Hello football enthusiasts! As we approach the middle of the work week, the Wednesday edition of the Pick Six newsletter brings the exciting anticipation of the final week of the NFL preseason. Tomorrow heralds the start of this critical period with a doubleheader: the Indianapolis Colts taking on the Cincinnati Bengals and the Chicago Bears facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs. This four-day stretch will be pivotal for players and coaches alike as they make final roster decisions ahead of the regular season kickoff. Each of the 32 NFL teams must trim down their squad from 90 players.
Teams Making Final Roster Moves
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive front has proven to be particularly formidable. Veterans like Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Montravius Adams, and Dean Lowry are set to lead a charged defense. Equally impressive is the New York Giants’ wide receiver corps, featuring talents such as Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Darius Slayton, Miles Boykin, Allen Robinson II, and Isaiah McKenzie.
With the stakes this high, some teams might hold out their starters from these final preseason exhibitions to avoid potential injuries. Despite this, the Philadelphia Eagles are witnessing exceptional performances from their receivers – A.J. Brown has nearly reached 1,500 yards in consecutive seasons, while DeVonta Smith is known for his prowess in jump-ball situations and making tough catches. Over in Miami, the Dolphins can rely on Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to bolster their offensive firepower.
Incidents and Setbacks
In off-field news, the Dallas Cowboys faced an unexpected situation when a fire broke out at their training camp hotel in Oxnard, California. Thankfully, the Oxnard Fire Department contained the fire with no reported injuries. The Cowboys will wrap up their preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on Saturday.
For the New England Patriots, there are significant roster decisions to be made concerning rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick. While Maye has shown flashes of potential, he has struggled in specific scenarios. The Patriots also have veteran Jacoby Brissett, now in his second stint with the team, adding another layer of complexity to their decision-making process.
Coaching Challenges
The Minnesota Vikings' defensive strategy is currently under the guidance of Brian Flores. Recently, he faced criticism from Tua Tagovailoa, who labeled him a "terrible person." Flores addressed the comment eloquently, expressing the impact it had on him while also emphasizing growth and self-improvement. “Look, I'm human. So that hit me in a way that wasn’t... positive for me. But at the same time, I've got to use that and say, ‘Hey, how can I grow from that?’... Do I feel like that's me? No. But how can I grow from that situation and create a world where that's not the case that anyone says that about Brian Flores?”
The next few days will be crucial for all teams involved, and the final roster decisions will be instrumental in shaping the upcoming regular season. Stay tuned for what promises to be an action-packed conclusion to the NFL preseason.