Only one week remains in the preseason, giving head coaches around the NFL precious little time to make a decision on any tight positional races. Each team has one or two, with some battles being more important to the team’s success than others.
Matt Cassel named Vikings starter, Matt Schaub could lose out to Derek Carr
With the preseason winding down, position battles are at their zenith.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s take a glance at a few of the most intriguing in the league:
Cassel came into camp as a slight favorite over the rookie from Louisville, and now has secured the job, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. Cassel has been excellent in the preseason, including a nice night against his former employers, the Kansas City Chiefs, in which he threw for 152 yards with a touchdown and interception.
Bridgewater also showed up versus the Chiefs, throwing a pair of touchdowns on only seven passes. The week prior against the Cardinals, Bridgewater went for 177 yards and two more touchdowns on 16 of 20 pass attempts. Cassel was almost every bit as good, going 12 of 16 for 153 yards and a score.
This is a case of somebody losing the job more than a player winning it. Matt Schaub came into training camp with a massive edge over the rookie, but has played bad football throughout preseason. In the Raiders' third game on Friday, Schaub went 13-of-27 passing for only 110 yards.
Carr missed the game with a rib injury, but has shown potential in his previous two contests. Against the Detroit Lions, Carr completed 9 of 16 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown, leading the Raiders to a late victory.
Schaub might be further held back by tendinitis in his elbow, an injury that kept him out of Sunday’s practice, per Ian Rapoport.
Head coach Gus Bradley has been steadfast about starting the veteran Henne, but Bortles has put a litany of pressure on. Henne has been solid throughout the exhibition season, but Bortles has been borderline spectacular. The third overall pick in May’s draft enjoyed another great performance versus the Lions this week, hitting 10 of 17 attempts for 158 yards and a touchdown.
Henne appears to be holding on to his job, but it will not be long before the rookie steps to the fore. Despite all the Johnny Manziel media hype, Bortles has far and away been the best rookie signal caller.
Bills No. 2 receiver
The Buffalo Bills overhauled their receivers this offseason, drafting Sammy Watkins in the first round and acquiring Mike Williams via trade while shipping out veteran Stevie Johnson. Watkins is clearly the first option for EJ Manuel, but who is second?
Williams and second-year man Robert Woods seem to have the inside track. Williams caught three passes for 46 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers last week, while Woods had two catches for 39 yards.
Garoppolo, the Patriots' second-round pick, has played inspired football over the first three preseason games to earn a leg up on Mallett. In fact, Garoppolo will play most if not all of the fourth game, per Adam Schefter. Garoppolo was superb against the Carolina Panthers, completing 9 of 12 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. Mallett only threw three passes, hitting on two for 14 yards in the first quarter.
Mallett has been seeing decreased playing time every week after tossing 11 passes in Week 2 and 12 attempts in the preseason opener against Washington. Mallett was bad in that contest, only completing five throws for 55 yards. Mallett is also in the last year of his rookie deal, while Garoppolo is inked through 2017.
49ers inside linebacker
San Francisco is without inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who is still recovering from a torn ACL. With Bowman out, rookie Chris Borland and Michael Wilhoite are fighting for the starting job next to Patrick Willis. Over at Niners Nation, David Fucillo shares his opinion on the matter:
I still think Michael Wilhoite claims the starting ILB job, but Borland had his best performance of the preseason. He led the team with 7 tackles, and also secured a sack that saw him leap to make it. When he tackles, there is no doubting his purpose, as he is sort of like a missile going at the opponent. Even if he does not see a lot of ILB time this year, he should be a force on special teams.
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