Big Red Louie
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Louisville football: Expectations for every former Card in the NFL in 2019

By Will Reddington

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 24: Bilal Powell runs in for a touchdown against the New York Giants during their preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 24, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 24: Bilal Powell runs in for a touchdown against the New York Giants during their preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 24, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions tackles Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets in the third quarter at Ford Field on September 10, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions tackles Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets in the third quarter at Ford Field on September 10, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The Veterans

Teddy Bridgewater, New Orleans Saints

Louisville football legend Teddy Bridgewater turned down some other options this off-season, options where he probably could’ve been the starting quarterback. He chose to return to New Orleans, an NFL powerhouse with a 39-year-old QB. Not a bad move considering if Teddy does get his chance, he’ll be in a place where he has weapons all around him. The Saints should be a fun preseason watch for Cards fans, we should get at least one quarter of Bridgewater in each game for the next 4 weeks.

Sheldon Rankins, New Orleans Saints

We likely will not see Sheldon Rankins participate in training camp or the preseason this year, as he recovers from a torn Achilles. He tallied a very respectable 8 sacks in 2018 before his injury in the divisional playoff game. The Saints will be looking for others to fill that role until Rankins is able to return, but we should see him at some point in the first half of the NFL season.

John Miller, Cincinnati Bengals

John Miller had spent all of his pro career with the Bills before signing a 3 year deal with the Bengals this offseason worth $16 million. He should be comfortably set in a first-team role with Cincinnati for all of this upcoming NFL season. The Bengals are hoping he can give Andy Dalton some more time to throw than he had last season.

Preston Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

Preston Brown is back in Cincy, signing a 1-year deal to return to a struggling Bengal defense. Preston should be a guy that’s on the field for most of the snaps this season and is relied on to be an anchor in the middle of a defense that has their work cut out for them this year.

Bilal Powell, New York Jets

Powell has put together a solid 8 year NFL career. He always finds a way to touch the ball 5-15 times a game whether he is the lead back or is there to spell the starter. This year may be different given that the Jets have now brought in star workhorse LeVeon Bell. Powell should get plenty of preseason action, his carries this season, however, should take a significant dip with Bell in the backfield.

Brandon Dunn, Houston Texans

Big things are expected of Brandon in Houston this season. Head coach Bill O’Brien was quoted on Dunn saying “Dunnie is a grinder, has really improved.” The Texans employ one of the best defensive lines in all of football with guys like JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney moving around along the front line. Dunn should never get double teamed and will have plenty of opportunities to contribute this season.

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