Pre-Season Week 1
Three NFC North teams play their first pre-season game on Thursday night. The Lions play at the Colts on Sunday afternoon. Let’s take a look at what to watch for each game tonight.
Minnesota at Buffalo 7 PM ET
The Vikings travel to Buffalo to face the Bills with their new Head Coach Sean McDermott. All eyes will be on the Vikings offensive line and running game to see if there are improvements. Rookie Dalvin Cook (RB) will get his first action but Latavius Murray probably won’t play after just coming off PUP. Riley Reiff is the new left tackle for Minnesota and may not play after missing a lot of training camp with back issues. Mike Remmers will get some time at right tackle.
There is competition at weak side linebacker between Edmond Robinson and Emmanuel Lemur. Backup safety, backup LB and backup DT should have some close competitions for the Vikings.
Check Shooter’s messages on insta-talk for all the updates.
Philadelphia at Green Bay 8 PM ET
It’s Brett Hundley time. After an injured pre-season last year, Hundley must grow his value if the Packers want to get something in return for him next offseason. It’s time for him to shine in his third season. Or the Packers could keep Hundley next season too then pull the ole tag n’trade.
The Packers secondary is a battle and should be tested by the Eagles new WR core. Kevin King and Josh Jones get their first taste of game action.
Dean Lowry and Ricky Jean Francois continue their battle at DE opposite Mike Daniels.
How will Jahri Evans look at right guard? Eyes will be on the Packers three rookie running backs (Williams, Jones and Mays) and Ty Montgomery.
Denver at Chicago 8 PM ET
Plenty of attention will be on Chicago’s QBs Mike Glennon and rookie first round pick Mitch Trubisky on Thursday night. Denver has a formidable defense to test the Bears offense. Rookie 4th round pick Tarik Cohen gets his first chance to show his shiftiness at running back. Jordan Howard looks to repeat an incredible rookie year at RB. Will Kyle Long be healthy enough to play? Have the Bears tackles improved over the off-season (Leno and Massie).
The Bears have competition at nickel back and slot WR (Cruz/Wright). Kevin White needs to show he can stay healthy and has improved. The Bears have a plethora of tight ends to use including Zach Miller, Dion Sims (6 per free agency deal), and rookie 2nd round pick Adam Sheehan. There is plenty to watch and this game will be live on NFL Network.