Preseason Week 3 is the closest thing we will get to real football before the regular season begins. We will actually get an extended look at the starters for the first time this year, which means the games will actually be watchable for an extent of time.

The score doesn’t matter, but this is the last opportunity for the teams to find a rhythm in a competitive environment before the regular season begins in a couple weeks. Also, the biggest thing that you want your team to take away from this week is their health. It would be awful to lose a key piece right before the games begin to count, like in the case of the Green Bay Packers and Jordy Nelson.

Let’s take a look at a few things you should watch for in the third week of the preseason.

Starters Finding a Rhythm

The score is still inconsequential this week, but it is paramount that the offensive and defensive first stringers are able to find a rhythm. The calls will be basic; therefore, you shouldn’t see any mental lapses by the players who will largely decide whether their team wins on Sundays.

Of course, it would be great to see the offense move the ball up and down the field while the defense shuts out the opponent, but that is unrealistic. Instead, look to see if the team in sync with their calls. You can especially see this up front on the offensive line. If there are protection breakdowns, it is something to be concerned about.

Also, this will be the first opportunity for some of the rookies to see extended time against another teams starters. This will be a huge for them as it will be a huge indicator as to how they will perform in the regular season.

Health Is More Important 

The one thing that every head coach is hoping for is that their team comes out of this week injury free because next week they can protect their key players by sitting them out of the fourth preseason game. Sure it would be great for the team to be hitting on all cylinders, but it is even more important their key players come out without injuries.

It is impossible to make the playoffs this early, but it is very easy for a team’s playoff chances to go down the drain. If one or two key starters are hit with significant injuries, it drastically reduces their chances of having a successful season.

Players To Watch

One player who you should keep your eye on is rookie cornerback Ladarius Gunter. The former Hurricane and current Green Bay Packers cornerback has played exceptionally well thus far in the preseason, but he hasn’t been matched up against starting wide receiver for very many snaps yet.

He did cover Antonio Brown for a few snaps last week and he held up very well, but it is very different to do that for a whole half. Gunter has arguably been the best cornerback thus far this preseason, but this will be his biggest test to date.

Bryan Hoyer is a veteran quarterback who many will have their eyes on this week. Hoyer was recently named the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans as he beat Ryan Mallet in their quarterback competition. Hoyer hasn’t been great this preseason, but this will be the first week where the team will put their full resources behind him and it will be interesting to see how he reacts.

Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams is another rookie who has held up extremely well this preseason, but he will get a huge test against the New England Patriots this week. He will have his hands full with Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard. If he can hold up, it may be a good indicator that Williams will be one of the better rookies in the NFL.