Thursday Pre Season Storylines

Tomorrow night will see the beginning of the pre-season.  Five games will happen tomorrow night, with the rest of the teams playing over the weekend.  Here we can take a look at the story lines, and things to look out for in each game.

Jaguars @ Patriots

The big talking point for the visiting Jaguars here is who will be the starting QB.  Previous starter David Garrard injured his back last week at training camp, therefore all eyes turn to rookie Blaine Gabbert.  Gabbert was selected 10th overall in the draft in April, but I'm sure the Jaguars didn't expect him to start so soon.  It will be interesting to see how he copes against a decent Pats defence here.  3rd string QB Luke McCown and recently signed Todd Bouman will back up the rookie.

The Patriots have added many very interesting pieces through the off-season, and it will be great to see how they put them all together.  WR Chad Ochocinco will look to make an instant impact in what is a very talented offence, and look to cement himself as one of Tom Brady's favorite targets.  On the defensive side of the ball I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of impact DT Albert Haynesworth can make.  Haynesworth's stay in Washington was full of controversy, but if anyone can kick him into shape, the Patriots can.  The formation will suit, lets see what happens. 

Ravens @ Eagles

The visiting Ravens have a few questions to answer on offence.  With the departure of TE Todd Heap, and WR Derrick Mason who will QB Joe Flacco look for?  One player who looks set for a huge year is RB Ray Rice.  He is a great pass catching RB, and with the addition of FB Vonta Leach (who is a fantastic lead blocker) he should be able to run the ball more effectively than ever.  He also has a new spell back in Ricky Williams.  Flacco though, needs someone else to throw the ball to.  Who will it be?

The Eagles will be able to showcase to their hometown crowd, their vastly changed roster.  There is now a whole lot of pressure on the Eagles following all of their additions, and talk of them being a 'dream team'.  This will be our first look at their new look defence (including new CB's Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, as well as DT Cullen Jenkins).  Also it will be interesting to see what kind of playbook new back up QB Vince Young will run.

Seahawks @ Chargers - live on ESPN UK

The visiting Seahawks have a whole host of new faces on offence, and I can't wait to see what they look like.  New QB Tavaris Jackson has alot of pressure on him.  Following the departure of veteran Matt Hasselbeck, HC Pete Carroll decided that Jackson was his guy, but many Seahawks fans aren't convinced.  Tarvaris did though bring his favorite target with him from Minnesota, WR Syndey Rice.  Will he help Jackson through?

The main question surrounding the Chargers is what is going to happen at the RB position.  Ryan Matthews showed promise in his rookie season last year, before getting injured.  Mike Tolbert stepped in last year, and played very well.  Will Tolbert stay as the number 1?  Will Matthews be given that role back? Or will they split time?

Broncos @ Cowboys

There is only one thing being talked about in Denver at the moment, Who is the starting QB?  Kyle Orton was on the trading block once the lockout was lifted, and it seemed that the Tim Tebow era was going to begin.  But as no trade was executed, and with Orton out performing Tebow at training camp, Orton seems to be the starter, against many of the fans wishes.  There are reports coming out of Broncos camp that not only Kyle Orton is performing better than Tebow, Brady Quinn is also.

This is a huge year for the Cowboys.  Following a very poor season last year, the very passionate fans will accept nothing less than drastic improvement from Americas team.  QB Tony Romo is back, with all of his major players (WR's Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and TE Jason Witten) and they have to put up points.  But the area the Cowboys need to improve most is their pass defence.  Their secondary was shocking last year.  Have they made the nessiciary improvements?

Cardinals @ Raiders

Of course the big talking point with the Cardinals is new addition QB Kevin Kolb.  Kolb played well in Philly last year when he started, and the Card's payed a high price for him, so here comes the pressure.  I expect him to look for star WR Larry Fitzgerald early and often here, and for the rest of the year.

The Raiders are - the Raiders.  I sadly think that they may have taken a step back this year, thanks to the loss of TE Zach Miller, who was their top receiver last year.  RB Michael Bush is back to share the load with Darren McFadden, and those 2 will have to carry the offence in my opinion.  I hope for Raiders fans sake, that I'm wrong.

So thats what to look out for Thursday night, check back tomorrow, and take a look at what we will be looking out for on Friday night.  If you agree or dis-agree with any of these points let me know email - nflgbview@googlemail.com twitter -  nflgbview or leave a comment.