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RB: Justin Forsett (3RB), Javorius Allen, Lorenzo Taliaferro (inj),Fitzgerald Toussaint, Terrence Magee FB: Kyle Juszczyk, Kiero Small WR: Steve Smith, Kamar Aiken, Breshad Perriman (inj), Marlon Brown, Michael Campanaro (KR/PR), Darren Waller, Jeremy Butler TE: Crockett Gillmore, Maxx Williams, Nick Boyle, Konrad Reuland, Dennis Pitta (PUP), Allen Reisner (IR) LT: Eugene Monroe, James Hurst LG: Kelechi Osemele, John Urschel C: Jeremy Zuttah, Ryan Jensen RG: Marshal Yanda, Robert Myers RT: Rick Wagner, Jah Reid, Marcel Jones K: Justin Tucker, Justin Manton DT: Brandon Williams (NT), Carl Davis, Casey Walker, Christo Bilukidi DE: Timmy Jernigan, Chris Canty, Lawrence Guy, DeAngelo Tyson (NT), Kapron Lewis-Moore, Zach Thompson, Brent Urban (inj) ILB: C.J. Mosley, Daryl Smith, Albert McClellan, Zachary Orr, Arthur Brown OLB: Terrell Suggs, Courtney Upshaw (S), Elvis Dumervil (S), Za′Darius Smith (DE), Steven Means (IR) CB: Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb (PR), Kyle Arrington, Rashaan Melvin, Tray Walker, Cassius Vaughn, Asa Jackson, Aaron Ross, Quinton Porter, Julian Wilson (inj), Chris Greenwood (IR) S: Will Hill (SS), Kendrick Lewis (SS), Terrence Brooks (FS), Anthony Levine, Brynden Trawick (SS), Matt Elam (IR) Buffalo Bills QB: The Pittsburgh Steelers made the Bills passers look like world beaters. As a unit, they completed 30-of-33 passes (91% completion) for 386 yards (11.7 per attempt) and 3 touchdowns. Rex Ryan shocked everybody by starting EJ Manuel against the Steelers, but Manuel responded by leading the team to a quick pair of touchdowns, including a beautiful 67-yard strike to Charles Clay over the middle. Manuel left early but came back into the game in the third quarter and fired another long touchdown pass to Tobais Palmer. Overall, Manuel has completed 20 of 30 passes for 358 yards with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions in the preseason. While those numbers look impressive, they weren’t enough to secure the Week One starting job. Ryan named Tyrod Taylor the starting quarterback, in recognition of Taylor’s strong preseason and ability to make plays with not only his arm, but his legs. Taylor led the team on 3 scoring drives versus Pittsburgh. He showcased impressive accuracy (92% completion rate) and decision-making (105.8 passer rating), along with the mobility (20 yards rushing and a touchdown) that sets him apart. Matt Cassel was his normal efficient self as he completed 6-of-7 passes for just 38 yards. Whether the Bills keep all three quarterbacks remains in question. RB: With LeSean McCoy still recovering from a hamstring injury, Fred Jackson got the start against Pittsburgh and exploded for a 41-yard run on the first offensive snap of the game. He followed that up with a 1-yard touchdown plunge over the pile. In spite of his strong play, the Bills released Jackson on Monday. The 34-year old will get an opportunity to play elsewhere, and ends his Bills career as the 3rd leading career rusher. Given that Bryce Brown, Anthony Dixon, and Karlos Williams all remain out with their own injuries, the Bills relied on some lesser known players to carry the load in the Steelers game. Cierre Wood, Ricky Seale, and Bronson Hill combined for 84 yards on 26 carries with a pair of touchdowns, but none of them really stood out. The injuries at the position will likely leave the Bills with some tough decisions to make when it comes to trimming down the roster. McCoy is safe, as is Jerome Felton at fullback. The other spots are up in the air, but it seems Karlos Williams, Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown all have a shot at the 53-man roster given Jackson’s release. WR: The Bills held out Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods again this week, but it was mainly for precautionary reasons. Both players are dealing with minor injuries and the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure they are ready for the season opener. Percy Harvin returned to individual drills last week after sitting out two weeks with a hip injury, but he also missed the Steelers game. He has a history of hip problems, so this injury remains a cause for some concern and could jeopardize his status for the season opener. Chris Hogan also missed the game with a knee injury, and his roster spot may not be a sure thing after a disappointing training camp. Marquise Goodwin has had a strong camp and looked like a strong bet to make the roster, but he was knocked out of the Steelers game with broken ribs and is out indefinitely. That likely leaves players like Deonte Thompson and Andre Davis with a great opportunity to make the roster. Thompson sat out the Steelers game with a foot injury, but has impressed with his speed. Davis got the start against the Steelers and caught 4 of the 5 passes. Marcus Easley proved he can be more than just a special teams contributor as he led the team with 6 catches, including some key 3rd down conversions. TE: This group had been quiet through the first two preseason games, but they helped spark a blowout win over the Steelers. Charles Clay got things started with a beautiful 67-yard touchdown in the first quarter when EJ Manuel hit him in stride. MarQueis Gray was also active with 4 catches for 54 yards. Chris Gragg finished strong with 4 catches for 69 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. When you add in the two receptions from Matthew Mulligan, this group combined for 12 receptions for 204 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defense: While the offense impressed in their dress rehearsal, the first string defense did not have nearly as much success. They managed to hold the Steelers to a 3-and-out series to open the game, but offered little resistance for the remainder of the first half. Martavis Bryant had a field day going up against rookie cornerback Ronald Darby, who once again looked completely overmatched as he gave up several huge plays and took a pair of costly pass interference penalties. Marcell Dareus sat out the game with a leg injury, but Corbin Bryant looked impressive in his place with 5 tackles and a sack. Strongside linebacker Manny Lawson also looked good and picked up a blindside sack of Michael Vick. Top cornerback Stephon Gilmore left the game after a hard tackle, but it was reported that he didn’t have a concussion and he should be ready for the opener. Starting safety Aaron Williams also suffered an injury scare in the game when he went down without contact, but he was able to return to action later on. Leodis McKelvin remains unable to put weight on his injured ankle, so it seems likely the Bills will have to count on Darby. Look for Andrew Luck and the Colts to take full advantage of that weakness in the opener. PK: Dan Carpenter has missed a field goal in each of the two preseason games he has played in, and also failed to convert a pair of the new 33-yard extra points. He is still entrenched as the Bills’ kicker, but further inaccuracy raises the risk he’ll be replaced. OL: The Bills’ line had an above average night against the Steelers. Led by pulling left guard Ritchie Incognito, the line started the night opening up a huge hole that allowed Fred Jackson to score on a 41-yard scamper. The line is better run blocking than in pass protection; evidenced by the two sacks allowed. Aware of this problem, the coaching staff has opted to start Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, because he can scramble away from pressure. The Bills’ line currently grades out as a low tier unit, but could be in line for an upgrade to the middle tier, if they can improve on pass protection and continue to open these huge running lanes against regular season defenses. Bills Depth Chart QB: Tyrod Taylor, Matt Cassel, EJ Manuel, Matt Simms RB: LeSean McCoy (inj), Anthony Dixon (inj), Karlos Williams (inj),Bryce Brown (inj), Cierre Wood, Bronson Hill FB: Jerome Felton, John Conner WR: Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Percy Harvin, Chris Hogan (inj), Marquise Goodwin (KR) (inj), Andre Davis, Marcus Easley, Dezmin Lewis, Deonte Thompson, Marcus Thigpen (KR/PR), Tobias Palmer, Austin Willis (inj) TE: Charles Clay, MarQueis Gray, Nick O′Leary, Chris Gragg, Matthew Mulligan LT: Cordy Glenn LG: Richie Incognito, Cyril Richardson, Darryl Johnson C: Eric Wood, Kraig Urbik RG: John Miller, William Campbell RT: Seantrel Henderson, Cyrus Kouandijo K: Dan Carpenter, Jordan Gay DT: Marcell Dareus (NT), Kyle Williams (DE), Corbin Bryant (DE), Andre Fluellen, Red Bryant DE: Mario Williams, Jerry Hughes, Stefan Charles, Alex Carrington, Jarius Wynn (IR) ILB: Preston Brown (M), Tony Steward (inj), Randell Johnson (W), A.J. Tarpley, Ty Powell (IR) OLB: Nigel Bradham (S), Manny Lawson (W), IK Enemkpali (S/DE), Jimmy Gaines (S), Bryan Johnson, Quentin Groves CB: Stephon Gilmore (inj), Leodis McKelvin (inj), Ronald Darby, Nickell Robey, Ron Brooks, Rod Sweeting, Mario Butler, Bobby Felder, Cam Thomas S: Aaron Williams (FS) (inj), Corey Graham (SS), Duke Williams (SS), Bacarri Rambo (FS), Jonathan Meeks (SS) Carolina Panthers Click HERE for the projected 53-man roster in Carolina according to Charlotte Observer's Joseph Person. QB: Even though the Panthers have lost their #1 wide receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, the coaches have been clear during the run-up to the third preseason game that Cam Newton will not be asked to run the ball more (in a read-option mode). "I don't think we're going to do any more than we've done in the past," head coach Ron Rivera said. "The thing we’re waiting for is for Devin (Funchess - hamstring injury) to be healthy and get him out on the football field..." Backing up what he said, Newton only ran the ball once versus New England, but he threw 28 passes. Newton completed 17-of-28 passes for 160 yards passing and a touchdown. His numbers would have been a lot better if Corey Brown could hold onto the ball with consistency. "As an offense we need to be better," Newton said after the game. "It's frustrating that at halftime, with the defense playing its tails off, and we only had six points." Derek Anderson is locked in as the #2 quarterback (4/5 for 49 yards passing in relief of Newton on Friday). Joe Webb had a terrible outing in the third preseason game with zero completions on six attempts. RB: Jonathan Stewart is the clear #1 heading into the regular season; although he found little running room (7 rushes for 12 yards) against the Patriots. Rookie Cameron Artis-Payne has seized control of the #2 job and was mixed in with the first team after Stewart's cameo in the third preseason game. Stewart owners should target Artis-Payne as the handcuff. Fozzy Whittaker ran for 19 yards and added a 7-yard reception versus New England; he appears set as the #3 back to start the season. WR: Corey Brown had a miserable night versus New England as the Panthers' #1 wide receiver. Brown was filling in for Devin Funchess (hamstring) and was targeted 7 times. Unfortunately he only caught one pass for 5 yards. Brown dropped a sure-fire 30-yard touchdown from Newton; a tough pill to swallow for the young receiver looking to make a name on a depleted roster. Despite the disastrous outing, Coach Rivera indicated that the Panthers will stick with Brown as a starter: "This is what the preseason is for. As we go through it and I see how he handles the situation, it will tell me a lot about who he [Brown] is as a football player." With Brown struggling in the regular season preview game this week, Funchess appears to have cemented the top spot by default. "He [Funchess] runs a lot of the same type of routes (as Benjamin). He’s almost as imposing a target as Kelvin and the biggest thing with him is the confidence that he plays with as he develops," said Rivera. Jerricho Cotchery is also in the mix, though he did injure his groin. Jarrett Boykin may not survive cut-down day, as the coaching staff appears to favor Brenton Bersin. Ted Ginn Jr. (six targets for 3/30/0 receiving vs. New England) remains the lead kick returner, and has a role in multiple-WR sets. On Monday, the Seahawks traded Kevin Norwood to the Panthers for a late 2017 draft pick. Norwood is a long-shot to make the roster, but has an opportunity he wouldn’t have had with Seattle. TE: "And then of course the one guy that's been the constant has been Greg Olsen. We've got to find other creative ways to make sure he's open and get him the ball," said Coach Rivera. Olsen received a team-leading nine targets versus the Patriots; he caught six passes for 51 yards. He also had a big gainer called back due to an offensive penalty. Olsen looks set to be the Panthers lead receiver this season. Defense: Cornerback Charles Tillman and free safety Kurt Coleman both intercepted passes from Tom Brady on Friday. Defensive end Frank Alexander has been lost for the season due to a torn Achilles' tendon, opening the door to Kony Ealy to become a full-time defender. Rookie linebacker Shaq Thompson seems to have won a starting roster spot: "I might not be the biggest linebacker, but I can pack a punch," Thompson said following Friday's game. "I'm not going down easily." Thompson started two exhibitions against the Dolphins and the Patriots, playing ahead of veteran A.J. Klein. Klein figures to be a versatile backup across all three linebacker positions as of Week One. PK: Graham Gano is 7-for-7 on field goals so far during the preseason and has made all of his 33-yard extra point attempts. OL: The Panthers’ offensive line had a mixed evening against the Patriots. The line allowed two sacks of quarterback Cam Newton in the first half. In addition, left tackle Michael Oher committed a penalty that led to a 27-yard Greg Olsen touchdown being called back. Center Brian Folkerts, in for Ryan Kalil, was twice beaten badly by Dominque Easley; first on a tackle for loss and second on a jailbreak blitz sack. The team needs Kalil back (and should have him) for the opener. Aside from those miscues the line looked decent on Mike Tolbert’s touchdown in a short yardage situation. The team is giving rookie Daryl Williams more reps, particularly at right tackle. Williams is still behind Mike Remmers but should take the right tackle job at some point this season. In the rankings, the Panthers still grade out as a mid-tier unit, about 20th overall. But this assumes that Kalil will be in the lineup when the games count. Panthers Depth Chart QB: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb RB: Jonathan Stewart, Cameron Artis-Payne, Fozzy Whittaker, Jordan Todman (KR), Brandon Wegher FB: Mike Tolbert, Richie Brockel WR: Devin Funchess (inj), Corey Brown (KR), Jerricho Cotchery, Ted Ginn (KR/PR), Brenton Bersin, Kevin Norwood, Marcus Lucas, Mike Brown, Damiere Byrd, Kelvin Benjamin (inj), Stephen Hill (IR) TE: Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson, Brandon Williams, Scott Simonson LT: Michael Oher, Nate Chandler LG: Andrew Norwell, Amini Silatolu C: Ryan Kalil, Fernando Velasco RG: Trai Turner, Brian Folkerts, Chris Scott RT: Mike Remmers, Daryl Williams, David Foucault K: Graham Gano DT: Star Lotulelei (NT) (inj), Kawann Short, Dwan Edwards, Colin Cole, Kyle Love, Darious Cummings, Terry Redden DE: Charles Johnson, Kony Ealy, Wes Horton, Mario Addison, Arthur Miley, Frank Alexander (IR) MLB: Luke Kuechly, David Mayo, Ben Jacobs OLB: Thomas Davis (S), A.J. Klein (W), Jason Trusnik, Shaq Thompson, Adarius Glanton (W), Horace Miller (W) CB: Josh Norman, Charles Tillman (inj), Bene Benwikere, Carrington Byndom, Teddy Williams, Louis Young, Garry Peters S: Roman Harper (SS), Tre Boston (FS), Kurt Coleman (FS), Colin Jones (SS), Dean Marlowe Chicago Bears QB: The Bears had a dismal showing against the Bengals on Saturday night as they were held to just 3 points in the first half. Jay Cutler was without some of his key receiving targets once again, but he could not sustain any success while playing into the third quarter. The offensive line did not do him any favors, but at least he did not force any throws that resulted in turnovers. He looked at his best in the 2-minute drill at the end of the half when he drove the Bears 54 yards in less than 2 minutes to get them on the board with a field goal. Things only got worse in the second half as Jimmy Clausen and David Fales combined to complete just 6-of-9 passes for 46 yards. There are some warning signs which indicate it could be a rough season for the Bears offense. Overall, Cutler is 25-of-33 for 209 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in the preseason. RB: Matt Forte got the start and lasted 14 snaps. He carried the ball 6 times for just 16 yards and finished without a catch on 2 targets. He figures to be the focal point of this offense when the season begins, and things should improve when they get some healthy bodies back at the receiver position but the blocking up front remains a concern. Jacquizz Rodgers once again spelled Forte with the first string offense and appears set to serve as the primary backup or change of pace option. Rookie Jeremy Langford took over in the third quarter, but also found little room to run behind a leaky offensive line. Nevertheless, it looks like his spot as the 3rd string back should be safe. Ka’Deem Carey finished out the game but only saw 3 touches and it looks like he could have a hard time making the final roster. |