The NFL preseason has officially kicked off, bringing fans a much-anticipated taste of the action to come. The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears got the ball rolling last week, but the excitement didn't stop there. Over the past four days, the rest of the league joined in, delivering a mix of standout performances and notable moments.
Quarterbacks Take Center Stage
One of the highlights of the preseason was the debut of Caleb Williams against the Buffalo Bills. Williams, who played 18 snaps on Saturday, managed to complete 4 of 7 pass attempts, amassing 95 yards through the air and adding 13 yards on the ground. While his performance was promising, he shared the spotlight with Bo Nix, who, despite not starting the game, made a significant impact. Nix completed 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards, including one touchdown, and contributed an additional 17 rushing yards. His average yards per attempt stood at a respectable 5.4 yards, according to TruMedia.
Elsewhere, J.J. McCarthy showcased his skills by completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His late-game pass, however, was intercepted by Jack Jones, adding a layer of excitement to the closing moments of the game. Michael Penix Jr. also had a productive outing, connecting on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards.
Promising Performances from Rookies and Veterans
Jayden Daniels delivered a mixed performance, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards, though one of his screen passes sailed over the intended receiver’s head. Despite this hiccup, Daniels rushed into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat potential. Drake Maye, another quarterback to watch, completed 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards.
Turning to the ground game, three first-year running backs made their mark by finding the end zone. Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright each showed glimpses of their potential to be significant contributors as the season progresses.
Dominant Defensive Displays
The preseason isn't just about offensive firepower. Dominick Puni started at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, anchoring an offensive line that provided sound protection and run-blocking. On the defensive side, Austin Booker turned heads with a stellar performance for the Bears, recording 2.5 sacks. Dallas Turner, making his professional debut with the Minnesota Vikings, also notched his first sack, while Josh Newton secured an interception for Cincinnati, adding to a solid defensive showing.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was sidelined due to an injury, a development that will be closely monitored as the regular season approaches. In his absence, other players stepped up, creating opportunities for younger talents to shine.
Receiver Highlights
In the receiving department, Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton made notable contributions by each catching a touchdown. Their performances are indicative of their readiness to play key roles in their respective teams' offensive schemes.
As the preseason continues, fans can look forward to more exciting matchups and individual performances. The initial games have already set a high bar, promising an enthralling NFL season ahead.