Thursday’s NFL exhibitions included two quarterbacks making their first impressions:
Facing a familiar former NFC East rival, Jason Campbell looked comfortable as Oakland’s new starter. Campbell was 7-for-12 over four series. Just like in Washington, however, he had to settle for dinks and dunks with little help from wideouts.
As for Dallas, pass protection was the issue as young Raiders ends Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston (two sacks each) burned the Cowboys’ front.
Carolina‘s Jimmy Clausen had the expected rookie roller-coaster. He led two good drives that ended deep in Baltimore territory but also struggled against pressure and was intercepted. Clausen did not enough to push Matt Moore.
The interchangeable Pats were at it again, showing they’re not afraid to put unsung players such as running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis and wide receiver Julian Edelman back in prominent roles if needed.
This story appears in Aug. 13’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only digital sports daily, sign up today.
Vinnie Iyer is a staff writer for Sporting News. Email him at viyer@sportingnews.com.