The NFL preseason has officially kicked off, offering plenty of excitement and anticipation for football fans. The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears got the ball rolling last week, setting the stage for a whirlwind of gridiron action over the past four days as the rest of the league joined in.
Caleb Williams' Debut
All eyes were on Caleb Williams as he made his season debut against the Buffalo Bills. Williams played 18 snaps on Saturday, completing 4 of his 7 pass attempts for an impressive 95 yards. Adding to his performance, he also scrambled for 13 yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability that many hope will translate to regular-season success.
Bo Nix's Solid Performance
Meanwhile, Bo Nix demonstrated why he is a player to watch, despite not starting the game. Jarrett Stidham took the initial snaps, but Nix made the most of his time on the field, completing 15 out of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown. Nix also contributed 17 rushing yards. His performance metrics, including an average of 5.4 yards per attempt as noted by TruMedia, underline his efficiency and decision-making under pressure.
J.J. McCarthy's Mixed Day
J.J. McCarthy showed flashes of brilliance by completing 11 of his 17 pass attempts for 188 yards and two touchdowns. However, his day was marred by an interception late in the game, picked off by Jack Jones. This turnover blemished an otherwise promising display of prowess.
Other Quarterback Contributions
Michael Penix Jr. also had a notable outing, connecting on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. Jayden Daniels managed to complete 2 of his 3 pass attempts for 45 yards, although he did misfire on 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.
Drake Maye had a quieter game, with 2 completions out of 3 attempts for 19 yards, indicating a more reserved participation but still showing capability in limited action.
Rookie Running Backs Shine
Three first-year running backs made headlines by finding the end zone: Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright all celebrated their touchdown runs, providing a glimpse of exciting young talent ready to make an impact in the league.
Notable Defensive Plays
From the defensive side of the ball, Austin Booker stood out with 2.5 sacks for the Chicago Bears. Dallas Turner registered his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings, signaling his potential to be a disruptive force on the field. Also, Josh Newton showcased his playmaking ability by snagging an interception for Cincinnati.
Additional Highlights
Other key moments included Dominick Puni starting at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, an encouraging sign for the team’s offensive line depth. On special teams and offense, both Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton caught touchdowns, adding to the scoring tally for their respective teams.
Fans were disappointed to see Kirk Cousins sidelined due to an injury, impacting the dynamic of his team's game. The preseason always serves as a critical juncture for evaluating rosters, and his absence highlights the importance of depth and the development of backup players.
As the preseason marches on, each snap and play offers valuable insight and anticipation for the regular season. Teams and players alike will look to refine their performances, build chemistry, and ensure they are ready for the challenges that lie ahead.