Preseason Primer - Thursday, August 11

Are you ready for some football?
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Sure it’s only pre season but after endless months of boring lockout chatter, and a week and a bit of a frantic free agency we’re actually getting to the part we all crave.  FOOTBALL!
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It may not be full speed but it’s enough to whet our appetites. We’re not going to be going overboard on the analysis but rather looking at some of the more intriguing aspects, and lineup looks we see when the starters are on the field.
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You can expect those articles soon, but here we’ll give you some things to look out for in our Preseason Primer for the games of Thursday August 11, 2011.

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Baltimore Ravens @ Philadelphia Eagles
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Things to look for – Ravens

1) Right Tackle. We suspect Oniel Cousins will get the nod and first chance at proving himself, but it’s by no means certain he’ll be starting come opening day.

2) What will the Ravens do with their sub package defense? Sergio Kindle is the unknown quantity we’ll be looking at. They simply can’t be so reliant on Terrell Suggs to generate pressure off the edge.
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Things to look for – Eagles:

1) What will Nnamdi Asomugha be doing? Will he be tracking a receiver? Will he be playing more of the Charles Woodson role that was talked about? Will Eagles green bring out the color in his eyes?

2) It will be interesting to see how the Eagles linebackers cope with a defensive line that is intent on getting up the field. Will they be left exposed, and can they handle it?
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Jacksonville Jaguars @ New England Patriots
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Things to look for – Jaguars

1) When Blaine Gabbert takes the field what will he have to show?

2) What will the Jaguars be doing in their sub package defense? Will they find room for Smith, Posluszny and Session or will someone miss out?
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Things to look for – Patriots

1) The big one. How will they use Albert Haynesworth. With all the new talent they have what will they be doing with their scheme? Will they be switching it up?

2) The Patriots didn’t rotate their offensive personnel all that much (in comparison to their defense). So which receiver will be the number two to Wes Welker in terms of snaps and targets?
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Seattle Seahawks @ San Diego Chargers
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Things to look for – Seahawks

1) Tarvaris Jackson seems like the guy but how will he look? Can he take advantage of Sidney Rice?

2) The Seahawks used some 3-4 looks, but will they be using more of it this year? And what linebackers will take the field in their sub package.
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Things to look for – Chargers

1) It’s that sub package defense question again, and especially what they do with Antonio Garay. They need to make him a bigger part of what they do on defense.

2) We’ll be taking a close look at who partners with Takeo Spikes and what kind of impact they have.
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Denver Broncos @ Dallas Cowboys
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Things to look for – Broncos

1) The quarterbacks. It’s likely to be the cause of much controversy throughout the year so watching how they respond when all eyes are on them will be interesting.

2) The defensive front looks like a work in progress, so it will be interesting to see.
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Things to look for – Cowboys

1) Jason Hatcher. There’s an opportunity for him there. Will he impose himself?

2) The running backs. Who are they giving the carries to.
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Arizona Cardinals @ Oakland Raiders
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Things to look for – Cardinals

1) Kevin Kolb. He’s got a big contract and some big expectations. People will be expecting him to look the part.

2) The dynamics between Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams. Who gets the carries and who do the coaches trust.
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Things to look for – Raiders

1) How does the offensive line shape up? What will they be doing with their wide receivers?

2) With Asomugha gone, and coaches promising a more varied look in coverage, how will Routt and the other corners be used?

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