Week 3 of the NFL preseason is here, which is generally viewed as the most important of the relatively unimportant preseason games. Only three games were played on Friday, but Saturday’s schedule kicks it into high gear with a total of 11 matchups. Injuries have been a major problem thus far in the preseason, leading to backlash from those who consider these games to be pointless. But plenty of starters will be out on the field, taking more snaps than they did during the first two weeks.
NFL preseason schedule 2015: Saturday is all about the quarterbacks
The quarterback competition in Buffalo continues while rookie Jameis Winston is hoping to get more acclimated to the NFL each week. Here’s what else to watch for during Saturday’s 11 preseason games.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Even during the preseason, the headliner is always the quarterback. There are multiple quarterback storylines to follow Saturday -- from the battle between EJ Manuel, Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor in Buffalo, to the Jets hoping that Ryan Fitzpatrick can still get things done while Geno Smith is out with a broken jaw. Rookie Bryce Petty is also worth watching behind Fitzpatrick.
There's also rookie quarterback Jameis Winston, the top pick in this year's draft. Winston finished his first game for the Buccaneers completing 9 of 19 passes for 131 yards and an interception. He was more accurate in his second game, connecting on 8 of 13 passes for 90 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Many eyes will be on him at home against the Browns to see if he can continue to improve.
But there's more to each game than the quarterback, and below, we have have something to watch for in all 11 games on Saturday. For full TV listings, visit 506sports (all times Eastern):
(Away: KMSP-FOX 9; Home: WKBW-ABC 7) -- 4 p.m.
Pittsburgh will be without center Maurkice Pouncey for an extended period of time in the regular season, and Cody Wallace should get a long look with the starters. For the Bills, all the focus will be on the quarterback battle. EJ Manuel will start against the Steelers, but the competition is still up in the air.
(Away: WUPA-CW 69; Home: WFOR-CBS 4) -- 7 p.m.
Ryan Tannehill and Matt Ryan have both looked excellent in limited preseason action, and both will get a chance to show their stuff a bit longer on Saturday. Roddy White, who underwent surgery earlier in the week, won't be there for Ryan, but the Falcons' running game is expected to get a boost with rookie Tevin Coleman set to make his debut.
(Away: WEWS-ABC 5; Home: WFLA-NBC 8) -- 7 p.m.
Unfortunately there will be no Johnny Manziel in this game, which is disappointing given how well he’s played -- and how much better than Josh McCown he’s looked -- thus far. For the Buccaneers, No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston will get his longest look yet. Winston has shown some good and some bad, and the Buccaneers want more than anything for him to protect the football and, obviously, stay healthy.
(Away: KMSP-FOX 9; Home: KTVT-CBS 11) -- 7 p.m.
The Cowboys will be hoping to see progress from their cornerbacks after they lost Orlando Scandrick for the season when he tore his ACL and MCL in practice on Tuesday. Morris Claiborne will get an opportunity to show he can replace Scandrick, as will Tyler Patmon. For Minnesota, rookie offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings will continue to fill in for Phil Loadholt and try to keep quarterback Teddy Bridgewater upright as the team looks to remain undefeated in the preseason.
New York Jets at New York Giants
(Away/Home: WNBC-NBC 4) -- 7 p.m.
Most importantly, the Jets are looking for consistency out of the quarterback position. Geno Smith is out, Ryan Fitzpatrick is in and rookie Bryce Petty will be trying to build on what was an improved Week 2. Petty didn’t do much in his debut but if he shows something in this game, he could be a factor in the regular season. The Giants, meanwhile, will aim to get their offense on track after two mediocre showings so far this preseason.
(Away: WFLD-FOX 32; Home: WKRC-CBS 12) -- 7:30 p.m.
The Bears are still trying to figure out their offense with injuries to wide receivers Kevin White, Alshon Jeffery and Marquess Wilson. The starting offense has yet to score a touchdown, while the Bengals' defense has been playing fairly well. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, its offense has also underperformed, with Andy Dalton struggling big time in second week of the preseason. He'll be looking to bounce back in extended action on Saturday.
Washington at Baltimore Ravens
(Away: WRC-NBC 4/CSN Mid-Atlantic; Home: WBAL-NBC 11/CSN Plus Mid-Atlantic) -- 7:30 p.m.
Robert Griffin III was originally cleared to play in this game following a concussion in Week 2, but the neurologist reversed his decision on Friday and Griffin will have to sit out. In fact, he could miss the rest of the preseason. That means Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy should split the reps on Saturday. The Ravens were one of the top pass-rushing teams in the league last season, but they haven’t done much through two preseason games. Thy have to like the matchup against Washington’s offensive line, though.
CBS -- 8 p.m.
Richard Sherman and Will Blackmon should be back, but the Seahawks will still be without several starters. Earl Thomas and Paul Richardson are out due to injury, while Kam Chancellor continues to hold out for a better contract. The Chargers will give Philip Rivers some reps fresh off his monstrous contract extension, and the Chargers will look to see more progress from Melvin Ingram, who had two sacks in limited action last time around.
(Away: WCAU-NBC 10; Home: WGBA-NBC 26) -- 8 p.m.
Chip Kelly's Eagles certainly are just that -- his team and his roster. He's molded the roster in his vision in a very short time. Thus far, that's looking like it's paid off as the Eagles' offense has been very productive through two preseason games. They still want to see as much of quarterback Sam Bradford as they can after trading for him in the offseason. Aaron Rodgers has been as good as advertised, and he'll likely play a couple of drives. Of particular interest for the Packers: the wide receiver position now that Jordy Nelson is lost for the season with a torn ACL.
(Away: WXIN-FOX 59; Home: KTVI-FOX 2) -- 8 p.m.
The Colts will surely be one of the AFC's elite teams this coming season, and despite an 0-2 record so far this preseason, they've looked solid. Andrew Luck will likely be out on the field more on Saturday. For the Rams, they're just happy that Nick Foles is actually playing football and is healthy -- now they need to see him improve, and avoid mistakes like the bad pick-six he threw in Week 2. St. Louis' starting offense hasn't looked like a cohesive unit through two preseason games.
(Away: KPIX-CBS 5; Home: KTVD-My 20) -- 9 p.m.
The 49ers can't catch a break this offseason and will now probably be starting Eli Harold and Corey Lemonier at both outside linebacker spots, as opposed to the pairing of Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks they came into the offseason with. The Broncos and 49ers have been participating in joint practices together and things have been very cordial -- we'll see if the intensity picks up for the actual game. Expect to see plenty of Peyton Manning and Colin Kaepernick.
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