Tim Tebow and More: Observations From Week One of the NFL Preseason

As the end approaches for week one of the 2010 NFL preseason, it is time to reflect on what we have learned thus far before the first game at the New Meadowlands Stadium tonight.

-It looks like Tom Brady has made a full recovery from his torn ACL and MCL two years ago. He was able to step into some throws and show a confidence he didn't exhibit at certain points last year.

-The Saints starters showed that they might continue their start slow, finish strong mentality in 2010. New Orleans started with two consecutive three-and-outs, but capped a 20-play third drive with a two-yard touchdown run by Reggie Bush.

-Much has been made of the Cowboys offensive woes, but the Dallas defensive starters have been absolutely spectacular in their first two preseason games, hardly allowing the Bengals and Raiders to even gain a first down.

-Until the Raiders can figure out how to protect him and run the ball consistently, Jason Campbell won't be able to be the quarterback everyone in Oakland is saying he can be.

-Anquan Boldin's impact in Baltimore will be more than the catches he makes. On multiple times Thursday night, Boldin attracted double teams which freed up coverage on Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton, which allowed them to make multiple plays.

-While it is only preseason and it came against the Baltimore second unit, the Panthers might have found the replacement for Julius Peppers in Greg Hardy, a rookie who registered five tackles and two sacks last Thursday.

-Chris Cooley, who has always been a dependable tight end, could have a really big year with Donovan McNabb as quarterback. Cooley had three catches for 33 yards in limited action Friday night.

-The Bills will likely be picking first in next year's draft. The Bills lost two of the three running backs in a crowded backfield for the remainder of the preseason, and while it is good for the development of rookie C.J. Spiller, the Bills have no insurance if he is to go down. Buffalo also has yet to find a solid option at quarterback.

-The three quarterbacks in Philadelphia have shown the NFL, that from this game, the Eagles made the right move in trading Donovan McNabb. All three quarterbacks, Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick, and rookie Mike Kafka, had solid performances.

-Luke McCown looked impressive, picking apart the Eagles second unit on defense. If he continues this type of performance throughout the preseason and David Garrard struggles at the beginning of the season, perhaps Jags fans (don't worry, they do exist) could be chanting for an upheaval at the quarterback position.

-The Chiefs have to protect Matt Cassel better if they ever want to return from their losing ways in Kansas City. Cassel was sacked twice and lost a fumble once despite only attempting eight passes on the night.

-Atlanta has the potential to unseat the Saints at the top of the NFC South this year, but, as we saw with many teams last year, inconsistent kicking could really hurt the young Falcons. Combined, both kickers for Atlanta went two for four. Fifty percent doesn't cut it at kicking in the NFL.

-The Dolphins defense will likely be much improved this year due to the addition of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. The Dolphins, who didn't force many turnovers last year, caused seven fumbles (ok, part of that is due to the monsoon) and an interception.

-Josh Freeman will greatly improve in his first full year as the starter in Tampa. He was excellent on Saturday night, going four for four for 53 yards and a touchdown.

-If the rest of the preseason plays out like it did Saturday, Steeler fans will be calling for Dennis Dixon to supplant Byron Leftwhich in Big Ben's absence. Leftwich was ineffective, while Dixon played fantastic in the Steelers opener.

-Ndamukong Suh had his first game since the Holiday Bowl, but unlike the dominant force he was in college, Suh was held in check by the Steelers and did not register a tackle in his first NFL appearance.

-Aaron Rodgers looked even better than advertised. He went 12-13 for 159 yards and a touchdown in limited action against the Browns on Saturday night. He could be one of the top three quarterbacks in the league by season's end.

-Similarly, new quarterback Jake Delhomme was fantastic in his Cleveland debut, going six of seven for 66 yards, and he led the Browns to a touchdown on his only series.

-Star Texans defensive end Mario Williams didn't look like he was having any trouble with his hip, sacking Matt Leinart twice on Saturday.

-John Skelton, the big quarterback with lots of attributes to like from Fordham, directed two late touchdown drives, albeit against reserves, to give the Cardinals the win Saturday night. Skelton is a very interesting developmental prospect to watch over the next couple of years.

-The Vikings might have the wrong guy backing up Brett Favre (if and when he returns) with Tavaris Jackson. Sage Rosenfels, who was solid in relief of Matt Schaub while he was in Houston, was spectacular in Minnesota's first preseason game, going 23 of 34 for 310 yards and three touchdowns.

-I'm not as concerned about the Rams protection of Sam Bradford as most. When Stephen Jackson returns, the Rams will have much more balance on offense (St. Louis only had 33 rushing yards against the Vikings) and it will help the offensive line.

-Ryan Matthews showed that he definitely has the ability to replace LT in San Diego. Matthews had nine carries for 50 yards in the Chargers win over the Bears.

-Phillip Rivers can be successful throwing to anyone, can't he? Very impressive performance by the Chargers quarterback.

-Jay Cutler was very limited, but effective against the Chargers. He was two for two for 47 yards, including a beatiful completion down the sideline to second-year man Johnny Knox which reminded us why the Bears gave up an arm and a leg to get Cutler.

-You've got to feel for Titans running back Stafon Johnson. Only months after nearly dying after dropping a loaded bar on his neck, he returned to the football field only to suffer another traumatic injury.

-Charlie Whitehurst showed everyone in Seattle why much was made when the Seahawks traded for the man that Matt Hasselbeck's kids say looks like Jesus. Whitehurst was 14 of 22 for 214 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick.

-Curtis Painter reminded everyone why Peyton Manning is the player that any team can least afford to lose in the NFL. Painter was 9 of 19 with three interceptions. As it has been since he entered the league, Manning must stay healthy for the Colts to be competitive.

-Wow, doesn't look like Glen Coffee's retirement will have any impact on the 49ers whatsoever. The man who replaced him, rookie Anthony Dixon, ran for 100 yards on 21 carries as the 49ers beat the Colts.

-Tim Tebow looked good at points in his NFL debut against the Bengals, but at some points he reverted to the old wind-up that scared so many teams away from drafting him. However, Tebow played well enough to likely win the backup job from Brady Quinn, who was atrocious last night.

-Tebow got all the headlines, but Carson Palmer redeemed himself from an ineffective Hall of Fame game against the Cowboys on Sunday, going 12 of 15 for over 100 yards against the Broncos.

-Likewise, Kyle Orton's performance was overshadowed by Tebow's opening act, but the Broncos starting quarterback had a great night, going 8 of 13 for 84 yards and two touchdowns. 

-With all but one game in the books, the first week of the NFL preseason was great for some, and terrible for others. Tonight, the brash Jets take on the under-the-radar Giants in the very first game at the New Meadowlands Stadium. The main thing to watch for tonight is to see how the Jet defense fares without their best player, Darelle Revis.

-On a final note, don't get too worried about these games, because very little carries over into the regular season. Just pay attention to the subtle players that make an impact, because they could blossom into Pro Bowlers by season's end.