Hello football enthusiasts! As we approach the middle of the work week, the Wednesday edition of the Pick Six newsletter brings the exciting anticipation of the final week of the NFL preseason.
Tomorrow heralds the start of this critical period with a doubleheader featuring the Indianapolis Colts taking on the Cincinnati Bengals and the Chicago Bears facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs. This four-day stretch will be pivotal for players and coaches alike as they make final roster decisions ahead of the regular season kickoff. Each of the 32 NFL teams must trim down their squad from 90 players, intensifying the fight for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Roster Decisions and Key Players
The roster reduction is a tense time where careers are made or broken. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers are faced with difficult choices, boasting a loaded defensive front featuring veterans like Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Montravius Adams, and Dean Lowry. This veteran presence provides stability and expertise, but young talents will be eager to make their mark and secure a spot.
The New York Giants’ wide receiver corps is another area to watch, filled with talents such as Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Darius Slayton, Miles Boykin, Allen Robinson II, and Isaiah McKenzie. The competition here is fierce, and these final preseason games are the last chance for these players to showcase their skills.
Preseason Playing Time
Some teams might opt to rest their starters to avoid potential injuries before the regular season begins. For example, in the Philadelphia Eagles’ camp, A.J. Brown has nearly reached 1,500 yards in consecutive seasons, and DeVonta Smith is known for his reliability in jump-ball situations and making tough catches. Both players are crucial to the Eagles' plans and might see limited action this week.
Similarly, the Miami Dolphins, boasting one of the league's most dynamic receiving duos in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, could also look to preserve the health of their star players.
Noteworthy Incidents
In non-roster-related news, the Dallas Cowboys experienced a hotel fire at their training camp in Oxnard, California. Fortunately, the Oxnard Fire Department contained the situation with no reported injuries. The Cowboys will conclude their preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, looking to put the distraction behind them and focus on finalizing their lineup.
Quarterback Controversies
The New England Patriots are facing significant decisions regarding rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick. While Maye has shown flashes of his potential, he has also struggled in specific scenarios. Balancing the development of a young, promising quarterback with the team's immediate needs is a delicate task. Veteran Jacoby Brissett, who is on his second stint with the team, adds another layer of complexity to the Patriots' decision-making process.
Coaching Dynamics
Meanwhile, an intriguing subplot in the NFL landscape revolves around Brian Flores, the current defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. Recently, former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa labeled Flores a "terrible person." Addressing the accusation, Flores said, “There’s nothing more important than practice.” He later reflected on the personal impact of such comments, stating, “Look, I'm human. So that hit me in a way that wasn’t... positive for me. But at the same time, I've got to use that and say, ‘Hey, how can I grow from that?’... Do I feel like that's me? No. But how can I grow from that situation and create a world where that's not the case that anyone says that about Brian Flores?”
As the NFL preseason draws to a close, teams and players are keenly aware that these final games are more than just formalities—they’re critical auditions for the regular season. With so much at stake, the upcoming matchups promise to deliver an intense and captivating display of football.