored one three-and-out, had a second drive stall near midfield and led a five-play, 63-yard touchdown drive on his third series. Through two preseason games, tight end Vance McDonald has been Gabbert's go-to receiver, hauling in five passes for 92 yards. With Colin Kaepernick exhibiting renewed arm strength in pre-game drills, the 49ers' quarterback battle should continue into next week.
10. After going run-heavy last week, the Titans put the ball in Marcus Mariota's hands versus a stout Panthers front seven -- Tennessee's first-team run game averaged just 2.8 yards per carry over 10 rushes on the first four drives. The quarterback delivered, going 9-of-10 passing for 104 yards and a TD -- his one incompletion was a forced pass into heavy coverage that was intercepted. Mariota showed that "exotic smashmouth" will be more than just ground and pound. Mariota's pinpoint accuracy and playmaking on the run (with both legs and arm) on Saturday underscored the reasons we believe he'll make a major leap in Year 2.
11. Get used to the Mariota-to-Tajae Sharpe connection. The rookie receiver caught all six targets his way for 68 yards. Sharpe continues to impress with his superb route running and receptions in tight windows. On Saturday, he also showed an ability to highpoint the ball against converging defensive backs. Sharpe worked over Panthers rookie corner Daryl Worley. For any Fantasy Footballers out there, it's probably too late to get Sharpe at a bargain rate -- or at least it should be that way.
12. Tyrod Taylor continues to show why he was worth the pay raise. Despite not having his starting offensive line intact, Taylor escaped Giants pressure early -- often with ease. He highlighted the day with beautiful spin that made a blitzing Janoris Jenkins look silly and roped a 50-plus yard bomb to tight end Charles Clay. When Taylor is healthy, he's so much fun to watch and a handful for defenses.
13. LeSean McCoy had zero yards on five carries, but proved he's the Bills second-best receiving option behind Sammy Watkins (who sat out the contest). Shady looked fresh and fast, and ran some superb routes against weak Giants linebackers. McCoy ended up with four receptions fro 58 yards and a TD. With Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin currently the best options at receiver behind Watkins, offensive coordinator Greg Roman should utilize McCoy often in the passing game.
14. It was a terrible game all around for the Giants. The first-team offense was a mess -- more penalties (three) than first downs (one) on four drives. Big Blue's offensive line was particularly terrible, getting eaten alive by a swarming Bills defense (Jerry Hughes whooped up on Marshall Newhouse regularly). Coach Ben McAdoo kept the first-team blockers in the game until halftime in an effort to build continuity and find a positive; it didn't help. Through three quarters the Giants' run game had 1.9 YPC on 17 totes. Woof. The D wasn't much better, highlighted by EJ Manuel leading a second-team Bills offense on a 10-play, 49-yard TD drive against the Giants' first-team defense.
One bright spot: The game finally appears to be clicking for Giants safety Landon Collins.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie kicker Roberto Aguayo seems to have the preseason yips. A week after missing a PAT, the second-round pick missed two field goals wide right, from 32 and 49 yards, respectively (he also connected from 28 and 34 yards). It's rough on the young player, who has been subjected to a bevy of jokes at his expense after being drafted in the second round. We should remember former first-round pick Sebastian Janikowski struggled his rookie season. Hopefully Aguayo overcomes his struggles by the time games count.
On the plus side for the Bucs' rookies: First-round pick Vernon Hargreaves flashed with two interceptions playing in the second unit.
16. We aren't going to get bent out of shape about Jameis Winston tossing an interception and failing to register a completion over his first six pass attempts (he finished 3 of 9 with an interception and a touchdown). His fade TD pass to Mike Evans was a thing of beauty, and we expect to see plenty more. There will be kinks to work out for the second-year quarterback, which is why preseason games are played.
17. Blake Bortles looks much more poised this preseason, comfortable making pre-snap reads and going through his progression. The most evident change in the Jaguars' offense is a revamped offensive line. Bortles was barely touched all night and the group paved massive holes in the ground game. Luke Joeckel played well for the second straight week. It will be interesting to see what coach Gus Bradley does when Kelvin Beachum returns from injury.
18. Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon continue to split reps with the Jaguars' first-team offense, but Ivory is getting the majority of the carries -- six totes to two. Yeldon added a 14-yard TD catch, which is where much of his early season production should come.
19. Alex Smith's Death By Efficient Paper Cuts Offense was in midseason form with a 13-play TD drive to open the game. Receiver Chris Conley, however, is looking like a deep complement to Jeremy Maclin (who was ejected for a scrap). The 6-foot-3 second-year wideout caught a deep bomb from Smith for 37 yards on the third drive. Conley later showed off moves in space on an 18-yard catch and run. His improvement could help diversify the Chiefs' offense in 2016.
20. Nick Foles got a looooong look as the Chiefs backup. It's likely that coach Andy Reid needs tape of Foles in K.C.'s offense to determine the pecking order entering the season. Or maybe Reid just wanted to troll Rams fans (please get a joke, internet).
21. Jared Goff fumbled in his first two series. The rookie is still early in the learning process.
22. Todd Gurley played in his first preseason game ever. He looked like the offensive rookie of the year we remember, bulldozing defenders on four carries and a TD on his one and only drive. The battle for the few snaps behind Gurley between Benny Cunningham and Malcolm Brown is interesting. Cunningham will likely get the gig, displaying burst at the line and speed in space. Brown runs like a freight train. Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk -- calling the game on TV -- gushed about the power back's ability to bring the pain but also cut with speed in the hole. Brown later had a spectacular one-handed catch for a TD.
23. The Rams' offensive line controlled the Chiefs' defense (which is still missing key pieces) on back-to-back TD drives to open the game. Perhaps all those draft picks are finally starting to gel.
Is Jadeveon Clowney poised to translate his prodigious physical gifts into an overdue breakout season in Houston? He offered promising signs in a dominant performance versus the New Orleans Saints' overwhelmed offensive tackles Saturday night.
Reminiscent of a rabid Seattle Seahawks squad in the preseason of 2013, the Texans' defense was flying to the ball in a summertime home game. Clowney was the ringleader, steamrolling helpless tackles Zach Strief and Andrus Peat en route to Drew Brees, who was tossed like a dog with a chew toy.
Clowney's bull rush was simply too powerful for the twin 6-foot-7, 320-pound behemoths in an obvious mismatch. Still in the game late in the third quarter, he threw reserve left tackle Tony Hills like a rag doll to hit tailback Daniel Lasco four yards deep in the backfield.
The top overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft led a comprehensive stifling of New Orleans' first-team offense, as Brees managed just 3.6 yards per attempt to go with Mark Ingram's 1.57 yards per carry.
If a freakishly talented Clowney carries this powerhouse form into the regular season as a complement to the unblockable J.J. Watt, Houston's defense is going to be nightmare fuel for opposing quarterbacks.
Here's what else we learned in Saturday's preseason action:
1. It was a small sample size, but the Indianapolis Colts had to be encouraged by Andrew Luck's performance in his first action since a lacerated kidney ended his disappointing 2015 season. Afforded solid pass protection, Luck showed 2014 form, looking comfortable in the pocket while moving the chains with short, quick throws. He also pulled the trigger on a sideline out route that seemed to be missing from his repertoire last year. Overall, it was a sharp performance for the NFL's highest-paid quarterback, finishing 8 of 8 for 69 yards.
2. Although undrafted rookie Josh Ferguson started in the Luck-less backfield last week, it was all Frank Gore and Robert Turbin with the first-team offense versus the Ravens. Ferguson has averaged a minuscule 0.69 yards per carry on 13 totes while blowing blitz pickup on multiple plays. Turbin should be locked into the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.
3. Claimed off waivers from the Seahawks back in September of 2015, T.Y. McGill was the most disruptive of the Colts' defensive linemen for the second straight week. He has always possessed intriguing talent, but the Seahawks let him go because he liked to freelance rather than staying disciplined in his gaps.
4. As impressive as Terrance West looked in the preseason opener, he was third in the backfield pecking order behind Justin Forsett and Buck Allen. Forsett started and handled the bulk of the first-team work, with Allen working as the receiving back. Rookie Kenneth Dixon remains fourth on the depth chart. Of the quartet, West had the best play of the game with a 19-yard reception.
5. Rookie wide receivers Will Fuller and Braxton Miller appear to be locked in as the Texans' starters alongside DeAndre Hopkins. Play-caller George Godsey has done an excellent job of manufacturing touches to get the ball in Miller's hands. Fuller's blazing speed showed up on a go route that resulted in a 19-yard touchdown pass from Brock Osweiler. With all the speed Houston has imported at the skill positions this year, Osweiler simply has to play like a point guard, distributing rather than forcing.
6. The Broncos' quarterback battle remains "wide open" after Trevor Siemian and Mark Sanchez were bitten by the turnover bug versus the 49ers.
7. Although Todd Davis is the favorite to replace Danny Trevathan next to Brandon Marshall at inside linebacker, Zaire Anderson is making a strong push for playing time in Denver. A practice squad member last season, Anderson forced a pair of fumbles on 49ers running back Mike Davis after scoring a touchdown on Bennie Fowler's blocked punt last week.
8. Rookie tailback Devontae Booker played ahead of Ronnie Hillman, who entered entered along with No. 3 quarterback Paxton Lynch in the third quarter. Booker looked impressive on eight carries, ostensibly leaving Hillman's role up in the air.
9. Blaine Gabbert's performance was unremarkable. He authored one three-and-out, had a second drive stall near midfield and led a five-play, 63-yard touchdown drive on his third series. Through two preseason games, tight end Vance McDonald has been Gabbert's go-to receiver, hauling in five passes for 92 yards. With Colin Kaepernick exhibiting renewed arm strength in pre-game drills, the 49ers' quarterback battle should continue into next week.
10. After going run-heavy last week, the Titans put the ball in Marcus Mariota's hands versus a stout Panthers front seven -- Tennessee's first-team run game averaged just 2.8 yards per carry over 10 rushes on the first four drives. The quarterback delivered, going 9-of-10 passing for 104 yards and a TD -- his one incompletion was a forced pass into heavy coverage that was intercepted. Mariota showed that "exotic smashmouth" will be more than just ground and pound. Mariota's pinpoint accuracy and playmaking on the run (with both legs and arm) on Saturday underscored the reasons we believe he'll make a major leap in Year 2.
11. Get used to the Mariota-to-Tajae Sharpe connection. The rookie receiver caught all six targets his way for 68 yards. Sharpe continues to impress with his superb route running and receptions in tight windows. On Saturday, he also showed an ability to highpoint the ball against converging defensive backs. Sharpe worked over Panthers rookie corner Daryl Worley. For any Fantasy Footballers out there, it's probably too late to get Sharpe at a bargain rate -- or at least it should be that way.
12. Tyrod Taylor continues to show why he was worth the pay raise. Despite not having his starting offensive line intact, Taylor escaped Giants pressure early -- often with ease. He highlighted the day with beautiful spin that made a blitzing Janoris Jenkins look silly and roped a 50-plus yard bomb to tight end Charles Clay. When Taylor is healthy, he's so much fun to watch and a handful for defenses.
13. LeSean McCoy had zero yards on five carries, but proved he's the Bills second-best receiving option behind Sammy Watkins (who sat out the contest). Shady looked fresh and fast, and ran some superb routes against weak Giants linebackers. McCoy ended up with four receptions fro 58 yards and a TD. With Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin currently the best options at receiver behind Watkins, offensive coordinator Greg Roman should utilize McCoy often in the passing game.
14. It was a terrible game all around for the Giants. The first-team offense was a mess -- more penalties (three) than first downs (one) on four drives. Big Blue's offensive line was particularly terrible, getting eaten alive by a swarming Bills defense (Jerry Hughes whooped up on Marshall Newhouse regularly). Coach Ben McAdoo kept the first-team blockers in the game until halftime in an effort to build continuity and find a positive; it didn't help. Through three quarters the Giants' run game had 1.9 YPC on 17 totes. Woof. The D wasn't much better, highlighted by EJ Manuel leading a second-team Bills offense on a 10-play, 49-yard TD drive against the Giants' first-team defense.
One bright spot: The game finally appears to be clicking for Giants safety Landon Collins.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie kicker Roberto Aguayo seems to have the preseason yips. A week after missing a PAT, the second-round pick missed two field goals wide right, from 32 and 49 yards, respectively (he also connected from 28 and 34 yards). It's rough on the young player, who has been subjected to a bevy of jokes at his expense after being drafted in the second round. We should remember former first-round pick Sebastian Janikowski struggled his rookie season. Hopefully Aguayo overcomes his struggles by the time games count.
On the plus side for the Bucs' rookies: First-round pick Vernon Hargreaves flashed with two interceptions playing in the second unit.
16. We aren't going to get bent out of shape about Jameis Winston tossing an interception and failing to register a completion over his first six pass attempts (he finished 3 of 9 with an interception and a touchdown). His fade TD pass to Mike Evans was a thing of beauty, and we expect to see plenty more. There will be kinks to work out for the second-year quarterback, which is why preseason games are played.
17. Blake Bortles looks much more poised this preseason, comfortable making pre-snap reads and going through his progression. The most evident change in the Jaguars' offense is a revamped offensive line. Bortles was barely touched all night and the group paved massive holes in the ground game. Luke Joeckel played well for the second straight week. It will be interesting to see what coach Gus Bradley does when Kelvin Beachum returns from injury.
18. Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon continue to split reps with the Jaguars' first-team offense, but Ivory is getting the majority of the carries -- six totes to two. Yeldon added a 14-yard TD catch, which is where much of his early season production should come.
19. Alex Smith's Death By Efficient Paper Cuts Offense was in midseason form with a 13-play TD drive to open the game. Receiver Chris Conley, however, is looking like a deep complement to Jeremy Maclin (who was ejected for a scrap). The 6-foot-3 second-year wideout caught a deep bomb from Smith for 37 yards on the third drive. Conley later showed off moves in space on an 18-yard catch and run. His improvement could help diversify the Chiefs' offense in 2016.
20. Nick Foles got a looooong look as the Chiefs backup. It's likely that coach Andy Reid needs tape of Foles in K.C.'s offense to determine the pecking order entering the season. Or maybe Reid just wanted to troll Rams fans (please get a joke, internet).
21. Jared Goff fumbled in his first two series. The rookie is still early in the learning process.
22. Todd Gurley played in his first preseason game ever. He looked like the offensive rookie of the year we remember, bulldozing defenders on four carries and a TD on his one and only drive. The battle for the few snaps behind Gurley between Benny Cunningham and Malcolm Brown is interesting. Cunningham will likely get the gig, displaying burst at the line and speed in space. Brown runs like a freight train. Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk -- calling the game on TV -- gushed about the power back's ability to bring the pain but also cut with speed in the hole. Brown later had a spectacular one-handed catch for a TD.
23. The Rams' offensive line controlled the Chiefs' defense (which is still missing key pieces) on back-to-back TD drives to open the game. Perhaps all those draft picks are finally starting to gel.
Giants coach McAdoo: 'No' positives from loss to Bills.
Following the Giants' 21-0 loss to the Bills in Buffalo, head coach Ben McAdoo was asked if there were any positives he could glean from the experience.
"No," he said.
Next question.
His comments summed up a disappointing afternoon for a team expected to compete for the NFC East title this year. Eli Manning went 4-of-9 for 44 yards and outside of Bobby Rainey's 67-yard run, the ground game was stuck in neutral. Andre Williams carried the ball six times for 15 yards. Shane Vereen carried the ball once for -1 yards. The offense has now turned the ball over eight times in two preseason games.
The temptation to vastly overreact to the preseason is there, but the most interesting aspect of Saturday afternoon's loss was watching the way McAdoo dealt with the team and the press. This was by far his most difficult week on the job, after having to answer myriad questions about kicker Josh Brown's one-game suspension and his own previous statements on the issue. Saturday, when it came to Brown, he repeated the phrase I've said everything I have to say on the Josh Brown situation several times.
When it came to the rest of his team, he had this to say:
"I just finished talking to the team. I told them we worked too hard to put a performance like that on film. They were more physical than we were, that was obvious. We need to take a long look in the mirror and bounce back."
His reaction was an odd combination of relax it's just the preseason and these players should be ashamed of themselves.
At one point during his post-game interview, after saying there were no positives and after saying the team needs to take a long look in the mirror, he added "I don't think I need to say much to the players. They have a lot of pride and I think they'll bounce back."
Sometimes it takes a while for a coach to mold into a personality that can truly lead a team. McAdoo served under two great examples -- Mike McCarthy and Tom Coughlin -- and now he has a crucial week to show how much he's learned. While it's just a preseason, these kinds of mistakes and errors can easily bleed into the regular season.
Following the Giants' 21-0 loss to the Bills in Buffalo, head coach Ben McAdoo was asked if there were any positives he could glean from the experience.
"No," he said.
Next question.
His comments summed up a disappointing afternoon for a team expected to compete for the NFC East title this year. Eli Manning went 4-of-9 for 44 yards and outside of Bobby Rainey's 67-yard run, the ground game was stuck in neutral. Andre Williams carried the ball six times for 15 yards. Shane Vereen carried the ball once for -1 yards. The offense has now turned the ball over eight times in two preseason games.
The temptation to vastly overreact to the preseason is there, but the most interesting aspect of Saturday afternoon's loss was watching the way McAdoo dealt with the team and the press. This was by far his most difficult week on the job, after having to answer myriad questions about kicker Josh Brown's one-game suspension and his own previous statements on the issue. Saturday, when it came to Brown, he repeated the phrase I've said everything I have to say on the Josh Brown situation several times.
When it came to the rest of his team, he had this to say:
"I just finished talking to the team. I told them we worked too hard to put a performance like that on film. They were more physical than we were, that was obvious. We need to take a long look in the mirror and bounce back."
His reaction was an odd combination of relax it's just the preseason and these players should be ashamed of themselves.
At one point during his post-game interview, after saying there were no positives and after saying the team needs to take a long look in the mirror, he added "I don't think I need to say much to the players. They have a lot of pride and I think they'll bounce back."
Sometimes it takes a while for a coach to mold into a personality that can truly lead a team. McAdoo served under two great examples -- Mike McCarthy and Tom Coughlin -- and now he has a crucial week to show how much he's learned. While it's just a preseason, these kinds of mistakes and errors can easily bleed into the regular season.
Wow amazing work. Thank you. You doing this for regular season too ,?
Thank you XS and Sherwood!
[h=1]Colin Kaepernick shows improved arm strength.[/h]
Kaepernick's arm appears to be getting its strength back. The quarterback was spotted throwing a 55-yard pass and had some other throws with improved velocity. Yet the plan is for the Niners to sit Kap until the team's third preseason game. The pressure will then be on him to prove that he's a better option than Blaine Gabbert.
Niners coach Chip Kelly told reporters after his team's preseason win over the Denver Broncos that the team hopes to have Kaepernick back in practice this week.
Kaepernick's arm appears to be getting its strength back. The quarterback was spotted throwing a 55-yard pass and had some other throws with improved velocity. Yet the plan is for the Niners to sit Kap until the team's third preseason game. The pressure will then be on him to prove that he's a better option than Blaine Gabbert.
Niners coach Chip Kelly told reporters after his team's preseason win over the Denver Broncos that the team hopes to have Kaepernick back in practice this week.
Injuries: Giants' Cruz to return to practice Monday.
Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz will return to practice this week.
Head coach Ben McAdoo announced the update during a Sunday conference call rehashing the team's 21-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park on Saturday. Cruz dressed for warmups on Saturday but did not play in the game.
Monday's practice is more of a walk-through than anything, so it should serve as a barometer for how Cruz (groin) would fare during a more intense practice on Tuesday. The Giants slot man has been through hell and back in terms of injuries over the past two years (torn patellar tendon, calf and now groin) and is hoping to prove that his comeback tour has some validity.
At this point, we seem to be in a holding pattern with the former Pro Bowl receiver. Any reasonable football fan aware of Cruz's rags to riches story is rooting for a comeback. Cruz is doing his best to silence the doubters on a daily basis -- a tough thing to do considering the minutiae of rehabilitation and the increased microscope on daily workouts. But until a daily health update is not required for Cruz, it will be difficult to imagine him on the playing field come Sept. 11.
Elsewhere in NFL injuries...
» Amid concerns that Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham could miss the regular season opener as he recovers from a patellar tendon issue, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll told reporters Sunday that tests on Graham went well and that the team will be increasing his workload. As we've said before, this injury requires a long uphill climb and it seems like Seattle is more focused on getting him for a majority of the 16 games rather than just the first. Still, Carroll provided more clarity Sunday on Graham's progress moving forward than he was able to a week ago.
» Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (ankle) should return "in a couple weeks," according to the team's official Twitter feed. Rawls was welcomed back to practice last week though the team has not been shy about admitting how slow his rehab will be. At the moment, the Seahawks' running back depth chart seems crazy deep, which allows the club to spend Rawls' down time strengthening his backups.
» Dolphins center Mike Pouncey will at least miss the remainder of the preseason and possibly the season-opener with a hip injury, according to the Palm Beach Post. By far the best player on Miami's offensive line, Pouncey started 14 of the team's 16 games last year. Head coach Adam Gase called the center "week to week" though a hip problem is usually never welcome news for a player who spends a majority of his season squatting in a stance.
» Texans rookie center Nick Martin could be out a long while with an ankle injury, head coach Bill O'Brien told the Houston Chronicle. The issue, sustained during a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, is being labeled a high ankle sprain though O'Brien was not sure if it would require surgery.
» The Cardinals saw a slew of veterans, most notably Tyrann Mathieu and Larry Fitzgerald, return to practice on Sunday. Mathieu, who started training camp on the PUP list while recovering from his season-ending knee injury, is back doing individual drills in full pads, along with cornerback Justin Bethel and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker. Bothered by a minor MCL sprain, Fitzgerald also practiced on Sunday.
» John Brown is back. The Cardinals wide receiver had been sidelined with a concussion for the greater part of training camp, but was cleared from concussion protocol and returned to the practice field on Sunday.
Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz will return to practice this week.
Head coach Ben McAdoo announced the update during a Sunday conference call rehashing the team's 21-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park on Saturday. Cruz dressed for warmups on Saturday but did not play in the game.
Monday's practice is more of a walk-through than anything, so it should serve as a barometer for how Cruz (groin) would fare during a more intense practice on Tuesday. The Giants slot man has been through hell and back in terms of injuries over the past two years (torn patellar tendon, calf and now groin) and is hoping to prove that his comeback tour has some validity.
At this point, we seem to be in a holding pattern with the former Pro Bowl receiver. Any reasonable football fan aware of Cruz's rags to riches story is rooting for a comeback. Cruz is doing his best to silence the doubters on a daily basis -- a tough thing to do considering the minutiae of rehabilitation and the increased microscope on daily workouts. But until a daily health update is not required for Cruz, it will be difficult to imagine him on the playing field come Sept. 11.
Elsewhere in NFL injuries...
» Amid concerns that Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham could miss the regular season opener as he recovers from a patellar tendon issue, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll told reporters Sunday that tests on Graham went well and that the team will be increasing his workload. As we've said before, this injury requires a long uphill climb and it seems like Seattle is more focused on getting him for a majority of the 16 games rather than just the first. Still, Carroll provided more clarity Sunday on Graham's progress moving forward than he was able to a week ago.
» Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (ankle) should return "in a couple weeks," according to the team's official Twitter feed. Rawls was welcomed back to practice last week though the team has not been shy about admitting how slow his rehab will be. At the moment, the Seahawks' running back depth chart seems crazy deep, which allows the club to spend Rawls' down time strengthening his backups.
» Dolphins center Mike Pouncey will at least miss the remainder of the preseason and possibly the season-opener with a hip injury, according to the Palm Beach Post. By far the best player on Miami's offensive line, Pouncey started 14 of the team's 16 games last year. Head coach Adam Gase called the center "week to week" though a hip problem is usually never welcome news for a player who spends a majority of his season squatting in a stance.
» Texans rookie center Nick Martin could be out a long while with an ankle injury, head coach Bill O'Brien told the Houston Chronicle. The issue, sustained during a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, is being labeled a high ankle sprain though O'Brien was not sure if it would require surgery.
» The Cardinals saw a slew of veterans, most notably Tyrann Mathieu and Larry Fitzgerald, return to practice on Sunday. Mathieu, who started training camp on the PUP list while recovering from his season-ending knee injury, is back doing individual drills in full pads, along with cornerback Justin Bethel and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker. Bothered by a minor MCL sprain, Fitzgerald also practiced on Sunday.
» John Brown is back. The Cardinals wide receiver had been sidelined with a concussion for the greater part of training camp, but was cleared from concussion protocol and returned to the practice field on Sunday.
Patriots' Dion Lewis to have knee procedure.
The Patriots have received some more unwelcome news on the injury front.
Running back Dion Lewis is getting a knee "cleanup," according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. Lewis had surgery to repair a torn ACL back in November, but the procedure apparently required a follow-up. Lewis, who resurrected his career with the Patriots a season ago, is expected to be out for about two months and will start the season on PUP.
But that's not all.
Tackle Sebastian Vollmer has been on the PUP list with a hip injury and is likely to stay there throughout the season, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Vollmer also had offseason shoulder surgery.
In addition to Vollmer, guard Shaq Mason broke his hand. While not as difficult to overcome for an offensive lineman as a lower body injury, the thinning depth across the Patriots' interior offensive line has to be a concern.
Bill Belichick has been in the habit for years now of cross-training his offensive lineman, which helps negate some of the issues.
This has been an eventful offseason for the Patriots' training staff, and yet the prevailing thought is that the team will still be good enough to weather the storm. Even if Vollmer isn't New England's designated to return candidate, Marcus Cannon has played much better this preseason and knows the system well.
The Patriots have received some more unwelcome news on the injury front.
Running back Dion Lewis is getting a knee "cleanup," according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. Lewis had surgery to repair a torn ACL back in November, but the procedure apparently required a follow-up. Lewis, who resurrected his career with the Patriots a season ago, is expected to be out for about two months and will start the season on PUP.
But that's not all.
Tackle Sebastian Vollmer has been on the PUP list with a hip injury and is likely to stay there throughout the season, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Vollmer also had offseason shoulder surgery.
In addition to Vollmer, guard Shaq Mason broke his hand. While not as difficult to overcome for an offensive lineman as a lower body injury, the thinning depth across the Patriots' interior offensive line has to be a concern.
Bill Belichick has been in the habit for years now of cross-training his offensive lineman, which helps negate some of the issues.
This has been an eventful offseason for the Patriots' training staff, and yet the prevailing thought is that the team will still be good enough to weather the storm. Even if Vollmer isn't New England's designated to return candidate, Marcus Cannon has played much better this preseason and knows the system well.
Mark Sanchez: I feel like I squandered an opportunity.
Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez has been nothing but honest during a trying three-way battle this offseason for the starting gig in Denver.
And on Saturday, after he watched top challenger Trevor Siemian start the game before turning in another mixed bag performance himself, Sanchez was self-critical to say the least.
"I feel like I squandered an opportunity to separate myself," Sanchez told reporters after Saturday's 31-24 loss to the 49ers. "Poor quarterback play."
As resident tape guru Chris Wesseling noted, Sanchez was at times close to perfect. He started 9-of-10, but nearly tossed an interception. Then came the bad: A pair of fumbles before halftime -- one which could be placed firmly on his shoulders -- and a bad start after the break.
Paxton Lynch, theoretically in third place, finished 15-of-26 for 113 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He was confident enough after the game to tell reporters that he thinks he's still in the running for the starting job as well.
And honestly, who could blame him?
While it's tough to criticize quarterbacks in the preseason, especially during a time where the team isn't game planning a significant amount and offensive linemen and receivers are making just as many mistakes, this has turned into the worst-case scenario for the Broncos. Siemian was efficient before a pick-six. Sanchez was 9-of-10 before the fumbles.
Sanchez is leading the way in accountability, but where does that put head coach Gary Kubiak heading into the third and most important preseason matchup?
Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez has been nothing but honest during a trying three-way battle this offseason for the starting gig in Denver.
And on Saturday, after he watched top challenger Trevor Siemian start the game before turning in another mixed bag performance himself, Sanchez was self-critical to say the least.
"I feel like I squandered an opportunity to separate myself," Sanchez told reporters after Saturday's 31-24 loss to the 49ers. "Poor quarterback play."
As resident tape guru Chris Wesseling noted, Sanchez was at times close to perfect. He started 9-of-10, but nearly tossed an interception. Then came the bad: A pair of fumbles before halftime -- one which could be placed firmly on his shoulders -- and a bad start after the break.
Paxton Lynch, theoretically in third place, finished 15-of-26 for 113 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He was confident enough after the game to tell reporters that he thinks he's still in the running for the starting job as well.
And honestly, who could blame him?
While it's tough to criticize quarterbacks in the preseason, especially during a time where the team isn't game planning a significant amount and offensive linemen and receivers are making just as many mistakes, this has turned into the worst-case scenario for the Broncos. Siemian was efficient before a pick-six. Sanchez was 9-of-10 before the fumbles.
Sanchez is leading the way in accountability, but where does that put head coach Gary Kubiak heading into the third and most important preseason matchup?
For RGIII, football seems to be fun again.
This is what fun looks like if you're Robert Griffin III.
Home preseason debut in a still-crowded stadium facing the offensive coordinator in Kyle Shanahan who built you up as a rookie, then left to watch your career implode. A 14-yard run on your second drive and a veteran slide followed by a pair of power runs and a hard count that draws the defense offsides.
Then, the throw with 7:52 to go in the first quarter. The one like last week when everyone was still quick to dismiss it as a fluke. The ball is released just as Terrelle Pryor is breaking free of top-10 cornerback Desmond Trufant -- the least thrown-at cornerback in football a year ago -- at the apex of the "go" route and drops in stride right before Pryor walks into the end zone. You walk off the field with a modified Usain Bolt arrow celebration and jog 25 yards to meet Pryor on his way back from the end zone.
"The long ball is back in Cleveland," former NFL safety and Browns commentator Solomon Wilcots says on television. "That was incredible."
"All OTAs and minicamp and stuff like that, training camp, it's really been turned on," Pryor says after the game. "We've been able to hit it. He's throwing the ball great deep down the field ... he's throwing the ball great no matter who he throws it to."
We're not used to hearing these things about RGIII; nor the woe-begotten Browns for that matter. For one night, the touch on his passes came back and the mechanics looked sharp. He danced and taunted a little. Joe Thomas, the entrenched captain of the team, came over and put his arm around him.
Coach Hue Jackson came off the field smiling. After struggling for so long in Washington, Griffin looked like a rookie again, if only for 23 snaps -- and there was no player more synonymous with fun than the 22-year-old version of the QB. The 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Two drives later, Griffin is at it again. After a fourth-down conversion, he lines up in a four-wide set and watches his offensive line pick up the blitz. Tight end Gary Barnidge bodies Falcons first-round safety Keanu Neal like a power forward and RGIII drops an air-tight spiral into his outstretched arms and Barnidge tumbles into the end zone for a 29-yard score.
"I see potential for us to be what I think we can be," Jackson says after the game.
This is not the Robert Griffin III hype piece -- not yet.
This is still Week 2 of the preseason -- vanilla coverages, defensive backs taking plays off, half-speed pass rushes and safeties lost in space. RGIII will have to do this again and again and again before people believe. He'll have to weather a brutal five-game stretch to start the season that starts with a vastly-improved Eagles defense, the Ravens, the Dolphins and those old Redskins. It finishes at home in time for Tom Brady's 2016 debut. Griffin will have to keep running -- but sliding, too -- or else this experiment won't work. He will have to look off the safety like he did Thursday night against the Falcons on that Pryor touchdown and he will have to continue making heads up plays when shotgun snaps are launched a quarter mile over his head.
But in the meantime, Griffin is having fun again -- at least for one night in August. That was all Jackson wanted out of this preseason; to help build him up again, to see if this was even possible. That is why he named Griffin the starter before the first preseason game even if his minicamp wasn't perfect. During Griffin's last NFL start, a 44-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 of the 2014 regular season, he threw a 69-yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson and walked off the field with all the enthusiasm of a commuter getting sandwiched in rush hour traffic on I-95. At one point in that game, RGIII was 1 of 8 with two interceptions in the red zone.
Robert Griffin III still might be that quarterback. The preseason has fooled us plenty of times before. After last night, however, a few more are willing to believe.
"It's been a while," Griffin said Thursday night when the sideline reporter asked him how long it's been since he enjoyed himself out there. "And that's the beauty of it. You can never let anyone steal your joy. No matter what you go through in life, keep fighting through it and find your happiness. And I found my happiness with this team, this coach and this city and I'm thankful for the opportunity."
This is what fun looks like if you're Robert Griffin III.
Home preseason debut in a still-crowded stadium facing the offensive coordinator in Kyle Shanahan who built you up as a rookie, then left to watch your career implode. A 14-yard run on your second drive and a veteran slide followed by a pair of power runs and a hard count that draws the defense offsides.
Then, the throw with 7:52 to go in the first quarter. The one like last week when everyone was still quick to dismiss it as a fluke. The ball is released just as Terrelle Pryor is breaking free of top-10 cornerback Desmond Trufant -- the least thrown-at cornerback in football a year ago -- at the apex of the "go" route and drops in stride right before Pryor walks into the end zone. You walk off the field with a modified Usain Bolt arrow celebration and jog 25 yards to meet Pryor on his way back from the end zone.
"The long ball is back in Cleveland," former NFL safety and Browns commentator Solomon Wilcots says on television. "That was incredible."
"All OTAs and minicamp and stuff like that, training camp, it's really been turned on," Pryor says after the game. "We've been able to hit it. He's throwing the ball great deep down the field ... he's throwing the ball great no matter who he throws it to."
We're not used to hearing these things about RGIII; nor the woe-begotten Browns for that matter. For one night, the touch on his passes came back and the mechanics looked sharp. He danced and taunted a little. Joe Thomas, the entrenched captain of the team, came over and put his arm around him.
Coach Hue Jackson came off the field smiling. After struggling for so long in Washington, Griffin looked like a rookie again, if only for 23 snaps -- and there was no player more synonymous with fun than the 22-year-old version of the QB. The 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Two drives later, Griffin is at it again. After a fourth-down conversion, he lines up in a four-wide set and watches his offensive line pick up the blitz. Tight end Gary Barnidge bodies Falcons first-round safety Keanu Neal like a power forward and RGIII drops an air-tight spiral into his outstretched arms and Barnidge tumbles into the end zone for a 29-yard score.
"I see potential for us to be what I think we can be," Jackson says after the game.
This is not the Robert Griffin III hype piece -- not yet.
This is still Week 2 of the preseason -- vanilla coverages, defensive backs taking plays off, half-speed pass rushes and safeties lost in space. RGIII will have to do this again and again and again before people believe. He'll have to weather a brutal five-game stretch to start the season that starts with a vastly-improved Eagles defense, the Ravens, the Dolphins and those old Redskins. It finishes at home in time for Tom Brady's 2016 debut. Griffin will have to keep running -- but sliding, too -- or else this experiment won't work. He will have to look off the safety like he did Thursday night against the Falcons on that Pryor touchdown and he will have to continue making heads up plays when shotgun snaps are launched a quarter mile over his head.
But in the meantime, Griffin is having fun again -- at least for one night in August. That was all Jackson wanted out of this preseason; to help build him up again, to see if this was even possible. That is why he named Griffin the starter before the first preseason game even if his minicamp wasn't perfect. During Griffin's last NFL start, a 44-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 of the 2014 regular season, he threw a 69-yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson and walked off the field with all the enthusiasm of a commuter getting sandwiched in rush hour traffic on I-95. At one point in that game, RGIII was 1 of 8 with two interceptions in the red zone.
Robert Griffin III still might be that quarterback. The preseason has fooled us plenty of times before. After last night, however, a few more are willing to believe.
"It's been a while," Griffin said Thursday night when the sideline reporter asked him how long it's been since he enjoyed himself out there. "And that's the beauty of it. You can never let anyone steal your joy. No matter what you go through in life, keep fighting through it and find your happiness. And I found my happiness with this team, this coach and this city and I'm thankful for the opportunity."
Yeah Sherwood.....That`s what we do here at THERX.....Lots of information threads going on.....I`ll also be doing the In-Game threads.
Should be fun......Good luck this season.
