The NFL's preseason is a time of discovery and development, as teams look to fine-tune their rosters and evaluate emerging talent. This crucial period of evaluation often features young players making their case, seasoned veterans looking to prove their mettle, and coaches strategizing to finalize their 53-man lineups.
Cardinals' Quarterback Depth
For the Arizona Cardinals, the recent matchup against the New Orleans Saints spotlighted second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune. Tune's impressive performance captivated the Cardinals' coaching staff despite the team ultimately falling to the Saints 16-14. Head coach Jonathan Gannon, who opted to rest many starters, witnessed Tune complete four of his five passes during a nine-play, 70-yard drive that culminated in Michael Carter's 11-yard touchdown run. Tune’s final drive added to his credentials, finishing with 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing, including a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr.
Meanwhile, Desmond Ridder started for the Cardinals, playing the entire first half and completing four of nine passes for 43 yards. Additionally, rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had moments of promise, completing nine of 16 throws for 104 yards in the Cardinals' subsequent 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins. However, the game was marred by a concerning injury to DeMarcco Hellams, who was carted off the field with a left leg injury.
Challenges for the Ravens and Bills
The Baltimore Ravens also faced their share of challenges, falling to the Philadelphia Eagles 16-13. Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh made a critical decision to go for a 21-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal, which unfortunately did not secure the win. Similarly, the Buffalo Bills endured a tough game, losing to the Chicago Bears 33-6. Rookie Caleb Williams of the Bears had a noteworthy performance, finishing four of seven passes for 95 yards.
Patriots, Bengals, and Other Highlights
Elsewhere in the preseason action, the New England Patriots showcased their dominance by defeating the Carolina Panthers 17-3. The Cincinnati Bengals saw the return of key players Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins, but narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14. The Browns had a challenging game, facing defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. Jamari Thrash was a bright spot for the Browns, recording three catches for 43 yards.
The Denver Broncos edged out the Indianapolis Colts in an exciting 34-30 victory, with Bo Nix contributing significantly, recording 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing. In another game, the New York Giants emerged victorious over the Detroit Lions with a 14-3 win.
Contracts and Triumphs
Off the field, significant contract news emerged as Jordan Love secured a lucrative four-year, $220 million contract with the Packers, including a $75 million signing bonus. On the field, his team showed their potential.
Texans and Jaguars Show Strength
The Houston Texans displayed their prowess with a 20-12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Jacksonville Jaguars handedly defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 26-13. The Las Vegas Raiders, however, faced a narrow loss to the Minnesota Vikings, falling 24-23. The Seattle Seahawks recorded a solid 16-3 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers.
In a close game, the Rams managed to edge out the Cowboys with a 13-12 win. Amid the tightly contested competitions and standout performances, Derek Carr revealed insights during the game's broadcast, stating that "New Orleans didn't game plan at all, and that he didn't know who was playing with him until just before kickoff."
The preseason continues to unfold, providing invaluable opportunities for players to make a statement and for teams to solidify their strategies for the upcoming season. As the regular season approaches, these games offer a glimpse into the depth and potential of each roster, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling NFL season.