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NFL Preseason Week 2: Key Storylines To Follow

By Erik Lambert

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Aug 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) runs with the ball as Carolina Panthers defensive back Colin Jones (42) pursues during the first half at a preseason NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1 had plenty of compelling backdrop to it but the NFL preseason marches on.  Here are some interesting storylines fans should follow closely heading into the second week ahead of the dress rehearsal at the end of August.

Filling the Kevin White void

Truthfully the Chicago Bears were still in pretty good shape on offense before they even drafted Kevin White.  Alshon Jeffery looks like a #1 target in waiting while Eddie Royal, Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte comprise a very nice supporting cast.  Having White would’ve been a major boost, but the Bears should be able to survive.

Still, they have to go about filling that hole until the rookie is ready to return, either later this season or next year.  Third-year man Marquess Wilson looks like the current favorite but a few other names lower on the depth chart can sense the opportunity as well.  It should be an interesting competition to watch.

Round 2 of Brian Hoyer vs. Ryan Mallett

There are other quarterback battles going on around the league, but the one with the most attention and potential far-reaching impact is between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett for the Houston Texans.  Both are former understudies of Tom Brady who understand the opportunity they have.  To that end they each put their best foot forward in the opener with some solid play.

While that’s encouraging to fans, it’s done little to solve the overall problem for the Texans coaching staff which is picking the winner.  It’s still too close to call.  That means at least one more week of preseason is needed to settle the matter.  Nerve-racking for some, but entertaining for the rest.

Tyrod Taylor finally gets his chance

After spending years honing his understanding of running a pro-style offense as a backup in Baltimore, Tyrod Taylor took the next logical step in his football career.  He accepted a contract with the Buffalo Bills, who went into the off-season with a new coaching staff and a wide open competition at quarterback.

Most didn’t give him a second thought at first, too focused on veteran Matt Cassel and former 1st round pick E.J. Manuel.  However, through hard work and perseverence Taylor has caught the eyes of coaches and now has his greatest opportunity to date, being declared the starter for Buffalo in their week 2 game at Cleveland.  Can he pull off the dream of every former backup?

Rob Ryan still seeking answers for Saints defense

Coming off a year in which they were one of the worst defenses in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints had hoped to get started off on the right foot in 2015.  So for coordinator Rob Ryan, giving up 30 points in the first preseason game, 14 of them in the 1st quarter must’ve been awfully discouraging.

Ryan knows his job likely hangs on whether or not he can get this unit turned around this season.  It won’t be easy.  The team had to release linebacker Junior Gallette, one of their best pass rushers, for off-the-field issues.  Whether they have added enough young pieces to compensate hasn’t been answered yet.

Eagles may get to finally see Sam Bradford

Tim Tebow hogged most of the spotlight in his football return during week 1, but the real man who will raise or sink the Philadelphia Eagles this season is Sam Bradford.  It isn’t clear yet whether head coach Chip Kelly plans to play him when his team hosts the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

There is no reason to think he won’t play.  All signs point to his knee being healthy and his progress in the Eagles offense going as planned.  Kelly asked Philly fans to trust him when he shipped out Nick Foles for the former #1 overall pick.  Their patience will start to wear thin unless they start seeing some results on the field, even in a meaningless game.

Next: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Big Changes At The Top

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