Thursday night marked the unofficial start of the NFL season with six preseason games. Although the games don’t count in the standings, the players had the opportunity to leave an impression on their the NFL community.
Unlike the regular season, the top performers aren’t always those with the most yards or touchdowns. Often, the top preseason performers are the players that did the most with the limited amount of playing time they received.
Doing well in limited opportunities is what coaches want to see from their players with the obvious sample size caveat. Putting too much stock into these performances alone can be dangerous, but when combined with a prior record of some kind, early preseason performances can still be revealing.
Ameer Abdullah
Detroit Lions rookie running back Ameer Abdullah opened plenty of eyes Thursday night. Abdullah rumbled for 67 yards on seven carries, including a 45-yard scamper in the first quarter.
The Lions drafted Abdullah to replace Reggie Bush. On Thursday night, he looked like a significant upgrade and not just a replacement. Abdullah already fits the profile of a running back that is going to see extensive action during the regular season. Not only was he a second-round pick, but the he also deserves the hype train.
The Ameer Abdullah hype is warranted. Vision, quickness, strength and toughness…perfect fit for Lions offense too. — Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) August 14, 2015
Catching up on Ameer Abdullah highlights from earlier. Slashed just like he did in camp practices. The hype is real. — Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 14, 2015
New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles had the unpleasant task of trying to coach his defense to stop Abdullah Thursday night. Afterwards, he compared him to former Lions’ great Barry Sanders. “He looked like he did in college,” Bowles said, via Dom Cosentino of NJ.com. “He’s quick as a cat. He’s about as quick as Barry Sanders—I’m not saying he is Barry, but he’s a good running back.” That’s high praise.
La’el Collins His NFL career got off to a rocky start due to unfortunate timing, but La’el Collins found a soft landing with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. On Thursday night, Collins showed why he many regarded him as a first-round pick before his ex-girlfriend’s death the week of the draft. On a five-yard touchdown run by Gus Johnson in the second quarter, Collins cleared the way by blocking two defenders. Collins’ initial surge at the line cleared the running lane before he picked up a blitzing linebacker so Johnson could knife his way in for the score. Later in the game, Collins pancaked Chargers’ inside linebacker Chi Chi Ariguzo in impressive fashion.
Not sure who’s watching but what a great block by @70LaelCollins #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/FvK2qhBuCn — Deryk Gilmore (@DerykGilmore) August 14, 2015
Collins has already made the statement with his play that he shouldn’t be playing against undrafted free agents. It was an impressive first showing from the rookie, who could work his way into a job sooner than expected. Especially if the Cowboys have any injuries along the offensive line, as most teams do.
Jonas Gray
Despite what it seems like, the ongoing saga involving quarterback Tom Brady isn’t the only story to follow on the New England Patriots. In fact, there is quite a battle brewing at the running back position, where Jonas Gray is one of the players vying for an opportunity.
FOXBORO, MA – AUGUST 13: Jonas Gray #35 of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring a second quarter touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 13, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
As history has shown, the Patriots like to use the committee approach at running back. Gray stated his case for a slice of the pie Thursday night with 74 yards on seven carries, including a 55-yard touchdown run.
Gray reportedly slimmed down to get quicker at the second level and had no trouble outrunning the Packers on Thursday night. If he can build off his performance, he’ll see plenty of playing time as his teammates deal with suspensions and injuries.
Brandon Oliver
The San Diego Chargers love first-round pick Melvin Gordon, but had an uneventful debut Thursday night. Gordon rushed for just 11 yards on six carries.
One of his two primary backups, Brandon Oliver, was much more impressive. Oliver finished with 10 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown. On his 10-yard scoring run, he left defenders grasping for air.
It shouldn’t be too surprising as Oliver was the team’s primary running back at one point last year. He had seven starts in 2014, but averaged just 3.6 yards per carry on 160 attempts. Playing against backups is a lot easier.
What a hidden gem Brandon Oliver has been @Chargers #NFL — Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) August 14, 2015
The Chargers still expect big things from Gordon. The pecking order isn’t about to change in San Diego anytime soon, but Oliver is getting closer to cementing his spot on the roster. Fans can rest easy knowing that they have a solid backup should they need him.
Ryan Tannehill
The Miami Dolphins expended the resources this offseason to put players around quarterback Ryan Tannehill and make a run at winning the AFC East. After three years mired in mediocrity, the Dolphins had little choice. Time will tell if it was a wise move, but it like the right move Thursday night.
Tannehill himself still has something to prove, but he completed 6-of-7 passes against the Jets for 56 yards and a touchdown on his lone drive of the night. Tannehill looked as comfortable as ever in offensive coordinator Bill Lazor’s offense.
Tannehill had his best season in 2014 in Lazor’s offense, but still finished in the middle of the pack among NFL quarterbacks by most measurements. A sharp start to the preseason could be evidence that Tannehill still has room to progress.
