| 21 August 2009
The second preseason game is the most important game of the year. Well, okay, maybe not; but if you're a young player on the bubble, it is. In fact, it's likely the most important game of your life. The third exhibition is the one where starters get a really good shot to play, often going the full first half or even further. The first round of cuts come after that game. If you haven't proven your worth by the end of your fourth half of exhibition play, you're toast.
So tomorrow will be the game that you are likely to see big games out of the "scrubs." It is big for the young players who are often just fighting for one of the coveted practice squad spots, but it is also big for any of the more veteran guys who are still trying to catch on. The second preseason game of 2008 is when Justin Forsett went haywire and proved that he deserved a spot on this team, even if it meant keeping six RBs. So, who are the big guys to watch tomorrow?
Nick Reed - how can Reed follow up his excellent premiere performance this week? (If you missed last week's, reader Steve M. linked me to this video, which I think he might have put together, that is totally fantastic). [I don't know if it's the video Sullivan was referencing, but this one is a good highlight reel of Reed's performance against the Chargers. -Ed.] Reed needs to continue to disrupt and he should be fine.
Michael Bennett - re-watching the game, I think Michael Bennett probably was the most impressive rookie, save for Unger. Bennett would likely clear through to the practice squad, but if he can continue his high level of play he might be pushing for a role as a DE/DT on this team. Baraka Atkins refuses to reach his potential, so either Reed or Bennett could wind up making the team.
Courtney Greene - aka "Cornelius," Greene needs to show up in a big way tomorrow. Despite Brian Russell's mediocre play, there isn't a lot of give in the depth behind the two starters. Babs makes the team as a hybrid safety/corner, Jamar Adams makes the team as Mora's guy / developmental dude, and CJ Wallace makes the team for his special teams play. None of those three are eligible for the practice squad either, whereas Greene is. It's unlikely he makes the team, but that doesn't mean he can't still do it.
Jeff Rowe - I think Mike Teel has this competition locked up, but the Hawks liked Rowe enough last year to steal him off the Bengals' practice squad. If Rowe really shows up and Teel struggles, Rowe will at least make it past the first round of cuts. If not, he likely won't.
Mike Hass, Logan Payne, Michael Bumpus, Jordan Kent, Ben Obamanu - Uh, they're basically fighting for one spot. Good luck, blokes! Taylor also needs to show up in a big way tomorrow.
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