The week earlier than the ultimate preseason video games was once the costume rehearsal for the starters. In a three-week NFL preseason, that has develop into a blended bag.
Some groups do play their starters in Week 2 of the preseason, whereas others do not play any of their first-team gamers. Joint practices took over the NFL this week, making the preseason video games practically out of date as groups want to determine the underside third of their roster.
The quarterbacks who did not play took over the overreactions for this week. Some could have been higher off not taking part in primarily based on how they fared in Week 2 of the preseason. Which of the Week 2 performances warranted overreactions and which ones are actuality?
Daniel Jones won’t be the Giants‘ starter come Week 1
Overreaction or actuality: Overreaction
Jones performed in his first sport since tearing his ACL final November and the outcomes did not go effectively. He virtually threw an interception on his first throw again from the harm — and did throw two interceptions on his first three drives. Jones actually appeared dangerous attempting to keep away from a security that resulted in an interception returned for a landing, however settled in to complete 11 of 18 for 138 yards in his half of motion.
Drew Lock is injured and Tommy DeVito is the third-string quarterback. Jones’ job should not be in jeopardy within the slightest, regardless of how dangerous he performs this preseason. Jones will begin the season, however shall be end it?
The Giants do must be involved how poor Jones appeared in his preseason debut.
Overreaction or actuality: Actuality
Since Penix possible is not going to play this season, it was a daring by the Falcons to not play him in a preseason sport the place Penix will earn precious snaps. Coach Raheem Morris claimed he noticed sufficient from Penix in his quarter of motion final week that Penix was worthy of sitting in opposition to one other protection.
Not taking part in in opposition to a distinct protection does not assist Penix’s improvement, particularly for the reason that Falcons didn’t have a joint observe this week. The J.J. McCarthy season-ending harm in all probability freaked out the Falcons, nevertheless it’s nonetheless vital for Penix to see reside sport reps.
What NFL groups do with gamers within the preseason is getting out of hand.
The Panthers are making a large mistake sitting Bryce Younger
Overreaction or actuality: Actuality
One other baffling choice by an NFC South crew this preseason. Younger was arguably the worst quarterback in soccer final season and had one of many worst rookie seasons in historical past. One would suppose the preseason below a brand new coach and new offense would profit a younger quarterback who wants a recent begin like Younger.
How is Younger speculated to get any confidence if he is not taking part in in preseason video games in opposition to completely different defenses? The Panthers did have a joint observe with the New York Jets this previous week, so the starters sitting is not a lot of a shock. Wouldn’t it damage Carolina to offer Younger just a few collection and have him get some reside sport reps in?
Younger wasn’t prepared in his rookie 12 months. How can he be prepared if the Panthers do not permit him to play?
It does not matter who the Steelers quarterback is
Overreaction or actuality: Overreaction
Russell Wilson nor Justin Fields have been spectacular Saturday night time, because the Steelers might solely muster three factors between the 2 quarterbacks. In Willson’s 5 possessions, the Steelers punted on the primary 4 collection and missed a area aim on the fifth. The Steelers a minimum of moved the ball with Fields, however three of these possessions ended on downs.
The most important concern with Pittsburgh is the offensive line. With Troy Fautanu injured, Broderick Jones struggled at proper deal with, permitting two sacks and three pressures in 20 pass-blocking snaps. Isaac Seumalo struggled as effectively, giving up a sack in 11 pass-blocking snaps and projected beginning heart Nate Herbig could possibly be misplaced for the season.
If the Steelers are going to be poor in move safety, Subject could must be the quarterback due to his capacity to create performs exterior the pocket. Wilson simply does not have that elusiveness at this stage of his profession.
So sure, it does matter who the quarterback is for Pittsburgh with this offensive line.
Overreaction or actuality: Actuality
Typically it is easy to overlook Toney is on the Chiefs. When Toney does make a play, it sometimes is not one.
Toney performed 17 snaps in Saturday’s preseason sport for the Chiefs, the identical quantity of snaps as Skyy Moore (who’s buried on the depth chart). Toney’s spotlight was a double penalty on a first-and-10 play within the second quarter, as he dedicated an unlawful formation and a holding penalty on a operating play.
Toney was focused twice and caught only one move for -4 yards, whereas additionally having the Chiefs’ worst punt return on the day (7 yards). This was a chance for Toney to show he had some worth on the Chiefs’ roster, and he failed miserably.
The Chiefs have sufficient at huge receiver to chop bait with Toney. The reclamation challenge failed.