Much left to decide
As Week 2 of the NFL preseason ramps up, questions about QBs and rookies abound,
The second week of the NFL preseason remains devoid of many superstars as teams continue to protect many of their most prized assets from potential injuries. But with many young players in important spots and position battles brewing, there’s more than enough reason to follow the action. Five questions heading into this week’s games:
1. Will any of the quarterback competitions gain clarity?
Three teams are apparently unsettled at the game’s most critical position, and the next round of action could be critical in identifying starters.
Mark Sanchez had a mostly impressive showing for the Denver Broncos in his preseason debut, but an interception restored concerns about his penchant to commit turnovers. Trevor Siemian has surprised many by pushing Sanchez and making this battle last deep into the summer. Both will need solid outings Saturday against the San Francisco 49ers to make an impression on coach Gary Kubiak, who has said the race is very close.
The Niners, meanwhile, enter the game with their own decision at stake. Colin Kaepernick has been limited by fatigue in his throwing shoulder, clearing the way for Blaine Gabbert to solidify his case to first-year coach Chip Kelly. Both have flaws, but Kaepernick can’t afford to fade much further as Gabbert continues to benefit from playing time and first-team practice snaps.
The Los Angeles Rams are the final team weighing options under center, and they have a delicate balance to strike in serving their immediate needs and developing the future of their franchise. Having No. 1 pick Jared Goff seize the starting spot would be optimal, but his rocky transition might highlight the need for Case Keenum, who was far more effective in the preseason opener, to serve as a bridge starter.
2. Will Jimmy Garoppolo and/or Robert Griffin III settle in as starters?
Garoppolo had a solid if unspectacular preseason debut as Tom Brady’s four-game stand-in for the New England Patriots. Working against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, whom Garoppolo has seen all week in joint practices, the third-year pro needs to show he can have a quicker trigger while going through his progressions. Better protection and a healthier receiving corps — not to mention tight end Rob Gronkowski — should await him in Week 1, but New England undoubtedly wants to see a wider comfort from him.
Griffin is a boom-or-bust proposition for the Cleveland Browns, even on a down-to-down basis. First-year coach Hue Jackson has raved about RG3’s progress, but making him a viable starter might be a season-long project. Receivers Corey Coleman and Josh Gordon (eventually) should provide a significant boost to Griffin, though it’s unlikely they’ll play Thursday vs. the Atlanta Falcons.
3. Can Arian Foster help stabilize the Miami Dolphins’ offensive attack?
Rookie head coach Adam Gase’s offense has left the Dolphins flustered, with offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen saying, “We better get a little nervous” if there’s no improvement in the next two weeks.
Enter Foster, a four-time Pro Bowl selection expected to make his Miami debut Friday against the Dallas Cowboys. He missed 23 regular-season games over the last three seasons with the Houston Texans, including 12 in 2015. It’s unclear what the Dolphins can expect from a back who turns 30 next week, but his steady hand could help the offense recalibrate after the loss of Lamar Miller.
If Foster proves to be an upgrade or complement to secondyear back Jay Ajayi, it could have a ripple effect. In 2015, Miami was last in the NFL in carries and probably relied too much on stilldeveloping quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Establishing a better balance would aid a shaky offensive line and Tannehill, who has taken more sacks (184) than any other QB since 2012.
4. Will rookie running backs seize opportunities?
Few first-year ballcarriers have faced the expectations that follow Ezekiel Elliott, the No. 4 overall pick pegged to have a central role in the Cowboys’ revitalization. He has been hampered by a tweaked hamstring but could see his first preseason action Friday. Dallas likely will be cautious with the Ohio State product, but a smooth showing would be a boost for Elliott and the team.
Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry faced doubts about how his 6-3, 247-pound frame would translate to the NFL, but he hardly looked out of place in his first effort for the Tennessee Titans. An adept one-cut runner, Henry appears to be an integral part of the Titans’ “exotic smashmouth” offense along with veteran back DeMarco Murray and quarterback Marcus Mariota. Saturday’s game against the Carolina Panthers could provide another showcase for Henry.
The New York Giants’ Paul Perkins and Oakland Raiders’ DeAndre Washington also could carve out significant roles for themselves with more strong play in their first preseason.
5. Who’s the next young standout to emerge?
Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott was the focus of last week’s action, but several other players are poised to capture attention in the coming days.
Recording two tackles and showing extensive range in 29 snaps last week, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack shook off concerns about his recovery from a major knee injury at UCLA last year. The secondround pick drew high praise from coach Gus Bradley, and Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could provide him another forum to excel.
Even as a rookie, tight end Hunter Henry might emerge as a reliable target for the San Diego Chargers, who lost slot receiver Stevie Johnson to a season-ending knee injury. Henry looked comfortable against the Titans with three catches for 43 yards in his pro debut and could be featured more heavily Friday against the Arizona Cardinals.