The first official week of preseason has come and gone. Some players impressed, while some still have a lot to prove. Strictly based on Week 1 of the preseason, here are some observations.
- Bills quarterback EJ Manuel made his NFL debut and was the only quarterback to play the entire first half. Manuel passed for over 100 yards and looked like he could be a special player. However, he still has some work to do, like all rookies do, but he has a lot of upside. It is pretty clear that he will win the starting quarterback job. He might not be a great starting option, but he can definitely be a bye week quarterback as he continues to get better as the season goes on.
- Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans proved that he is still one of the top running backs in the league. During their game against the Washington Redskins, Johnson took the ball 58 yards for a touchdown. While many eye Adrian Peterson or Arian Foster, Johnson is clearly a back who will put up numbers this season.
- The once feared New York Giants’ front line defense, still struggled against the run. Last year that was their biggest issue and they tried to improve that by signing Cullen Jenkins and other interior linemen, they still struggled. The Giants did not even get to see Le’Veon Bell who is expected to be their started this year. One of the Giants’ rookies, Damontre Moore, however, did shine with a blocked punt. Starting running back, Andre Brown, fumbled the ball and the Steelers recovered which is one of Tom Coughlin’s biggest pet peeves. Brown has long been behind Ahmad Bradshaw in the depth, but now that he is front and center he will truly be tested. In his first test, he definitely showed he needs work.
- The New York Jets appeared to be in midseason form with “starting” quarterback Mark Sanchez throwing a pick on their first offensive drive of the game. Geno Smith did come in, but he appeared nervous and was forced to leave the game early due to an ankle injury. It is still not clear which one will win the job, but is anybody really going to draft Sanchez? The Jets are still waiting on Santonio Holmes to return, but he appears to be in rush.
- One quarterback who did appear to win his team’s starting job was Philadelphia’s Michael Vick. Vick had the highest passer rating of any quarterback this week. The offensive line was the biggest problem for the Eagles last year, but it appears that they are better protecting the quarterback in the pocket. Vick his DeSean Jackson for a 47 yard touchdown. Vick appears to be thriving in Chip Kelly’s hurry up offense.
