After the first two weeks of the Pre Season there are a few players who have stood out to me. Although I haven't watched as many pre-season games as I would like, in the games I did see these 8 players really showed off their potential; especially considering a lot of these are young or unproven players.
1. Mark Ingram
Starting off with a player who I had mostly written off after his first two years in the league, Mark Ingram started showing what he could do last season. Even with some strong showings last season, I was still looking to Khiry Robinson to be the Saints next feature back. 2 Games into the preseason and Mark Ingram has 13 carries for 102 yards, with a rushing TD as well as 2 catches for 28 yards and a TD. That leaves him averaging almost 10 yards a carry, with Ingram running hard and breaking tackles everytime he touches the ball. He has also developed his pass blocking and receiving abilities, making him a viable three down back for the first time since being drafted.
2. Zach Mettenberger
Mettenberger looked very sharp in the game against the Saints, making consistently good throws, albeit with one mistake on an interception by Saints Safety Vinny Sunseri. He went 20 of 25 for 269 yards and 2 TDs, playing well over nearly three quarters of the game. Mettenberger looked like a seasoned vet once he came into the game for the injured Charlie Whitehurst in the second quarter. After what I've seen, there is no reason why Mettenberger shouldn't win the number two job in Tennessee.
3. New England Patriots Backup Quarterbacks
While many people were questioning Ryan Mallet after his poor performance in the Pats first pre season game he came back strong in their second game. Meanwhile Jimmy Garappolo carried the momentum from his first game into this one. While Mallet has had buzz around him for awhile, Garoppolo has looked great, especially considering he is a rookie. If the Patriots are smart they should trade Mallet first chance they get and roll with Garoppolo as Tom Brady's backup.
4. Jacksonville Jaguar Quarterbacks
Both Chad Henne and Blake Bortles have looked solid so far this preseason, neither of them are the flashiest Quarterback in the league, but they can get the job done. They both have shown good decision making, good accuracy, and pocket awareness. Despite what a lot of people are saying, I'd still start Chad Henne at the beginning of the year. This is because there hasn't been much separation between the two so far and Henne has the benefit of experience. The determining factor in this Quarterback battle will be seeing how Bortles handles playing with the first team this week against the Lions.
5. New Orleans Saints Tight Ends
Everyone expected Jimmy Graham to look impressive as a receiver, but I didn't expect to see him developed as a blocker. He made some really good blocks in the run game against the Rams, springing Mark Ingram for a couple of big runs. Jimmy Graham isn't the only Saints Tight End to look impressive so far however, Josh Hill has also shown off his skills as a receiver. Through two games Josh Hill has made 4 catches for 80 yards, showing off great athletic ability on a 46 yard catch against the Rams. Josh Hill has speed and size comparable to Jimmy Graham, and can make plays everytime he touches the ball. I would not be surprised to see Josh Hill pass up Benjamin Watson as the Saints second Tight End.
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