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NFC Preseason Week 2 thoughts. 
Posted on August 22, 2012 at 06:37 PM.
With the Preseason half way over we are that much closer to the regular season being opened on Wednesday Sept. 5th with an NFC East battle when the G-men of New York, host America's team the Dallas Cowboys. Now before we get ahead of ourselves there is Preseason battles for positions on each team that are some of the most important snaps in a players career. In this article I'll give my thoughts breaking down each team by division and they're situation leading into week 3 of the preseason.

Since the NY Giants are the reining NFL champions let's look first at the NFC starting with the NFC East.

NY Giants
- (1-1)



Defense - The Giants have shown us that starting D-line for years, but in the preseason a few rookie DB's have stepped into the NFL spotlight. #38 Will Hill who was not selected from Florida in the 2011 draft and ended up in the AFL, 2 weeks in the NFL and Hill has 9 tackles and 1 sack. His fellow rookie DB #36 Jayron Hosley, the former Virginia Tech Hokie had a nice 77 yard pick 6, undercutting a drag route against Mark Sanchez and the Jets.

Offense - We all know who Eli Manning is, but do you know who Ryan Perrilloux (Perril-ew) is? He is a 25 year old rookie from Jacksonville State who thru 2 week has gone 8/9 for 96 yards and 2 TD's trying to challenge David Carr who has more experience for the 2nd QB spot.

1st round pick HB David Wilson from Virginia Tech has gotten 15 carries and has the longest run at 26 yards. The Giants are looking for Ahmad Bradshaw's back-up between Wilson and 6th year HB D.J. Ware who only had 46 rushes last year.

Another Rookie who I like is the #63rd pick of the 2012 draft #82 Ruben Randle out of LSU who will get some targets this year with so much attention on Nicks, and Cruz.

Special Teams -
Veteran kicker Lawrence Tynes has gone 5/5 on FG's, 45 yards being the longest.

Washington Redskins -
(1-1)



Offense - Even though all the hype is around RG3 and what he brings to the Shanahan-igans offense, he has looked pretty good with only 9/14, 1 TD he has been sacked 3 times including a fumble. The QB with the most attempts (27/45 3 TD's 1 INT) has been Kirk Cousins the former Michigan State spartan, and the 2012 4th round draft pick who had people wondering if he would merit Washington drafting another QB.

In the rushing department this preseason the workhorse has been 2012 6th round draft pick Alfred Morris from Florida Atlantic, who has 88 yards on 25 attempts. Roy Helu Jr. is dealing with Achilles soreness, and 2nd year HB Evan Royster most likely start the rest of the preseason, with Tim Hightower being lost in the mix.

Last years 6th round draft pick WR Aldrick Robinson from SMU is making some noise with 8 catches for 132 yards and 1 TD. Former Indianapolis Colt Pierre Garcon should be an nice asset for RG3 and co. this year, along with former 49er Josh Morgan.

Defense -
One of my favorite rookies from 2011 on this side of the ball was Ryan Kerrigan, I think he will become more of a leader each year along with Brian Orakpo. London Fletcher and DeAngelo Hall will assume the veterans role. The Washington defense hasn't shown much this preseason, but should be solid during the regular season.

Special Teams - Brandon Banks the 5'7 speedster took a punt return 91 yards in the 2nd week of preseason at Chicago, but he fumbled 7 times in 2011.

Dallas Cowboys
- (1-1)



Defense - As pictured above Offseason pick-up Brandon Carr picked off Phillip Rivers twice in week 2 of preseason. Dallas is trying to patch up that secondary and plays like Carr made at San Diego will surely help. Trading up to get CB Morris Claiborne shows how desperate they are to fix this. LB Alex Albright had some nice plays, he is leading the squad in tackles with 13.

Offense -
I caught the Cowboys first preseason game and the O - line was a real problem with depth and all. Tony Romo will have to stay upright for Dallas to have any chance at the playoffs this year. Jason Whiten picked up a 'lacerated spleen' in week 1, but should be ready for the season opener. Miles Austin has usual hamstring problems, so Dez Bryant needs to become more mature and show some smarts on and off the field. Rookie WR 5'8 Cole Beasley had a nice 2nd week with 7 catches for 107 yards.

2nd year HB DeMarco Murray will be the starter with Felix Jones not looking up to speed, Dallas has given rookie Jamize Olawale from North Texas some burn with 22 carries for 72 yards and 1 TD.

Special Teams - Dan Bailey is 3/3 on FG's with a 49 yarder.


Philadelphia Eagles -
(2-0)



Offense - Week 1 we saw Michael Vick slam his hand on a helmet cutting his playing time short, and week 2 we saw as pictured above Vick get crushed under his throwing arm. He would get and MRI on his ribs that came back negative. The good news is that 3rd round rookie QB Nick Foles out of Arizona has came in and ran the offense with some production (24/38 361 yards 4 TD's and 1 INT).

As for the HB's I like what I have seen out of 7th round draft pick Bryce Brown out of Kansas State. Philadelphia also has undrafted rookie HB Chris Polk who was highly touted out of Washington, rumors say they might plug him at FB seeing the depth they have at HB.

The WR's have some new faces including another undrafted rookie #13 Damaris Johnson out of Tulsa, who has 5 catches for 108 yards including a 70 yarder. 2nd year WR Mardy Gilyard comes from STL looking for some playing time as a 4th or 5th option.

Defense -
The Eagles defense looks to improve on last year by picking up a vet like LB DeMeco Ryans and drafting rookies like DT Fletcher Cox and LB Mychal Kendricks. Someone who has really impressed though is 2nd year DE Phillip Hunt who has 6 solo tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 FF, keep an eye on this guy.

Special Teams - 4th round rookie CB Brandon Boykin from Georgia has shown some skills on kick returns.


NFC SOUTH


New Orleans Saints- (1-2)



Offense - Drew Brees had an amazing year in 2011, and got his pay day, along with a new O-linemen in Ben Grubbs to replace Carl Nicks. This preseason has been a chance for 2nd year QB Chase Daniels to show he deserves that backup spot going 35/47 for 3 TD's and 2 INT's. The Saints rushing attack is 6 deep and 3rd string RB Chris Ivory is competing with 2 rookie backs for the 4th string spot.

One of those rookie HB's is from Appalachain State #39 Travaris Cadet and he is the top receiver with 19 catches for 171 yards and 2 TD's, woah. The Saints lost WR Robert Meachem, but are still a threat in the air with Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston and Lance Moore etc.

Defense - Don't expect New Orleans to become soft on defense after "Bounty Gate" Curtis Lofton is a solid LB coming from Atlanta that is showing Saints fans not to worry. The Saints recently acquired LB Barrett Rudd from the Seahawks for an undisclosed draft pick. 5th round Rookie SS Corey White is showing his tackling skills with 14 combined tackles.

Special Teams - The fore mentioned Travaris Cadet is getting some time as a returner.

Carolina Panthers - (1-1)



Offense -
2nd year QB Cam Newton showed his critics in his rookie campaign that he will be here to stay in the NFL. His backup will be Derek Anderson who hasn't looked great this preseason. The running game is currently 6 deep with some nice change of pace guys. I've watched Steve Smith since his Utah Utes days, and he is still the guy to focus on regarding the WR's. Besides TE Greg Olsen, not many proven players in this area.

Defense - One of my favorite players in this draft class was rookie LB Luke Kuechly (Keek-lee) from Boston College, he tallied a FF on Arian Foster in Week 1. Fellow LB Jason Phillips had a nice INT int the first week off Matt Schaub of the Texans. In week 2 VS. Miami another former Utah Ute CB R.J. Stanford sealed the game with a red zone INT in the endzone. The Panthers are making steps to take that NFC South title.

Special Teams - Kickers Olindo Mare and Justin Medlock look to be in a nice groove, battling each other for the starts.



Tampa Bay Buccaneers - (1-1)



Offense - In the 2nd week of preseason action we saw HB LeGarrette Blount go down in the 2nd quarter with a groin injury, he says it's not serious. What is serious is the competition Blount picked up in the late 1st round pick HB Doug Martin from Boise State, pictured above. Offseason pickups OT Carl Nicks and WR Vincent Jackson should help the Buccs 4th year QB Josh Freeman have a better year. Fellow 4th year WR Tiquan Underwood is getting some targets this preseason (3 rec. 76 yards.) The offense has not looked sharp thru 2 weeks.

Defense - Tampa Bay improved their defense by drafting SS Mark Barron and LB Lavonte David who already has an INT. They will have to earn to playing time says head coach Greg Schiano. Reports are high on Lavonte David, I watched a few of his games at Nebraska and thought he was a steal late in the 2nd round. A pretty young defense with a lot of potential has me liking this Buccs group.

Special Teams - Kicker Kai Forbath was college's best kicker in 2009 at UCLA, but went undrafted. Dallas picked him up and he spent 2011 on IR. Now he is taking the duties in preseason, no sign of Conner Barth.


Atlanta Falcons - (0-2)



Offense - On the 20th of August 2012 the Falcons lost their backup OT Will Svitek to an upper righ arm injury " One of the toughest guys I know." Head Coach Mike Smith says, "He will be missed." The Falcons are #1 in 2 weeks of preseason passing thanks to Matt Ryan (27/34 - 329 yards - 2TD - 1INT) 2nd year WR Julio Jones (9 rec - 150 yards - 1TD) and 8th year vet WR Roddy White ( 7 rec - 150 yards). This is a high powered offense wanting to go deep into the playoffs.

Defense - New CB pickup Asante Samuel from Philadelphia was burned in week 2 by WR AJ Green of the Bengals on a double move which he is susceptible to. Losing LB Curtis Lofton to the Saints was hurtful, but 3rd year LB Sean Weatherspoon will fill in, along 14th year vet Mike Peterson. There are some very savvy older players on this squad.

Special Teams - The Rodgers brothers should be exciting to watch on return duties.


NFC NORTH

Minnesota Vikings - (1-1)




Defense - The LB pictured above is Audie Cole a 7th round draft pick from N.C. State who had 2 pick 6's VS. Buffalo in week 2, just awesome coverage for a LB. Veteran DE Jared Allen looks to have another great year. While 8th year DB Chris Carr looks to learn the Viking D, coming from Baltimore.

Offense -
All I'm hearing about the Vikings offense is about Adrian Peterson's return date. On the field however the backup HB's should be focused on making the most of their playing time. Toby Gerhart is no doubt the #2 back in Minny, going into his 3rd year. WR Jerome Simpson comes flipping and hurdling from Cincinnati to make highlights, and hopefully Percy Harvin is over his migraines. 2nd year QB Christian Ponder will be the starter this year, making a couple steps up from a learning stand point.

Special Teams -
Kicker Blair Walsh is 3/4 from 40-49 yards.



Detroit Lions - (1-1)



Offense - We are all aware of how prolific Calvin "Megatron" Johnson can be in the receiving game, but the Lions running game is in question right now. RB Jahvid Best has been concussion prone, and is on the PUP list. We saw what Kevin Smith brought last year. This preseason 2nd year RB Joique Bell has gotten 21 rushes for 124 yards, and 3rd year man Keiland Williams has rushed 17 times for 98 yards 1 TD. Rookie RB Stephon Green showed some burst untouched on a 76 yard TD run. So keep throwing letting Matt Stafford throw to Megatron.

Defense - The Lions secondary needs to improve this year, and after all the off the field issues I'm not sure if DB Chris Houston and co. can handle the passing strong league, right now they are trying to find out who belongs in those DB spots and who doesn't. One question lingering out there is can Ndamukong Suh keep his temper in check and stay on the field all season?

Special Teams -
Kicker Jason Hanson is in his 21st season.



Green Bay Packers - (0-2)



Offense - Last year Aaron Rodgers was my favorite QB to watch play, and I look forward to this year as do the Packer fans above. Injuries seem to be nagging them early, but nothing drastic so far. New acquisition Cedric Benson will make his debut in the backfield against his former team in the Cincinnati Bengals. Former USC RB Marc Tyler has not impressed ( 21 rushes, 38 yards). Jordy Nelson has 1 catch for 1 TD, this guy is a real threat as a sleeper type.

Defense - This squad has some work to do in all areas, it was lagging behind in 2011. 1st round draft pick DE Nick Perry has 1 sack so far, and is learning. 2nd round pick DE Jerel Worthy is rumored to be a bit slower on the learning curve. Meanwhile, Charles Woodson enters his 15th year and is still the ultimate professional.

Special Teams - Illinois State rookie DB Otis Merrill might earn a roster spot here.


Chicago Bears - ( 1-1 )



Offense -
Jay Cutler showed off his new WR Brandon Marshall (3 rec. - 65 yards) and impressive 2nd round pick Alshon Jeffery out of South Carolina ( 7 rec. - 97 yards). The O - line will be tested this year, and Chicago needs another year like 2011 out of Matt Forte. He will be relieved by Michael Busch who is new this year from Oakland.

Defense - The Bears defense and team had a scare in the 2nd week of preseason as safety Brandon Hardin was carted off the field with a neck injury, but is recovering. This defense is going to hold strong as usual, 9th year DE Israel Idonije welcomed RG3 to the NFL with a nice strip of the ball in week 2.

Special Teams - Lorenzo Booker used some fancy footwork in route to a 105 yard kick return to open the 2nd half against Washington in week 2


NFC WEST


Seattle Seahawks - (2-0)



Offense - Most people are thinking Matt Flynn (17/26 - 102 yards) will get that regular season starter position, but Russell Wilson who will start week 3 (22/33 - 279 yards 3TD 1 INT) is showing great skills all around for a 3rd round pick who people didn't give enough credit to for playing and winning at Wisconsin in the BIG-10. Wilson also leads the team in rushing. (8 rushes - 92 yards - 1TD) RB Marshawn Lynch is in no danger of losing his starter position, but the Seahawks have some nice depth at RB. 4th round pick former Utah St. RB Robert Turbin is a good power runner, but lacks in the pass blocking. WR Terrell Owens was not his best in the 2nd week.

Defense -
The Seahawks have built a nice squad, even with trading Barrett Rudd to the Saints for a future draft pick. A couple 2nd year DB's looking preseason ready are Jeron Johnson and Richard Sherman. That secondary is showing promise with 4 INT's so far. The D - line will be underrated, but will show up every game. 1st round head scratcher LB Bruce Irvin out of West Virginia has not been a stand out, but shows flashes of things you like. 2nd round pick Bobby Wagner and ex-teamate of RB Turbin at Utah St will have a chance to step in as the MLB seeing as Rudd is now gone.

Special Teams - Kicker Steven Hauschka is perfect 5/5 with a long of 43 yards.


Arizona Cardinals -
(1-2)



Offense - Ever since Kurt Warner left in 2010, the Cardinals have desperately sought out the QB to take them back to the playoffs. Kevin Kolb is the guy they put money into, and it hasn't yielded their goals yet. Kolb suffered an injury in the HOF game VS. N.O. and has not looked like a starting NFL QB in 3 weeks. (5/15 - 47 yards - 1 INT) The backup QB's include 3rd year John Skelton who is likely the backup, rookie from SDSU Ryan Lindley, and 4th year Richard Bartel. They have a deep running game in Arizona, but also is having O-line issues with 14 sacks allowed, and LT Levi Brown possibly out for 2012 with a triceps tear.

Defense - The Cardinals are deep at DB and have some nice roster battles going on here as well as LB. Rookie 3rd round pick DB Jamell Fleming from Oklahoma is playing well. Arizona has nice 2nd year players including DB Patrick Peterson, and LB Sam Acho.

Special Teams - DB Patrick Peterson is also electric on punt returns, and punter Dave Zastudil booted one 79 yards week 1.



St. Louis Rams - (1-1)



Offense - Going into his 3rd year QB Sam Bradford has a new head coach Jeff Fisher, and OC Brian Schottenheimer. I think a rookie WR will show out this year in 2nd round draft pick Brian Quick from Appalachian State. RB Stephen Jackson is still the feature back in St. Louis, but the rams drafted RB Isaiah Pead from Cincinnati in the 2nd round and hope to groom him into the starter eventually. Pead has gotten competition in 7th rounder out of Abeline Christian, RB Daryl Richardson.

Defense - The Rams drafted 2 DB's in 2012, Janoris Jenkins whom had some off the field issues, but is very skilled. The other was Trumaine Johnson from Montana who will be a nickel back. The Rams traded DB Josh Gordy to the Colts for a 2014 pick. With their 1st pick in 2012 St. Louis drafted DT Michael Brockers from LSU to help stuff the middle and stop the run.

Special Teams - Rookie kicker from Missouri Western State Greg Zuerlein will be your starter and has already kicked a 52 yarder in the dome.




San Francisco 49ers - (1-1)



Offense - Most people were surprised by QB Alex Smith's performance in 2011, and expect him to replicate that this year. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has the same expectations minus the loss in the NFC title game. The 49ers RB's are lead by Frank Gore, even with some early injuries to newcomers Brandon Jacobs from the Giants, and 2nd round pick LaMichael James from Oregon this is a stong point on the offense. The Niners picked up legendary WR Randy Moss, and former NY Giants WR Mario Manningham. Reports are that these 2 are fitting in just fine.

Defense - The 49ers had the best defense last year, and a few injuries to key guys like 2nd year stud LB Aldon Smith (bruised hip) and vet LB Ahmad Brooks have kept them from practice. DL Justin Smith is a game changer and should be respected, along with DT Issac Sopoaga who looked good in 2 preseason games. The secondary welcomes Perrish Cox from Denver, who already has 1 INT.

Special Teams - Kicker David Akers has two 50+ yard FG's entering his14th season.

Join me after week 3 of preseason action for the AFC!!! Leave some thoughts in the comments and thanks for reading.
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