The NFL preseason is a crucial period for teams to focus on development and fine-tuning their rosters. As teams across the league evaluate young talent and fringe players, several noteworthy performances and decisions emerged during recent matchups.
Cardinals' Quarterbacks Stand Out
In Arizona, the Cardinals' head coach Jonathan Gannon opted to rest many of his starters, providing a significant opportunity for second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune. In a game against the New Orleans Saints, Tune showcased his potential by completing four of his five passes during a commanding nine-play, 70-yard drive. This impressive series, capped off by Michael Carter's 11-yard run, underlined Tune’s capabilities as a playmaker.
Tune continued his strong performance with a final drive that included a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr., ending the game with 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing. Despite his efforts, the Cardinals narrowly fell to the Saints with a score of 16-14. Desmond Ridder, starting the game for the Cardinals, played the entire first half, completing four of nine passes for 43 yards.
Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. also got his chance to shine, completing nine of 16 throws for 104 yards. However, the Cardinals faced another defeat from the Miami Dolphins, ending the game 20-13.
Compounding their struggles, DeMarcco Hellams was carted off the field due to a left leg injury, adding to the Cardinals' preseason challenges.
Struggles and Successes Around the League
Taylor Heinicke had a tough outing, completing just four of 11 passes for 11 yards. On the defensive end, first-round rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins made his mark by allowing only two completions for a mere eight yards.
The Ravens encountered a close game against the Eagles, ultimately losing 16-13. Head coach John Harbaugh’s decision to opt for a 21-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal highlights the kind of tactical choices being tested during the preseason.
In another matchup, the Bills faced a hefty defeat from the Chicago Bears, with a final score of 33-6. Notably for the Bears, rookie Caleb Williams completed four of seven passes for 95 yards.
Patriots' Defensive Dominance
The New England Patriots, known for their defensive prowess, triumphed over the Carolina Panthers 17-3. This game further solidified the Patriots’ strategy of leveraging a strong defense to dominate their opponents.
Competitive Matchups and New Contracts
Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins made their return for the Bengals, though their comeback wasn't enough to secure a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who edged out a 17-14 victory.
Meanwhile, the Browns faced defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. During this game, Jamari Thrash made a notable contribution with three catches for 43 yards.
Broncos' Late Thrilling Win
In one of the preseason's more thrilling finishes, the Denver Broncos edged out the Indianapolis Colts with a final score of 34-30. Bo Nix played a pivotal role for the Broncos, amassing 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing attempts.
The New York Giants secured a win over the Detroit Lions, finishing the game 14-3. On a more individual note, Jordan Love secured a lucrative four-year, $220 million contract with the Packers, which includes an impressive $75 million signing bonus. This significant investment underscores the Packers' faith in Love's potential to lead the team.
Texans and Jaguars' Victories
The Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers with a solid 20-12 win, while the Jaguars emerged victorious against the Kansas City Chiefs with a 26-13 scoreline. These wins highlight the promising development of both teams as they look to build momentum for the regular season.
Close Contests and Defensive Showcases
In another close contest, the Las Vegas Raiders fell just short against the Minnesota Vikings, losing 24-23. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks showcased a strong defensive performance to secure a 16-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Rams also impressed with a narrow win over the Cowboys, closing the game with a 13-12 score. This win points to the Rams' potential to be competitive as they finalize their roster.
Derek Carr's Revelations
Adding a layer of intrigue to the preseason, Derek Carr revealed during the Saints' broadcast that "New Orleans didn't game plan at all, and that he didn't know who was playing with him until just before kickoff." This candid statement from Carr sheds light on the strategic unpredictability teams often employ during the preseason, focusing more on individual and positional evaluations rather than cohesive game planning.
As the preseason continues, these evaluations and performances will play a significant role in shaping the final rosters and setting the stage for the upcoming NFL season.