NFL Preseason 2012: Concerns That Emerged in Week 1 Action

Preseason means nothing.

But struggles that occur in the 2012 NFL preseason could turn into problems when it really matters. Here are the three greatest concerns that emerged from the first exhibition week of the year.

3. Buffalo Bills’ Passing Game

None of the Bills’ trio of quarterbacks played well against the Washington Redskins. Ryan Fitzpatrick exited the game with a passer rating of 56.0 and Vince Young had one of 54.2. With question marks surrounding their receivers heading into the season, it would’ve been nice to see a bit more production.

Buffalo should be fine, but if it struggles again against the lowly Minnesota Vikings secondary in Week 2, then fans should begin to get nervous.

2. St. Louis Rams Defense

Everyone was so quick to rave about Andrew Luck’s performance on Sunday that they didn’t even make an effort to take a moment of silence for the Rams defense.

Luck threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns in his first NFL action. A rookie shouldn’t do that to your secondary—especially one that’s supposed to be notably improved.

In the end, St. Louis got rocked for 38 points. And if the Indianapolis Colts can pull that off, you got to wonder what the Rams are in store for next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

1. San Diego Chargers’ Running Game

Ryan Mathews broke his collarbone on his first carry of the year. ESPN originally reported that he’d be out four to six weeks, but Michael Gehlken of the U-T San Diego tweeted that Mathews believes otherwise.

"

Ryan Mathews says he thinks he'll be back for season opener. Will do cardio as right shoulder heals. "My legs aren't broken."

— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) August 13, 2012"

With Mike Tolbert in a Carolina Panthers uniform and Ronnie Brown washed up, San Diego desperately needs Mathews back for the start of the season. But even if he does recover in time, it’s brutal to see a back known for being injury prone go down already.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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