The NFL preseason is officially underway, and fans have been treated to plenty of exciting action over the past week. The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears kicked off the preseason festivities with the rest of the league joining the fray over the weekend. Here’s a roundup of what went down on the gridiron.
Quarterback Showcases
Caleb Williams made a noteworthy debut against the Buffalo Bills. Williams played 18 snaps, completing 4 of 7 pass attempts for 95 yards, and added 13 yards on the ground. While it was a limited showing, his performance hinted at his potential impact in the regular season.
Bo Nix did not start the game as Jarrett Stidham took the initial snaps. However, when Nix did take the field, he made the most of his opportunity. Nix completed 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown, supplemented by 17 rushing yards. His average yards per attempt, as noted by TruMedia, was 5.4 yards.
J.J. McCarthy offered a mixed performance, completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 188 yards and throwing two touchdowns. Unfortunately, his efforts were marred by a late-game interception picked off by Jack Jones. Nevertheless, McCarthy's yardage and touchdowns underscored his ability to move the ball efficiently.
Michael Penix Jr. had a solid outing, connecting on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. In a more limited role, Jayden Daniels completed 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards, though his performance was slightly tainted by a poorly executed screen pass that sailed over the target. Daniels redeemed himself to some extent with a 3-yard rushing touchdown.
Drake Maye's time on the field was brief, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards. While it wasn't an extensive showcase, it added another layer to the competitive quarterback landscape this preseason.
Rising Running Backs
Three first-year running backs made a significant impact by finding the end zone. Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright each recorded touchdowns, cementing their presence and making a case for regular-season roles. These performances will undoubtedly catch the eyes of coaching staff looking to bolster their offensive options.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, several players made their mark. Dominick Puni got the start at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers and showcased his versatility. Meanwhile, Austin Booker was dynamic for the Bears, registering an impressive 2.5 sacks. Dallas Turner captured his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings, a milestone that could signal the beginning of a productive career.
Josh Newton made a crucial interception for Cincinnati, contributing to the team's overall defensive effort. Such performances are precisely what coaching staffs look for as they finalize roster decisions ahead of the regular season.
Key Absences and Injuries
Not all the news was positive, however. Kirk Cousins was sidelined due to an injury, leaving a noticeable void for his team. While the extent of his injury was not specified, his absence could have significant implications if it extends into the regular season.
Successful Receptions
On the receiving end, Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton both caught touchdowns, making significant contributions to their respective offenses. These completions not only added points on the board but also demonstrated the versatility and capability of the receiving corps in the preseason.
As the NFL preseason continues to unfold, these early performances provide a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come. With rookies making strong cases for regular-season spots and seasoned players continuing to demonstrate their value, the preseason remains an integral part of the NFL calendar, offering fans and coaches alike a preview of the upcoming season.