NFL TRAINING CAMP NOTES

PITTSBURGH

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Defensive disaster: Through two preseason games, the Steelers defense has been a disaster. LBs Jon Bostic and Tyler Matakevich were underwhelming as they compete to replace Ryan Shazier, so it might be time for Pittsburgh to reach out to the free agent market to try to bolster a struggling defense. This weekend, offensive stars could start seeing some action. QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Antonio Brown could play against the Titans after returning to practice from injuries. . Add in the team’s rising stars, WRs Juju Smith-Schuster and James Washington, and the passing offense will be on full display.

ROOKIE WATCH

Time is running out for RB Jaylen Samuels to make an impression. Once RB Le’Veon Bell returns — he’s expected back after the team’s final preseason game Aug. 30 — Pittsburgh will have to narrow the pool of running backs. Despite his versatility, Samuels hasn’t impressed, while other backs have shined.

ARIZONA

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Passing game paced by Bradford: The Cardinals want to establish the running game as their offensive identity, but their passing game also might scare opponents during the regular season. After the Cardinals had a sluggish pair of offensive drives in which they weren’t able to run the ball against the Saints, they came out with sharp passing. QB Sam Bradford completed all six of his passes and led the first-team offense to a touchdown. He still has not thrown an incomplete pass during the preseason. Playing behind the first- and second-team offensive lines, QB Josh Rosen completed 10 of 16 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown.

ROOKIE WATCH

WR Christian Kirk almost busted a punt return for a touchdown in the preseason opener and then led the team in receptions, yards and scored a touchdown against the Saints. With an uncertain rotation at receiver, he is making a move to get real playing time as a rookie.

ATLANTA

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

After an ugly 17-0 loss to the Jets, the Falcons looked much sharper against the Chiefs, at least in the first half of a 28-14 loss. The offensive line gave QB Matt Ryan time to demonstrate his improved connection with third-year TE Austin Hooper, who caught two passes for 33 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive. S Damontae Kazee had another strong performance, intercepting a deep pass from Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. Often-overlooked slot CB Brian Poole showed off his reliable tackling skills and kept dangerous Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill in check.

ROOKIE WATCH

WR Calvin Ridley had his coming-out party against Kansas City. He returned two kicks for 52 yards and caught three passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. Things were less positive for second- round CB Isaiah Oliver, but Atlanta has enough depth at cornerback to bring him along slowly. Undrafted QB Kurt Benkert regressed after a solid debut, going 3-for-8 with an interception.

BALTIMORE

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Short week ahead: The Ravens get an early look at how a short week will affect them. After taking on the Colts on the road Monday, they’ll play their most vital preseason game in Week 3 at the Dolphins on Saturday. This quick turnaround isn’t much different from what the Ravens will face right away during the regular season. They host the Bills on Sept. 9 and then play at the Bengals on Sept. 13. Every team will play one Thursday game this season, so it might be an advantage for the Ravens to get that out of the way early.

ROOKIE WATCH

QB Lamar Jackson is clearly the heir to this franchise. While he’s not likely to wrest the starting job from QB Joe Flacco this season and Robert Griffin III appears set as backup, the team wants to get Jackson involved on offense in a package role. Few teams dress three quarterbacks on game days, but the Ravens will have to consider it, possibly sacrificing depth elsewhere if they intend to get Jackson involved in some way.

BUFFALO

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Defensive worries: Last season the secondary led the team’s drought-breaking run to the postseason. To bolster the defense, the front office added to the front seven’s pass rush. But that group still has some holes, particularly against the run. Cleveland RB Carlos Hyde averaged 9 yards per carry against Buffalo’s first-team defense in their second preseason game. Rookie Tremaine Edmunds has flashed, but he has over pursued against the run along with LB Matt Milano. After ranking 29th in run defense a year ago (126.4 yards per game), Buffalo needs to clean that effort up.

ROOKIE WATCH

Fourth-round pick CB Taron Johnson is starting to get a look at starting at Buffalo’s slot cornerback position, rotating there with CB Phillip Gaines. Johnson has shown strong tackling and good zone coverage skills. In Sean McDermott’s defensive scheme, the nickel corner position is close to a starting role and is an important position battle to monitor.

CAROLINA

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

The Panthers beat the Dolphins 27-20 Aug. 17 despite offensive line issues. QB Cam Newton was pressured often and sacked twice. But the woes didn’t keep RB Christian McCaffrey from showing why he’ll be the foundation of Norv Turner’s offense. He had 120 yards from scrimmage, highlighted by a 71-yard touchdown run. WR Curtis Samuel had another quality showing, catching two passes for 65 yards. QB Taylor Heinicke lost ground in the backup battle to Garrett Gilbert, the only Carolina quarterback who didn’t throw an interception.

ROOKIE WATCH

After playing extremely well in training camp, CB Donte Jackson earned his first start opposite CB James Bradberry. TE Ian Thomas showed far more speed than TE Greg Olsen’s former backup, Ed Dickson, outrunning Miami’s defense easily on a 27-yard catch and run for a touchdown. LB Jermaine Carter Jr., also playing well, could be called on during LB Thomas Davis’ season-opening, four-game suspension.

CHICAGO

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Snap decision: The Bears continue to stick with Cody Whitehair as their starting center, but the third-year lineman has struggled with accurately snapping the ball in shotgun formations. Rookie James Daniels , a second- round pick, sits behind Whitehair, and the Bears want to keep him at center, even though the starting left guard remains up for grabs. Eric Kush was the starting guard through training camp, but veteran Earl Watford has seen opportunities with the first team lately. Whitehair has experience at guard, too, and he had a few suboptimal snaps in last week’s preseason game. The Bears have two more exhibition games left to figure out their starting offensive line combination.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

First-round LB Roquan Smith ended his holdout last week, and he wasn’t ready to go for the preseason game. He should make his debut this week against the Chiefs as he starts to make his case for the starting job.

CINCINNATI

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Hart in right place? The offensive line remains a huge question heading into the third preseason game. New line coach Frank Pollack continues to shuffle personnel on the right side, with G Trey Hopkins and others getting looks at guard. Despite having right tackle locked down since the first official depth chart, Bobby Hart struggled in a Week 2 win against the Cowboys. OTs Jake Fisher and Cedric Ogbuehi looked worse in relief. The line might need some serious adjustments to avoid a repeat of last year’s disaster.

ROOKIE WATCH

Second-round Bengals pick S Jessie Bates subbed in during the preseason game on the first-team offense for S George Iloka, 28, who later was released. The Aug. 19 cut was something of a surprise, though it might have been done to save cash as the Bengals look to re-sign DE Carlos Dunlap, DT Geno Atkins and CB Darqueze Dennard. Whatever the motivation for the move, it appears that Bates is set for a starting job in Week 1.

CLEVEL AND

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Flash back: WR Josh Gordon is back after missing training camp and the first two preseason games. He was activated from the non-football injury list after getting more treatment for anxiety issues related to substance abuse problems. Gordon led the NFL in receiving yards and earned first-team all-pro status in 2013 but has played just 10games since then because of suspensions. If “Flash” can play even close to the level he did in his heyday, the Browns suddenly have a game breaking playmaker at outside wide receiver. Coach Hue Jackson indicated Gordon could be ready for the opener.

ROOKIE WATCH

OL Austin Corbett, who played left tackle at Nevada, has shifted to left guard in Cleveland. After struggling in the preseason opener, Corbett played much better in the loss to the Bills. Corbett played every snap in that game, a rarity for a preseason contest, as the team tries to get him up to speed as the starting left guard.

DALLAS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

‘D’ coming back to Big D: Except for a two-minute drive by the 49ers, the first- and second-team defenses have pitched a shutout. The defense has batted down 16 passes and forced five turnovers. OLB Randy Gregory played against the Bengals, his first appearance since Week 17 of the 2016 season. More reinforcements are coming with the return of DT Maliek Collins and a hoped-for Week 5 return of DT David Irving. On offense, the team is aiming to present a formidable complement to RB Ezekiel Elliott in the running game. Elliott will sit out the preseason, giving RB Rod Smith more opportunities. Despite a 0-2 record, the Cowboys’ first units are showing that they will be a force.

ROOKIE WATCH

G Connor Williams, a second round pick and converted tackle from Texas, played well in the preseason opener, but he had a handful of bad snaps against the Bengals.

DENVER

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

No quarterback drama: QB Chad Kelly has looked great through two weeks of preseason play, but he’s not pushing Case Keenum for the starting job. Coach Vance Joseph reiterated after a 24-23 loss to the Bears that Kelly is the team’s No. 2 quarterback. “That’s where he stands, he’s our (backup),” Joseph said. Kelly went 7-for-9 with 90 yards and one TD pass, leading two scoring drives. Keenum also led two scoring drives, going 8-for-13 with 78 yards. Keenum overthrew a few passes but looked sharp overall. That could leave Paxton Lynch on the outs. “I don’t want to be a backup and I definitely don’t want to be third-string quarterback,” Lynch said. “But the cards have been dealt to this point in time, (but) I’m not quitting.”

ROOKIE WATCH

Undrafted RB Phillip Lindsay has been an all-purpose player this preseason. The Colorado product has returned kicks, covered kicks and led the team in rushing yards last week. He’s essentially a lock to make the 53-man roster.

DETROIT

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Hand overtaking Robinson: Third year DT A’Shawn Robinson was expected to become a bigger pass-rushing threat under rookie head coach Matt Patricia. But through training camp and the first two preseason games, he has lost the bulk of his first-team reps to rookie Da’Shawn Hand, a fellow Alabama product. Robinson needs to demonstrate more ability to make an impact against the run. He has fallen behind Hand and veteran newcomer Ricky Jean Franco is in the depth chart and the final two preseason games will be crucial to determining Robinson’s fate this season.

ROOKIE WATCH

RB Kerryon Johnson continues to impress. The second-round pick from Auburn stood out in the preseason opener with his ability to create explosive plays. Johnson didn’t find as much success in the second week against the Giants (four carries for 9 yards, one 10yard reception), but his all-around abilities and big-play potential ensure a major role in the Lions offense.

GREEN BAY

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Rodgers, Graham connect: The Packers’ preseason win against the Steelers provided a glimpse of how difficult it might be to defend QB Aaron Rodgers and TE Jimmy Graham in the red zone. The two finished off the offense’s opening drive with an 8-yard touchdown connection. The combination of Graham’s size and Rodgers’ savvy inside the 20 should create plenty of touchdowns this season. Rodgers left the game after the scoring drive and might not play the rest of the preseason. He was sharp during his eight-play appearance, hitting WR Davante Adams for 27 yards, escaping a sack and scrambling for 5 yards.

ROOKIE WATCH

CB Josh Jackson didn’t allow a reception on three passes into his coverage against the Steelers. He also returned an interception for a touchdown after he baited QB Josh Dobbs into a mistake in the second half. The second-round pick is emerging as a potential contributor for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.

HOUSTON

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Elementary, my dear Watson: QB Deshaun Watson saw one series in the Texans’ 16-13 win against the 49ers on Aug. 18, and he made it count. The second- year signal caller, who has spent the offseason recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, went 5for-8 for 73 yards and a touchdown pass. The 12th overall pick in 2017 capped off an 11-play, 79-yard drive with a 1-yard TD pass to WR Bruce Ellington on fourth down to tie the score in the first quarter. All three of Watson’s incompletions were catchable balls dropped by the intended receivers.

ROOKIE WATCH

Third-round OT Martinas Rankin remains on the physically unable to perform list and has not taken part in any training camp drills. It’s appearing more likely Rankin won’t be ready to assume the starting right tackle job. More worrisome is that he is missing out on valuable reps and practice time. If Rankin starts the regular season on PUP, he won’t be available to play until Week 6.

INDIANAPOLIS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Offensive line shuffle: While much of the preseason focus has been on the return of starting QB Andrew Luck, there has been heavy competition among players assigned to protect him. The Colts have been doing an offensive line shuffle at both offensive tackle positions. With starting LT Anthony Castonzo nursing a hamstring injury, the Colts have had several players filling in as the team figures out its depth on the blind side. The right tackle position is wide open between a handful of players as the Colts search for their starter. “It’s a constant competition,” offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni said. “We are just evaluating every single day and seeing who wants to take that job. There are a lot of good candidates.”

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Auburn product Braden Smith, who was drafted as a guard, has been seeing first-team reps at right tackle in practice. He’s competing for a starting role at right tackle after making 41 consecutive starts for the Tigers since 2014.

JACKSONVILLE

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

A week of practice against the defensively strong Vikings culminated in a 1410 win for the Jaguars in their second preseason game. That sets up this week’s game against the Falcons as a dress rehearsal for those who make the final cut. Among the players locked into roster spots, positions on the team’s depth chart becomes prevalent. Most notably, the Jaguars will need to figure out which running back — Corey Grant or T.J. Yeldon— will get work behind Leonard Fournette this season. Both have recently flashed as receivers, so the battle could come down to who runs better against Atlanta.

ROOKIE WATCH

With S Tashaun Gipson not dressing against the Vikings, third-round S Ronnie Harrison impressed in his first NFL start. He had five tackles and a forced fumble, justifying the hype that has surrounded him this offseason. If he can put together another strong performance in Week 3, the Jaguars might be forced to consider him at nickel, too.

KANSAS CITY

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Power and speed: QB Patrick Mahomes ’first touchdown pass of the 2018 preseason showed off his ridiculous arm talent. Near the end of the second quarter of the Chiefs’ 28-14 win against the Falcons, Mahomes uncorked a 69-yard touchdown pass to WR Tyreek Hill — who showed off some sweet dance moves in the end zone. This won’t be the last time that these two connect for an explosive play. Between Mahomes’ arm strength and Hill’s speed, they always will be a play away from scoring.

ROOKIE WATCH

S Armani Watts, a fourth-round pick, saw 90 percent of the Chiefs’ snaps in the first preseason game. In Week 2, he saw less playing time as S Leon McQuay returned to action. The decrease in playing time helped Watts put together a much better performance. He allowed a single reception on 19 snaps that went for 3 yards. He also created a forced fumble that sealed the win.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Kicking competition continues: All offseason, head coach Anthony Lynn raved about K Caleb Sturgis. He kept saying that his job was his and that he was doing great — even after not doing as well as K Robert Aguayo during practice. Then in the preseason opener, Sturgis missed his only field goal attempt. Aguayo was used in the second preseason game and hit all three of his extra points, as well as a 39-yard field goal, during the Chargers’ win against the Seahawks. Aguayo now has a leg up on Sturgis. The kicking job appears to be his — until it’s not.

ROOKIE WATCH

With S Derwin James not getting a single rep with the starters against the Seahawks, second-round pick LB Uchenna Nwosu continued to excel. He was the primary rusher opposite LB Melvin Ingram. It’s still early, but Nwosu seems to be the real deal. It will be interesting to see if the Chargers install packages with Nwosu, Ingram and DE Joey Bosa together.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

McVay playing it safe: The Rams evened their preseason record at 1-1 with a 19-15 win against the Raiders, but once again the offense was sloppy. Los Angeles found the end zone just once, largely because Coach Sean McVay was taking no injury risks with his players. Only two starters — LB Samson Ebukam and OL Jamon Brown — have played any snaps this preseason, a risky move for a team with a third-year quarterback. It remains to be seen how much QB Jared Goff, RB Todd Gurley and other top players will see the field during the preseason.

ROOKIE WATCH

RB John Kelly had an impressive performance against the Ravens in the preseason opener, but he struggled a bit against the Raiders. He averaged 3.1 yards per carry with a long run of 12 yards. He fumbled going into the end zone but recovered it for a touchdown. He can be a dynamic playmaker, but he needs to show it consistently if he wants to overtake RB Malcolm Brown.

MIAMI

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Same old Drake: Dolphins RB Kenyan Drake had an NFL-best 444 yards during the final five weeks of last season. Early this preseason, he is continuing where he left off. Although Drake rushed for only 16 yards against the Buccaneers, he averaged 5.3 yards per carry. Against the Panthers, Drake had 54 yards, including a 34-yard run in the first half, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. With the Dolphins planning to run the ball more, Drake will be vital to the team’ success, especially with QB Ryan Tannehill coming back from a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury.

ROOKIE WATCH

RB Kalen Ballage had a solid effort against the Buccaneers during his first preseason game, running for a team high 37 yards on 10 carries. He also caught three passes for 23 yards. Although the Dolphins have a deep backfield with Drake and RB Frank Gore, Ballage should get some carries this season.

MINNESOTA

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Just like old times: The Vikings are having flashbacks to their 2016 offensive line. The team’s projected starting LG Nick Easton (neck) is already out for the season. After last week’s ugly loss to the Jaguars, you can add OT Cedrick Lang (leg) to the list. C Pat Elflein (shoulder, ankle) and OT Mike Remmers (ankle) have yet to appear in a game. CB Mackensie Alexander suffered an ankle injury as well, and that could open the door for first-round pick CB Mike Hughes to win the nickel spot.

ROOKIE WATCH

One winner from Minnesota’s 14-10 loss to Jacksonville was rookie K Daniel Carlson, who had the edge in the kicking battle after going 2-for-2 in Week 1 against the Broncos. K Kai Forbath went 1-for-2 against the Jaguars, missing a 41-yard field goal attempt, and that might have ended his chances to win the kicking job. Considering the Vikings invested a fifth-round pick in Carlson, it’s fair to say he was expected to win the job.

NEW ENGL AND

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Brady looking as scary as ever: QB Tom Brady was efficient in his 2018 preseason debut, beating the Eagles. He was 19-for-26 for 172 yards with two touchdown passes in one half of play. There was some question about how Brady would perform after skipping voluntary workouts this offseason and dealing with a sore back in training camp. But he had no issues. With TE Rob Gronkowski resting against the Eagles, Brady worked well with RB James White, WR Chris Hogan and TE Jacob Hollister .They likely will be Brady’s core contributors while WR Julian Edelman serves his four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

ROOKIE WATCH

Seventh-round CB Keion Crossen had brilliant and foolish moments during the 37-20 win against the Eagles. He finished with eight tackles and was a hard-hitting run defender. In coverage, he committed three penalties, two of which put the Eagles in the red zone.

NEW ORLEANS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Next up at QB? Do the Saints have a problem at backup quarterback? Tom Savage and Taysom Hill have been less than impressive during the preseason, with Hill throwing two interceptions during the Saints’ loss to the Cardinals. QB Drew Brees isn’t getting any younger and the Saints should look around for an eventual replacement. Should they inquire about a player such as Jets QB Teddy Bridgewater? That’s the type of move that could solidify the franchise now and in the future.

ROOKIE WATCH

Former LSU OL Will Clapp led the team in snaps with 41 at center. He’s clearly behind starter Max Unger, but the seventh-round pick could be one of the steals of the draft. Clapp’s versatility is serving him well, as he has experience at both guard spots, as well as in the middle. His work ethic and intelligence have been impressive. Clapp has had a better summer than fourth-round OT Rick Leonard.

NEW YORK GIANTS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Return of an elite defense? In 2016, the Giants’ defense was among the leagues best before it fell off a cliff in 2017. Now, under new defensive coordinator James Bettcher, the Big Blue defense appears to have regained its form. In two preseason games, the starting defense has allowed just 19 rushing yards and 150 passing yards while recording two sacks. Bettcher also shows an intense energy and enthusiasm on the sideline that breathes electricity into his players, which was sorely missed a season ago.

ROOKIE WATCH

As a third-round pick in the 2018 draft, LB Lorenzo Carter entered the NFL with uncertain expectations. He displayed impressive athleticism at Georgia, but Carter’s learning curve at the professional level has been long. But against the Lions, Carter finally broke out with three tackles and a would-be sack (called back by a penalty). In Week 3 of the preseason, Carter will likely see increased reps in practice and more snaps against the Jets.

NEW YORK JETS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

An unusual problem: No one has ever accused the Jets of having too many capable quarterbacks. But with QBs Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold and Josh McCown, New York has come a long way from last year’s depth chart that featured Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg .Bridgewater has looked the sharpest through two preseason games, with McCown hardly playing and Darnold coming down to earth in his first pro start. All three are legitimate options for Todd Bowles, but Bridgewater is applying the pressure with his future still up in the air.

ROOKIE WATCH

TE Chris Herndon entered training camp with a real shot to start, but those odds seem to be diminishing. Banged up, the rookie has missed both preseason games. Herndon has impressed in camp, but his injuries have prevented him from seizing opportunities created by injuries to Jordan Leggett and Neal Sterling. Herndon still can win the job, but he must get going.

OAKLAND

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Bland game: The Raiders wrapped up training camp under new head coach Jon Gruden, who gave the team the final practice off to rest up before last week’s preseason game against the Rams, a 19-15 loss. The Raiders used an especially bland game plan against the Rams as the team will meet again in the regular-season opener. They held out nearly every starter on both offense and defense and it showed. QBs Connor Cook and E.J. Manuel struggled mightily, producing one first down in the team’s first eight drives.

ROOKIE WATCH

Undrafted rookie RB Chris Warren continues to impress the coaching staff whenever he plays. After he put together a solid Week 1 performance, he was even better in the second week of the preseason as he played the entire game. He totaled 117 yards on 18 touches and showed his versatility in the run and pass game. Warren has a real chance to make the final 53-man roster over veteran RBs Doug Martin and DeAndre Washington.

PHIL ADELPHIA

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Sudfeld exploits opportunity: QB Nate Sudfeld has taken advantage of injuries to Eagles quarterbacks to make himself a hot commodity. Sudfeld got extensive time in the Eagles’ loss to the Patriots in the absence of QB Carson Wentz and the injury suffered by QB Nick Foles during the game. Sudfeld completed 22 of 39 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns. Highlighted among those throws was a 57-yarder to Shelton Gibson from his own end zone. Sudfeld is in the final year of a two-year deal he signed with the Eagles before the 2017 season.

ROOKIE WATCH

CB Avante Maddox could find himself getting huge playing time at the nickel corner spot. CB Sidney Jones was thought to be the favorite for the position, but the 5-9 Maddox has been getting the most run with the first-team defense. Cornerback might be the Eagles’ deepest position, but the Eagles’ smallest player has grinded his way into a roster discussion and starting potential.

SAN FRANCISCO

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Solid show: QB Jimmy Garoppolo looked in regular-season form against Houston after two joint practices against the Texans. He completed 10 of his first 11 throws for 136 yards and a touchdown. Despite an interception, he completed all seven throws on third and fourth down, including a 40-yarder to speedster Marquise Goodwin on his second pass.

ROOKIE WATCH

CB Tarvarius Moore isn’t expected to become a starter until after CB Richard Sherman inevitably moves on down the road. But the third-round pick made his best play since he was drafted and the former Southern Mississippi safety converted to cornerback. He dived to break up a pass from Texans reserve QB Joe Webb that tipped into the air and was intercepted by CB Emmanuel Moseley. With Sherman yet to make his preseason debut since he came back from last year’s Achilles tear and recently tweaked his hamstring, the 49ers are making sure Moore is ready if he’s called upon sooner than expected.

SEATTLE

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Running tally: Improving the running game has been a major focus for the Seahawks. The team drafted RB Rashaad Penny in the first round to complement the returning rushers, who are fighting for roster spots. Penny needed surgery on his injured finger and will be out for 3-4 weeks, shaking up the depth chart. RB Chris Carson remains a clear favorite, despite a goal-line fumble in the Seahawks’ second preseason game. RBC.J. Prosise, a versatile option in the receiving game, needs to prove he can stay healthy for the long haul. RB Mike Davis, the team’s top back last season, has had limited chances in August, and RB J.D. McKissic seems destined for mostly special teams time. Until Penny can return, the Seahawks will continue to eye the running back rotation carefully.

ROOKIE WATCH

Seahawks DL Rasheem Green has emerged as one of the early stars of the preseason, finishing his second game as the team’s leading tackler with six combined and 1 1 / 2sacks.

TAMPA BAY

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Offensive breakout: Six different offensive players logged a play of 20 yards or more for the Buccaneers in a 30-14 win against the Titans last weekend, including a 54-yard bomb from QB Jameis Winston to WR DeSean Jackson and a pair of 21-yard touchdown receptions by rookie WRs Justin Watson and Sergio Bailey. Tampa Bay’s offense looks impressive on paper, with playmakers including Jackson, WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and TEs O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate, but that hasn’t translated to consistent dominance on the field. In a sign that the Buccaneers could be discovering some long-sought explosiveness, they already have eclipsed their preseason point total from all of 2017.

ROOKIE WATCH

Alex Cappa, a versatile blocker from Humboldt State who can play guard or tackle, is battling with Caleb Benenoch for one of the starting guard spots. His physical playing style could land him the job by the time Week 1 rolls around.

TENNESSEE

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Living on the edge: The Titans this offseason addressed their lack of depth at outside linebacker. Now it looks like they might have some quality pieces behind veterans Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo. Rookie second-round pick Harold Landry has put together a pair of strong performances with the first team while Orakpo nurses an injury. Undrafted rookie Sharif Finch has made himself a frequent visitor to opposing backfields in his first two preseason games. Third-year OLB Aaron Wallace has picked up where he left off after missing all of last season with a back injury.

ROOKIE WATCH

Undrafted rookie RB Dalyn Dawkins made a splash last weekend against the Buccaneers. He didn’t put up huge numbers with 32 yards on 11 carries, but he ran hard and made his case to earn more snaps. He should get plenty of looks from the coaching staff after the spark he provided on the Titans’ second scoring drive, but he will need better production.

WASHINGTON

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Peterson back: The Redskins, who have been dealing with injuries at running back, signed veteran RB Adrian Peterson to a one-year deal. “I’m excited,” Peterson told the team’s website. “It’s been a long offseason, but I’ve been keeping my body in shape and (I’m) ready for this opportunity. So when this opportunity presented itself, I was just excited.” Washington lost RB Derrius Guice to an anterior cruciate ligament tear in the first preseason game and Samaje Perine (ankle) and Byron Marshall (ankle) went down during the victory against the Jets.

ROOKIE WATCH

DT Deron Payne recorded a sack with a textbook swim move to bring down Jets QB Sam Darnold. Payne and DT Jonathan Allen have brought life to the defensive line in what could very well be one of the best run-stopping units in the league this season. Although he missed much of camp with an ankle injury, Payne will be counted on to help rebuild a previously sagging D-line.