We are so close! Real football is almost upon us! Week three is important for a couple of reasons. It is usually where most major battles are either won or lost. It is the last week for the lower-tier players to make their cases as to why they need to be on the roster, or for them to put tape out there for other clubs. But, most notably, it is important for one simple reason. It shows us or irrelevant, boring and really stupid the preseason is. The NFL needs to go down to a two week preseason, and we could be seeing that very soon. With that, what should we be looking for in the AFC East in week three? Let’s dive in.
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots, 8/22, 7:30pm
Another day, another dollar. Or for Pats running back Stevan Ridley, another game, another fumble. The story in Foxborough yet again this season is the running back position. Two seasons ago, Ridley had 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last season, he fumbled three times and lost the job to LeGarrette Blount. With Ridley’s fumble in the last game against the Eagles, who gets the lion’s share of carries becomes a little murkier. Rookie fourth-round pick James White has started to get first-team reps, and maybe more importantly, Bill Belichick’s trust. Still, the Patriots would be silly to not give the starting job to Ridley.
This could also be the last game we see Ryan Mallett in a Pats uniform. He probably will make it till the fourth game, but he’s always a target to get traded at any time. Especially at this time in the preseason if a team isn’t satisfied with their back-up or starter. If he doesn’t get traded, going by the Patriots track record, he will probably not make the 53-man roster.
New York Giants at New York Jets, 8/22, 7:30pm
Who is Rex Ryan fooling? He still has not named a starting signal caller for the Week One game against the Raiders. No one has bought the fact that the Jets situation at quarterback is a “competition.” Why Ryan won’t come out and say that Geno is the starter makes no sense to me, or anyone. Michael Vick doesn’t have much, if any, chance to win the job. And if he did, all hell might break loose to be honest. Coming a season after he botched the “quarterback competition” between Geno and Mark Sanchez makes this even more questionable. In any event, Geno will infact start their third preseason game.
While Eric Decker and Chris Ivory are both expected to play, the Jets put yet another draft pick on injured reserve. First, it was cornerback Dexter McDougle, and now it’s fourth-round pick Shaq Evans from UCLA. Speaking of injured 2014 draft picks, Odell Beckham will not play in Friday’s game either, with a hammy pull.
If you’re wondering what to watch for in this game, I’ll give you something for each side. In the Giants’ corner, be locked in on anyone on their offense. Players like Mario Manningham, Jerrel Jernigan and Peyton Hillis are all on the potential chopping block. As for gang green,how about the defensive end position? Jason Babin was brought in almost a month ago, and is taking quite a few snaps away from Quinton Coples. It’ll be interesting to see how their respective playing times are divided up.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills, 8/23, 4:30pm
First and foremost, the headline for us Western New Yorkers up here this game, is the newly-renovated Ralph Wilson Stadium. The $130 million fix-her-up plan will finally be unveiled this Saturday. A brand new team store, that is quadruple the size of the last one and actaully attached to the stadium this time. The stadium is going to be up to date, and modern. Buffalo heritage will be running throughout the stadium with concessions adding in Duff’s Wings, La Nova Pizza and Tim Horton’s Coffee and Doughnuts. To many new features to tell you about, but one thing is certain. If you haven’t already, make a pilgrimage to Orchard Park for a Bill’s game. It is like no other NFL experience from the tailgating, to the game.
Now, for the game itself. Leodis McKelvin has said that he is going to play this weekend. That is huge for the Bills’ secondary, another corner opposite Stephon Gilmore. Other terrific injury news, the team’s anchor at left tackle, Cordy Glenn has been cleared to practice and has a chance to play this weekend. Rookie star Sammy Watkins practiced in pads Tuesday after sitting out on Monday. In my opinion, if he plays another snap before the regular season opener, it’s a mistake. He’s too important to this team.
For the Tampa Bay Buccs, Alterraun Verner’s debut with his new team, could be this week, or it could not. He is “hopeful” to play this weekend, but still very much in the air. The Buccaneers offense will be intriguing to watch against a very good Bills’ defense. The players in Tampa are raving about new offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford’s system. We’re going to see it in full force against a great pass rush and solid secondary.
Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins, 8/23, 7:00pm
Good comes with the bad, and as tight end Charles Clay comes back from injury, kicker Caleb Sturgis goes out with one. Clay was recently back on the practice field, and Sturgis has already been ruled out for the Phins third preseason game.
In terms of who to watch for in this game, take a look at the duo of receivers in Rishard Matthews and Brandon Gibson. Matthews has five receptions for 83 yards and a score thus far, while Gibson has four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown as well. These two, along with Ryan Tannehill seem to be really loving Bill Lazor’s new offensive system.
On the defensive side of the ball, it’s not looking as nice. Their linebackers, are well, awful. Phillip Wheeler, Koa Misi, and Danelle Ellerby have proven to be this team’s achilles heel. So much so, that rookies Jordan Tripp and Chris McCain have flown up the depth chart and apparently are ready to make an impact if their starting trio can’t pull it together.
For America’s team, Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne are both back in pads, which is a great sign for their sure-to-be horrific defense. Why is it sure-to-be horrid? Well, if you look at who they lost in the offseason, i.e. Demarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher, there is clue number one. Clue number two, is a new report that has come out, saying the Rolando McLain is getting first team reps. Yes, that Rolando McLain. Enough of their defense, just watch Tony Romo throw the ball to Dez Bryant, and then wish your team had Dez because he’s great.