Final NFL Preseason Takeaways: Michael Sam Quiets Critics
By Erik Lambert
Aug 23, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam (96) during warm ups before the game against the St. Louis Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The real bullets start flying shortly. Here are some final takeaways from NFL preseason action in week four.
Sam puts final stamp on deserving St. Louis Rams job
Doubts lingered about what sort of impact Michael Sam could have for the St. Louis Rams beyond being the 1st openly gay player in NFL history. Clearly those people forgot the defensive end was co-SEC Player of the Year. He proved that throughout the preseason with three sacks and put a final note to it all by making 11 tackles in the finale against Miami. The St. Louis Rams have a roster spot waiting, and he’s earned every bit of it.
Injuries may not even stop the Chicago Bears offense
There is no questions the front line talent the Chicago Bears have assembled with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte and Jay Cutler is among the best in the NFL. However, unlike last season, it seems not even injuries may slow down this potential juggernaut. Everywhere on the roster from the offensive line to the receivers the Bears have built a deep depth chart. That became based on preseason performance from the likes of tackle Michael Ola and wide receivers Josh Morgan and Santonio Holmes. If offense is what will carry Chicago in 2014, then that’s a train that is well built to stay on the tracks.
Derek Carr may steal rookie QB race crown from Blake Bortles
Blake Bortles has played better than any rookie quarterback of the 2014 draft class thus far and is the most deserving of being the first to start in the NFL. Unfortunately, a fellow contender made a late push in week four that may steal that honor from him. Derek Carr exploded for three touchdown passes against Seattle. Given the undercurrent around starter Matt Schaub, the prevailing winds hint Carr is ready now. Meanwhile, Chad Henne has played well enough to at least quiet some of the Bortles chants. Carr may not have outplayed Bortles throughout the preseason, but he picked the right time to have the best game.