The NFL preseason is officially in full swing, marking the exciting beginning of football festivities with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears opening the action last week. Over the past four days, the rest of the league joined the fray, setting the stage for an eventful preseason with numerous notable performances.
Quarterback Debuts and Performances
Caleb Williams made his season debut against the Buffalo Bills, offering a glimpse of his potential. In his limited playtime of 18 snaps on Saturday, Williams completed 4 of 7 pass attempts for 95 yards and added 13 rushing yards, showcasing both his arm strength and mobility.
Meanwhile, Bo Nix, who did not start but came in after Jarrett Stidham, demonstrated accuracy and composure. Nix was efficient, completing 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown. Additionally, he contributed 17 rushing yards, achieving an average of 5.4 yards per attempt, as noted by TruMedia.
J.J. McCarthy also had a noteworthy performance, completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. However, his late-game pass was intercepted by Jack Jones, adding a blemish to an otherwise strong outing.
Michael Penix Jr. connected on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards, showing a steady hand, while Jayden Daniels had a mixed showing, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards and rushing into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown. Though efficient, Daniels’s misstep was a screen pass that sailed over the intended receiver's head.
Drake Maye had a brief but efficient stint, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards.
Rookie Running Backs Make Their Mark
First-year running backs made a significant impact by finding the end zone multiple times. Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright each showcased their rushing prowess, adding excitement and potential to their teams' offenses.
Key Defensive Performances
Defensive efforts were headlined by Austin Booker of the Chicago Bears, who made an impressive 2.5 sacks. Dallas Turner registered his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings, marking a milestone in his budding career. Additionally, Josh Newton's interception for Cincinnati highlighted his defensive acumen.
Other Highlights
Dominick Puni started at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, solidifying his role in the team's offensive line. Despite being sidelined due to an injury, Kirk Cousins's absence was felt, emphasizing the critical role of a starting quarterback in team dynamics.
Touchdowns were scored by various players, adding intrigue and diversity to the preseason games. Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton both caught touchdown passes, contributing to their teams' scoring drives and showcasing the depth of receiving talent.
With the NFL preseason continuing to unfold, these performances provide a taste of what's to come in the regular season. As players vie for starting positions and look to make early impressions, fans can expect more thrilling action and emerging talents to watch closely in the weeks ahead.