NFL Preseason Offensive Studs and Duds: Andy Dalton Downer

Aug 24, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end George Johnson (94) during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Taking it too seriously can be a mistake, but the NFL preseason can sometimes offer a preview of things to come. Who are some studs who look ready to bust loose and some duds in danger of a down year?

Stud: Chase Daniel

Of all the backup quarterbacks being talked about as possible upgrade options to become starters, the one name that continues to get overlooked is Chase Daniel. He has experience, has worked under one of the best in Andy Reid and leads all preseason quarterbacks with four touchdowns to zero interceptions through two games. That isn’t counting his almost perfect completion percentage. It’s starting to crystalize why the Kansas City Chiefs are so eager to keep him around.

Dud: Andy Dalton

Cincinnati Bengals fans are seeing a lot more of bad Andy Dalton than they are good Andy Dalton these days. His ugly preseason reflects that perfectly. Despite having most of his offensive weapons back healthy, including A.J. Green, the 27-year old has continued where he left of from last season, playing erratic. He’s completed less than 60% of his passes for 77 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

Stud: Ronnie Hillman

Sometimes a change in offensive scheme is the best thing to ever happen to a young player. Running back Ronnie Hillman is proving that true in a big way. Under the guidance of new head coach Gary Kubiak, he is streaking up the depth chart with his preseason play by posting 120 yards rushing on just 16 carries. That’s a 7.5 per carry average. There is no telling how much action he could see moving forward if he’s solved his fumbling issues.

Dud: Mark Ingram

Speculation around the league was, based on their roster moves that the New Orleans Saints planned to retool their offense around Pro Bowl running back Mark Ingram. This in order to ease the burden on an aging Drew Brees. So far Ingram is not exactly reinforcing their confidence. In two preseason games he is averaging a paltry 3.3 yards per carry. That is not going to cut it against what looks like some improved NFC South defenses.

Stud: Chase Coffman

Somebody needs to go through the notes again to find out who this kid is. In truth the 28-year old is a journeyman tight end who has spent his first five seasons in the league with three different teams. Does it really take that long for a switch to flip on a player? Apparently so. Coffman has become a favorite target during the Tennessee Titans preseason with six catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns. If he can get more involved alongside Delanie Walker, that offense gets a whole lot more diverse.

Dud: Mike Wallace

They gave up a 5th round pick in hopes they might be getting a dynamic receiver who simply never meshed with his former team. So far the Minnesota Vikings got exactly what Mike Wallace was in Miami: overrated and underachieving. In three preseason games he has one catch for two yards. Two. That’s in 43 offensive snaps. Suffice to say that is not the best way to make an impression on a team that agreed to pay you $9.9 million for this season.

Next: NFL Takeaways: 32 Truths Ahead Of Opening Day

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