Week two of the 2014 NFL preseason was laced with big performances. Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall rekindled their prolific relationship on Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars; all of the New England Patriots' quarterbacks ran riot over the Philadelphia Eagles, Jimmy Graham looked to be in mid-season form as he caught two touchdowns on Friday night; and Andy Dalton took some steps towards easing concerns about his new contract when he went eight-of-eight for 144 yards and a touchdown against the New York Jets.
This week I will once again be taking a look at players who impressed this week and look set to have big 2014 seasons.
Blake Bortles
Many people were surprised that the Jaguars took Bortles, and not a certain J. Football, with the third overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft. Chad Henne had played well last season and the Jaguars were going to bide their time with the 6' 5" quarterback out of UCF. Through the first two weeks of preseason, Bortles has made a more-than-convincing case to be the starter in week one against the Philadelphia Eagles. Against Chicago Bortles went 12 of 17 for 130 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions and led the team to scores on all three drives. He'll need some reps with the first team, but the future could be now for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Justin Hunter
The Tennessee Titans may have fallen short (31-24) against the New Orleans saints on Friday, but their first team enjoyed a stellar outing against the Saints' first team defence. Sophomore wide receiver Justin Hunter was a huge part of that success, and shredded the much-vaunted Saints secondary. Hunter has impressed all training camp, and hauled in four passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Most alarmingly for defences playing the Titans this season, he made it look frighteningly easy.
Ryan Shazier
The first-round linebacker has seen a slow start to his career in the Steel City, but was omnipresent on his debut against the Buffalo Bills. Shazier showcased his impressive range as he racked up nine tackles on defense, two on special teams and a freakishly athletic interception that saw him use his sub-4.4 speed to return it 27 yards. Pittsburgh's defence needs an injection of youth, and Shazier could very well be the man to lead the ageing unit's resurgence.
Kyle Rudolph
Since being drafted in 2011, Rudolph has been an almost peripheral figure in a Minnesota Vikings' offense that has largely - and understandably - been 'The Adrian Peterson Show'. He enjoyed a breakout year in 2012, in which he caught nine touchdowns and made his way to the Pro Bowl, but cooled off last season. Injuries limited him to only eight games, but made an emphatic return to form against the Arizona Cardinals as he caught four passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. Tight ends traditionally thrive under Norv Turner (see: Gates, Antonio and Cameron, Jordan) and Rudolph could be a far bigger component this season than at any point previously in his career.
Jadaveon Clowney
Through two preseason games, Jadaveon Clowney has been reminding fans exactly why he was the first overall pick. In pass rushing situations, Clowney has been exactly as advertised: breathtakingly fast, powerful and a ferociously hard-hitter. He is already emerging as a human highlight reel, and in Houston's 32-7 win over the Falcons he viciously de-cleated running back Antoine Smith, and sacked Matt Ryan in two brief series. It's noteworthy that J.J. Watt was rested for this game, potentially putting to bed any doubts about Clowney's effectiveness when not playing alongside the reigning league defensive MVP.
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