The second week of the preseason continued with four games on Saturday. There was plenty of action to pay attention to, so let’s get to what you might have missed.
NFL preseason 2013, Week 2: What we learned on Saturday night
There was plenty of action in the preseason on Saturday. Here’s what we learned from the six games.
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Arizona Cardinals defeat Dallas Cowboys, 12-7
This game was certainly ... well it was something. Jay Feely had a good day for the Cardinals, converting on four of his five field goal attempts for all of Arizona's scoring. The Cowboys managed a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, a five-yard strike to rookie tight end Gavin Escobar from quarterback Alex Tanney. But that's about all that happened.
Tony Romo played well enough in his limited time. He completed 7 of 10 passes for 142 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Kyle Orton struggled in relief, completing just four passes with two interceptions. Arizona starter Carson Palmer completed 7 of 15 passes for 66 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Cincinnati Bengals defeat Tennessee Titans, 27-19
The Bengals handled the Titans on the back of a strong running game. Running backs Dan Herron and Giovani Bernard combined for 92 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Herron carried the ball only four times, but had a long of 40 yards and finished with 55. Andy Dalton looked good in limited time, completing 9 of 14 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
Ryan Fitzpatrick out-played Jake Locker again, completing 9 of 13 passes with a pair of touchdowns. Locker completed 12 of his 20 pass attempts, and didn't have any touchdowns or interceptions.
New York Jets defeat Jacksonville Jaguars, 37-13
Blaine Gabbert came out and played well for the Jaguars, completing 13 of 16 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he suffered a sprained thumb and left the game (the severity of his injury is not yet known). It got bad for the Jaguars from there.
Mark Sanchez played alright, but the Jets put up 176 yards total on the ground, while Kahlil Bell carried the ball 10 times for 27 yards with a pair o touchdowns. Jacksonville, meanwhile, only managed 98 rushing yards for the game. Sanchez completed 13 of 23 passes for 169 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Green Bay Packers defeat St. Louis Rams, 19-7
This was a boring game, but it gave the Packers a chance to see their kickers, at least. Mason Crosby is battling Giorgio Tavecchio, and the two both had a chance to make field goal attempts. Crosby was a perfect 3-for-3, while Tavecchio missed one of his two attempts.
Starting quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Aaron Rodgers played well. Rodgers completed 10 of 12 passes for 134 yards, while Bradford completed 8 of 12 passes for 155 yards. Neither had a touchdown or an interception. Packers rookie running back Eddie Lacy got in on the action finally, rushing eight times for 40 yards.
Houston Texans defeat Miami Dolphins, 24-17
This game wasn’t quite as close as the score would indicate. Both starting quarterbacks played well, as Miami’s Ryan Tannehill completed 10 of 15 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown, while Houston’s Matt Schaub completed 8 of 11 for 92 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
But once Tannehill gave way to his backup, Matt Moore, things got ugly. Moore completed just 3 of 11 passes for 15 yards, and Aaron Corp only managed 2 of 4 for 23 yards. Houston ended up passing for 303 yards and three touchdowns altogether, while Miami managed just 127 passing yards and one touchdown.
Seattle Seahawks defeat Denver Broncos, 40-10
Pete Carroll didn't get the memo that this was the preseason, maybe? Seattle's starters put their foot on the gas and didn't let up until the half. Russell Wilson picked up right where he left off, throwing for 127 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Second-year receiver Jermaine Kearse picked up some of the slack in Percy Harvin's absence. He caught a 12-yard touchdown from Wilson and returned a kick 107 yards for another touchdown. Spencer Ware was Seattle's best running back; Robert Turbin looked a little slow footed. Marshawn Lynch saw just two carries before his night was over. Seattle's starting defense did what it did last year too, forcing three turnovers in the first half, including a fumble returned 106 yards for a touchdown.
Peyton Manning was Peyton Manning. He connected with his newest receiver, Wes Welker, for a first quarter touchdown. Ronnie Hillman got the start at running back, but he fumbled the ball twice, including a critical goal-line fumble. Rookie Montee Ball missed a critical pass block that allowed Manning to get hit. The running back race in Denver is alive and well.
Most concerning for the Broncos were the injuries to key players. Welker suffered a right ankle sprain on the touchdown. The severity of the injury was unknown. Cornerback Champ Bailey hurt his left foot, leaving the game with a boot and a pair of crutches. Reports said the X-rays were negative, and he's due for more tests. RIght guard Louis Vasquez hurt his knee in the second quarter and did not return to the game. Denver has already lost its starting and backup center.
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