The NFL preseason has officially kicked off, ushering in a fresh wave of excitement and anticipation. Last week, the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears got the ball rolling, followed by the rest of the league over the subsequent four days. The early action has already delivered memorable performances and noteworthy developments.
Quarterbacks Stepping Up
Caleb Williams made his season debut against the Buffalo Bills with a solid showing. The young quarterback participated in 18 snaps on Saturday, completing 4 of 7 pass attempts for an impressive 95 yards. Additionally, Williams demonstrated his dual-threat capability, adding 13 yards on the ground.
Meanwhile, Bo Nix did not start the game but still made a significant impact. Jarrett Stidham initially took the snaps, yet Nix soon displayed his prowess by completing 15 of 21 pass attempts, amassing 125 yards and securing one touchdown. Nix also contributed 17 rushing yards, achieving an average of 5.4 yards per attempt as noted by TruMedia.
J.J. McCarthy put in a commendable performance, completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for a whopping 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. However, Jack Jones intercepted McCarthy's pass late in the game, providing a dramatic twist.
More Quarterbacks in Action
Michael Penix Jr. also took to the field, delivering 9 completions out of 16 attempts for 104 yards. Jayden Daniels showcased his skills with 2 completions out of 3 attempts for 45 yards, although he had a slight hiccup when a screen pass sailed over the intended receiver's head. Daniels redeemed himself by rushing into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown, a highlight of his performance.
Drake Maye made a brief but efficient appearance, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards, contributing to the offensive dynamics of his team.
Rookies Making Their Mark
The preseason also shone a light on emerging talent, with three first-year running backs—Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright—each finding the end zone, promising a bright future for their respective teams.
Defensive Highlights
In the trenches, Dominick Puni started at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, providing stability and strength. On the defensive end, the Bears’ Austin Booker made an impact with 2.5 sacks, setting a formidable tone. Dallas Turner registered his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Josh Newton made a vital interception for Cincinnati, showcasing his awareness and skill in disrupting the opponent's offense. However, Kirk Cousins was sidelined due to an injury, a concern for his team as they look to navigate the preseason without their starting quarterback.
Touchdown Catches
In the receiving corps, Will Shipley caught a touchdown, adding to the offensive highlights of the preseason. Jermaine Burton also snagged a touchdown pass, contributing to his team's scoring tally and setting an optimistic tone for the games ahead.
As the NFL preseason continues, fans and analysts alike eagerly keep an eye on these early performances, seeking insights into the players and strategies that will shape the upcoming regular season. With a mix of veteran skill and rookie potential, the stage is set for a thrilling season of football.