Preseason Week Three: Dynasty Reaction

Week three is done, and so are my reaction pieces. Week four doesn’t usually show us anything of significance, so unless something unexpected happens, this will probably be the last piece in the series.

I’ll try to do quick hits for as many players as possible. Below is what stood out, both good and bad, from my perspective. Please feel free to add a player I didn’t mention to the comments, or even argue something I’ve talked about.

To keep it short enough, I’m primarily focusing on higher-profile players who need to be talked about. Chris Godwin looked great, but he’s already someone everyone is buying so there is nothing to gain by mentioning him.

Preston Williams, WR MIA

Williams looked great for the third week in a row. He beat the Jaguars’ sensational defensive backs on a number of plays, but his quarterback couldn’t throw him the ball. This might carry into the season, but Williams has the makings of a stud.

Kalen Ballage, RB MIA

He looked slow. I think he’s a good interior runner, but I doubt his ability to bounce it outside. A one-dimensional back is an easy player to defend against. I mentioned this in a previous article. Sell now.

Nick Foles, QB JAC

He looked decent. He had a bad pass for a pick, but that’s bound to happen with a new offense. I’m buying shares since they are cheap.

Leonard Fournette, RB JAC

He had one amazing run. It won’t make highlight reels, but it showed off his vision and he looked blazing fast. He braced for impact and was willing to go to the ground. This promotes longevity. If you were wary of Fournette before, this gave us a hint that he might be back to his freshman form from two seasons ago.

I wouldn’t normally mention somebody of Fournette’s caliber, but I think it’s worth noting that there have been several rumors and plenty of examples to suggest that he may make the jump from ‘starter’ to ‘stud’ this season. He’s trimmed down and using his brain more than brawn. I hope it translates into the regular season.

Daniel Jones, QB NYG

He was pretty good. He progressed through his reads and kept his feet moving in the pocket. To the Giants’ credit, the play calling was safe and effective, but Jones still performed as well as he should have.

JJ Arcega-Whiteside WR PHI

… is underrated. Forget the stat sheet, I was looking for flaws. Some plays were purposely set up to give him success, but he had one play that appeared to be a deep seam or post route. He stopped his large frame and turned to the sideline on a dime to make a first down catch. I was in awe. Is this the best rookie wide receiver in the draft? He’s in contention.

Jakobi Meyers, WR NE

Meyers did it again. He isn’t playing with the first string and played into the third quarter, suggesting that he’ll be a work in progress. He hasn’t reached his peak and may not this season. Strong hold.

Derrius Guice, RB WAS

Guice looked big, fast, strong, and decisive. It’s important to remember that he’s probably getting a lot of great advice from Adrian Peterson, and some of that came out in this game. Check out this awesome run.

TJ Hockenson, TE DET

He has looked great all preseason. Most rookie tight ends are invisible for a year or two before they become relevant. Hockenson may start producing TE1 numbers right away.

Kerryon Johnson, RB DET

Johnson has some obstacles to overcome. The first thing is that center Frank Ragnow had an injury so severe he didn’t put any weight on it and was carted off the field. The second obstacle is fellow RB CJ Anderson, who has looked great all preseason. The Anderson run below was simply outstanding. PS — It appears I love a good stiff arm run to the outside.

The Cardinals Offense

They looked much improved. QB Kyler Murray was hitting targets, his WRs were making catches, and RB David Johnson was resembling his old self at times. The best part was the offensive line, which seemed to have fixed issues that showed over the last two weeks. There doesn’t seem to be a standout number one WR though.

Charcandrick West, RB IND

West is intriguing. I think he’s the main backup to Mack at this time, and given Mack’s up-and-down history with injuries, I think West is a worthy add in deeper leagues. If I owned Mack on a playoff contender, I’d make sure to get West as my backup.

Damarea Crockett, RB HOU

He received the bulk of the immediate carries after Lamar Miller went down. He looked good running the ball, but his pass protection needed work. He’s not a lock to be the next man up, but there’s nothing to lose by picking him up either. For what it’s worth, Karan Higdon received most of the late-game carries, if all you did was look at the stat sheet.

Deon Cain, WR IND

Cain was the top target for the Colts yet again. His release off the line is sharp, as are his routes, and his catches look fluid. Yes, this team has a shakeup at quarterback right now, but they still need to throw the ball for the next ten years, and Cain might be a big part of that.

James Washington, WR PIT

He did it again. He simply ran his route and Ben Roethlisberger put it on a great spot, but the catch was made for yet another touchdown grab in the preseason. This entire Steelers offense looked amazing, to be honest. I’d be happy with even one piece of it. Washington might be your cheapest bet.