Thursday Night Lights
Let's look back at my keys for Thursday night and see if we learned anything
Clinton Portis - Redskins Insider says Portis got his wish by sitting out the game. It's not a huge concern on it's own, but this is different than LT2 or Westbrook sitting out. They have practiced more than five times all camp and aren't coming off multiple surgeries.
Oakland quarterback battle - Daunte Culpepper appears to have the edge, but it's not by much. We may not know for sure until gametime.
Tennessee skill players - In a surprise, the Titans played their starters into the second half. And LenDale White was one of those starters, playing well, and delivering an awesome block to spring Vince Young for a touchdown. A committee looks likely early, with White the lead back.
Brandon Jones started over Roydell Williams and caught a touchdown pass. Jeff Fisher has been playing games with this spot, but Jones now appears likely to get the call in Week 1. Wait to see how it shakes out, but hold on to Jones.
Carolina second receiver - Steve Smith sat out, so Drew Carter and Keary Colbert started. Colbert had two catches. Dwayne Jarrett is clearly fourth in line.
Tampa second receiver - No one stepped up. Maurice Stovall and Michael Clayton both started in a three wideout set, but neither had a great game. David Boston (1-5) was also quiet. Stovall remains the favorite to start, but a rotation of snaps looks likely.
Saints receivers - Marques Colston and Devery Henderson succesfully returned.
D.J. Hackett watch - Despite a Seattle Times blog post to the contrary, Hackett didn't sit out the game (sorry about that). He started with Nate Burleson and Deion Branch in a three receiver set. Burleson had another great game, catching three passes for 52 yards and a score. It's possible Burleson has edged ahead of Bobby Engram and will play more in three wideout sets than before. Hackett's starting job still appears to be safe.
Your fantasy teams - Unless you own Greg Olsen or Paris Warren, it looks like you escaped last night unscathed. 6 more days until Opening Night.
Comments
Gregg...
According to the box score, DJ Hackett did NOT "sit out the game". He (1 for 15 yards) and fellow starter Deion Branch (2 for 14 yards) both recorded receptions last night.
--Daniel
Posted by: Daniel | August 31, 2007 11:49 AM
I was at the Carolina Game. Corprate seats are $2,000 a game for 4 seats. That's crazy for a preseason game but they were a gift for me and my brother so I was happy.
The game itself was crap. Thunderstorm delay followed by down pour and then nothing but field goals.
V. Haynes looked good as did Gary Russell. The panthers looked horrible. Gave up 4 fumbles and 2 picks. One was returned for a TD, the only score of the game. D. Jarrett had one catch for 46 yards and was a nice one but that's about it.
Posted by: GQ1NYC | August 31, 2007 11:55 AM
Thanks for catching that Daniel. Apologies. We based the post on an incorrect Seattle Times blog post, i fixed. They started in a 3wr set.
Posted by: Gregg | August 31, 2007 12:18 PM
great job on the season review article gregg...
Posted by: matt | August 31, 2007 01:49 PM
"pre" season review
Posted by: matt | August 31, 2007 01:49 PM