NFL Preseason Week 1: What to Watch for in Saturday's Action

Finally, professional football has come back to Los Angeles, and fans are excited to watch their Rams—even in a preseason contest. 

Usually apathy surrounds these scrimmages but not in the City of Angels. With football back for the first time in nearly 22 years, the Rams organization expects massive crowds for its preseason home games. According to the Los Angeles Times' Sam Farmer, the club made several thousand extra seats available, and the stadium could be close to its capacity of 91,000 when the Rams face the Dallas Cowboys. 

At some point, onlookers should expect a rousing rendition of "Ram It" being sung by a raucous crowd. Or not. Flash mobs, be prepared anyhow. 

The Rams' return to Los Angeles highlights Saturday's docket, but three other contests will get underway before the sun sets on the West Coast. 

Andrew Luck, Tony Romo and Marcus Mariota all could return to action after suffering season-ending injuries, but their appearances will be short-lived—if they appear at all. Instead, NFL fans will be treated to plenty of Scott Tolzien, Dak Prescott and Alex Tanney.

Expectations should be tempered, because a team's projected starters usually only play the first quarter. It's more about building depth and giving the bottom half of the roster an opportunity to make a good first impression.

Even so, football is back, and many NFL fans will enjoy it in any capacity—especially in Los Angeles. 

Seattle Seahawks' RB Rotation

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Thomas Rawls

To paraphrase basketball coach Rick Pitino: Marshawn Lynch isn't walking through that door. The Seahawks running backs are young, exciting, hardworking and they're going to improve. 

First, the group must get on the field and face real competition. 

Second-year runner Thomas Rawls is expected to start after finishing second among rookies in rushing yardage last season while spelling an injured Lynch. But the Central Michigan product has been on the PUP list for most of training camp as he continues to recover from last year's fractured ankle. Rawls returned to the practice field Tuesday, per the team's official Twitter feed.  

He will split responsibilities with veteran Christine Michael and rookie Alex Collins, but Lynch's presence still looms large due to the tone he set during his time with the organization. Rawls said expectations remain the same, though, per John Boyle of the team's official site:  

"

The expectation is for the position, so it doesn’t matter if Thomas Rawls is back there, it doesn’t matter if Christine Michael is back there, it doesn’t matter if these other guys are back there. It doesn’t matter. When you’re in that backfield, you’ve got to be a Seattle Seahawk. So whenever you’re back there, you’re relentless, you’re tough, you play with a passion. It’s something so deep inside you, you’ve got to feel like you’re the catalyst of this team when you’re in the backfield to uphold the tradition, and that’s something we’re going to do.

"

It's something these backs might do during the regular season, but the rotation won't be at full strength Saturday. Rawls, Collins, C.J. Prosise and Zac Brooks continue to nurse injuries. As such, the coaching staff experimented by switching George Farmer from the defensive side of the ball to running back. 

"I’m anxious to see how he fits," head coach Pete Carroll said, per Boyle. "George is a fantastic athlete. He’s done a lot. He’s been a receiver and running back in college and all through his days, played DB and all that back in the past. So he’s done everything."

It's up to one of these young options to fill the void after Lynch's retirement—whether it's Rawls, Michael, Collins, Prosise, Brooks or even Farmer.

Nick Foles Already in the Chiefs' QB Mix

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Nick Foles has only been a member of the Kansas City Chiefs for 10 days, yet he'll enter Saturday's contest as the team's second-string quarterback. 

"We'll let Nick [Foles] take the 'twos' initially and see what he’s comfortable with," head coach Andy Reid said, per B.J. Kissel of the team's official site. "We know Tyler [Bray] can take over if he’s needed at that point."

This is somewhat surprising considering it's been four years since Foles played in Reid's system as a rookie and won't have in-depth knowledge of the playbook. 

"I would say about half of it is where he is comfortable,” Reid said. "He just recently stepped in. We have about 403 pass plays, so I don't expect him to have every one of those down."

Furthermore, the quarterbacks on the roster before Foles' acquisition have been knocked down a peg. It's a young group, too. Aaron Murray, a former-fifth round pick, is the oldest at 25, but he's only in his third year. Former undrafted free agent Tyler Bray is 24 years old and entering his fourth season. And the organization just spent another fifth-round pick on Stanford's Kevin Hogan during this year's NFL draft. 

Foles isn't an old hand, either, at a ripe 27. The difference is his experience. Teams should always be looking to upgrade their roster when an opportunity presents itself. Foles has already started 35 games in four seasons, while the other young guns on the roster haven't attempted a single regular-season pass. 

Meanwhile, Alex Smith is 32 years old, and he has an injury history. In fact, the former No. 1 overall pick has started a full slate of games only three times during his 11-year career. Foles immediately became an extra insurance policy.  

"I just want to get him more reps with this [second] group,” Reid said, per the Kansas City Star's Terez A. Paylor. "We have full confidence with Tyler Bray, but he already has experience with this group. We want to get Nick some of those reps as well."

Colts RG Too Good to Be True

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Denzelle Good

The Indianapolis Colts' concerns at right guard appear to be addressed before taking a single preseason snap. Second-year blocker Denzelle Good has established himself as the front-runner for the starting position, while veteran Hugh Thornton continues to deal with a lingering injury. 

"Really, with Ryan [Kelly] inside, the biggest question mark was at right guard, in my mind and everybody else’s mind and probably in your guys’ opinion," head coach Chuck Pagano said, per the Indianapolis Star's Zak Keefer. "We put those two guys there [Good and Thornton] and we will give them equal opportunity to earn the job with equal reps with the ones and twos and let this thing shake out."

Thornton started 12 games last year, but his experience doesn't provide much of an edge when he can't get on the field. According to the Anderson Herald Bulletin's George Bremer, the guard won't play Saturday against the Buffalo Bills due to an ankle injury. 

Opportunity arises from another player's misfortune. While this isn't exactly Wally Pipp giving way to Lou Gehrig, a strong effort from Good could be more than enough to usurp Thornton for the starting spot. 

The Mars Hill product displays the physical talent necessary to excel. 

"I think Denzelle Good could play about any spot he wants," general manager Ryan Grigson said at the owners' meetings. "He blocked people in ways that you don’t typically see a rookie, let alone anyone, block—in terms of finishing, raw power and athleticism."

It now comes down to said talent being displayed against opponents. If it does Saturday, this competition might be over before it even started. 

Reggie Ragland's Replacement

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Brandon Spikes

Preseason injuries are the worst. No one wants to see a player get hurt before he has an opportunity to prove himself in the regular season. This applies even more so to rookies. 

Unfortunately, the Buffalo Bills lost this year's second-round pick, Reggie Ragland—a projected starter at inside linebacker—to an ACL injury before the team's first preseason contest. As a result, the Alabama product will miss his entire rookie season, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

Ragland's injury is another major blow after the organization's first-round pick, Shaq Lawson, required shoulder surgery and won't be back until October. 

As a result, the Bills coaching staff must adjust its linebacker corps. Thus, a position that appeared to be addressed with Ragland and Preston Brown is now wide open with multiple veterans competing for a starting spot. 

Zach Brown is the front-runner to start next to Preston Brown. Assistant head coach Rob Ryan described what the North Carolina product brings to the defense.

"He’s got a unique skill set. He’s an excellent cover guy, he’s also been a very effective rusher in the National Football League. So we’re excited about him. He’s doing the little things. This is a unique defense and we’re excited about him and what he can bring to us."

Two days after Ragland's injury, the organization signed two capable and experienced linebackers in Brandon Spikes and David Hawthorne. Spikes and Hawthorne aren't as athletic as Ragland, but they'll both bring a physical presence. 

"[Hawthorne is] nicknamed 'The Heat' because he brings the heat," Ryan mentioned. "He's always been a thumper, which is a prerequisite for this defense to play linebacker. I think he's done great."

Third-year linebacker Randell Johnson is also in the mix. Head coach Rex Ryan said of Johnson: "He’s been impressive as well."

For all four, more is on the line than a starting spot in the preseason. They're not even guaranteed roster spots. Each must play his way into being an invaluable piece to this year's puzzle. 

Dorial Green-Beckham's Development as Titans' WR1

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For Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota to reach his full potential, the weapons around the young signal-caller must perform at a consistent level. This is especially true for Dorial Green-Beckham. 

The former second overall pick didn't build a much-needed symbiotic relationship with his wide receivers during his first season. Green-Beckham is the most talented, but he only caught 32 passes. 

More is expected of the last year's second-round pick, but he hasn't been consistent during training camp. Head coach Mike Mularkey already questioned the young receiver's effort, per the Tennessean's Adam Vingan.

"Nobody wants to please and do good for this team more than he does. And I know that. He's just got to find a way to come out every day and make the plays that are called his way. That's got to be every day. It's just not been that way."

Physically, few receivers stack up with Green-Beckham. He's a massive target at 6'5" and 237 pounds with 4.49-second 40-yard-dash speed.

But natural talent only goes so far. The 23-year-old needs to mature as a professional, and his head coach publicly said so, per ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky.

"That's spending extra time when nobody is watching. That's doing things when nobody is watching. That's in the classroom. I think it's just putting the work in without being directed by anybody. Doing it yourself."

A solid effort against the San Diego Chargers is the starting point. One good day can turn into another. The receiver can then string together multiple good performances and start developing into the player Tennessee envisioned when it used the 40th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft on the talented target. 

Derek Watt's Importance to Chargers Offense

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Fullbacks aren't sexy, but when your last name is Watt you tend to garner attention. 

Derek Watt can't possibly live up to the standard set by his brother, J.J., but the back could prove to be invaluable in the San Diego Chargers offense. 

He hasn't disappointed, either. Fellow back Branden Oliver has been impressed with the rookie sixth-round pick, per Ricky Henne of the Chargers' official site. 

"

Derek came in strong. He picked up the offense so fast. Out of all the young guys on this roster, I feel he picked up the playbook the fastest.  He is very athletic.  He can run routes on the outside (and) at the same time, he is physical and intense.  His mindset is to go get the job done regardless of the situation.  I like that about him; I’m a fan.  He is making my job easier.  I like running with him at fullback.

"

Watt's importance to the offense is twofold. 

First, the fullback reunites with college teammate Melvin Gordon. Last year's first-round pick disappointed. With Watt leading the way again, Gordon may be more comfortable. 

Second, Watt is more than a lead blocker. He caught 15 passes last year in the Wisconsin Badgers system, and Chargers head coach Mike McCoy likes what he's seen of the fullback outside of his traditional duties: 

"

He's shown some good versatility whether it’s in pass protection, catching the ball or running routes.  The staff has done a good job putting some things together in two-back.  We have a system in place that has been here, and no matter who you have doing it, you want flexibility.  He has shown he can do all of those things for us.

"

This type of flexibility will allow Watt to be a big part of the offense—even if he's only a part-time performer. 

Cowboys' DE Situation

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David Irving

Everyone wants to see Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott take the field, but the team's most pressing issue lies at defensive end. 

Due to the failed Greg Hardy experiment and Randy Gregory's pending 10-game suspension, the Cowboys are left with one proven starter, and DeMarcus Lawrence is entering his second season in said role. 

For Rod Marinelli's defense to be fully effective, the scheme requires ample pass rush from its front four. Lawrence registered eight sacks last year, but the organization needs to find a legitimate bookend, particularly with Lawrence also facing a suspension for the first four games of the season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

David Irving gets the first opportunity to secure the role. When the Cowboys released their initial preseason depth chart, the Iowa State product was listed as a starter at right defensive end. However, Lawrence continues to see more time on the right side, according to the Dallas Morning News' Brandon George. Ultimately, Irving projects to the left side. 

Last season, the 22-year-old defender primarily played inside and didn't serve as an edge-rusher. He's quickly adjusting to his new role, though. 

"It was the first extensive action that we have seen from Irving working with the first defense in these practices, and throughout the practice, he took full advantage of the opportunity," Bryan Broaddus of the team's official site wrote. 

Fourth-round rookie Charles Tapper is also expected to play a big part in the defensive end rotation, but his status for Saturday's game remains in question. Tapper is dealing with a sore lower back, according to George. 

Tapper is athletic and proved to be consistent throughout his collegiate career. He'll be forced into a prominent role once he's fully healthy. 

Mike McAdoo is another young defensive end who impressed during training camp, per Clarence Hill Jr. of the Dallas Morning News. The former undrafted free agent took a circuitous route to the NFL, but he's received reps with the first team along the way. 

It's still a wide-open competition with multiple young and/or unproven defensive ends vying for playing time. 

No. 1 Overall Pick's First Action for the Rams

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Jared Goff is the face of the Los Angeles Rams 2.0 even though he's yet to be named the team's starting quarterback. 

There's no pressure, though. Everyone knows this year's No. 1 overall pick will eventually become the starter. Right now, his transition to the pro game trumps useless preseason depth charts.

Besides, Goff received first-team reps earlier this week. 

"That's part of the process," head coach Jeff Fisher told reporters Tuesday, per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. "As I mentioned, he’s getting walk-through reps with the ones. This is one of the first or second times he’s gotten live reps with the ones, but that will increase."

As the coaching staff continues to build Goff's confidence, he isn't worried about his status for Saturday's first preseason contest against the Dallas Cowboys. 

"I'll go in whenever they tell me to go in and go out wherever they tell me to go out," Goff said, per the Associated Press' Dan Greenspan. "I don't think that is up to me." 

Even if Goff isn't named the Rams' starting quarterback in the near future, the experience he gains during preseason will be invaluable. On Aug. 5, NFL Network's Bucky Brooks proclaimed: "To my surprise, Goff isn't anywhere close to being ready to play as a starting quarterback at this stage of training camp."

Becoming an NFL starter is a big transition for any young quarterback, but Goff continues to deal with some of the most basic problems, such as leading a huddle, relaying NFL verbiage, mastering the playbook and being a leader on the field. 

What's important is seeing continued growth from Goff before the sun sets on this year's preseason schedule.