With NFL training camps in full swing, and the Hall of Fame game in the books, that means one very exciting thing for football fans everywhere: the 2014 NFL preseason is officially underway. Every single NFL team will take to the field this week and fans the world round will be treated to the unofficial return of the game they love.
It’s impossible to document all of the unfolding sagas around the league, but with that said, let’s take a brief look at some of the more interesting storylines as we head into this week.
A Super Re-Match
Yes, everyone knows that the starters don’t play for very long during the first week of the preseason, but how often do you get to witness a Super Bowl rematch in the first week of exhibition play? Even if it’s just for one series, who doesn’t want to watch Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense go toe-to-toe with the league’s best defense one more time? Teams don’t show much of their game-plans during the preseason, but the Broncos might feel that they have a little something to prove here. This one sells itself.
Johnny Football Makes His Debut
One of the most scrutinized athletes in the world takes his first step onto an NFL field when Johnny Manziel and the Cleveland Browns travel to Detroit to take on the Lions. Manziel has been taking some snaps with the first team offense lately, but figures to come off the bench and see extended action in his first game. Manziel may come with his share of controversy, but this is all about football. The man known as “Johnny Football” has a lot to prove and a lot of critics to silence. He will look to take his first steps toward doing so in this match-up.
Clash of Offensive Juggernauts
When the Philadelphia Eagles travel to Chicago to take on the Bears, the world may witness a contest between two of the league’s top five offenses in 2014. Eagles head coach Chip Kelly and Bears head coach Marc Trestman proved themselves in their debut seasons, and will look to build on the success they achieved as freshman. These are town dynamics, high-powered, talent-rich offenses that could make huge waves this season. The Eagles won the NFC East last season, and the Bears narrowly missed out on an NFC North title in Week 17. These two clubs are poised to take even bigger steps in 2014, and fans of exciting offenses should be in for a treat.
A Bounce-Back Year For the Falcons
This is something of an understated storyline this season, but there is an interesting situation in the NFC South. Fast becoming a highly competitive division, the struggle to emerge with a playoff berth will be in full tilt in 2014. After a disappointing, injury-riddled 2013, the Atlanta Falcons are looking to rebound in a big way. With Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Steven Jackson returning to full health, the Falcons have to hope that things turn around this year. You have to know that the first team offense will be hoping to make a statement right out of the gate, and when they face the Miami Dolphins in the first exhibition contest, you know they will have much to prove.
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