Scooped rolls into the fourth week of the pre-season. Many of the starters won’t play but it’s important for the back-end of the roster and developmental players on Thursday night. Let’s take a look at the schedule for Thursday night’s games.
Pre-Season Game 4
Buffalo at Detroit 7:30 PM Chicago at Cleveland 8:00 PM
Green Bay at Kansas City 8:00 PM Los Angeles at Minnesota 8:00 PM
This is the final game of fake football until the real deal. Getcha popcorn ready!! I’m sure most will be watching College Football however.
Uh Oh Minnesota
Teddy Bridgewater tore his ACL and dislocated his knee cap in a gruesome injury. He is done for the season. The Vikings have a good run game and defense and will still be formidable, but this injury hurts their chances for a deep playoff run. The mobility of Bridgewater to avoid pressure is something Shaun Hill cannot provide. Trading for a QB (Geno Smith, Mark Sanchez) won’t know the playbook very well but could help.
Bridgewater was a game manger with only 14 passing TDs and 3 rushing TDs but he did make some clutch plays in close games. Bridgewater had 65.3% at 7.2 YPA on 447 attempts with 14 TDs and 9 interceptions for an 88.7 rating. Some of those numbers could be matched but it’s not a given Shaun Hill (or other QB) can play as well. The completion percentage and less than 10 interceptions will be tough to match.
The Vikings offensive line is going to have to step up big time to help the new less mobile QB. Tony Sporano is a good offensive line coach but has work cut out for him. The weapons must get open faster and Peterson will face even more stacked boxes. Finally the defense will need to force more than 22 turnovers to make it easier for the Vikings offense. The season isn’t over but it will be much tougher for Minnesota in 2016. You hate to see injuries at any time especially to a QB.
Punter Swap
The Packers cut long time punter Tim Masthay and replaced him with Jacob Schum. Schum had a better net average than Masthay in 2015 but he will be a new holder for Mason Crosby. They must get on the same page. Can Schum throw the fluke TD pass is the question?
Cuts and Practice Squad
Rosters are due to be down to 53 players by 4 PM Saturday. Here is a good article on new practice squad rules and all the Lions eligible players. Ten players can be on the practice squad.
Enjoy the final fake games.