Week 1 of the NFL Preseason is done, giving us all a look at the exciting football action to come later on. With that said, there’s still plenty more to be seen heading into Week 2 of the NFL Preseason. There are thrilling position battles, rookie sightings and more as the football teams continue to heat up. Read on as we take a look at some of the hottest action heading your way.
Plenty more preseason games are waiting for you. Check out our collection of previews for the Bills vs. Browns and Packers vs. Steelers as well as Chargers vs. Cardinals and Seahawks vs. Chiefs.
[sc:Football ]Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday, August 22, 7:00 PM ET
Line: Baltimore Ravens (+3.5) at Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5); total 44.5 – view all NFL lines
Joe Flacco was sharp in the Ravens’ preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints. The Baltimore quarterback directed a 16-play, 80-yard drive which ended with a one-yard touchdown run by Lorenzo Taliaferro. Flacco completed five of six passes for 33 yards and ran for 17 more before exiting the game.
[sc:NFL240banner ]The preseason opener showcased a competition for the backup running back spot behind starter Justin Forsett. Taliaferro ran for 36 yards and his first quarter score on 12 carries. His competition, rookie running back Javorius Allen, ran for 35 yards on 11 carries.
Rookie tight end Maxx Williams caught two passes for 36 yards, including a 22-yarder in the Ravens’ final game-winning drive. Williams should play a big role this season with Dennis Pitta out due to injury and Owen Daniels gone via free agency. Expect the rookie to get some more field time to prepare him for the upcoming season.
The Eagles’ preseason opener was an offensive showcase as Philadelphia put up 36 points in a blowout victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Starting quarterback Sam Bradford was held from the preseason opener as a precaution after suffering a torn ACL last season. Mark Sanchez started, going 2 for 7 for 52 yards. He underthrew a wide-open Trey Burton and overthrew Jordan Matthews on what would’ve been a touchdown.
The game also saw a quarterback competition between Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow for the third string spot behind Bradford and Sanchez. Barkley completed 12 of 20 passes for 192 yards and one interception, while Tebow threw for 69 yards and scored on a seven-yard scamper. Tebow was sacked three times playing behind the Eagles’ third-team offensive line.
Barkley’s the better passer, but Tebow should be able to find spaces to scramble against a Baltimore defense, which allowed 4.3 yards per carry against the Saints.
Writer’s Prediction
Tebow scores another rushing touchdown as the Eagles win and cover -3.5.
Oakland Raiders vs. Minnesota Vikings
Where: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
When: Saturday, August 22, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Oakland Raiders (+5) at Minnesota Vikings (-5); total 39.0 – view all NFL lines
Oakland quarterback Derek Carr is building up his rapport with rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper. The two connected on three passes for 22 yards on the Raiders’ opening drive, which ended in a field goal. Another of Oakland’s prized acquisitions, veteran receiver Michael Crabtree, finished with two catches for 15 yards.
Expect Carr to be challenged by a tight Minnesota passing defense as he attempts to connect with both Crabtree and Cooper in this game. The Raiders had a couple more rookies who made strong appearances. Third-round pick tight end Clive Walford caught two passes for 28 yards after missing most of training camp with an injury. Fifth-round selection linebacker Ben Heeney had eight tackles and a sack.
Speaking of linebackers, Vikings rookie Eric Kendricks made a case to win a starting job in Minnesota. Kendricks had two tackles for loss, including a sack in a 26-16 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also had a quarterback hurry and a pass broken up. Expect the second-round draft pick from UCLA to continue having some success playing against Oakland’s backups.
On offense, Teddy Bridgewater was in fine form directing the Vikings’ passing game against Tampa Bay. Bridgewater went 7 for 8 for 86 yards before making way for backup Shaun Hill. Hill finished 8 for 9 for 104 yards and two touchdowns.
Adrian Peterson is yet to take the field after missing the last 15 games of the 2014 regular season. Battling a bruised left thigh, the 2012 NFL MVP doesn’t figure to play in the preseason as the Vikings want him fully recovered in time for the regular seaon.
Writer’s Prediction
The Vikings defense will be too much for Oakland. Minnesota improves to 7-0 in the preseason under head coach Mike Zimmer while covering -5.
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