The NFL returns for week two of the 2015 preseason on Thursday night, as fans get two games to watch. The Cleveland Browns will host the Buffalo Bills for all eyes to see on ESPN, while the Washington Redskins will welcome the Detroit Lions to town.
With star players usually resting or playing very little in the first preseason game, fans can bank on position battles heating up and some of their favorite players staying on the field just a little bit longer. There are only two games, but there’s plenty of reason to tune in – especially for the nationally televised game. Let’s break down the top things you’ll want to check out on Thursday night and custom football jersey:
Robert Griffin III and Redskins Passing Game
RG3 had a sure touchdown slip through Pierre Garcon’s fingers in week one of preseason play, so it’s possible he’s inching closer to getting his swagger back. He’s going to need to show up during preseason at some point if that’s going to be the case, but all signs in camps have thus far pointed to steady progress within the offense. Fans want to see results right in front of their eyes, though, so how Robert Griffin III and Washington’s passing game fares on Thursday night will be fun to track.
We can stretch this out to the tight end position, specifically. With Niles Paul done for the year, Jordan Reed (hamstring) will finally hit the field and play healthy. Behind him, it will be important to note what the backup tight ends can show and whether or not any are worth keeping around. The Redskins certainly could use the depth.
Johnny Manziel’s Progress
Johnny Football has his nose in the playbook and seems to really be getting in his second year in the league. He’s not a stud just yet, but we’ve seen him improve in camp and a scrimmage, and then last week he looked to be much more sure of himself and even added a nice touchdown run. Manziel should continue to improve and Thursday night is an excellent test for him, as he’ll go up against the mind of Rex Ryan in front of the nation. Perhaps he’s been serving his best stuff for when he’ll be on ESPN? Who knows, but it will surely be worth checking out.
More Ameer Abdullah, Please
Ameer Abdullah certainly didn’t disappoint last week when he put up 67 rushing yards on just seven carries, so we should all be on the edge of our seats to see what the rookie rusher will do next. Abdullah is a very elusive and explosive running back and while the Redskins are a stiff test for him on the road, he should be able to do enough to prove he deserves Detroit’s starting running back job. Joique Bell could also return to the field, and if he does we’ll have this backfield sorted out sooner, rather than later.
Megatron Debut
We can’t be sure yet just who will suit up for the first team units, but fans will be holding out hope that Calvin Johnson can make his preseason debut. Megatron will be the top name to watch if he does make it out there against the Redskins, and it could be worth it for Detroit’s first team offense. Golden Tate hauled in a touchdown from Matthew Stafford last week, so maybe it will be Johnson’s turn in week two.
Rex Ryan vs. Mike Pettine
Defensive minds go at it on Thursday, and there’s also a bit of a reunion as Pettine takes on his former teacher. The Bills and Browns both figure to boast strong defenses, while Pettine in general used to coach with Buffalo, so this is a “double” reunion. A small rivalry could be born here, while Ryan’s bid to make Cleveland’s starting offense look awful on national television could take the cake all by itself.
Got another reason to watch Thursday Night Football this week? Tell us in the comments below!
