The NFL preseason continues on Friday with five games, including appearances by Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Blake Bortles and Cam Newton. If that's not enough, the defending Super Bowl champions are also back in action, along with new coach Jim Caldwell in Detroit.
2014 NFL preseason, Friday’s schedule: Blake Bortles, Tom Brady and Cam Newton see action
Some of the top quarterbacks in football share the stage on Friday, including an underrated rookie in Jacksonville.
Jonathan Daniel
Here’s Friday’s docket:
7:30 p.m. ET (Home: WXYZ 7, Away: WJXT 4)
If head coach Gus Bradley made the right choices in the offseason in terms of upgrading the quarterback position and the defense, then perhaps Jacksonville will go farther than expected this year. Much of that could depend on rookie Blake Bortles. The Jags drafted Bortles with the third overall pick and he’s looked sharp in the first two preseason games. However, starter Chad Henne hasn’t looked bad either, playing behind a work-in-progress offensive line and an inexperienced wide receiver corps.
Detroit lost six games last season by four points or fewer, replaced head coach Jim Schwartz with Jim Caldwell, then added receiver Golden Tate off of the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. The Lions' biggest concern is the secondary, which they failed to address in the offseason. The corners are still a real question mark with Darius Slay and Rashean Mathis getting most of the playing time.
7:30 p.m. ET (Home/Away: CBS 2 NY)
The Snoopy Bowl is always a good time, and should continue to be with two playoff hopefuls squaring off. The Jets committed seven personal fouls against the Bengals last week, a trend they are undoubtedly looking to curtail. Rex Ryan has to be watching his cornerbacks closely, as he is without the self-proclaimed "best corner in football" Dee Milliner, who is recovering from an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, the Giants are trying to get acclimated to their new offense under offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. Eli Manning looked flat-out brutal against the Colts, going 1-of-7 passing for 6 yards. Manning is relying on his running backs to help shoulder the load this season and might be in luck with the tandem of Andre Williams and Rashad Jennings. Also keep an eye on the tight end competition, which currently is as wide open as any in the NFL.
7:30 p.m. ET (Home: WBZ 4, Away: WCCB)
Carolina will get a second look at Cam Newton, who is coming off of ankle surgery, this preseason. Newton was uneven against the Chiefs last Sunday, completing only 4 of 9 pass attempts with a dropped interception by Derrick Johnson and a surefire touchdown overthrown. Newton is still working to gain timing with a plethora of new receivers, including first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin, Jason Avant and Jerricho Cotchery.
New England continues to tune up with Tom Brady hitting the field, followed by Ryan Mallett and Jimmy Garoppolo. The backup quarterback position is one of the hottest battles in Patriots camp, with Garoppolo perhaps taking the lead following a two-touchdown performance against the Eagles. Bill Belichick would also like to see a better game from running back Stevan Ridley, who fumbled last week, albeit after being ruled down. Ridley fumbled four times last year and found himself in Belichick's doghouse.
8 p.m. ET (National: CBS, Home: WFRV, Away: KPIX 5)
Oakland will get a long look at Matt Schaub with Derek Carr recovering from bruised ribs and a concussion. Schaub was acquired via free agency this offseason and is expected to be a sizable upgrade over Matt McGloin and Terrelle Pryor. However, Schaub and his receivers have struggled so far. Rookie linebacker Khalil Mack is also working to become a factor on a young defense which figures to get better as the season progresses.
Green Bay has looked sharp in the preseason, led by an improved offensive line. Facing a stellar Rams front last week, the Packers were able to protect Aaron Rodgers without incident, leading to a 21-7 victory. Defensively, coach Mike McCarthy and company are expecting a nice contribution from Julius Peppers. Peppers will be a 3-4 outside linebacker for the first time in his career, paired with Clay Matthews.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
10 p.m. ET (National: NFL Network, Home: KCPQ 13, Away: WFLD 32)
The Bears have all the ingredients for a potent offense, but major issues plague the other side of the ball. Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are arguably the best receiving duo in the league and have great complements in Matt Forte and Jay Cutler. Unfortunately, the defense has been ugly in the preseason. First-round pick Kyle Fuller left last Thursday's game after an ankle injury on the opening kickoff, although he's expected to make a quick recovery. The rest of his teammates struggled badly against the Jaguars, allowing 13 first-quarter points.
Consequently, the Seahawks were dominant versus the Chargers. Seattle raced out to a 24-0 lead with its starters in, pounding San Diego from all angles. Philip Rivers only threw for 20 yards and looked genuinely frustrated, while the Seahawks racked up 260 first-half yards. One area to watch is the secondary, as the Seahawks continue to play without the rehabbing Kam Chancellor and the departed Walter Thurmond Jr. and Brandon Browner.
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