First-Teams look to get into a rhythm
The third preseason game usually acts as a dress rehearsal for teams around the NFL. It’s when the starters will play into the third quarter. While it would be foolish to use the scoreboard from this week’s games as a way to gauge a specific team, individual performances should be looked at in a more serious manner than other preseason outings.
Who will get first-team reps for the New England Patriots under center? Is Joseph Randle prepared for a big workload as the Dallas Cowboys starting running back? Is anyone prepared to step up as a starting receiver for the Carolina Panthers? These are three of the biggest stories to watch as first-team units get their most-extensive playing time of the preseason.
More than that, I want to see how the Seattle Seahawks offensive line performs in front of Russell Wilson against the San Diego Chargers first-team defense. Hopefully, the Seahawks decide that it’s finally time to utilize their entire offensive scheme with so many question marks along this unit. No one wants to see Wilson thrown to the fire Week 1 against a very good St. Louis Rams defensive line.