The 2015 NFL preseason officially got underway over a week ago, but on Thursday night we enjoyed our first multi-game night of the year. Friday night turns right back around to deliver the very same entertaining lineup, albeit with a whole new slate of story-lines and position battles.
Last night was about Johnny Manziel and Ameer Abdullah, but why should fans tune in to watch preseason games on Friday night? Let’s break down the five things you’ll want to watch for:
Rookie Debuts
The Marcus Mariota era officially gets underway for the Tennessee Titans, who will put their franchise passer up against the Falcons in Atlanta on Friday night. Tennessee could go either way as far as playing time is concerned, as Mariota could definitely use the experience but the team also probably wants to protect it’s prized rookie. That being said, any amount of action will be good for the rookie as he transitions to an NFL system. The reports out of camp have been great, but getting it done in a real, live NFL game could be another story. How he fares may be the headline that dominates Friday night’s preseason action.
Amari Cooper, T.J. Yeldon and Vic Beasley are just three other huge rookie names that should grace the field on Friday night. Cooper has reportedly already looked like a veteran and is slated to be Oakland’s #1 target in the passing game, while Yeldon is set to be Jacksonville’s lead running back and Beasley hopes to ignite a lethargic Falcons’ pass rush. All three will be fun to watch in their first NFL games.
Nick Foles Debuts With Rams
Another debut goes down in Oakland, with Nick Foles taking his first live game snaps as a member of the Rams. St. Louis traded for Foles earlier this year to get some reliability under center, yet they still don’t know for sure if they got it. Foles could play up to a quarter as he and the offense try to get into a positive groove.
Broncos vs. Seahawks
A rematch of their Super Bowl clash of two seasons ago, we’re sure to see a lot of the key starters from both sides as they rev things up for another title run. Peyton Manning could sit, but either way we can expect to see a ton of backup quarterback Brock Osweiler, who could need a big preseason to put himself at the top of the list for when Manning ultimately retires. Denver will be trying to sort out their backup running back situation here, too, with the likes of Montee Ball, Juwan Thompson and Ronnie Hillman all trying to impress.
Bills QB Battle
Matt Cassel is supposedly in the lead to win Buffalo’s starting quarterback job, but as always, we know nothing until we see the games. He’s the most experience and reliable of Buffalo’s options, but he could still get a fight out of E.J. Manuel and/or Tyrod Taylor. All three should get a chance to prove themselves for the first time in a live setting tonight.
Steelers Offense Sounds Off
After sitting out of the Hall of Fame game, there’s a strong chance we get to see a good amount of Pittsburgh’s first team studs. Ben Roethlisberger should start this game and we should also get a look at Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant and possibly even start running back Le’Veon Bell. Pittsburgh had one of the more explosive offenses in the league last year and with all of these key pieces healthy, could vie for a spot atop the league in 2015.
Got a better reason to watch Friday night’s preseason games? Let us hear it in the comments below!
