So the first 2 weeks of preseason were a breeze, nice to see the stars back in action and interesting to see some of the up-and-comers. But by now, you’re starting to get a little tired of all the exhibitionism (that’s the right word, right?) Luckily for you, I’ve got another list of backups to watch out for in the second half of these games. This week: Guys who looked like stars in the making, but are just trying to make the team now. Check out the guys fighting to dig their careers out of the grave after the jump.
1a. Michael Vick – QB, Philadelphia Eagles
1b. Vince Young – QB, Tennessee Titans
Where you know them from: Both were picked very high in their respective drafts, both were featured on the cover of Madden (yikes), both were known more for running rather than passing, both have had off-the-field issues, annnnd both have had disasterous falls in their careers.
Will you ever see them again: Vick, undoubtedly, makes the team unless he really shits the bed and/or PETA hangs him (imagine the irony!) As long as he can still run and if he can pass somewhat accurately, he’ll be valuable in subpackages. Young, on the other hand, looked terrible overall this preseason, even factoring in his passable performance against the Buc’s JV team. Despite claiming he’s a future HOF’er, it looks like the only reason he’ll even make the team as a backup is because of his lofty draft status.
2. Cadillac Williams – RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Where you know him from: 2005 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, constantly seeing the headline, “Bucs put Cadillac up on blocks.”
Will you ever see him again: He was injury prone, even dating back to his impressive rookie year. Now, both his knees have been surgically repaired and the Bucs have Earnest Graham, newly-acquired Derrick Ward, and 2008 Pro Bowl return specialist Clifton Smith to lean on. He’s supposedly looked impressive in camp, but Cadillac won’t play until the 3rd exhibition game. He’s going to really have to turn heads in the last 2 to make this team.
3. Chris Henry - WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Where you know him from: Unfortunately for him, his career has played out like a bad episode of “When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong.” He had a lot of ability coming out of college and showed some nice flashes, but he was ultimately derailed by off the field problems. Fun fact: When Carson Palmer got his knee exploded a couple years back, Henry was the guy he was throwing to.
Will you ever see him again: He was cut in April 2008 in attempt to clean up the Bengals’ image, but was re-signed just a few months later. Surprisingly, he appears to be no longer insane. He supposedly was working really hard in camp and has looked very good in both preseason games. He could be poised for a breakout season if he can keep it together.
4. Vernon Gholston – LB/DE, New York Jets
Where you know him from: Hearing Mel Kiper, Jr. bark his name at you for 6 straight months leading up to the draft.
Will you ever see him again: Gholston caught a break with Calvin Pace being suspended for the first 4 games because Rex Ryan has penciled him in as a starter for the first quarter of the season. Ryan loves the guy, but after watching his first two preseason performances, he might be the only one.
*Bonus Round*
Javon Walker, WR, Oakland Raiders
If you want Javon on your team in Madden you better turn the Salary Cap off or hope for that uncapped year next year!
Good assessment, I’m sure we’ll see Vince Young again, I’m not sure Kerry Collins can put in another good season like last.
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