NFL Preseason Week 3: Takeaways from Friday Night's Action

Friday night brought us two more games of NFL preseason Week 3 action. 

The Seattle Seahawks traveled to play the Green Bay Packers in the early game while the Oakland Raiders hosted the Chicago Bears in the capper. Neither game was especially pretty to watch, but there was still plenty to learn about all four teams.

Here are some takeaways from Friday night's action.

Green Bay's Defense Should Be Much Improved

For the past few seasons the Green Bay Packers' defense has relied on outside linebacker Clay Matthews and cornerback/safety Charles Woodson to lead the team. Even though Woodson is now a member of the Oakland Raiders, this defense still looks like it'll be much improved. 

The Packers were able to get consistent pressure on quarterback Russell Wilson throughout the first half, recording two sacks. They also managed to intercept Wilson two times; once by cornerback Casey Hayward and the other by safety Jerron McMillian.

With the ability to consistently pressure the quarterback and create turnovers, the Packers should have a much improved defense from the 2012 season.

Don't Sleep on Christine Michael

Despite currently being the No. 3 running back on the depth chart, don't be surprised if rookie Christine Michael ends up having a huge impact for the Seattle Seahawks this year.

He played exceptionally well on Friday night against an inspired Green Bay Packers' defense. Michael broke a run for 43 yards and a touchdown in the third quarter to give Seattle a 10-3 lead. Later in the fourth quarter he had a spectacular one-handed reception out of the backfield for a huge gain.

Michael finished the game with 12 total touches for 122 yards and a touchdown. His big-play ability was evident nearly every time he touched the ball. He may be the third running back right now, but it won't be long until Michael is seeing more and more carries for the Seahawks. 

The Packers' Offensive Line Still Needs Work

Even though the Seattle Seahawks didn't record a sack in the first half, the Green Bay Packers' offensive line still struggled. 

With David Bakhtiari and Don Barclay starting at offensive tackle, the Seahawks were able to get consistent pressure on Green Bay's quarterbacks. Neither Aaron Rodgers nor Graham Harrell ever had enough time or a clean pocket when dropping back for passes.

The Packers also struggled at opening up holes in the ground game. Running backs Eddie Lacy, DuJuan Harris and Johnathan Franklin combined 15 carries for an extremely disappointing -2 yards. 

While keeping Rodgers and Harrell upright was definitely good, it's extremely clear that the offensive line still has plenty of room to improve. 

Seattle Will Once Again Boast a Phenomenal Defense

Sure, the Green Bay Packers took quarterback Aaron Rodgers out early in the first quarter, but the Seattle Seahawks still looked extremely dominant on the defensive side of the ball.

The Packers had difficulties moving the ball on a consistent basis throughout the game, save one drive led by quarterback Vince Young. Seattle's defense is filled with playmakers and some of the best players in the league at their respective positions.

However, what really makes this defense so dominant is the fact that the Seahawks are so deep at every position on that side of the football. Their second-string defenders are just as good as some team's first-team defenders.

Look for Seattle to once again boast one of the premier defenses in the NFL this season.

Vince Young Is Still Capable of Making Exciting Plays

If there is one thing that can still be said about quarterback Vince Young, it's that he is still an exciting player to watch.

Young entered the game halfway through the third quarter and instantly made an impact with an impressive 21-yard scramble. It looked like vintage Young with the way he got outside the pocket and picked up a huge chunk of yardage on the ground.

Of course, he followed that big play with a terrible decision on a pass that was almost intercepted. He eventually led Green Bay down the field for a game-tying touchdown in the third quarter proving that he may have some value in this league. 

Young finished the game with 41 passing yards, 39 rushing yards and a passing touchdown. He's nowhere near the player that he used to be, but he still has the ability to provide exciting plays.

Matt Forte Is in for a Huge Season in Chicago

When the Chicago Bears hired new head coach Marc Trestman, everyone expected quarterback Jay Cutler to benefit the most.

However, it appears that running back Matt Forte will actually be the player who is the biggest beneficiary of Trestman's hire. Forte dominated the Oakland Raiders from the start of the game.

Despite only having six carries on the night, Forte managed to gain 76 yards on the ground. He also added two receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown.

All in all, it was a fantastic performance from Forte who looks poised for a huge season this year.

Matt Flynn Will Be Hurting After Every Game

Even though Matt Flynn was only sacked once this week, it was easy to see that he'll be facing a ton of pressure this year as the Oakland Raiders' starting quarterback.

The Chicago Bears had little difficulty getting into the backfield and collapsing the pocket around Flynn. With left tackle Jared Veldheer expected to miss part of the regular season, it isn't going to be easy for Flynn to stay up on his feet.

Look for him to have a legitimate chance of breaking the all-time record for sacks in a regular season (currently held by David Carr with 76 times sacked in one season) this year.

It Could Be a Breakout Year for Alshon Jeffery

The Chicago Bears already have one of the premier wide receivers in the league in Brandon Marshall. It's definitely possible that by the end of the 2013 season they could have one of the best receiving duos in the league.

Second-year receiver Alshon Jeffery was an absolute beast this week against the Oakland Raiders. He was targeted eight times and finished the game with seven receptions for 77 yards.

There have been times this preseason when quarterback Jay Cutler has honed in on only Marshall, so seeing him get the ball into Jeffery's hands was a nice change of pace. However, seeing Jeffery have such a dominating performance was even more refreshing. 

Look for Jeffery to enjoy a breakout season in his second year with the Bears.

The Raiders Are the Worst Team in the NFL

The Oakland Raiders are the worst team in the NFL and it isn't even close. 

Not. Even. Close.

The Raiders found themselves down by 21 points within the first 20 minutes of the game. Quarterback Matt Flynn threw two interceptions in the first half and the lack of playmakers on both sides of the ball is disheartening.

It's going to be a long, long season in Oakland this year.