NFL Preseason: Five Subplots Everybody Must Watch

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Vic Beasley (Clemson) poses for a photo after being selected as the number eighth overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Players will toil in the heat with training camp right around the corner, but already many will be looking ahead to the NFL preseason. Here are some interested subplots that could lay the groundwork for an exciting month of exhibitions.

The Buffalo Bills quarterback derby

Having a battle for the starting quarterback job between two players is nothing new. It happens almost every year on a number of team. Very rarely is the job so wide open that it basically can go to anybody who stakes their claim in training camp and preseason. That is where the Buffalo Bills sit now. Matt Cassel, E.J. Manuel, and Tyrod Taylor all have equal chance to win the spot according to head coach Rex Ryan. That should make for an entertain balancing act in terms of playing time this August.

Who seizes the Dallas Cowboys backfield?

DeMarco Murray is gone and not coming back. That leaves a vortex in the Dallas Cowboys backfield ahead of what could be their most pivotal season of this decade. Can Darren McFadden resurrect his career there? Will Joseph Randle or one of the other former backups stake their claim? Dallas hopes one of those are answered because the running game is how they’re going to win.

Phillip Dorsett and the Doubters

It’s never a good sign when players aren’t shy about voicing their displeasure of a draft pick. A number of Indianapolis Colts did just that, stating the selection of wide receiver Phillip Dorsett did nothing for the team in terms of what they needed to get better. With T.Y. Hilton and a number of other options for Andrew Luck already in place, they had hoped a bigger investment would be made or areas that were exposed in the AFC championship by New England. This means Dorsett has huge weight on his shoulders even before he’s played a down. A good or bad NFL preseason could do a lot for his confidence.

Vic Beasley impact on the Falcons pass rush

There is no question the anchor that has held back the Atlanta Falcons the past few years is their defense, which has finished 27th the past two seasons in points allowed. A huge part of why that is centers around their anemic pass rush (54 sacks in two season). That may sound like a lot until you realize Buffalo had 54 sacks just in 2014. Hopes are high that 1st round pick Vic Beasley will change things. The Clemson pass rusher had arguably the best predraft of any defender in his class. He’s athletic, explosive and strong. What better way to set the tone than offering a preview in the preseason?

John Fox and his Jay Cutler venture

After enduring a soap opera of a 5-11 season, the Chicago Bears were left to wonder what their fate would be. None more so than quarterback Jay Cutler, who continues to underachieve given his immense physical talent. New head coach John Fox wasn’t hired for that reason. His first job is making the Bears competitive again, but it’s impossible to ignore what the 13-year veteran has in store for the historically difficult-to-coach quarterback.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Who Leads The Pack?

More from NFL Mocks

Home/NFL News