8 players to watch in Thursday's preseason games
This is really happening, people. A dozen teams will kick off their preseasons Thursday night. Football is finally back. (The version where the wins and losses don't matter, at least.)
Who should you keep your eyes on while channel-surfing between games Thursday evening? Here are eight suggestions:
1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins
Robert Griffin III is finally fully healthy and his comeback campaign kicks off Thursday night. Will we see the thrilling RG3 of 2012 or the tentative RG3 of a season ago? It's doubtful Redskins head coach Jay Gruden will take the reigns off his quarterback before the regular season, but it sure would be nice for Griffin to show he has his mojo back. Is one read-option run too much to ask for?
2. Ryan Mallett, QB, New England Patriots
Tom Brady won't play Thursday, thrusting fourth-year backup Ryan Mallett to the forefront in what certainly has the appearance of a showcase game. Mallett was rumored to be on the trading block before the draft, with the Houston Texans reportedly in talks to acquire him, but no deal materialized. If he looks good Thursday, trade talks could reignite.
3. Trent Richardson, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Like Griffin, Trent Richardson is out to prove his disappointing 2013 season was an aberration. The former No. 3 overall pick said his struggles were the result of not knowing the Colts' offense. He's had an entire offseason to learn it. Now we get to see if he can run with more decisiveness.
4. Bernard Pierce, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Bernard Pierce is expected to open the regular season as the Ravens' starting tailback as Ray Rice misses two games due to suspension. Some analysts believe Pierce is a better fit than Rice for new offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak's zone running scheme, and a few have even suggested the future of the Ravens' rushing attack will center on Pierce, not Rice. We'll get a peek at whether that's true Thursday.
5. Jeremy Hill, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
A second-round pick in May's draft, Jeremy Hill is reportedly tabbed for a major role in a timeshare with starter Gio Bernard. Hill is a bruising runner who should complement Bernard's jitterbug style nicely. With a few strong runs Thursday, Hill can leapfrog veteran BenJarvus Green-Ellis on the depth chart and never look back.
6. Christine Michael, RB, Seattle Seahawks
A favorite of fantasy football "experts," Christine Michael's 2013 prospects took a hit when Marshawn Lynch ended his brief holdout. Take a look at Michael's preseason game tape from his rookie season; he explodes off the screen. If he runs that hot again this preseason, the Seahawks will have to find a way to incorporate him into their offense.
7. Brandon Weeden, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo still isn't ready to play as he recovers from offseason back surgery, and 2013 backup Kyle Orton manufactured an exit from Big D, leaving Cleveland Browns castoff Brandon Weeden as the man tasked with directing the Cowboys' offense Thursday. Will we see a more mature sensible Weeden or the same guy who used to panic in the pocket and make some of the worst throws in NFL history? If he's the same guy, Cowboys fans better start praying for Romo's health.
8. Manti Te'o, LB, San Diego Chargers
Manti Te'o's rookie season was shockingly quiet considering the major buzz that followed him everywhere he went prior to the draft. A lingering foot injury slowed him down on the field and the relaxed San Diego media atmosphere allowed him to escape the endless questions about his personal relationships. Te'o is fully healthy now and poised to make a much bigger impact on the Chargers' defense. He'll try to kickstart things Thursday.