Packers vs. Bengals: Underrated Playmakers to Watch in Preseason Battle

While the superstars are not going to play a big role in preseason games, there are a lot of big things to watch for as we build up to the regular season. The Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of questions they have to figure out before the games start counting. 

Teams are looking to find depth at this time of year. With plenty of jobs to be won, the smallest little thing is going to put one player over the top in the race for a roster spot. 

So with the Packers and Bengals looking to fill out their rosters and/or potential starting jobs, here are the players to watch in Thursday's preseason battle. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Justin Hilton, WR

Everything on the outside starts with A.J. Green for the Bengals. The second-year stud figures to take a big step forward this season, though he is going to need some help so teams don't just line up to stop him. 

Hilton is a bit undersized at only 190 pounds, but he has good size, hands and is an underrated route-runner. 

As an undrafted free agent, Hilton could turn into a very good bargain for the Bengals. He has the skills to be a solid NFL receiver. He just needs to prove that he can handle the physical and mental grind of the game. 

Vontaze Burfict, LB

I have no idea why, but I still hold out hope that Burfict can turn into an NFL linebacker. More specifically, I think he can be a starting linebacker. 

We all know that he rarely shows the motivation to be that kind of player, but the raw talent is still there. His fall in the 2012 NFL draft could either be a wake-up call or the end of any hope Burfict figures it out. 

Now is the time to figure out just what Burfict can offer the Bengals in his rookie season. A game against the Packers, even in preseason, could go a long way toward solidifying a roster spot. 

Green Bay Packers

Alex Green, RB

Sure, the Packers just signed Cedric Benson, but you can forgive me if I don't see him as being the answer to all their running back questions. 

James Starks was supposed to be the primary back after his dominant playoff run two years ago, but was never really able to handle a full-time role last season. Plus, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that his inability to stay on the field could cost him a job altogether. 

Green has an excellent running-back frame, at 6' and 225 pounds who is coming off major knee surgery.

According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Green could see significant time on Thursday night to see how his knee holds up and if he has what it takes to handle a bigger role on the team. 

Sam Shields, CB

Shields was a pleasant surprise in 2011, intercepting four passes and adding 45 tackles. The biggest problem for the Packers last season, even with Shields, was in the secondary. 

Their offense was so good that opposing teams had no choice but to throw the ball, but for them to give up almost 300 yards per game is laughable for a team that had championship aspirations. 

Someone has to step up to play alongside Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams. Shields would appear to have the inside track on the job. He just has to give the team a reason to believe it. 

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