ProToppers Premier: NFL preseason Week 4
Well, this is it. The NFL preseason is gone almost as quickly as it has come, and, while some of our ProToppers have guaranteed roster spots, others will have to play the game of their life to prove they stay on the team, and eventually make the 53-man roster to start the season. This past week, the Rams parted ways with Kadeem Jones, and we hope he finds a new home soon. Note: all of the games around the league will be played tonight.
Jack Doyle, Andrew Jackson – Indianapolis Colts (vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 6:00 pm)
Last week against the Saints, Doyle helped pick up a first down on his only catch of the night (for 10 yards), while Old Hickory, a week out from leading the team in tackles, didn’t record one in the loss. Hopefully those of you who live in the NKY will get to see this game, so let us know how our guys do!
Bobby Rainey – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Washington Redskins, 6:30 pm)
Well, the good news here is Rainey rushed for more than negative yards, like he did last week. the bad news is he barely broke even, carrying the ball 13 times for 14 yards (including a nine yard pickup). What we’ve been told over and over by our pals over at Skyway Shootout is that the Bucs’ offensive line is a severe work in progress, so we will lay this blame on them.
Quanterus Smith – Denver Broncos (vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:00 pm)
Q was an absolute force last week, recording four tackles (only one of seven Broncos to do so) and picking up a sack.
Antonio Andrews – Tennessee Titans (vs. Minnesota Vikings, 7:00 pm)
AAK2 got touches again last week, and would finish the Titans’ victory over Atlanta as the leading rusher, taking three carries for 56 yards, including a 47 yard dash. (Bishop Sankey, who will probably be the number one or two back for Tennessee come the season starting, had 16 carries but just 44 yards. Go Antonio!) Andrews was kept out of the return game last week, but you keep running for 50+ yards, and you’re doing your job in the backfield. Last week, the Vikings allowed only 91 rushing yards to six different Kansas City rushers.
Jonathan Dowling – Oakland Raiders (vs. Seattle Seahawks, 9:00 pm)
Dowling recorded a tackle last week in an Oakland loss to Green Bay, and has a tall task ahead of him and his secondary against the arm of Russell Wilson and the defending champs.
Derrius Brooks – New Orleans Saints (vs. Baltimore Ravens, 7:00 pm)
Derrius Brooks was one of 16 Saints defenders to finish with multiple tackles, notching three in last weeks win against the Colts.
Xavius Boyd – Buffalo Bills (vs. Detroit Lions, 6:00)
Boyd didn’t record a tackle last week against the Bucs, and he and his Bills will face a Lions offense who totaled 368 yards of offense in a one point win over Jacksonville last week.
Which ProTopper do you think has the best chance to stay on an NFL roster? Who are you most excited about watching? Let us know below or on twitter (@WaveTheRedTowel) by using the hastag #ProToppers. Also, if you live in one of these areas and can actually watch one of these games, tweet us and let us know how our boys did, and your tweet might end up in a future post!