The NFL preseason has officially kicked off, signaling the return of gridiron action that fans have eagerly awaited. Last week, the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears initiated the preseason festivities, setting the stage for the rest of the league to join the action over the past four days.
Rookie QBs Take the Stage
One of the most anticipated moments was the season debut of Caleb Williams against the Buffalo Bills. Williams, showing early promise, played 18 snaps on Saturday. During his limited time on the field, he completed 4 of his 7 pass attempts, amassing 95 yards. Not only did Williams make an impact through the air, but he also added 13 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
Meanwhile, Bo Nix did not initially start the game, with Jarrett Stidham taking the first snaps. However, Nix made his presence felt when he finally took the field. He completed 15 of his 21 pass attempts, gaining 125 yards and throwing one touchdown. Adding to his versatile performance, Nix rushed for 17 yards. His average yards per attempt stood at 5.4 yards, as highlighted by TruMedia's metrics.
Impressive Performances Across the League
J.J. McCarthy also delivered a noteworthy performance. Completing 11 of 17 pass attempts, McCarthy threw for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His late-game pass, unfortunately, got intercepted by Jack Jones, an event that McCarthy will certainly aim to learn from as the preseason progresses.
Michael Penix Jr. connected on 9 of his 16 pass attempts, accumulating 104 yards. Jayden Daniels, while only completing 2 of his 3 pass attempts for 45 yards, demonstrated his skill with a memorable rushing touchdown. Despite an errant screen pass that sailed over the intended receiver's head, Daniels made up for it with a 3-yard rush into the end zone.
Similarly, Drake Maye had a brief but efficient appearance, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards. These emerging quarterbacks are beginning to illustrate the depth of talent poised to make waves in the upcoming season.
Rookies Making an Impact
Three first-year running backs found the end zone, a positive sign for their respective teams. Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright all managed to score, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans tracking rookie progress.
Dominick Puni started at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, a significant step for the young player as he aims to solidify his position on the team. The Bears' defense shone through Austin Booker's standout performance, with the rookie making 2.5 sacks. On the other hand, Dallas Turner registered his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings, marking a milestone in his budding career.
Veterans and New Stars Align
Josh Newton showcased his defensive prowess by snagging an interception for Cincinnati, contributing to a solid defensive showing. However, the team faced a setback with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins sidelined due to an injury, a development that will undoubtedly be monitored closely.
Highlighted by receiving touchdowns, Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton both caught touchdowns, adding another layer of excitement to the preseason games. These performances signify the merging of veteran reliability and rookie exuberance, presenting a promising outlook for the NFL season ahead.
As the preseason progresses, the blend of seasoned players and emerging talent will continue to captivate fans and analysts alike. The early glimpses of potential exhibited by rookies, paired with the steadfast displays from veterans, set the stage for what promises to be a compelling NFL season.