Preseason Observations from Friday
Atlanta 16 Miami 6 – The Dolphins first team offense struggled to do much of anything Friday night against the Falcons. Miami quarterback Chad Henne’s performance (10/22, 1 INT) was underwhelming but he wasn’t alone. The running back combo of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams combined for 14 yards on 12 carries. Ouch. Something tells me that Tony Sparano won’t be taking practice lightly this week in that South Beach sun. Some fantasy nuggets: Brandon Marshall caught three balls for 51 yards. Though Henne’s still somewhat of an unknown, expect Marshall to produce Pro Bowl type numbers in 2010. The tandem of Matt Ryan and Roddy White got it going early Friday night. Matty Ice finished the night 13 of 26 for 103 yards and a touchdown to White in the first quarter. And for all you Michael Turner owners, be encouraged. Burner carried the ball 16 times for 47 yards. He lost a fumble but who cares, he’s healthy.
Washington 16 NY Jets 11 – For a second I thought I was watching Nats-Mets. A defensive showdown that involved two Rex’s and no offense — sounds about right, no? The Jets’ first team offense didn’t score a touchdown until the fourth quarter, something we’ll probably be hearing about on Hard Knocks this Wednesday. NYJ quarterback Mark Sanchez doesn’t look as if he’s elevated his game much since showing flashes of brilliance during last season’s playoff run. At least the Redskins had an excuse as Donovan McNabb sat this one out with that high ankle sprain. Some fantasy nuggets: Keep a close eye on the Jets running game this season. Many thought that Shonn Green would be the workhorse in the Jets backfield this season but not so fast. LaDainian Tomlinson, left for dead this off-season, rushed 11 times for 86 yards Friday. Green was also very solid rushing 12 times for 56 yards. Both have nice fantasy value this season but LT could be a bargain if Friday was a sign of things to come.
Philadelphia 20 Kansas City 17 - Poor Kevin Kolb. After Friday night’s shaky performance (11/25, 103 yards and 1 INT), there’s no doubt that Eagles fans are lighting up message boards all across Philadelphia questioning the new signal caller. Kolb should be just fine come Week 1, but there has to be a small cause for concern with regards to how the offense performed. Some fantasy nuggets: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles rushed six times for 40 yards before leaving the game with a shoulder injury. Thomas Jones scored a touchdown in the third quarter. Expect Jones to frustrate Charles owners all season. Eagles running back LeSean McCoy rushed five times for 28 yards and a touchdown. Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe caught a touchdown from quarterback Matt Cassel in the second quarter.
New Orleans 36 San Diego 21 – The Super Bowl champs looked, well, awesome. Drew Brees (18/27, 240 yards and 2 TD’s) was in mid-season form, spreading the ball around to multiple receivers. Head coach Sean Payton has stressed to his team all off-season to avoid complacency. So far, so good. Some fantasy nuggets: Philip Rivers (16/27, 167 yards and 1 TD) continues to make plays despite the absence of his starting left tackle (Marcus McNeill) and star receiver (Vincent Jackson). Chargers rookie running back Ryan Mathews rushed 13 times for 43 yards — not a great YPC but the kid has shown more than enough this preseason to prove he belongs.
