Preseason Week One: Dynasty Reaction
Last week I wrote an article that highlighted some key components I was looking forward to seeing in week one of the preseason. I also asked you for input as to what you would be looking for.
Below is the review of everything we wanted to see, plus some extra tidbits thrown in.
Darrell Henderson, RB LAR
Not great stats. His offensive line didn’t really give him a chance to do much, but that was also one of my critiques about him. If the play breaks down, he lacks the ability to turn it into positive yards. He’s a hard runner who’s best utilized outside. I’m weary.
Preston Williams, WR MIA
Came away looking like a stud. Four catches, 97 yards, albeit it all came in the second quarter of play with Josh Rosen. If Williams finds himself catching passes from Ryan Fitzpatrick in the first quarter next week, all owners should be even more excited than they already are.
Miles Sanders, RB PHI
Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders shared carries in the first quarter. Sanders only carried the ball three times for three yards and then he was benched. Right now it looks like Sanders is 1B to Howard’s 1A.
Devin Singletary, RB BUF
His stats aren’t impressive, but he had a few touches that were. Check out the gif below and watch that second carry closely. His ability to find a lane on a play that was blown up by the Colts defense on third down is spectacular.
https://i.imgur.com/a2sLx2o.gifv
HOUSTON TEXANS RBS
Duke Johnson will see time next week, but until then, it was actually Taiwan Jones who was the backup to Lamar Miller, followed up by Damarea Crockett in the second, and then Karan Higdon in the third quarter. Josh Ferguson didn’t any time until the fourth quarter, so it’s fair to say that right now he’s looking like the odd man out.
DK Metcalf, WR SEA
Four targets, one catch, eight yards. Again, this doesn’t tell the whole story as he easily had a step on his defenders for two deep passes. I hope to see more next week.
THE ENTIRE ARIZONA CARDINALS OFFENSE
Quarterback Kyler Murray looked great, the offense looked decisive and quick, no other offensive player really stood out. Murray might be one to spread the ball around, so good luck picking the best pass catcher week to week.
Derrius Guice, RB WAS
He didn’t play at all, so perhaps the Redskins already like what they see so much that they didn’t need to see him yet. Hope to see him next week.
Ronald Jones, RB TB
Looked absolutely dreadful. Missed a key block on a passing play that almost killed Jameis Winston. He didn’t just miss the block — it was a complete whiff. Then he took a beautifully designed off-tackle run, and instead of running inside, he tried to bump it outside where there appeared to be more running room. Being creative gave him zero extra yards. Had he taken it inside like he should have, that would have been an extra three or four yards minimum. No improvement over last season. Peyton Barber was the better back and it wasn’t close.
Rashaad Penny, RB SEA
Didn’t look good on the ground. Six carries for 15 yards, but one spectacular catch and run salvaged the day. Looks to be the same old RB from last season. Penny could be so much better in a different offense.
Darwin Thompson, RB KC
Has great vision and burst. Little guy can run and he’s hard to bring down. I think everyone in the KC backfield looked good, to be honest, but Thompson gets extra praise for his great-looking carries.
*****
Below are user submissions given in the comments section of last week’s article.
Miles Boykin, WR BAL (via Travis Billiter)
He had four catches for 39 yards — on nine targets. He had a couple dropped passes. Not a great start.
Josh Rosen, QB MIA (via Fireman Ed)
He had backups catching passes and a shaky offensive line, but he looked impressive anyway. Not enough take over the starting role from Fitzpatrick, but enough to quiet the doubters.
Terry McLaurin, WR WAS (via Paul Arnette)
This is probably the most glaring player for the first week of the preseason for me. He played the first snap of the game, recorded zero catches for zero yards, and then was not seen from again. This means the coaching staff knows what they have and don’t want to reveal too much. Go grab him if you still can.
N’Keal Harry, WR NE (via Michael Johnson)
He played early in the first quarter and had two good catches on two targets, including a very impressive back-shoulder pass down the left sideline. Looked great in limited action.
Dallas Goedert, TE PHI (via Gregory Massa)
He looked phenomenal in limited action. I think we’ll have to wait and see more the next few weeks with Zach Ertz in the lineup to get an idea of just how he’ll be used.
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