Individual Battles to Keep Tabs On Tonight
These are the individual competitions I'm watching tonight (well, actually when it re-airs on NFL Network at like 1 AM). Each one has serious roster implications, whether it's two guys fighting for a roster spot or a battle for a start on opening day.
Sutton v. Wynn: If you really believe the Pack are only keeping one of the two, their performances this evening could make or break their respective chances. I bet both of them will see significant action with the starters in the first half.
Raji v. Jolly: Jolly has performed exceptionally well in the absence of Harrell (injuries) and, until recently, Raji (contract issues). But can he really hold off Raji and start on opening day? BJ's slated for 15-20 snaps tonight and will probably have his best chance yet to prove he deserves to start.
More after the jump!
Hall v. Kuhn: I'm under the impression that Quinn Johnson already has a roster spot. Hall and Kuhn are in an intensely close battle for the other FB spot. If they get the chance to demonstrate their receiving abilities, how well they each respond could be a huge factor in determining which of the two is on the team in a couple of weeks.
Underwood v. Porter v. Ford: Brandon already touched on it, but the Pack are likely to pull Woodson and Harris early to give these three a chance to duke it out for that final CB spot. With concerns about Pat Lee's health, and the lack of quality depth after Williams, the spot is definitely there for the taking.
Barnett/Hawk v. Chillar/Bishop: Barnett is unlikely to play tonight, but nonetheless, what goes on out on the field is going to affect his playing time in the regular season. I'm not saying Chillar or Bishop have a shot at leap frogging Hawk and Barnett, but if they continue to look like the real starters out there, they can expect to get even more snaps when the regular season begins.
Lee v. Finley: Lee has played well this preseason, but with all the buzz about Finley thus far you almost forget he's on the team. Even so, he's still the starter, and a solid performance tonight could solidify that status.
Bigby v. Smith: Bigby has hardly looked like Troy Polomalu so far this preseason, but that's exactly what his position in the new 3-4 is based off of. He hasn't completely proven that he's 100% after ankle surgery, and if he fails to impress again tonight, Smith could have a shot at usurping him with a huge performance.
Martin v. Swain v. Allen: Less than a month ago, the most talked about player on the offensive side of the ball wasn't Sutton or Finley, but Jake Allen, often mentioned for his athletic catches and big play ability. Since then he's fallen off the map, as has Swain. Martin has reemerged to take a clear edge in the battle for WR spot #5. However, a big performance tonight by Allen or Swain, especially if they get action against the starters, could convince the staff to keep one of them over Martin or possibly even make roster room for a sixth WR spot.
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