NFL Preseason Schedule 2012: Young QBs Who Will Get Wake-Up Calls

We've already seen some promising play by first-year signal-callers this year, albeit in the preseason.

Andrew Luck impressed the world last week against the St. Louis Rams, showing everyone why he was the No. 1 overall pick. 

But will Luck hit a snag against a formidable, tough defense this week in the preseason?

Here's a look at some rookie quarterbacks I see getting a wake-up call in exhibition play, complete with the viewing schedule.

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers: Sunday, August 19 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC

You heard me right, folks: Andrew Luck will get a wake-up call this week in the preseason.

Luck may have shown great promise against the St. Louis Rams in his preseason debut (throwing for 188 yards and two touchdowns), but the Rams are not the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Luck, in just his second game against NFL competition, is sure to be pressured by the Steelers at Heinz Field on Sunday. Pittsburgh conceded a league-best 14.2 points per game last season and allowed opposing quarterbacks to collectively complete just 54.5 percent of their passes (fifth-best mark in the league). 

Every rookie goes through some growing pains, and Luck will have plenty of knowledge to soak up against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

Jarrett Lee, San Diego Chargers

Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers: Saturday, August 18 at 9 p.m. ET on NFL Network

Jarrett Lee was undrafted this year, but he still managed to pass for 235 yards and a touchdown last week against the Green Bay Packers.

But Lee certainly needs to improve his skills in the pros and he showed questionable decision-making with his interception against the Packers.

There's also the fact that he faces the Dallas Cowboys, who have made it a point to correct their pass defense this season. They forced two interceptions from Raiders quarterbacks last week.

They also racked up 42 sacks last season and Lee was sacked against the Packers. Lee should see a lot of pressure coming his way on Saturday.

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos: Saturday, August 18 at 9 p.m. ET on KUSA-TV or NFL.com

Russell Wilson is trying to prove everyone wrong who passed him up in the draft. Despite a tremendous college career, Wilson was selected in the third round by the Seahawks.

Against the Tennessee Titans last week, Wilson went 12-of-16 for 124 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown.

But Wilson will be facing a hungry Denver Broncos squad on Saturday. The Broncos, who improved on defense last season courtesy of some young promising players, picked off a pass and collected six sacks against the Chicago Bears last week. Wilson will see plenty of pressure as the Broncos gear up for a run at the AFC West title and beyond this season.

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