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NFL players under most pressure in preseason Week 3

Two weeks worth of NFL preseason games are in the books. Players vying for starting jobs or higher roster depth have only a couple of more opportunities to prove themselves as the clock ticks down to September.

Meanwhile, certain quarterback situations are not settled, and some entire units are struggling mightily to play together.

The following players are under the most pressure to step up their level of performance this week.

Mark Sanchez, quarterback, Denver Broncos

Sanchez is the most seasoned of the trio of quarterbacks attempting to win the starting job in Denver.

How he has yet to distinguish himself ahead of a guy with little starting experience (Trevor Siemian) and a rookie (Paxton Lynch) is mind-boggling. Thus, Sanchez’s job is rumored to actually be on the line entering his third preseason game on Saturday (more on that here).

After completing only 58 percent of his passes for zero scores and coughing up two fumbles, Sanchez knows he must step up his game play.

“It’s difficult playing like crap on two plays and ruining an opportunity. That’s difficult.”

Sanchez already appears to be slipping into the abyss of his typical regular season form, and it is only August. Furthermore, the Broncos have determined that Siemian will start ahead of him in Week 3.

In order to secure a spot on the Broncos’ final 53-man roster, Sanchez must avoid any boneheaded errors moving forward.

New York Giants offensive line

Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The entire Giants offense, but especially its offensive line, was a disaster zone during a 21-0 loss against the Buffalo Bills last week.

In particular, the first team struggled immensely, giving up three penalties compared to only one first down during four series of drives. Quarterback Eli Manning completed just four-of-nine attempts for 44 yards and was sacked for a loss of nine yards.

Overall, the passing attack consisted of eight completions on 25 attempts for a total of 64 passing yards, two interceptions and three sacks.

On the ground, things were no better. On a combination of 19 carries only 102 yards were managed. While that does not sound too awful, we must note that Bobby Rainey managed 67 of those yards on one of his two attempts.

The Giants’ offensive line did an atrocious job in holding back a Bills defense that was missing various key players. After the first team departed, the Giants attempted various combinations that simply did not work.

As it stands, the offensive line is making it utterly impossible for the rookies and younger guys on offense to make a case to secure a final roster slot.

Landry Jones, quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers

Jones was horrific last Thursday. So much so that this montage of his four interception blunders quickly hit social media.

https://twitter.com/Benstonium/status/766442665533661184

If anything should happen to Ben Roethlisberger during the regular season, fans will be right to worry. Jones was simply brutalized at the hands of a Philadelphia Eagles defense that ranked 28th against the pass last year.

Jones finished the evening completing only 18-of-32 passes for zero scores and four interceptions. His quarterback rating was a miserable 41.4.

Considering Big Ben’s injury-laden 2015 season, the Steelers ought to re-visit the idea of adding some some veteran depth at the quarterback position.

Last time we checked, Michael Vick, who worked for Pittsburgh last year, was still available and hoping for another chance to play.

Roberto Aguayo, kicker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Roberto Aguayo

The Buccaneers did what is totally against the grain in real life and in fantasy football. They selected a kicker in the second round of the draft.

In order to prove his value as a higher-round pick, Aguayo needs to shed his rookie jitters. Aguayo missed an extra point kick in his first preseason game. This was followed by two missed field goals against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday.

Both kicks went to the right on attempts from the 32 and 49 yard line (watch him miss this chip shot here).

Needless to say, head coach Dirk Koetter was less than pleased with his rookie and wasn’t shy about making it clear what he expects going forward.

Fortunately, Aguayo was successful on completing his other two field goals from 28 and 34 yards out.

Being that Aguayo was selected in Round 2, he will obviously make the Buccaneers’ final roster. Although to save face and avoid the flak that goes along with blowing field goals, he needs to tidy-up the slop next time around.

Ronnie Hillman, running back, Denver Broncos

Hillman is fighting for a final roster spot after falling behind starter C.J. Anderson and rookie Devontae Booker in depth.

Furthermore, Kapri Bibbs is standing out ahead of Hillman in performance as well. Financially, the Broncos would save $1.4 million by cutting the fifth-year back, and it’s been reported that the veteran is already likely not going to make the final roster cut (more on that here).

Thus far in the preseason, Hillman has managed 34 yards on a total of six attempts. That’s not bad, but with the Broncos having adequate depth at the position, Hillman’s days are likely numbered.

If anything, Hillman’s performance against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday could be considered an audition for other teams looking to add a running back. He is only 24 and certainly could prove viable for another club in need.

Geno Smith, quarterback, New York Jets

Smith has been so unimpressive this preseason that head coach Todd Bowles will not commit to him as a No. 2 behind Ryan Fitzpatrick.

This is quite sad considering Smith is entering his fourth year in the NFL. The former second-round pick could be losing his backup role to Bryce Petty. Petty has been quietly going about his business since being selected by the Jets in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Petty gained momentum when he passed for 242 yards and two touchdowns against Washington. Smith underwhelmed after completing only six-of-13 pass attempts for 47 yards and an interception.

If Smith does not turn up the heat when given a chance play against the New York Giants on Saturday, Bowles and Co. could decide to move on.

The Jets currently have four quarterbacks on their roster, including rookie Christian Hackenberg, selected in the second round.

Perhaps Pittsburgh might see Smith an upgrade over Landry Jones? Stranger things have happened.

Seattle Seahawks offensive line

Quarterback Russell Wilson is already taking way to much physical abuse due weaknesses on Seattle’s offensive line.

Overall, the offensive line allowed six sacks resulting in a deficit of 68 yards in Thursday’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings, 18-11. Wilson endured four of the sacks and completed only five-of-11 passes for 77 yards, zero touchdowns and an interception in the end zone.

Furthermore, the first-team offense failed to score along the way. Thus, some moves on the offensive line may be taking place over the next two preseason games.

“No, we’re not done with any of that (moving players),” Seahawks’ offensive line coach Tom Cable said, per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. “You’re going to see a lot of different things this week before it’s over with.”

Wilson was third-most sacked quarterback in the league last year. By the looks of things, the three-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champion could be up for another year of punishment if his offensive line continues to erode.

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