The Patriots steamrolled the Jaguars without Tom Brady, others – Brady, Chad Ochocinco, Wes Welker, Deion Branch, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Shane Vereen and Rob Gronkowskiall sat out of the first preseason game with either minor injuries or for the sake of caution. It didn't matter, of course, as the Patriots reserves dismantled the Jags 47-12, led by an impressive performance from third-round pick Stevan Ridley who rushed for 64 yards and two scores and added 47 receiving yards and another score. The ultimate takeaway from this game: if the Pats' reserves are this good, how scary will the first units be once everyone is on the field?
Philip Rivers and Michael Vick both looked very sharp – Both only had one drive, both completed most of their throws for over 70 yards apiece and scores. And both made beautiful long throws. Neither Rivers nor Vick showed any rust in their arms or their timing, and each should compete for the top spot in fantasy. And Vick did his damage without DeSean Jackson or Jeremy Maclin.
Jeremy Maclin went to St. Louis to visit a specialist for his unknown illness – This story is progressively getting scarier and scarier for Maclin. Hopefully, it will soon be determined what is causing his illness and he will be able to get back to 100|PERCENT| this season. Depending on the severity of the illness, however, it is very plausible the Eagles could be without Maclin for a large portion of, if not all, of the 2011 schedule. If that is the case, Riley Cooper could be in for a breakout year and both Jason Avant and Brent Celek could become very useful in fantasy play.
Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert appear locked into a committee – Tolbert got the first carries, but Mathews ran the ball slightly better. While neither got much action, it seems apparent that as of now, this is a 50-50 committee. In season, it would not be surprising for head coach Norv Turner to roll with the hot hand if one starts a game strong, but with both backs being talented, they could hold each other back from fantasy stardom. I, for one, believe that Mathews' upside will ultimately show through more and he will become a major impact fantasy performer. But for now, draft each as low-end No. 3 backs.
Tim Tebow played well, but Kyle Orton is still the guy – Tebow looked fairly impressive against the second-string Dallas defense, completing six of seven for 91 yards. Nevertheless, Orton is still the number one, and it seems clear coming out of Denver that there is no quarterback controversy. If anything, Tebow is only fighting for the No. 2 job, which may still be up in the air with Brady Quinn also performing well.
Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald will be good together – They only connected on two of four tries, but this pairing looks like it could be off to a happy marriage. Kolb clearly trusts Fitzgerald, as was evident in their first hook-up, when he basically just heaved one out there in Fitz's direction and let him come down with a pretty catch for a 43-yard gain. It's early though and it's the preseason, so conventional wisdom would say to temper enthusiasm. But fantasy leagues aren't won by conventional wisdom, so take this as a sign that Fitzgerald is worthy of a high pick, starting anywhere in round two.
Jerricho Cotchery signed a one-year deal with the Steelers – Cotchery will compete with Antonio Brown to start the season as the team's No. 3 receiver. His experience gives him an edge but Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, who is currently out with foot issues, are talented slot guys with good upside. This signing benefits Ben Roethlisberger the most, as Cotchery's presence makes the Steelers receiving corps much deeper.
David Gettis' MRI revealed a torn ACL – Gettis, who was hurt in practice Wednesday, will miss the entire season after tearing his ACL. The promising young wideout appeared in line to be the No. 2 opposite Steve Smith in Carolina, so this is major loss for the Panthers offense and in particular their inexperienced quarterbacks, Cam Newton and Jimmy Clausen. The loss does open up more competition for the spot, which should be led by free agent addition Legedu Naanee and second-year receiver Brandon LaFell. Neither has strong fantasy upside though with the likelihood that Carolina's QB play will be weak.