Preseason Predictions

Jaguars face off against the Bears in week 2 of preseason.

Jay Cutler's performance last year under new head coach Marc Trestman and offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer came as quite a surprise under a new system. He left last season with a career-high 89.2 passer rating, throwing for 2,621 yards with 19 touchdowns. Under a new coach and system I think it's safe to say this year could prove to be even better for Cutler.

Let's not forget those back up QBs, Jimmy Clausen and Jordan Palmer. Both came out with a solid performance against the Eagles. Trestman stated on Tuesday that Clausen will relieve Cutler followed by Palmer. This was reveresed against the Eagles. I think it allows for some healthy competition within the team. It is those young and hungry athletes that come and make huge plays or huge mistakes, but I think this game against the Jaguars is a perfect opportunity for them to show people what they have to offer.

Speaking of players showing people what they have to offer, Zach Miller, a former TE for the Jaguars, completed two touchdown receptions. His future with the Bears is up in the air as they solidify their roster. I really want to see him come out strong again and show everyone, especially his old team, that he is healthy and an asset to the team.

I think quite a few of us would say the Bears have it in the bag, but I know they are keeping Blake Bortles present in our minds. His performance against the Buccs is probably making head coach Gus Bradley want to get him more playing time in this upcoming season. Bortles was the Jaguars third overall pick in the draft, and last Friday he seemed pretty comfortable completing 7 of 11 passes for 117 yards. Not too shabby rookie.

My money is on the Bears, but I wouldn't be surprised if the rookie gave them a run for their money when he comes out to play during the second half. Maybe he will prove to coach Bradley he can start with the first-team offense in game three. If not, at least we know he will be looking good on Thursday.

Bortles

Megatron: Calvin Johnson

Watching game changing players is one of the best things about sports in my opinion. If everyone played with the same level of skill then we all might as well catch a local grid kid game.

I like the consitency of players who make their name known around the league as someone to watch and someone who other teams have to make special adjustments to their defensive and/or offensive strategies.

That being said if you don't know who Calvin Johnson is, also known as Megatron, let me fill you in.  A WR standing at 6'5, 236lbs and paired up with QB Matthew Stafford for their sixth season together, it's no wonder why his absence is very recognizable with the chemistry they've built on the field.

The Lions opened up their preseason against the Browns. A lot of good and bad, pretty typical for the first game. With Johnson's injury (knee) he didn't see any playing time and I would say his presence on the field for their Oakland Raider matchup is questionable too.

I am sure it is really hard for these players to sit on the sidelines after resting all season. My thought on this is get Johnson feeling 100% for the season. We all know he is amazing, and though the selfish part of us wants to see him in action, Jim Caldwell knows what he is doing.

Rest up Megatron.

Peyton and Eli Manning Commercial: Fantasy Football Fantasy

Bill O'Brien's Texan Debut

I think it is safe to say that Bill O'Brien came to Texas with a good looking resume. Former New England Patriot Offensive Coordinator and most recently the Head Coach at Penn State, his presence at both teams didn't go unnoticed. Especially with the all of the change that hit Penn State in 2012, O'Brien managed to make the best of a really hard situation.

That is all well and good, but the Texans coming out in their preseason opener scoreless against the Cardinals came as a bit of a shock. I think the general look for a lot of teams that are handed a new system isn't always a smooth transition. Coming off of 8 very successful offensive seasons under Gary Kubiak, I can imagine they are a lot more disappointed than any die hard fans out there.

Fitzpatrick didn't have his best game, and just when he started to get the team moving he throws an interception. To his defense not everyone makes an almost impossible one handed catch like OLB Marcus Bernard (mad props). Recovering from an already trying first half is hard to do with plays like that.

I don't think this will be the end of the Texan struggles, but one thing is for sure the OL needs to come together and as O'Brien put it "stay on your feet."

I guess we will see on Saturday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

My Preseason Thoughts

My name is Ashley and like many of you know football is back in full swing. I like many women out there (hopefully) get excited when football comes around. Here are a few of my takeaways from the past week of preseason match-ups.

Thursday-Saturday

Jets: 13
Colts: 10
A pretty evenly split game through the first 3 quarters with point for point until the 4th quarter Andrew Furney hits a 51 yard field goal for the win. The Colts had one turnover, but not a dramatic difference in stats for either team.

Patriots: 6
Redskins: 23
I hate to say I love seeing the Redskins come out strong in the preseason, especially against the Patriots. Washington almost doubled the possession time in this game, which is obvious in the outcome. Washington had a strong running game, Seastrunk with 12 carries for 63 yds.

Bill Belichick congratulates Washington's Head Coach Jay Gruden. #purejoy

Credit:

Bob Youngentob CSN Washington

 
49ers: 3
Ravens: 23
Baltimore had some good looking drives this game. One 95 yd drive in 16 plays for a touchdown, with just over a 9 minute possession time.

Bengals: 39
Chiefs: 41
A pretty high scoring game for preseason. De'Anthony Thomas had an 80 yd punt return for a TD. Kirkpatrick made up for his special teams flop with his interception and a 40 yd TD return.

Broncos: 21
Seahawks: 16
I was overjoyed to see Denver come out with a win after their last meet up with the Seahawks. Too bad they didn't decide to show for the 2013 Superbowl too.

Cowboys: 7
Chargers: 27
No excitement in this game with T. Romo sitting out to recover from his back surgery. San Diego took this one home. Both teams had 9 drives but SD capitalized got down the field.

Dolphins: 10
Falcons: 16
Matt Ryan (ATL) made an impressive first drive finishing it off strong with a TD. Talk about a good confidence boost for him and his team to come out that strong.

Buccs: 10
Jaguars: 16
Rookie Blake Bortles (JAX) came out with a positive attitude and a feeling of good chemistry with his team. Lovie Smith (Bucc's head coach) didn't seem very pleased with the first performance and was very short with his thoughts on the preseason opener.

Bills: 20
Panthers: 18
I was sad we didn't get to see Cam Newton (CAR) in any action at this game while he rests his ankle from an off-season surgery. First round draft pick, Kelvin Benjamin made the highlight play of the game with his 32 yd TD catch. This 240 lb WR was able to maintain his balance after contact with cornerback Stephon Gilmore (BUF) and completed a diving catch in the end zone. Well done Benjamin.

Raiders: 6
Vikings: 10
With the Vikings only putting points on the board in the 1st quarter and the Raiders only in the 4th, it made for a pretty uneventful game. Matt Cassel (MIN) got in made his mark and got out.

Eagles: 28
Bears: 34
Cutler, Palmer and Clausen all showed up for this game with each QB completing TD passes for their preseason opener. Foles (PHI) didn't have any excuses, especially with defensive end, Jared Allen (CHI) missing.

Saints: 26
Rams: 24
Michael Sam, the first openly gay NFL player made sure to stand out with his QB hit, helping him leave his NFL debut with confidence.

Browns: 12
Lions: 13
 I am all about field goals, but I would have loved to see the Browns squeeze in a TD. They stayed consistent with a field goal in every quarter thanks to Billy Cundiff. That being said Megatron (Calvin Johnson) didn't play and we all know what a game changer he is.

Giants: 20
Steelers: 16
I am excited to see what Rashad Jennings will do for the Giant's running game. With 73 yds and a TD in the first quarter I'd say this could be the start to a great season for Jennings.

Packers: 16
Titans: 20
Well as everyone knows turnovers can be the poison in a team's morale and the scoreboard. Davante Adams fumbled a punt return in the first quarter that led to the Titans first TD. Not a great start to any game.

Texans: 0
Cardinals: 26
New Texan head coach Bill O'Brien might be a little worried after their opener. Two interceptions for Fitzpatrick was just the beginning to the downward spiral in Saturday's game. I hope to see a better performance next week for the Texans, but it is better to get out the jitters now in the preseason.

That is a wrap on my thoughts over the first week of preseason. I am excited to see who shows up in week two. Until then...