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Preseason Round-Up: Geno Smith, Arian Foster, Tim Tebow, Ameer Abdullah and more...

One thing is certain, when you are on the clock on draft day you don’t have time to pull out your phone and begin the research you should have been doing all along. Here’s another preseason roundup.

By BrentPatterson
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Well, the second week of training camp is over, and the first round of preseason matchups is in the books.  There were some significant happenings around the league, and even though it is still only preseason, now is the time you want to be paying attention.  Last night, as I sat around a big board, nailed to a cabin’s exterior wall and I watched others draft, It was obvious to tell who had been paying attention and who hadn’t.  One thing is certain, when you are on the clock on draft day you don’t have time to pull out your phone and begin the research you should have been doing all along.  Here’s another preseason roundup.

AFC East

New York Jets: I’m sure by now everyone has heard the "jaw-dropping" news out of the Jets camp.  After and altercation between Geno and former Jet IK Enemkpali over a $600 plane ticket Geno ended up needing surgery to repair his broken jaw, and he will most likely be out for ten weeks.  Enemkpali has since found a new home with the Bills after the Jets subsequently released him following the incident.  Panthers wide receiver Brenton Bersin dealt Enemkpali a hard block during their preseason matchup.  While it may not count towards fantasy points. It definatley looks like a solid 6 karma points to me.

Buffalo Bills: Last week reports were murky as to which way Rex Ryan and the rest of the front office were leaning in the quarterback department, and after one preseason game the picture is a little clearer.  Between the three quarterbacks (Matt Cassel, Tyrod Taylor, and EJ Manuel) one of them underperformed.  Manuel’s lone shining moment was a 51-yard touchdown pass to Deonte Thompson.  Aside from that, there was nothing in Manuel’s play to inspire the coaching staff to name him the starter.  Tyrod Taylor on the other hand, was a different story.  Taylor led two drives that resulted in a touchdown and managed to pick up 47 yards by way of elusive footwork and designed runs.  Taylor will be starting in the Bills second preseason game against the Browns on Thursday.

New England Patriots: Jimmy Garoppolo started in his preseason debut as the Patriots quarterback, and things could have gone better for the second year player.  He only managed 5.3 yards per attempt, and was sacked seven times.  As it stands today, Tom Brady will miss the first four games of the season, so the Patriots need to get Garoppolo up to speed.  While it’s still only preseason, week one will be here before you know it.

AFC North

Cleveland Browns: Josh McCown went 5-of-5 for 33 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Redskins, and he looked very comfortable operating the offense.  Johnny Manziel ran one in for a touchdown in the first quarter.  Before the Browns 20-17 loss to the Redskins, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam told ESPN that he’d like to see Ray Rice get another chance.  He went a step further by saying that he wouldn’t mind if it were with his team.

AFC South

Houston Texans: When Texans running back Arian Foster had to have unexpected groin surgery many feared the team would struggle to find a replacement.  As the unsuccessfully tried the free agent market on for size, those fears only grew.  Well during the Texans preseason game against the 49ers Alfred Blue was the Pepto-Bismol for the Foster tummy ache.  Blue rushed for 59 yards on nine carries including an inspired 32-yard run down the sideline.

Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota struggled early in his NFL debut throwing an interception and giving up a fumble after a sack ripped the ball loose.  Second-year quarterback Zach Mettenburger had a solid start after throwing 8-of-11 passes for 129 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.  Tennessee seems to have found its self in a quarterback pickle after all.  The next couple of preseason games should provide an entertaining position battle for the starting spot at quarterback.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles: Rookie receiver Nelson Agholor had three catches for 57 yards and a touchdown.  He made a leaping touchdown grab on a slightly high pass from Mark Sanchez showing off his athletic ability.

There is certainly no shortage of quarterbacks on the Eagles roster this offseason.  It’s rare that teams have four quarterbacks, and it’s even rarer to hear the fans chant the fourth string quarterbacks name during a preseason game.  Rare or not, that’s exactly what happened when Tim Tebow took the field on Sunday.  Tebow didn’t look terrible, but he didn’t look amazing either.  The crowd got what they wanted when Tebow ran into the end zone from seven yards out in the fourth quarter.  Sam Bradford sat this game out, but when he returns the true competition for the starting quarterback role will begin.  While Tebow may not be considered competition he certainly has the crowds vote.

Tight end Zach Ertz will undergo core muscle surgery and will be out for the preseason, but is expected to be back in action for week one

Washington Redskins: The Redskins are in trouble at the tight end position after losing Niles Paul to a season-ending ankle injury and Logan Paulsen due to a toe injury that requires surgery.  The Redskins signed Ernst Brun Jr. on Sunday, and they are continuing to look at prospects.

NFC North

Chicago Bears: The Bears seventh-round pick Kevin White will undergo surgery to repair a stress fracture in his shin.  He will begin the season on the physically unable to perform list and is guaranteed to miss the first six games of the season.  The possibility of him missing the entire season has not been ruled out either.

Detroit Lions: Rookie Ameer Abdullah impressed everyone with his 67 yards on 7 carries, which included one 45 yard run in the first quarter.

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks: Rookie receiver Tyler Locket had an impressive debut in the return department.  He had four returns for 186 yards total and one touchdown that stretched for 103 yards.  If the young receiver can make his presence known as a pass catcher as well, then he might be worth keeping an eye on this season.