Wahoos In The NFL: Several Make Their Case In Week 2 Games

Week 2 of the NFL preseason is in the books, and several former Wahoos made a case to land on the 53-man roster of their respective teams when final cuts are announced on September 1st.

We’ll start this week’s recap with a 15-year veteran who should have no issues making his squad. Atlanta backup quarterback Matt Schaub looked sharp again Friday, a week after tossing a perfect 9-for-9 performance. This time around against the Chiefs, the 37-year-old former Pro Bowl MVP finished his night 7 for 10 for 75 yards and a score.

Schaub engineered a 14-play, second-quarter drive that ended with a 7-yard touchdown strike to rookie receiver Calvin Ridley, posting a QB rating of 125.0.

Kurt Benkert relieved Schaub and didn’t have his best night. The Falcons’ rookie signal caller was 3 for 8 for 30 yards, throwing a pick-six. Benkert is still expected to claim the third-string spot on the roster over Garrett Grayson.

Also for the Falcons, guard Austin Pasztor saw just nine snaps Friday and may have a hard time avoiding the ultimate cut.

Meanwhile, Taquan “Smoke” Mizzell found paydirt for a second time this preseason with the Chicago Bears, this time through the air. Smoke hauled in a 2-yard TD toss from reserve quarterback Chase Daniel with less than five minutes to play, which helped the Bears rally to win their first preseason contest in three tries.

Mizzell, who carried four times for 10 yards and caught 7 of 8 targets for 29 yards, remains in a battle with Ryan Nall for Chicago’s fourth-string running back behind Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen and Benny Cunningham.

In three games, Mizzell has rushed 21 times for 52 yards while snagging nine receptions for 40 yards. Perhaps not the greatest numbers, but they’re still edging out Nall. Mizzell has also returned four kickoffs for 88 yards, which should help his chances.

For the Vikings, safety Anthony Harris delivered another impressive performance Saturday against Jacksonville, registering three tackles (all of them solo), a sack and a pass deflection.

Rams rookie linebacker Micah Kiser continues to make a strong push for a permanent job with starter Mark Barron injured. Kiser, who led the ACC in tackles in each of the past three seasons, logged a pair of tackles — one for loss — in 36 defensive snaps against the Raiders Saturday night. He also saw some action on special teams.

Virginia’s all-time leading tackler, Quin Blanding, only played 15 snaps in the Redskins’ 15-13 win over the Jets Thursday, but made the most of his opportunities. The Washington rookie safety recorded four tackles (two solo), including three stops in a row, all during the same drive. He must continue to make plays over the final two weeks in hopes of making the final roster.

Morgan Moses saw his first action of the preseason after being injured on a late hit from Jets CB Trumaine Johnson during a joint practice last weekend in Richmond which led to a brawl. Moses started at tackle Thursday and played all 10 snaps of the Skins’ opening possession.

Bengals rookie defensive end Andrew Brown is still dealing with a hamstring injury and did not participate against the Cowboys Saturday. He is hoping to make his debut this week.

A trio of former ‘Hoos saw time for the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles Thursday against New England. Defensive end Chris Long (one tackle) and safety Rodney McLeod (two solo tackles) each started and had an increased workload after barely playing last week, while linebacker LaRoy Reynolds continued to make his case with three tackles (two solo) in his 21 snaps. Reynolds is currently projected by several sources to secure one of the last spots on the Philadelphia roster.

Patriots lineman Luke Bowanko is on the outside looking in, as the fourth-year pro continues to compete for depth on the interior in New England.

Another former Cavalier lineman, Oday Aboushi, signed with Oakland less than a month ago and played 68% of the Raiders’ offensive snaps Saturday, good for fourth-most on the team.

Here’s a quick glance at how the other former Virginia players fared in Week 2:

• San Francisco’s Eli Harold had two tackles (one solo) against the Texans, while Titans wideout Darius Jennings caught one pass for seven yards against Tampa Bay as he fights for a roster spot.
• After participating in 73% of the Dolphins’ snaps last week, offensive lineman Eric Smith only saw nine snaps (13%) in Friday’s game against Carolina. Former tight end John Phillips was in on 11 snaps for the Saints for the second straight week after signing with New Orleans just before the opener on August 9th.
• Neither Cam Johnson nor John Montelus helped themselves in Detroit’s Friday tilt with the Giants. Both remain somewhat of a longshot to crack the roster for opening day.
• None of the Baltimore players (cornerback Maurice Canady, defensive tackle Brent Urban, rookie wideout Andre Levrone) registered any stats on Monday Night Football in Indianapolis.

Heading into the third week of the preseason, which most teams use as a dress rehearsal for the regular season, it is less likely for reserves to make much of an impact. Many will have to wait until their final chance as the exhibition slate comes to a close on Thursday, August 30th. Stay tuned.