Full 32 Team Preseason Wrap Up

With the preseason of 2010 in the books, it’s time to review each team’s performance. Each team in the NFL had reasons to smile, and each team had reasons to frown. Whether the smiles or frowns were more prevalent depends on the location, but we’ve got a summary of how everything breaks down, plus an injury update.

Arizona Cardinals

Good News – Undrafted quarterback Max Hall was a find. In fact, he could start for the Cardinals at some point in the near future. Linebacker Daryl Washington was a tackling machine, and undrafted wide receiver Stephen Williams made the team and will provide additional depth behind Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, and Early Doucet.

Bad News – It’s not often when the player tabbed as a team’s starting quarterback heading into preseason is cut at the end of preseason. But that’s what happened in Arizona. Matt Leinart is gone, and shaky Derek Anderson is now the team’s starter. Hall will push Anderson.

Injuries

LB Gerald Hayes (back) – placed on reserve/PUP list, could return by mid-season.

WR Larry Fitzgerald (knee sprain) – missed most of the preseason, but should be ready for opening day.

Atlanta Falcons

Good News – Running back Michael Turner appears to be in great shape and poised for a big season. Rookie linebacker Sean Weatherspoon ought to be an immediate contributor.

Bad News – Cornerback Donta Robinson, the team’s prized free agent acquisition, didn’t play in the preseason, although he’ll be ready for week one. Quarterback Matt Ryan was unimpressive at times.

Injuries

CB Dunta Robinson (hamstring) – will play in week one.

WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) – highly unlikely to play in week one.

Baltimore Ravens

Good News – The Ravens are aiming to open up their offense, and quarterback Joe Flacco looks ready for more responsibility. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin is flourishing in his new surroundings.

Bad News – Flacco’s supporting cast has taken some hits. Tackles Jared Gaither and Oniel Cousins have missed time with injuries and wide receiver Donte Stallworth is out for a good portion of the season. The team will be without all-world safety Ed Reed for most of the first half of the season. Cornerback Dominque Foxworth is out for the season, and the team may regret keeping kicker Billy Cundiff over Shayne Graham.

Injuries

C David Hale (tailbone) – placed on injured reserve.

CB Ladarius Webb (knee) – status for week one is unknown.

DT Kelly Talavou (knee) – placed on injured reserve.

DT Terrence Cody (knee) – should be back by week two.

FB Mike McLauglin (groin) – placed on injured reserve.

G Daniel Sanders (shoulder) – placed on injured reserve.

LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (quadriceps) - placed on reserve/PUP list, could return by mid-season.

LB Sergio Kindle (head) – out indefinitely.

RB Matt Lawrence (knee) - placed on reserve/PUP list, could return by mid-season.

S Ed Reed (hip) – placed on reserve/PUP list, could return by mid-season.

S Marcus Paschal (leg) – placed on injured reserve.

T Jared Gaither (back) – might be available for week one.

T Oniel Cousins (concussion) – will be ready for the start of the regular season.

T Ramon Harwood (knee) – placed on injured reserve.

T Stefan Rodgers (ankle) – placed on injured reserve.

WR Donte’ Stallworth (foot) could be out until the middle of the season.

WR Mark Clayton (concussion) – expected to play in week one.

Buffalo Bills

Good News – Rookie running back C.J. Spiller showcased his wide variety of skills. Trent Edwards is often mocked as “Captain Checkdown” but Edwards clearly deserved the starting job at quarterback over Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm.

Bad News - The Bills cut their losses with wasted draft pick James Hardy. They could have had DeSean Jackson when they picked Hardy. Think Jackson and Lee Evans could have created some chaos together? The new-look 3-4 defense has been vulnerable.

Injuries

RB Fred Jackson (hand) – appears unlikely to play in week one.

LB Reggie Torbor (undisclosed injury) – might not be available in week one.

S Jairus Byrd (groin) – returned to practice, could play in the opener against Miami.

S Jon Corto - placed on reserve/PUP list, could return by mid-season.

Carolina Panthers

Good News – The Panthers were very impressive on defense, with 18 sacks during the preseason. Defensive end Charles Johnson is filling the void left by the departure of Julius Peppers.

Bad News – The Carolina offense was terrible throughout the preseason. Quarterbacks Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen were unable to inspire much in the way of confidence, but maybe things will be different when Steve Smith and Jonathan Stewart return for the start of the regular season.

Injuries

G Duke Robinson (knee) – placed on injured reserve.

DE Hilee Taylor (knee) – placed on injured reserve.

LB Thomas Davis (knee) - placed on reserve/PUP list, but appears likely to miss the entire season.

T C.J. Davis (concussion) – placed on injured reserve.

T Jeff Otah (knee) – doubtful for week one.

WR Wallace Wright (shoulder) – placed on injured reserve.

Chicago Bears

Good News – Against Oakland, Matt Forte provided a flashback to 2008 with an 89-yard touchdown run. Wide receiver Johnny Knox has shown signs of emerging as a top playmaker.

Bad News – Jay Cutler was beat up during the preseason as the Chicago offensive line struggled, and Cutler looked like his usual erratic self at times.

Injuries

LB Lance Briggs (ankle) – expected to play in week one.

LB Nick Roach (knee) – might not be available for week one.

S Craig Steltz (ankle) – his injury is classified as week to week.

Cincinnati Bengals

Good News – Cincinnati’s well-publicized decision to sign Terrell Owens seems to be working, as Owens has clicked with Carson Palmer. Rookie targets Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham have also had their moments, giving Carson Palmer a tremendous opportunity to rebound after a down season.

Bad News – For a team with a legitimate chance of winning their second straight division championship, the Bengals don’t have anyone in the bullpen should Carson Palmer go down. They waived J.T. O’Sullivan and will go with Carson’s brother Jordan as the backup, and to put it mildly, he’s not his brother.

Injuries

RB Brian Leonard (foot sprain) – return date unknown, could miss a couple of games.

Cleveland Browns

Good News – Quarterback Jake Delhomme looks much better than expected. If Delhomme falters, Seneca Wallace has also looked capable.

Bad News – Running back Montario Hardesty was lost for the season with a knee injury. Rookie quarterback Colt McCoy has been dreadful at times. The defense doesn’t inspire much in the way of confidence.

Injuries

G Floyd Womack (knee) – expected to play opening day.

LB D’Qwell Jackson (strained pectoral muscle) – won’t play opening day, but could be back by week two.

NT Shaun Rogers (leg) – was activated from the camp/PUP list but will likely be limited early in the season.

S Nick Sorensen (concussion) – return date unknown.

Dallas Cowboys

Good News – Running back Marion Barber was focused throughout the offseason and preseason and seems to be in good health.

Bad News – The Dallas offense had a prolonged run of dreadful play during the preseason. In their defense, the Cowboys offensive line was hit by injuries, and the team still hasn’t seen potential star rookie receiver Dez Bryant in action.

Injuries

G Kyle Kosier (MCL) – could miss the first two weeks of the season.

LB Stephen Hodge (knee) - placed on reserve/PUP list, could return by mid-season

T Marc Columbo (knee) – expected to play in week one.

T Sam Young (knee) – probably will be out during the early part of the regular season.

WR Roy Williams (hip) – expected to be ready for week one.