Michael Vick took a number of hits while being consistently pressured against the Browns – Just what the Eagles, all their fans and especially all his owners do not want to see—Vick under constant pressure and taking many hits. While the Eagles first team played a much improved half of football on the scoreboard than a week ago when they were taken apart by Pittsburgh, their offensive line still looked pretty shaky protecting Vick. If the line cannot shore up its play come the start of regular season action the numerous pass rushers in the NFC East will be licking their chops to line up for the Philly buffet, and Vick, who's played a full 16 games one time in his career, will be lucky to make it to December.
Rex Grossman got the start for the Redskins over John Beck – Yes Grossman started, and yes he posted better stats against the Ravens' first-teamers (112 yards including a 24-yard TD), but neither Redskins quarterback put the other in their rearview in the race for the Week 1 starting spot. Beck received less opportunity in the first half to see what he could do against a starting defense, but he was impressive on a 97-yard drive early in the second half that ended with him throwing a 13-yard scoring strike. At the end of the night, these two remain neck and neck, and neither looks to have much fantasy upside regardless of who wins the job.
Tim Hightower has the look of a major mid-round steal – After gouging the Ravens' first team defense for 56 yards on nine carries including a beautiful 37-yard touchdown scamper, Hightower is looking more and more like a No. 2 fantasy back. Considering he's unlikely to be among the first 20-25 running backs drafted in most leagues, Hightower has a shot to be one of this year's biggest steals.
Andy Dalton outperformed Cam Newton in the battle of the rookies – Newton struggled mightily to complete passes all night (finishing an inept 6-for-19) and does not seem up to speed on his reads or timing with his receivers. Dalton meanwhile was much sharper, going 11-for-17 for 130 yards and a 40-yard touchdown to fellow rookie A.J. Green. Given that both teams have sub-par to awful defenses, this is not the best gauge for these two rookies, but then again, that's saying something even more about Newton's terrible passing display. While neither will be fantasy useful in 2010, I'd wager that Dalton has the better overall rookie year.
Montario Hardesty finally played in an NFL game (and didn't get hurt!) – It is great to finally see Hardesty actually take an NFL carry, even if he did nothing impressive with his five attempts against the Eagles (15 measly yards). The fact that he played, was tackled and injured nothing is impressive in and of itself. Now if he can just stay healthy during the next week of practice, maybe we'll actually see him do something with the football in his hands in the final preseason game.
Marshawn Lynch (ankle) missed practice and will sit out Saturday night vs. Denver – Nothing seems to be serious with this situation, but it's worth watching to see if this is more of a precautionary move by Seattle or if Lynch actually has a serious ankle injury. Healthy, he could be a workhorse back this season, but if any injuries slow him, Leon Washington could start to expand his role and steal enough carries to make Lynch unplayable most weeks, which everyone in the Seahawks offense might be if they can't field a competent signal caller.
Brandon Lloyd left practice early with a groin injury – Probably nothing to see here either, but Lloyd is a No. 2 fantasy receiver when healthy, so keep an eye on his status if your league hasn't drafted yet.