Preseason Week 1 Player Notes

QB:

Alex Smith - Smith looked pretty lost in his first preseason game. He has some time to get it together and secure the starting position, but there's a lot of talk about J.T. O'Sullivan possibly starting week 1. O'Sullivan has the upper hand in terms of offensive system knowledge as he's spent time in Martz's system before, so Smith needs some time to catch up there. He's certainly smart enough to learn it, so I wouldn't panic yet. Obviously this would kill the sleeper potential Smith has should Smith not win the job. If you're targeting him as a QB2, keep an eye on his preseason progression.

RB:

DeAngelo Williams - Williams posted a huge first preseason game with 55 yards and 2 TDs. Stewart is still not ready for contact practices, much less game action, but should be soon. The toe is becoming more of a problem for him than I originally thought. Williams will have every opportunity to claim a much larger role in the offense with Stewart out, and a few more impressive preseason performances will secure him just that. I have always viewed Williams' skillset as similar to Brian Westbrook, and if Carolina can tweak their offense to suit his strengths, he could really impress. When Stewart is healthy, he definitely has the talent to carve out a sizeable role, but I'm starting to think Williams is a much better value at this point with a potential even time-share situation evolving here. I will update Stewart's value accordingly as his risk is rising.

Chris Johnson - Johnson posted 6 carries for 77 yards and a TD, including a 66 yard TD run. While Johnson proved that he's every bit the playmaker the Titans have said he is, I expect a LenDale White/Johnson situation similar to the McAllister/Bush situation for the Saints two years ago. White will do the heavy lifting and goal line work, while Johnson will provide a change of pace and a great receiving option. These are two very different types of RBs who provide a perfect compliment to each other. The Titans will run enough to make both plenty involved, and Johnson makes for a fun late round pick.

Julius Jones - Maurice Morris looked way better than Julius Jones in round 1. Morris posted 6 carries for 62 yards while Jones posted 4 carries for 15 yards. I originally thought Julius Jones would re-emerge this season under a new team, but rumor has it that his confidence is still not there. If this trend continues, Maurice Morris will take the primary role. Given Morris is being drafted 8 rounds later than Jones thanks to name value, Jones could go from under rated to over rated rather quickly.

WR:

Robert Meachem - Meachem blew up for 4 catches, 129 yards, and 1 TD. Meachem was a 1st round pick last year, but injuries and his inability to pick up the offense rendered him useless. Meachem's talent hasn't gone anywhere, and the Saints would be crazy not to give him a chance to unseat the mediocre veteran David Patten. Given he'll be on a great passing offense, he's a sleeper well worth keeping an eye on.