6 Things We Learned from Thursday's Preseason Games

NFL fans were "treated" to six preseason games on Thursday night, and although it was the first exhibition game for all of them besides the New Orleans Saints, our eyes were opened to a few interesting developments. 

We must be careful not to draw insane conclusions in Week 1 of the preseason, but a few noticeable individual efforts were turned in by some of the more hyped players in the league. 

An abundance of game plans still need to be installed and rosters need to be trimmed from 90 to 53, but there's nothing wrong with learning from live football action. 

Redskins vs. Bills: Robert Griffin III Was Poised in the Pocket

During the Redskins' 80-yard touchdown drive in the first quarter, Robert Griffin III looked as calm as he did against the porous Big 12 defenses he faced in college. 

None of his throws were of the spectacular variety, but he was poised inside the pocket and delivered two strikes down the field to Pierre Garcon. 

RG3 finished the evening 4-of-6 for 70 yards with a touchdown—the result of a shifty catch-and-run by Garcon on a bubble screen. 

There were no nervous tendencies from the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in his preseason debut. 

Ravens vs. Falcons: Julio Jones Is Physically Ready for Breakout Season

Julio Jones had a strong rookie season, accumulating 959 yards and eight touchdowns on 54 receptions. 

If the Falcons' first preseason game against the Ravens was any indication as to the type of season he's about to have, Falcons fans will be all smiles. 

He finished with six catches for 109 yards and a touchdown catch. 

Jones' immense physical talents were on display—he caught a fade for a touchdown by keeping his feet in-bounds, reeled in a long pass down the sideline and picked up good yards after the catch on a short pass from Matt Ryan. 

Saints vs. Patriots: Offensive Line Struggles for Both Clubs

Sound offensive line play is part of the reason Tom Brady and Drew Brees have flourished on their respective teams. 

In 2012, Brady's Patriots have to deal with the retirement of stonewall left tackle Matt Light, while the Saints still have Pro Bowler Jermon Bushrod to protect Brees' blind side. 

However, in their preseason matchup, neither Brady nor Brees' blindside protector seemed to be all that sharp.

The New England signal-caller took a shot from Will Smith after protection broke down and the defensive end beat Nate Solder to the outside. 

It was more of a coverage sack than anything, but Brady fumbled and got up slowly. It wasn't the usual well-structured pocket that No. 12 has grown accustomed to.

Meanwhile, rookie Chandler Jones drew two holding penalties on Bushrod and had a few quarterback pressures.

It will likely take time for both offensive lines to form cohesive units. 

Steelers vs. Eagles: Ben Roethlisberger May Have to Improvise a Lot in 2012

Mike Adams allowed 2.5 sacks in a dreadful nine plays for the Steelers, leading to two Big Ben fumbles.

Having said that, it was just one game, and it was Adams' first taste of NFL action. 

There's no need to worry—yet. 

The knee injury he suffered is a much bigger reason for concern. If Adams is shut down for the remainder of the preseason, he'll enter the regular season with one poor showing on his resume, which likely wasn't fabulous for his confidence. 

If Adams' injury is serious, and if he can't get more exhibition reps, there's a chance Ben Roethlisberger will be forced to have the most improvisational year of his career.

Packers vs. Chargers: Injuries to Starters Put Damper on Game

Philip Rivers looked in-sync and Aaron Rodgers didn't receive ample time in the pocket to operate his dynamic offense like he usually does, but the injuries outweighed any other storyline in this game. 

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews went down with a shoulder injury that turned out to be a broken clavicle on his only carry of the game. 

It's such an unfortunate injury for an undoubtedly talented player who's dealt with a rash of injuries dating back to his collegiate career at Fresno State. According to ESPN.com, he's said to be sidelined for four to six weeks. 

For the Packers, linebacker Desmond Bishop suffered a knee injury in limited action on Thursday. There's no report as to the severity of the injury, but head coach Mike McCarthy said it didn't look good (via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel):

"Desmond's injury didn't look very good. Hopefully, we'll get some good news as testing goes on. But talking to doctor (Patrick) McKenzie, it's up in the air."

Broncos vs. Bears: Peyton Manning's Back (Kind Of)

Peyton Manning looked the part of the old Peyton Manning on Thursday evening. 

He frequently adjustment alignments and offensive line protections prior to the snap, delivered the ball confidently down the field and had his trademark happy feet in the pocket. 

However, he was a little inaccurate on two of his passes, one of which was intercepted inside the red zone. 

His first completion of the night went to tight end Jacob Tamme, but the pass should have been picked off by an undercutting Geno Hayes. 

He overthrew Demaryius Thomas on a corner pylon throw, and fired another pass slightly behind Brandon Stokley. The ball was tipped by D.J. Moore and intercepted by Major Wright. 

Manning was far from horrible, but he does need the preseason to sharpen all the typically amazing facets of his game as a quarterback.