NFL Preseason Week 3 Storylines

Here are some of the more interesting NFL Preseason Week 3 Storylines.

The NFL Preseason is just about over with this week’s game giving us the best look at each team’s potential starters. The 3^rd preseason game is routinely seen as the last tune up for the starters before the regular season kicks off.

This week there are several intriguing storylines that could impact expectations for the start of the season.

1. Arian Foster expected to see more snaps

The Miami Dolphins will give Arian Foster a larger number of carries in order to determine just how much he can help them this year. Miami’s running back situation is wide-open which means that Foster could be the team’s go-to runner.

Foster’s injury history is well documented, but his production when healthy can’t be disputed. He’s a game changer when on the field and could be the missing piece for this Miami offense.

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One thing to keep in mind is that Foster is an exceptional receiver out of the backfield. It won’t hurt Ryan Tannehill’s development to have someone with Foster’s abilities on the field.

2. The Health of the New England Patriots Offensive Line

The New England Patriots have had a rough preseason as far as injuries are concerned. They’ve lost major contributors such as Rob Ninkovich, Dion Lewis and Jabaal Sheard for extended periods of time.

However, things have been worse along the offensive line where they could be without multiple starters. New England has lost right tackle Sebastian Vollmer, guards Shaq Mason, Tre Jackson and Jonathan Cooper.

They also just recently traded former starting center Bryan Stork to the Washington Redskins. Stork has been dealing with concussion issues and was reportedly considering retirement.

The offensive line issues are a concern on their own, but add in the fact that the team will be without Tom Brady for 4 weeks and it becomes a bigger problem.

3. Can Robert Griffin III continue to play at a high level?

The Cleveland Browns took a mild risk this offseason when they signed Robert Griffin III. They were hoping that a change of scenery and working with Hue Jackson would help Griffin get his career back on track.

So far, things are looking good as Griffin has played very well during the preseason. His ability to deliver an accurate deep ball is something that fits Cleveland’s personnel. Receivers Josh Gordon, Corey Coleman and Terrelle Pryor all excel at stretching the defense and making plays down the field.

There’s plenty of optimism surrounding Griffin, but it’s important that everyone keeps cool heads as things could change once the regular season starts.

4. Colin Kaepernick to see the field for the 1st time this preseason

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback battle wasn’t all that competitive thanks to Colin Kaepernick missing time with an injury. Blaine Gabbert appears to have a solid hold and the starting job– at least for the early part of the season.

However, Kaepernick could chip away at Gabbert’s lead this weekend when he’s expected to see the field for the first time this year.

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