Monday Morning Takeaway: Preseason Week 1 (Cont.) Aug 13, 2012 | More
More articles from Eric Hartvigson

New York Jets 6, Cincinnati 17

Jets

The Jets offense was hard to watch, and even harder to write about.   The blocking performance from the offensive line was awful in both the pass and run game as starting quarterback Mark Sanchez was unable to generate consistent production.  

Shonn Greene continued his usual plodding style picking up a meager 11 yards on five carries. I was hoping so badly for Bilal Powell or Joe McKnight to jump off the screen and take over the Jets backfield. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

The highlight of the night for the Jets was two longer runs by Tim Tebow, immediately followed by a terrible interception. Even more goofy was watching Tebow run down on punt coverage.  

I’m not sure any Jets player is worthy of drafting.  

Bengals

Bengals' quarterback Andy Dalton picked up right where he left in 2011 with solid decision making, accepting what the defense allowed him, while managing his team on long sustained drives. Dalton made it a point to include both AJ Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham. Overall a decent outing for the Bengals' passing game.

As expected, BenJarvis Green-Ellis started in the Bengals' backfield. More of a straight line runner, the Law Firm displayed his usual powerful running style with soft hands while excelling in pass blocking. As one of the league’s few 3-down running backs, the Law Firm is deserving of upper RB2 value garnering early 4^th round consideration.

The lowlight for the Bengals were numerous injuries including; starting left guard Travelle Warton, defensive end Carlos Dunlap and middle linebacker Rey Maualuga.

Miami 7, Tampa Bay 20

Dolphins

David Garrard will be lost for the preseason after undergoing a surgical procedure on his troublesome knee. Stepping in as the Miami starting quarterback was Matt Moore. In my humble opinion Moore is the Rodney Dangerfield of football, brimming with talent, but having played for terrible football teams under constant turmoil. Moore didn’t let me down opening the game with two solid drives while delivering the football with velocity and accuracy. Moore carries zero fantasy value due to a lack of team talent at the wide receiver position.  

After going 14-for-21 with 167 yards and one touchdown, rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill has gained rave reviews in the media postgame reports. Although impressive for a rookie performance, Tannehill’s production didn’t begin until late in the 3^rd quarter against the Bucs 3^rd string defense. Don’t be confused by the statistics as Moore remains the better quarterback.

Reggie Bush continued where he left off last season as a dynamic runner showing tremendous agility and surprising toughness. Bush only played one series and was quickly pulled from the game to avoid any unnecessary injury. Daniel Thomas replaced Bush, but was relatively ineffective. Bush remains a solid pick with an ADP in the late 3^rd round.

Tight end Anthony Fasano caught the first pass on both the Fins opening two drives. Playing inside the famed west coast offense Fasano should remain on our “watch list” in the coming weeks.

Chad Johnson’s lone target was a badly dropped ball that would have converted a crucial 3^rd down. UPDATE; Johnson has been released by the Dolphins after an altercation with his wife. Johnson’s NFL career could be coming to a close.

Buccaneers

The biggest question we’ve been asking ourselves all offseason is, “Who will start at running back for the Bucs?” LeGarrette Blount opened the game in the backfield running hard while gaining tough yardage including a few longer runs. The Bucs even lined up Blount on the outside as a wide receiver for a bubble screen (and they said he didn’t have good hands).   We should also note that Blount took four straight carries at the goal line on the opening drive before finally leaping over the pile for a Bucs TD.   Blount was pulled from the game after the opening drive further indicating Tampa Bay views the big man as the primary ball carrier.

Doug Martin did see action as the Bucs third down back early in the game, also garnering a short yardage touchdown of his own after Blount was removed from the game. As stated, Blount looks to be the primary ball carrier at this juncture.

Freeman also looked solid standing tall in the pocket spreading the ball around efficiently. Backup QB Dan Orlovsky also had a solid outing hooking up downfield for multiple receptions with former Patriots' wide receiver Tiquan Underwood. Underwood caught a three passes totaling 76 yards, and emerged as one of the more impressive players on the night.

Notably absent was newly acquired tight end Dallas Clark. Those with visions of Dallas Clark becoming a viable fantasy sleeper have been squashed for the time being.

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