NFL Preseason Week 2: Players with a Lot on the Line in Thursday's Games

NFL Preseason Week 2: Players with a Lot on the Line in Thursday's Games

For NFL players, the preseason is all about making an impression. After one week of action, some guys—such as Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah—seem to have already cemented their spot on a 53-man roster. Others, such as Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel, are scratching their ways toward an inevitable backup role.

But whether a coach compares a player to Barry Sanders or whether a player looks to be the odd man out within his position group doesn't matter. It all comes down to performing well on game days, which the following players must do in Thursday's contests.
Matt Jones: Running Back, Washington Redskins
Jones has the combination of size and speed to be a powerful NFL runner for years to come, and the 6'2", 231-pound bruiser showed some of his potential in last week's game against the Cleveland Browns. On five touches, Jones rushed for 38 yards. That's an average of 7.6 yards per carry, which is outstanding for a player getting his first taste of real NFL action. 

But this league is about consistency, and one preseason game against the Browns isn't exactly something people will remember you by. It's important for Jones to show the same type of powerful, decisive running against the Lions' front seven, which is better than Cleveland's. 

If Jones has another solid performance against Detroit, the Redskins can have confidence going forward in their expected one-two punch that includes Jones and Alfred Morris. Jones brings physicality to a team that got pushed around in 2014. As he improves, so will the running game—which, in turn, will give Robert Griffin III more opportunities to make plays. 

Ameer Abdullah: Running Back, Detroit Lions

The Lions' second-round pick is a definite lock for a roster spot, but that doesn't lessen the importance of Abdullah getting more preseason practice.

While he's not yet listed as the Lions' starting back, Abdullah has already shown flashes that could change the coaching staff's mind sooner rather than later
Abdullah faces a good test against Washington, as the Redskins gave up just 45 total rushing yards to the Browns last week. Going back to consistency, it's important for Abdullah to show he can gash NFL defenses on a weekly basis.

In Thursday's game, it's imperative that the recent hype surrounding Abdullah doesn't diminish his play. Like the Redskins, Detroit also has plans for a two-headed rushing attack. Another impressive performance from Abdullah would have the Lions thrilled with their backfield and would all but solidify Abdullah's spot as the team's No. 2 running back.  

 EJ Manuel: Quarterback, Buffalo Bills

Since being selected 16th overall in the 2013 NFL draft, Manuel has been nothing but average. In 14 starts, Manuel has thrown 16 touchdowns to 12 interceptions and passed for a combined 2,810 yards. The good news for Manuel is that the entire group of Bills quarterbacks (which includes Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor) is average, so a roster spot isn't out of the question.

Still, though, Manuel has to be better for the remainder of the preseason than he was last week. Manuel finished 4-of-8 for 77 yards and a touchdown, but the TD and 51 of those yards came on one play. He should see plenty of snaps in the weeks ahead as the third-string QB and must take advantage of every opportunity he's given. 

Manuel recently acknowledged his time as a Bill is running out, so at least he knows what the stakes are as the preseason rolls on. An impressive game against the Browns—who gave up 223 passing yards last week—would certainly help his case to stay on the team. 

A bad performance might make the Bills release him, which would tell us that Buffalo sees the Manuel pick as a failure. Manuel isn't in that predicament just yet, but remember that Rex Ryan wasn't part of the coaching staff that drafted him, which adds to Manuel's current on-the-bubble situation.

 Justin Gilbert: Cornerback, Cleveland Browns

Unlike the other players on this list, Gilbert enters 2015 as all but an unquestioned starter for his team. It's the main reason why he has more to prove than any of them.

Gilbert was selected eighth overall by the Browns in the 2014 NFL draft, and expectations are high for the young corner entering year two of his career, especially with defensive-oriented head coach Mike Pettine at the helm. 

Last week, Gilbert let Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon burn right by him; lucky for Gilbert, Garcon dropped the perfect pass that likely would've gone for a touchdown:


There's no sugarcoating Gilbert's situation—he must show legitimate, visible improvement in Thursday's game if he's going to keep his starting job. The opportunity is certainly there, as Gilbert will be facing that less-than-inspiring group of Bills quarterbacks we talked about earlier. 

To be fair, Gilbert was injured in Monday's practice, per Pat McManamon of ESPN.com, but could still see playing time. Regardless, it doesn't change the amount of pressure on his second-year shoulders.

Cleveland hopes Gilbert can become the same type of shutdown cornerback Joe Haden has become for the Browns, but if Week 1 of the preseason is any indication, that dream isn't looking good. If Gilbert doesn't show improvement Thursday and through the preseason, the Browns defense will be in big trouble moving forward despite having a solid front seven.