What to Watch for in Thursday's Games That Don't Count

Four of the best quarterbacks in the league, and quite possibly two of the best ever will suit up on Thursday night as week two of the NFL's preseason gets started.

While both Donovan McNabb and Brady have made headlines for off-the-field issues, (McNabb with his insistence on bringing Michael Vick to the Eagles and Brady with news of his wife Gisele and her pregnancy), none of the four play-callers are huge story line material on the field for tonight's matchups.

Here's what everyone should be talking about.

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Cincinnati at New England, 7:30PM ET

Cincinnati

Sure Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles are tops on depth chart, but when the Bengals spread it out three-wide, watch for Carson Palmer to look for Chris Henry. On Thursday night, expect Henry to be targeted quite a bit as he had a big game in the first preseason game (seven catches, 100 yards, one touchdown) and his deep-threat abilities and 6-foot-4-inch stature make him an extremely enjoyable target to watch. He's had trouble with the law, repeatedly, but seems to be in the process of overcoming his rowdy past. If he continues to shine in the remaining three preseason games, there's a chance he'll slide into the No. 2 wide receiver slot currently controlled by Coles.

New England

Speaking of hot starts in the first week of preseason football, did you notice what tight end Chris Baker did against Philadelphia? Baker caught three passes for 22 yards, but more importantly was Tom Brady's red zone target twice for touchdown passes of four and nine yards each. Baker is trying to unseat Benjamin Watson as the No. 1 tight end. Watson has been slowed by injury during training camp and is not likely to play tonight as he hasn't practiced all week. Also watch wide receiver Joey Galloway. He's been targeted quite a bit in practice this week and needs a good showing to quell the Greg Lewis versus Galloway competition for the No. 2 receiver story.

Philadelphia at Indianapolis, 8PM ET

Philadelphia

The easy answer would have been Michael Vick. And I could have stopped the preview right there. But, Vick won't be making the trip to Indianapolis on Thursday, so we'll look elsewhere. Look at the offensive line to see how they're going to react to a slew of injuries. In fact, only one regular starter will be playing with the first team on Thursday night. King Dunlap is starting at left tackle after spending his rookie season in 2008 on injured reserve. Nick Cole is trying to push for a starting job, whether it be at center or left guard and Winston Justice and Max Jean-Gilles try to make the most out of their opportunity to shine.

Indianapolis

Peyton Manning asked for more playing time on Thursday night, feeling that six plays in the first preseason game just wasn't enough. Expect Manning and some other first stringers to see closer to 20 plays, even one entire quarter against the Eagles. Nobody thinks that the Colts offense should have problems this season, but it would be nice to see the first unit get on the board tonight. As inexperienced as the Eagles offensive line will tonight, the Colts defensive line must show they can take advantage, especially without Robert Mathis and maybe even Antonio Johnson. If you crave position battles, watch both Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. Garcon is thought to have the inside track on the No. 3 wide receiver job, but Collie has outperformed Garcon both in game action and on the practice field.