The NFL preseason has officially kicked off with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears breaking the ice last week. Over the past four days, the rest of the league has joined in, bringing football fans a taste of the action they’ve craved since the end of the last season.
Quarterback Performances Shine
Among the standout performances, Caleb Williams made his eagerly anticipated debut against the Buffalo Bills. Over 18 snaps, Williams impressed, completing 4 of 7 pass attempts for 95 yards. Adding 13 yards on the ground, he showcased the dual-threat capability that has excited scouts and fans alike.
Meanwhile, Bo Nix, who didn’t start the game, made a strong case for more playing time. Nix completed 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards, finding the end zone once. Nix also contributed 17 rushing yards, and with TruMedia noting his average yards per attempt at 5.4 yards, his efficiency was on display.
J.J. McCarthy also had a noteworthy outing, finishing with 188 yards and two touchdowns on 11 of 17 passes, though his performance was marred by a late interception snagged by Jack Jones. He’ll certainly aim to rectify those mistakes in the subsequent games to solidify his position.
Michael Penix Jr., another quarterback under the spotlight, connected on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. Jayden Daniels had a mixed performance, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards. His screen pass mishap and a 3-yard rushing touchdown encapsulated the highs and lows of his game.
Drake Maye had limited opportunities but made the most of his time, completing 2 of 3 passes for 19 yards. These performances are critical as teams edge closer to finalizing their rosters for the regular season.
Rookies and Defensive Highlights
For the rookies, the preseason is a proving ground, and three first-year running backs made their mark by finding the end zone. Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright each scored touchdowns, adding an element of excitement and potential to their respective teams.
On the defensive side, Dominick Puni made a notable start at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, and Austin Booker tallied 2.5 sacks for the Bears. Dallas Turner made headlines by recording his first professional sack as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, providing a glimpse of his promise as a defensive talent.
Josh Newton added to the defensive highlights by snagging an interception for Cincinnati, demonstrating his keen anticipation and ball skills. Kirk Cousins, unfortunately, remained sidelined due to an injury, a note of concern for the Minnesota Vikings as they evaluate their depth at quarterback.
Receivers and Team Cohesion
Wide receivers also had their moments in the spotlight. Will Shipley caught a touchdown pass, showcasing his hands and route-running ability. Similarly, Jermaine Burton found the end zone, adding a valuable contribution to his team's aerial attack.
As preseason progresses, teams continue to evaluate their rosters, giving veterans and rookies alike a chance to secure their spots. The blend of seasoned pros and new talent creates an intriguing dynamic, as players vie for positions and attempt to make lasting impressions.
The coming weeks will provide further clarity as to how each team is shaping up for the regular season. The initial games have already provided a plethora of insights and storylines, heightening anticipation for what the regular season will bring.