Sure, let's get right to the point. The highly anticipated Fernando Mendoza is set to take the field for the Raiders in their preseason game against the Cardinals.
The Chargers' new offense under Mike McDaniel will be a story to watch, particularly the defense under Chris O'Leary. He used a more attacking style of defense at Western Michigan, blitzing at an 80th percentile rate in his lone season there. This is a significant change from his predecessor, Jesse Minter, who preferred creeper and simulated pressures.
The Lions' offensive line has been the tip of the spear for the franchise since Dan Campbell arrived in Detroit. However, they've been dealt a blow with Cade Mays, a key free agent signing, set to miss an extended period due to a wrist injury. Seth McLaughlin, who has recovered from a late college career Achilles injury, will now be the next in line to hold the fort down in the middle.
Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd is another player to watch this preseason. He's had a brutal run of injuries to start his NFL career, but is slated to play this preseason, and an opportunity is forming for him in the Packers backfield with injuries cropping up for Josh Jacobs and an off-field incident.
The Colts will be displaying their wares in the first preseason game for the rest of the NFL to see. Anthony Richardson will be making the start against the Patriots before Riley Leonard takes over in the second half. This rotation will continue next week against the Falcons, allowing the Colts to create a contingency plan in case Daniel Jones' recovery doesn't go as planned.
The Patriots also have interesting rookies that will be worth keeping an eye on. Caleb Lomu and Eli Raridon, a tight end, could help the Patriots' offense be more dangerous with their personnel groupings. Raridon has reportedly been a training camp standout so far, and it will be interesting to see how well his blocking has translated from college to the pros.
The Chargers' new faces upfront, Seth McLaughlin and Blake Miller, will be crucial in deciding how far the Lions will go this season. McLaughlin has recovered from a late college career Achilles injury, while Miller is a first-round selection. Both will be key players in the Chargers' preseason games against the Texans.
The Raiders' No. 1 selection Fernando Mendoza might not be starting the regular season, but he's sure to start the preseason. His skill set should translate nicely to Klint Kubiak's offense, and we get our first glimpse of that pairing in the Raiders' game against the Cardinals.
The Chargers vs. Texans game will be a story to watch, particularly with the new Chargers offense under Mike McDaniel. The defense under Chris O'Leary will also be worth keeping an eye on, as he used a more attacking style of defense at Western Michigan. This could be a turning point for the Chargers, with first-round pick Akheem Mesidor and second-round selection Jake Slaughter looking to make a positive impact.
The Colts will be displaying their wares in the first preseason game for the rest of the NFL to see, with Anthony Richardson making the start against the Patriots before Riley Leonard takes over in the second half. The Patriots also have interesting rookies that will be worth keeping an eye on, with Caleb Lomu and Eli Raridon looking to make a positive impact.
It's now up to the players to take the field and show what they're made of in the preseason games. With injuries and off-field incidents affecting some teams, the preseason games will be crucial in deciding how far each team will go this season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
