Saturday Preseason Games Review

Saturday Preseason Games 8/15

Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions
After watching this game, the thing that I can say with the most certainty is Michael Turner is ready to match last year's performance. The stocky built back had 6 carries for 63 yards and a score. His build combined with his low center of gravity on running plays means that he is much less susceptible to injuries than someone like Adrian Peterson who runs more upright. Jerious Norwood was also solid and could have value as a Leon Washington-type change of pace players who racks up yards in a variety of different ways. Matt Ryan was not in there long, going 5/7 for 33 yards. He should be good this season, but don't buy too much into the hype. This is still very much a run first offense. Roddy White, 3 catches for 29 yards, is due for a big year now that he finally has gotten that new contract. Tony Gonzalez, 1 catch for 7 yards, is a player who will not play much in preseason but you know what you are going to get during the regular season- which is borderline top 5 tight end production (note: There are a lot of TE's this year so I would wait to draft one instead of jumping on Gonzalez early). Overall, this offense is very good, and has the potential to be great depending on how much Ryan advances in his second year.

For the Lions, the biggest thing you can take away from this game is that Matt Stafford is gonna be good. He was 7/14 for 114 yards with a TD and an INT. Overall, he displayed a strong arm with nice touch and good mobility. But what was most impressive about Stafford was his pocket presence; this key because a shaky line means he will have to watch his back early on and get the ball out quick. He should form one dynamic Duo with Calvin Johnson in the future. Kevin Smith did not play much but he seems poised build on a very solid rookie season. At this point, I would take him over other similarly ranked players like Westbrook, R. Brown, Lynch and R. Grant. With Calvin Johnson out, There were really no receiver's of any consequence. Still, Derrick Williams, an athletic rookie out of Penn State, had a nice day 2 catches for 35 yards and a score and may be able to find a role as an explosive slot receiver.

Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills
Much the same way the Orton era started off shaky in Denver, the Jay Cutler era didn't exactly start off with a bang as he went 5/10 for 64 yards and an INT. One shaky preseason performance is nothing to get worried about. Still, if he continues to struggle as he deals with a receiving corp that is significantly less talented than the one he had in Denver, it's worth noting. Forte did not play, but he should be in for a big season following his dynamic rookie season. He is equally adept at running and catching the football and will face less 8-man fronts now that Cutler is at the helm. Greg Olsen didn't have any catches but he stands to be the primary benefactor from the upgrade at the QB position this year. Devin Hester (I guess you can call him Chicago's #1) had 2 catches for 22 yards.

For the Bills, Trent Edwards has been looking good so far. I am not talking about the numbers- though they were pretty good yesterday as he went 10/10 for 79 yards. I am talking about the fact that he seems to be exhibiting a much stronger arm than what we have seen his first 2 years in the league. It is unclear what improved strength will do for his fantasy prospects; but it is clear that a stronger arm means better potential numbers for both Terrell Owens and Lee Evans. Speaking of Lee Evans, he had a solid day yesterday with 3 catches for 54 yards after not factoring in at all in their first preseason game. The running game was, once again, ineffective as no running back turned in a performance of any consequence. Could it mean nothing? sure. But Keep in mind that the Bills, in the offeason, lost 3 starters, including all-pro Jason Peters, and are currently starting two rookies at center and guard.

Cleveland Browns vs. Green Bay Packers
I am becoming more and more convinced each day that the Cleveland Browns will be the worst team in the NFL this season. There QB situation is still unsettled and it is clear that neither QB has seized the moment. Expect Quinn to start by default. The running game will be abysmal this season- There only hope for respectability will be a break out rookie performance by James Davis. I have little confidence in Jamal Lewis or Jerome Harrison. Braylon Edwards was someone I was looking forward to targeting as a buy-low opportunity. But so far, it seems he is in for another season in which he drops twice as many balls as he catches touchdown passes (he should have caught a TD pass yesterday). Other than that, they have a couple of solid rookie receivers Massaquoi and Robiskie who may factor in this season- but one a bad team, rookie receivers almost never thrive.

For the Packers, this is a team that is poised to significantly improve on last year's 6-10 record. Aaron Rodgers, will put up top 5 fantasy QB numbers. Last night, he was 5/10 for 102 yards and a score; but the numbers merely confirm what we already know. Greg Jennings is due for a big year. Ryan Grant is poised to score more TD's- he found the endzone last night. And Donald Driver and Donald Lee could be solid bench options for your fantasy team. Overall, this is a good all-around offense and you would be well served to get one or two of these players on your fantasy team.