NFL Preseason 2012: Breaking Down Tonight's Biggest Storylines

In the relatively meaningless showcase that is the NFL preseason, Week 3 has by far the most meaning for teams going forward.

It's in these contests that coaches focus on getting a semblance of rhythm down on both sides of the ball, usually playing starters through the first half to get vital reps.

Barring injury, the guys you see starting this weekend will likely be the ones you see Week 1, and the mostly vanilla plays of the preseason will be substituted for some scheme implementation.

This fact makes Friday the most important night of the preseason for the 12 teams on tap to take the field tonight.

With a bevy of NFL action on slate, here's a look at the biggest storylines of Friday's preseason games.

Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns (7:30 p.m. EDT)

How Long Will Philly's Starters Play?

With Michael Vick out until the regular-season opener with a rib injury, the true form of the Eagles offense will remain a mystery to the Browns until the two teams face off on Sept. 9. 

Instead of Vick, head coach Andy Reid will trot out a healthy diet of rookie Nick Foles and veteran Trent Edwards.

With the first-team signal-caller out of the game, it's just not completely known how much time either backup quarterback will get with the team's top skill position players. 

Reuben Frank of CSN Philly reported that Reid said that starters were likely to play about a quarter Friday night while Foles takes care of the first half. 

But "about a quarter" could mean just one or two series. It's wholly possible that Reid stretches that timetable if he doesn't like the offensive flow or wants to see what Edwards can do with the starters. The third preseason game is usually one where coaches let things fly, so it's not out of the realm of possibilities.

It's just not advisable. With running back LeSean McCoy and wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin all notorious for playing with nagging injuries, Reid should probably (and will) keep his explosive stars safe on the sidelines.

Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins (7:30 p.m. EDT)

Can Ryan Tannehill Survive Against Tough Falcons Secondary?

The Tannehill era in Miami got off to a bit of a rough start in the Dolphins' second preseason game. The rookie quarterback struggled against the Carolina Panthers, going just 11-of-23 for 100 yards.

The young quarterback especially struggled against the Panthers' voracious pass rush, going down for a sack three times in his one half of play.

Atlanta won't be coming after Tannehill as hard Friday night, but the team's high-priced secondary may just lead to some coverage sacks.

In cornerbacks Asante Samuel, Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes, the Falcons have about $19 million in cap space tied up at the outside defensively. That trio could frustrate even top-level quarterbacks, let alone a rookie making his second preseason start.

If Tannehill struggles again against Atlanta and Matt Moore improves his play, it's wholly possible that head coach Joe Philbin pumps the brakes on throwing the No. 8 pick to the wolves in Week 1.

New England Patriots at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7:30 p.m. EDT)

How Will Josh Freeman Look in Extended Action?

Though some across the nation are worried about how much rest Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is getting this season, the true questions lie with the Buccaneers' signal-caller.

Brady is a 35-year-old veteran who's headed to the Hall of Fame.

Freeman is 24 and is coming off a season where he threw just 16 touchdowns against 22 interceptions, at times looking like a rookie instead of a 2010 Pro Bowl alternate.

So far this preseason, it's been a mixed bag for first-year head coach Greg Schiano's quarterback.

After looking just dandy in a 4-of-5 opening-game performance against the Miami Dolphins, Freeman became totally lost last week versus the Tennessee Titans. Though he avoided turning the ball over, the Tampa quarterback threw for just 2.1 yards per attempt against Tennessee, totaling 21 yards while going 4-for-10 through the air.

With Freeman likely seeing extended action, it's imperative that he plays at a more consistent level.

The Patriots ranked 31st last season in passing yards allowed, so it's not exactly like Freeman will be facing a bastion of defensive efficiency. He'll need to come out with a strong performance tonight to help subdue the lingering questions about his ability.

San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings (8 p.m. EDT)

Can the Chargers Get Through a Game Healthy?

This preseason has been nothing short of a catastrophe so far for head coach Norv Turner and his San Diego offense.

First-string running back Ryan Mathews went down in the preseason opener with a broken collarbone, all but usurping any notion that he would become a 20-carry-a-game back this season. He'll likely miss at least the first two games of the regular season.

Not to be outdone, top receiver Vincent Brown, who was supposed to step in for the departed Vincent Jackson, broke his ankle against the Dallas Cowboys in the Chargers' second game and should miss around a third of the regular season.

This all means a huge uphill battle heading into the regular season for quarterback Philip Rivers.

After throwing a career-high 20 interceptions and fumbling the ball away five times in 2011, the 30-year-old signal caller will have more difficulties this season if he cannot find reliable weapons.

But considering the way this preseason has gone so far, Rivers should simply be happy if everyone walks out of Minnesota in one piece.

Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs (8 p.m. EDT)

How Will Russell Wilson Fare in His First NFL Start?

Throughout his 23 years on this planet, Russell Wilson being a team's starting quarterback has been an unadulterated success.

At North Carolina State, he took a lowly program and brought it to semi-prominence on his shoulders before transferring to Wisconsin and becoming the NCAA's most efficient passer as a senior.

Through two preseason games as a pro, Wilson has been nothing short of spectacular. Outplaying high-profile free-agent signing Matt Flynn in each contest, Wilson has gone 22-of-33 (66.7 percent) for 279 yards and three touchdowns so far this preseason.

With Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll unafraid to roll with the hot hand, Wilson will get his first chance at NFL starter glory tonight against the Chiefs.

How he plays in this contest will likely determine Seattle's Week 1 starter.

If Wilson goes out and plays well, he'll start. Flynn has shown nothing of substance so far working with the starters anyway.

But if Wilson struggles, it's likely that Carroll will revert to starting Flynn, both to justify his contract and avoid any unnecessary early pressure on his rookie quarterback.

Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants (8 p.m. EDT)

Can Bears Secondary Handle Giants' Deep Threats?

Another season, another bevy full of questions for the Bears secondary.

The Bears struggled mightily against the pass in 2011, giving up an average of 254.1 yards per game—good for 28th in the NFL.

If Chicago hopes to compete for a playoff spot in the ultra competitive NFC North, those numbers will have to vastly improve. 

Unfortunately, the Bears didn't do all that much in the offseason to fix the secondary issues and will mostly rely on incumbents to improve on their performance from last season. Cornerback Tim Jennings has had a nice offseason and looks to have improved just about as much as a 28-year-old can.

Simply put, though, the defense hasn't looked good so far this preseason.

The Bears have given up more than 30 points against both opponents so far and made Washington Redskins fourth-round rookie quarterback Kirk Cousins look like an All-Pro last week.

Head coach Lovie Smith will need a solid performance in extended time from his defense tonight. If his secondary can at least slow down the Giants' brilliant receiving corps, it will prove the Bears' secondary problems are one of depth instead of talent.

If not, it could wind up being a long season in the Windy City.