The NFL preseason officially kicked off with much fanfare and intense performances as teams began their campaigns to fine-tune skills and evaluate talent. Last week, the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears got the action underway, paving the way for the rest of the league to join over the past four days.
Rookie Quarterbacks Make Their Mark
Caleb Williams, highly anticipated this season, made his debut against the Buffalo Bills. Williams saw 18 snaps on Saturday, completing 4 of his 7 pass attempts for 95 yards. Additionally, he demonstrated his agility with 13 rushing yards. In contrast, Bo Nix, another promising quarterback, didn't start the game, as Jarrett Stidham took the initial snaps. However, once on the field, Nix showcased his potential by completing 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and a touchdown, also contributing 17 rushing yards. Noteworthy was his average of 5.4 yards per attempt, highlighting a consistent and reliable performance.
Other quarterbacks also had their moments. J.J. McCarthy had a mixed evening, completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 188 yards, managing two touchdowns but also throwing an interception. His unfortunate late-game pass was picked off by Jack Jones. Michael Penix Jr. added his name to the performance roster by connecting on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. Drake Maye, seeing limited action, completed 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards.
Veterans and Rookies Shine Together
Three first-year running backs showcased their potential by finding the end zone: Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright, each stamping their mark and making a strong case for more regular-season snaps.
In the trenches, Dominick Puni started at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, displaying his skills and adding depth to the offensive line. On the defensive side, Austin Booker had an impressive outing with 2.5 sacks for the Bears, proving himself to be a formidable force. Similarly, Dallas Turner recorded his first professional sack while playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Cincinnati's defense saw Josh Newton snag an interception, further highlighting his ball-hawking abilities.
Impact of Key Players
Unfortunately for the Minnesota Vikings, starting quarterback Kirk Cousins was sidelined due to an injury. His absence was felt deeply, though it gave the team an opportunity to evaluate other roster options and test their depth.
In the receiving corps, both Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton made significant contributions by catching touchdown passes, adding to their teams' offensive outputs. Shipley's versatility as a receiver out of the backfield and Burton's reliable hands were on full display.
Jayden Daniels had a notable outing as well, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards. Despite a minor misstep with a screen pass that sailed over the intended receiver's head, Daniels redeemed himself by rushing into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown. His dual-threat capability was evident, promising exciting things for his future.
As the preseason progresses, teams and fans alike eagerly await to see how these performances translate into the regular season. The early signs are promising with both veterans and rookies stepping up to make impactful plays. The future looks bright as the league builds up towards the much-anticipated start of the regular season.