NFL Preseason 2024: Biggest Takeaways from Week 3 Games
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The 2024 NFL season is looming. Deadlines are drawing near. Trades are happening.
The league’s 32 teams are gearing up for games that actually count. Before they do, they must finish the third and final week of preseason.
While preseason doesn’t seem to hold the same level of importance it once did—with multiple squads barely playing any of their projected starters through three contests—roster decisions are still being made, including some of the most important ones.
“I would say by Monday night we should know who the quarterback is,” New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters this week. “You know, Sunday night game, it’s always hard to really crank through the film, especially on the road, but I think Monday, Tuesday we probably should know who the quarterback is.”
Plenty remains on the line as the final weekend of preseason play commences.
Week 3 Preseason Schedule
Bengals vs. Colts: Slide No. 1 Chiefs vs. Bears: Slide No. 2 Falcons vs. Jaguars: Slide No. 3 Buccaneers vs. Dolphins: Slide No. 4 Raiders vs. 49ers: Slide No. 5 Panthers vs. Bills: Slide No. 6 Ravens vs. Packers: Slide No. 7 Texans vs. Rams: Slide No. 8 Vikings vs. Eagles: Slide No. 9
Lions vs. Steelers: Slide No. 10 Cowboys vs. Chargers: Slide No. 11 Jets vs. Giants: Slide No. 12 Seahawks vs. Browns: Slide No. 13 Titans vs. Saints: Slide No. 14 Cardinals vs. Broncos: Slide No. 15 Commanders vs. Patriots: Slide No. 16
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson attempts a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals. Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Ups and Downs of Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson on Full Display
Anthony Richardson’s potential is off the charts. But everyone understood his limited starting experience upon entering the NFL. The situation was further exacerbated by only playing in four games as a rookie due to a season-ending should surgery.
This offseason was critical. Richardson needed the time to heal, all of the necessary reps and start to gel with his offense.
Thursday’s performance against the Cincinnati Bengals provided a glimpse into what could be exciting and disappointing with a still-developing quarterback.
Richardson and Co.’s first drive was nearly perfect, by completing seven of eight passes. He started by ripping a throw to Alec Pierce. The best play of the drive came on 3rd-and-10 when the Bengals showed a full-house blitz, Richardson audibled and then hit his hot route, Pierce again, for a first down. That drive ended in a touchdown on a crossing route to rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
NFL @NFL
The @Colts opening drive 🔥
Anthony Richardson goes 7/8 for 65 yards and finds rookie WR Adonai Mitchell for the TD! pic.twitter.com/Bp3IvzZEX1
The next four drives were nowhere near as successful. A pick-six will generate significant concern, though it looked like far more like miscommunication between the quarterback and target rather than an outright missed pass.
Cincinnati Bengals @Bengals
.@JordanMBattle with the pick-six 😏
📺: #CINvsIND on Prime Video pic.twitter.com/ivXKQDFWzp
These types of mistakes are common among a growing offense with multiple young players. Richardson must still be more consistent, particularly with his mid-range game. But he also presents the possibility of the spectacular.
The Colts will take the good with the bad, as long as Richardson is on the field and playing.
Undrafted Fan-Favorite Puts Best Foot Forward in Final Preseason Game for Bengals
Undrafted free agents earning a spot on an NFL roster are always feel-good stories, even if it happens regularly.
In the case of Bengals linebacker Maema Njongmeta, he’s yet to officially receive word whether he’s made Cincinnati’s roster. At the same time, he’s done everything he could to make his case.
Through two preseason contest, the Wisconsin product amassed 17 total tackles. He added 11 tackles against the Colts. Clearly, Njongmeta has a nose for a football. The Bengals have a tough lineup to crack, though.
Logan Thomas and Germaine Pratt are an outstanding starting duo. Both Joe Bachie and Akeem Davis-Gaither have been with the franchise for years.
Even so, Njongmeta has made an impression. He’s been productive. While the Bengals decided not to play their primary contributors in Week 3, individuals like Njongmeta were out there competing as best as they can to claim one of those final roster spots.
Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs
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Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images
Kansas City Chiefs Find Another Diamond-In-the-Rough For Defensive Secondary
The Kansas City Chiefs have a history of developing defensive backs after drafting them in the mid- to late-rounds. L’Jarius Sneed, Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson and Chamarri Conner were chosen in the previous four classes (not including first-rounder Trent McDuffie). All of them were drafted in the fourth round or later.
Safety Jaden Hicks, whom the Chiefs also selected in this year’s fourth round, appears to be next in line.
Hicks covers a lot of field, especially when he’s playing his downhill angles. Yet the 6’2″, 211-pound defender is capable of playing all over at either safety spot, in the alley or covering the slot receiver.
“I liked what I saw,” head coach Andy Reid said after Hicks’ first preseason performance. “He’s big, and he’s fast.”
This year’s 133rd overall pick added another tackle for loss and defended pass against the Chicago Bears. Justin Reid and Bryan Cook are experienced starting safeties. Hicks has the potential to play in big nickel packages, while also contributing on special teams.
His play during preseason also portends another potential secondary steal for a Chiefs front office that knows how to evaluate the position as well as anyone.
Second-Year Option Secures WR4 Role for Chicago Bears
The Bears are now loaded at wide receiver and look poised to have an explosive passing attack this fall. The previous statement may sound weird considering the Bears’ long history of futility at the quarterback position, but it’s 100 percent true.
With Caleb Williams settled as the face of the franchise, the Bears did right by him this offseason and added significant skill talent, with the acquisitions of Keenan Allen and this year’s ninth overall pick, Rome Odunze, to join D.J. Moore.
Who’s next?
Tyler Scott certainly looked the part Thursday against the Chiefs.
Scott caught four passes for 64 yards. His ability to threaten defenses as a vertical threat served as his calling card throughout the predraft process. Scott didn’t quite add that element a year ago, with 17 catches for 168 yards as a rookie.
The Bears sat their starters during the final preseason contest. But Scott showed off his skill set.
Chicago Bears @ChicagoBears
GREAT SCOTT 😮💨
📺: FOX32 pic.twitter.com/dKo9P33OOf
The rookie has a real opportunity to grow with the current crop of talented wide receivers found on Chicago’s roster and benefit from Williams now pulling the trigger.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Brian Thomas Jr. Will Immediately Open Up Jaguars Offense as Explosive Threat
We saw a pattern in the Jacksonville Jaguars offense throughout preseason. Brian Thomas Jr. will be their big-play receiver.
In all three of the Jaguars’ preseason games, Thomas recorded a reception for 14-plus yards. He caught a pass from three different quarterbacks.
On Friday, Thomas hauled in a 28-yard pass from Jaguars’ starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
NFL @NFL
Trevor Lawrence finds the rookie Brian Thomas Jr. for the big gain!
📺: #JAXvsATL on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/a5pBYAIFoc
Yes, Jacksonville played against the Falcons’ defensive reserves, but based on what Thomas has done in the exhibition contests, the team clearly plans to feature him in the passing game.
This offseason, the Jaguars signed Gabe Davis, who averages 16.7 yards per catch, but he left behind a track record of inconsistencies with the Buffalo Bills as a boom-or-bust receiver.
Thomas, a rookie first-rounder, could be a more consistent explosive threat than Davis and Christian Kirk, who’s a possession receiver.
Don’t be surprised if Thomas outpaces fellow LSU product Malik Nabers in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns this year.
Falcons Will Trade QB Taylor Heinicke, Perhaps for Late-Round 2026 Pick
Taylor Heinicke played through the entire first half of Friday’s game against the Jaguars. He completed eight out 17 passes for 81 yards.
Before the start of the preseason, The Athletic’s Josh Kendall suggested that the Falcons would “prefer” to trade Heinicke.
“The Falcons kept three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster last season so they could take advantage of the emergency quarterback spot on game days, but this staff is behaving like it would prefer to get some trade value for Taylor Heinicke and then stash a young quarterback on the practice squad.”
Atlanta could develop undrafted rookie John Paddock as the third-string quarterback behind Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.
Heinicke didn’t perform particularly well in the three exhibition outings, going 20 of 44 passing 206 yards, but backup quarterbacks have value, especially signal-callers with starting experience.
Obviously, the Falcons won’t get a premium pick for Heinicke, though the team may be willing to trade him in exchange for a late-round 2026 pick rather than cut or keep him.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins
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Dolphins WR Malik Washington Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
Dolphins WR Malik Washington Has Earned a Roster Spot
Dolphins wide receivers Tyreek Hill (thumb), Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) and River Cracraft are banged up. Odell Beckham Jr. is on the physically unable to perform list—he’s missed all of training camp. Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that Cracraft suffered a “significant upper-body injury.”
Miami has also placed wideouts Willie Snead IV and Tahj Washington on injured reserve.
Even if Hill and Waddle suit up for Week 1, the Dolphins need healthy receivers to fill out depth at the position.
Rookie sixth-rounder Malik Washington may get a roster spot and a decent amount of playing time. Because of the team’s injuries within the receiving corps, Washington likely earned his place in the rotation and as a returner on special teams with a standout performance.
Against the Buccaneers, Washington caught a pass for seven yards, ran the ball for 40 yards and returned a kick for 45 yards and a punt for 28 yards. As a do-it-all playmaker on Friday, he made the most of his opportunities within a depleted position group.
Finscentral @finscentral
Malik Washington against the Bucs:
1 rush for 40 yards
1 catch for 7 yards
1 kick return for 45 yards
1 punt return for 28 yards
Just an absolute nightmare to tackle pic.twitter.com/9JB6Efa3tz
Buccaneers WR Cody Thompson Makes Strong Case to Make 53-Man Roster
Washington wasn’t the only wide receiver to improve his chances of securing a roster spot in this matchup. Sixth-year pro Cody Thompson could make it through roster cuts after hauling in seven passes for 45 yards on Friday.
In Week 1 of the preseason, Thomas caught three passes for 26 yards. He had a strong outing against the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording five receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown.
NFL @NFL
Kyle Trask keeps the play alive and throws the TD to Cody Thompson!
📱: Stream #TBvsJAX on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/QJ694evfwU
Thompson capped an impressive exhibition run with his performance on Friday. Among the Buccaneers’ pass-catchers, he’s had the most productive stretch over the previous three weeks.
With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, and Jalen McMillan essentially locked into the top four spots on the depth chart, Thompson could hang on to a back-end roster slot with his ability to contribute on special teams. He played 49 percent of the Seattle Seahawks’ snaps on special teams last year.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers
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49ers RB Jordan Mason Justin Ford/Getty Images
Jordan Mason Should Be 49ers’ RB2 Over Elijah Mitchell
At the beginning of training camp, head coach Kyle Shanahan talked about Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason as potential No. 2 running backs behind Christian McCaffrey.
If Shanahan sees a true competition for the primary backup running back role, Mason clearly beat Mitchell for the spot.
Mitchell missed two weeks of action before he returned to practice last Wednesday. Yet the 49ers held him out of Friday’s game with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Meanwhile, Mason opened the preseason with six carries for 34 yards and a touchdown. He missed the second exhibition contest because of a minor (hip) injury but bounced back with another strong outing against the Raiders, racking up 42 rushing yards with a score.
Backup running backs don’t have much value on the trade market. So, San Francisco may outright cut Mitchell and develop rookie fourth-rounder Isaac Guerrendo as the third-stringer behind McCaffrey and Mason.
Raiders WR Tyreik McAllister’s Push for Roster Spot May Be Aided By New Kickoff Rules
This offseason, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce bluntly said the team won’t field a juggernaut offense. That said, the unit can still make some explosive plays.
Aside from wideouts Tre Tucker and DJ Turner, Tyreik McAllister may be able to produce big gains as a receiver and a returner on special teams.
Against the 49ers, McAllister scored on an 81-yard punt return, gained 57 yards on two kick returns and contorted his body to haul in a 35-yard pass for a touchdown.
NFL @NFL
81-yard punt return TD for Tyreik McAllister!
📺: #SFvsLV on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/lUyPieN6Lq
NFL @NFL
The Tyreik McAllister show continues!
The adjustment and the catch for the TD 🙌 pic.twitter.com/E8kjhOA2tJ
Before Friday’s outing, McAllister had a couple of quiet preseason showings as a pass-catcher, which is why he has an uphill climb for the No. 5 wide receiver spot, though the Raiders may use him exclusively on kick and punt returns.
Remember that the league’s new kickoff rules could stimulate more returns.
Even if McAllister doesn’t make the initial 53-man roster, he could be a practice squad player who eventually gets the call-up to the active roster during the regular season.
Buffalo Bills vs. Carolina Panthers
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Panthers QB Bryce Young Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images
The Bills Will Have Difficult Decisions to Make at Running Back
The Buffalo Bills spent several years trying to pair quarterback Josh Allen with a strong and consistent ground game. They finally found some offensive balance with last year’s emergence of James Cook, and the Bills’ backfield might be even stronger in 2024.
Buffalo used a fourth-round pick on Kentucky’s Ray Davis, and he’s flashed plenty of promise during the preseason—he had eight carries for 58 yards last week. Fellow rookie and undrafted free agent Frank Gore Jr. is making a strong case for the 53-player roster as well.
Gore ripped off 41 yards on eight carries in Buffalo’s second preseason game, and he looked just as potent against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday. Gore caught one pass and topped 5.0 yards per carry with a rushing touchdown. His physical and efficient running style could make him an excellent change-of-pace option for the Bills.
Buffalo Bills @BuffaloBills
Here comes Frank Gore Jr. 😤
📺: @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/m7jPxYe1jQ
There’s no guarantee that Gore will make the active roster over Ty Johnson and Darrynton Evans—Evans also played well on Saturday. After not hearing his name called over draft weekend, However, Gore certainly looks like a player who belongs in the NFL.
Bryce Young Helps Panthers Finish Preseason on a High Note
2023 first overall pick Bryce Young had a disappointing inaugural NFL campaign, to say the least. Carolina took steps to improve Young’s situation this offseason, beginning with the hiring of new head coach Dave Canales.
Over the past two seasons, Canales helped Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield revive their careers. The hope was that by tailoring an offense to Young’s strengths, Canales could unlock the playmaking potential his signal-caller showed at Alabama.
Fans have had to wait to see Young in Canales’ offense because he didn’t play in the first two exhibition games. Young opened Saturday’s game by leading a 14-play, 85-yard touchdown drive on which he went 6-of-8 for 70 yards and the score.
Now, Young wasn’t going against Buffalo’s starting defense, but he did exactly what Canales was hoping to see.
“Operation, right?” he said on Tuesday, per Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire. “I wanna see things run smoothly.”
Young operated the offense efficiently, and perhaps more importantly, actually appeared comfortable running it. After his often erratic play in 2023, that should be enough to give Carolina a little confidence heading into the regular season.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Green Bay Packers
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Ravens WR Tylan Wallace Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Tylan Wallace May Have Secured an Offensive Role for Baltimore
Last season under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the Baltimore Ravens relied more on their wide receivers than they have in past seasons. Heading into the regular season, Baltimore’s top three receivers appear to be set with Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor and Rashod Bateman.
However, depth behind those three has been questionable. Deonte Harty will likely secure a roster spot because of his special-teams ability, but players like Tylan Wallace, Russell Gage, Keith Kirkwood, Anthony Miller and rookie fourth-round pick Devontez Walker have been battling for offensive roles.
Wallace, a 2021 fourth-round pick, may have secured a roster spot and an offensive role with a thrilling 48-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown. Yes, it was against Green Bay Packers backups, but the skills and the effort were nonetheless impressive.
Kevin Oestreicher @koestreicher34
Watch Tylan Wallace make the Ravens’ 53-man roster in real time pic.twitter.com/UqQlpUDErs
Walker should make the team because of his draft status and upside, but Wallace might be Baltimore’s best current option for the WR4 role.
The Packers Can’t Feel Good About Their Backup QB Situation
The Packers have their quarterback in Jordan Love, but they don’t have a reliable backup behind him. Green Bay has had a competition between Sean Clifford and rookie seventh-round pick Michael Pratt, but the results have been underwhelming.
With Love sitting the second game of the preseason, the Packers tallied just 168 yards and no offensive points. Things weren’t a whole lot better on Saturday, though Green Bay did score two field goals in its first three drives.
Clifford got the start and went just 1-of-7 for 13 yards with a fumble (that Green Bay recovered). Pratt threw a touchdown pass and an interception after Clifford departed, though Clifford returned to the game in the second half to throw a touchdown pass.
Neither quarterback really separated himself on Saturday—or threw for more than 80 yards—which petty much leaves the QB competition right where it was.
“My guess is they’ll stick with Clifford as the No. 2 and hope even harder than they hoped before that Jordan Love doesn’t get hurt,” The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman wrote on Wednesday.
Don’t be surprised if the Packers scour the waiver wire for more quarterback talent after Tuesday’s roster cuts.
Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Rams
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Texans RB Cam Akers Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Cam Akers Has Probably Won the Texans’ Backup RB Job Behind Joe Mixon
Two years ago, Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce was one of the bigger surprises in the NFL, not to mention a fantasy football darling. The 2022 fourth-round pick out of Florida racked up 1,104 scrimmage yards as a rookie and appeared to be Houston’s running back of the future.
However, Pierce struggled in his sophomore campaign, missed time with an ankle injury and never took back the starting job from Devin Singletary.
Now, Pierce could be headed to third string, if he even makes the 53-player roster. Houston traded for Joe Mixon this offseason, and recent free-agent addition Cam Akers has looked like the superior backup option.
Pierce averaged just 1.2 yards per rush in Houston’s second preseason game, while Akers 4.8 yards per rush. Against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Akers continued to flash with strong, aggressive running while averaging 7.6 yards per carry.
NFL @NFL
Cam Akers brings the BOOM against his former team
📱: Stream #LARvsHOU on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/80zzOP0zpo
Akers certainly looks to be all the way back after his 2021 Achilles tear, a couple of down seasons and another Achilles injury in 2023. He played like a surefire starter against his former team, and he has likely left Pierce battling with J.J. Taylor, Dare Ogunbowale and rookie Jawhar Jordan just to make the team.
The Rams Made the Right Choice for their Temporary Backup QB
The Rams’ lineup on Saturday was largely devoid of starters and even high-end backups. At quarterback, it was the Dresser Winn show, as head coach Sean McVay finally committed to Stetson Bennett as the backup to Matthew Stafford for Weeks 1 and 2.
Stu Jackson @StuJRams
On the ABC7 broadcast, Sean McVay said Dresser Winn will start today’s preseason finale against the Texans and that Stetson Bennett will be the Rams’ backup QB for Weeks 1 and 2 while Jimmy Garoppolo serves his suspension.
Jimmy Garoppolo will be the regular-season backup after he serves a two-game suspension for a PED violation.
Bennett played all of the first two preseason games, and while he showed a good grasp of McVay’s offense and plenty of arm talent, he also showed a serious lack of ball security. Bennett threw four interceptions in the preseason opener—and had a fifth nullified by penalty—and had another pick and a lost fumble in his second start.
However, Bennett still looks like L.A.’s best option for the backup job, based on Winn’s performance against Houston. While Winn did lead a pair of touchdown drives and showed an ability to buy time in the pocket and scramble for yards, he did little to open up the offense.
Granted, Winn (9-of-16 for 72 yards) was playing with a lot of guys who won’t make the team, and he didn’t get many opportunities to push the ball downfield. However, Bennett appears better equipped to at least present the threat of a big-play offense.
Bennett may be headed to third string in a few weeks, but Winn is probably headed to the practice squad or to free agency for the second straight offseason.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles
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Vikings QB Jaren Hall Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Jaren Hall Has Probably Secured a Roster Spot with the Vikings
2023 fifth-round pick Jaren Hall was a likely cut candidate just a couple of weeks ago. The Minnesota Vikings signed Sam Darnold to be a bridge to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Nick Mullens, who has 20 starts on his NFL resume, was a logical candidate for the QB3 role.
However, McCarthy underwent knee surgery following the preseason opener, and it will shelve him for the entire season.
“It was a successful procedure, but it did reveal that a repair was necessary which will end J.J.’s 2024 season,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said, per Nick Shook of NFL.com.
Hall, meanwhile, really came alive over the last two preseason games. He was 4-of-5 for 87 yards and two touchdowns last week and earned the start for Saturday’s finale. He picked up right where he left off, leading Minnesota to points on their first five drives and throwing a pair of first-half touchdowns.
While the Vikings may still favor Mullens’ experience, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to stash Hall on the practice squad after his recent surge. Minnesota may have to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster, and if it doesn’t, Mullens—who was 0-3 as the starter last year—will probably be the odd man out.
Cooper DeJean Flashes in His NFL Debut for the Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to rely heavily on rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in 2024. Philly needed to reload its secondary after ranking just 31st in passing yards allowed last season.
Using their first two draft picks on Mitchell and DeJean was a big part of the Eagles’ retooling process.
Unfortunately, DeJean missed the beginning of camp—and the first two preseason games—with a hamstring injury. After having his 2023 Iowa campaign cut short by a leg fracture, DeJean was eager just to see the field against the Vikings.
“I haven’t got to hit anybody since like November of last year,” DeJean said, per The Athletic’s Brooks Kubena. “So, I’m excited to get back out there.”
DeJean was out there against Minnesota, and while his debut was far from perfect—he had an illegal-contact penalty that negated an interception—having him on the field was a positive. He made a handful of nice plays, including a tackle for a loss, and looked ready to contribute in meaningful games.
Chase Senior @Chase_Senior
Cooper DeJean TFL. I want to see the Eagles use him all around the field. I think he’s best suited in that versatile role pic.twitter.com/tEB2FzzLv1
DeJean is versatile enough to play safety, perimeter corner or nickel back, and he could become a huge chess piece for new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. He appears healthy enough to start doing it in Week 1.
Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Steelers QB Russell Wilson Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Russell Wilson Is the Steelers’ Unquestioned QB1
Justin Fields hasn’t done enough to take the starting job from Russell Wilson.
On his only drive against the Detroit Lions, Wilson looked sharp and delivered a couple of pinpoint passes to wide receiver George Pickens for 26 yards.
Fields took over the offense on the following three drives. He completed three out of four passes for 40 yards but fumbled a snap, which has been a recurring issue for him.
Fields also botched a couple of snaps in the Steelers’ first preseason game against the Houston Texans. He also recovered a ball that slipped out of his hands late in last week’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
Since Pittsburgh signed Wilson, he had been in “pole position” to start but missed significant time with a calf injury. Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that the quarterback competition would heat up before Wilson made his preseason debut against the Bills.
Though Fields strung together solid practices at camp, he didn’t do enough in the preseason to surpass Wilson on the depth chart.
Hendon Hooker Shows Enough Playmaking Ability for QB2 Spot
The Lions took a long look at Hendon Hooker on Saturday. They kept him on the field up until early in the fourth quarter. He completed 12 out of 20 passes for 114 yards, a touchdown and an interception with 93 rushing yards and lost a fumble.
Early in the game, Hooker held onto the ball a little too long, which resulted in multiple sacks, but after that, he started to make quicker decisions to either throw or tuck and run.
NFL @NFL
Hendon Hooker makin’ moves
📺: #PITvsDET on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/iIaJpW5k1d
On one hand, Hooker took five sacks. Yet he showed how his legs can compensate for poor pass protection. Also, note that Detriot didn’t play its starting offensive line for this contest.
Hooker needs more development, but he showed the playmaking ability and enough flashes to claim the primary backup position behind Jared Goff.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers
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Cowboys QB Trey Lance Sam Hodde/Getty Images
Tony Jefferson Can Be a Game-Changer in Chargers Secondary
At 32 years old, Tony Jefferson can still make plays all over the field. On Saturday, against the Dallas Cowboys, the savvy veteran showed he can still fill different roles and find the ball to make splash plays.
Jefferson registered 12 tackles (nine solo), one for loss, two interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble. He won’t start in front of safeties Derwin James Jr. or Alohi Gilman, but defensive coordinator Jesse Minter can move him around the secondary.
NFL @NFL
Tony Jefferson has his SECOND pick of the game!
📺: #LACvsDAL on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Yo2oeFtf0z
Jefferson has experience lining up in both safety spots and in the slot, which is valuable, especially if the Chargers continue to struggle with injuries.
Jefferson retired in May 2023, but he took an opportunity to try out for the Chargers in June.
Clearly, Jefferson has more left in the tank. He will be more than just a veteran presence for a Chargers team transitioning under a new regime. Jefferson could be the glue guy filling multiple roles in crucial situations.
Trey Lance Has No Future with Win-Now Cowboys Team
The Cowboys kept Trey Lance in for the entire game in what looked like an audition for him.
In three seasons, Lance has played in eight games (four starts), all with the San Francisco 49ers. To improve, he needs to see the field. On Saturday, we saw more negatives than positives in his game.
Coming off a couple of solid exhibition outings, Lance went 33 of 49 passing for 323 yards, a touchdown, and five interceptions with 90 rushing yards and a score against the Chargers’ backup defenders.
On one hand, Lance flashed dynamic playmaking ability with his legs and extended plays, but he threw some head-scratching interceptions, which explains why he’s the Cowboys’ third-string quarterback.
Last offseason, the Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick to the 49ers for Lance, who has one year left on his rookie deal.
Because of Lance’s inexperience, he needs live snaps to learn from his mistakes and progress as a passer, but he’s not a viable fill-in starter for a team in win-now mode. His turnover-filled performance ruined any chance of challenging Cooper Rush for the primary backup position and likely dashed his trade value for the year.
In 2025, Lance will be a free agent. Perhaps he finds an opportunity to compete for a backup job with a team willing to kick the tires on a recent top-three pick.
New York Jets vs. New York Giants
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Giants center John Michael Schmitz Elsa/Getty Images
John Michael Schmitz’s Latest Injury Raises Concern for Giants Offensive Line
The New York Giants saw a player (defensive tackle Timmy Horne) go down with an injury on the first drive of the game. From there, Big Blue lost a few more guys on both sides of the ball.
Among the Giants’ banged-up players, John Michael Schmitz’s status could have the biggest impact on the team’s Week 1 starting lineup. He’s projected to be the first-string center.
Even if Schmitz avoids serious injury, the Giants may need to exercise patience as he knocks off some rust. This offseason, Schmitz missed a significant amount of time with a shoulder injury, which likely explains why he took the field with most of the backups on Saturday.
The Giants will open the season against the Minnesota Vikings, who finished with the highest blitz rate (51.5 percent) last year under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. If Flores senses a weakness on the interior of the Giants offensive line, expect him to attack it with extra defenders.
Undrafted Rookie DT Leonard Taylor III Is a Roster Keeper
The New York Jets traded John Franklin-Myers to the Denver Broncos, allowed Quinton Jefferson to sign elsewhere in free agency and haven’t re-signed Al Woods, who is still a free agent. With those departures, Leonard Taylor III has a chance to fill out the depth behind Quinnen Williams and Solomon Thomas at defensive tackle.
In the first two exhibition contests, Taylor registered three tackles for loss and a sack. He saved his best performance for the preseason finale.
Against the Giants, Leonard contributed to or recorded a full sack on three consecutive plays in the second quarter. He didn’t just make his presence felt on passing downs. The undrafted rookie logged four tackles (one solo) and one for loss.
Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is familiar with head coach Robert Saleh from their time with the San Francisco 49ers, but he missed 24 games between 2021 and 2022. With his injury history, the Jets should keep Taylor on the active roster and further develop him into a three-down defender.
Cleveland Browns vs. Seattle Seahawks
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Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson Nick Cammett/Getty Images
Browns Will Try to Trade Dorian Thompson-Robinson Before Final Cuts
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson missed 11 games because of a shoulder injury last year. He’s battled lingering issues with his shoulder in the offseason.
Coming off an 11-6 season with a playoff appearance, the Browns are in win-now mode, but they have major question marks on offense.
Watson is still recovering from shoulder surgery, the starting offensive tackles, Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin, are on the physically unable to perform list and running back Nick Chubb doesn’t have a timetable for return from a torn ACL.
Cleveland signed Jameis Winston, a 10-year veteran who can handle moving parts around him. For a team with playoff aspirations, it makes sense to list Winston as the No. 2 quarterback over second-year pro Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The team also signed fifth-year pro Tyler Huntley.
According to The Athletic’s Zac Jackson, the Browns are willing to engage in trade talks involving Thompson-Robinson.
Thompson-Robinson has had decent showings in the preseason, completing 38 out of 55 passes for 375 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The Browns may be able to package him with a draft pick in a deal to get a late-round 2025 selection.
NFL @NFL
DTR up top to Jamari Thrash for the @Browns TD!
📺: #CLEvsSEA on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/b0jBtoTPoR
Anthony Bradford Is the Front-Runner for Seahawks’ Starting RG Job
The Seattle Seahawks kept most of their starting offense under wraps until their preseason finale with the Browns.
Most of the Seahawks’ starters are locks, but they must make a decision on the battle between second-year pro Anthony Bradford and rookie third-rounder Christian Haynes.
Bradford has taken a majority of the first-team reps, but recently, Haynes mixed in with the starters.
Head coach Mike Macdonald acknowledged that Bradford and Haynes have performed well.
“I thought AB [Anthony Bradford] played well, thought Christian played well,” Macdonald said to reporters. “They got a great battle going, but I was pleased with the crew that started out the game.
“I think he stacked a couple of good practices and some good reps throughout the game, but we’re still in it right now. So, the competition’s yet to be settled.”
On Saturday, Bradford started the game with the first-stringers at right guard with Geno Smith under center. After the Seahawks’ opening touchdown drive, Haynes came off the sideline to line up at left guard.
On the left side of the line, Haynes (No. 64) helped clear a lane for Kenny McIntosh’s 56-yard touchdown run.
NFL @NFL
Showing the speed and the stiff arm 💪
Kenny McIntosh made it look easy on this TD run. pic.twitter.com/RybD6EKaSP
Fortunately for the Seahawks, they have a difficult decision between two capable starters. However, Bradford’s opening appearance at right guard and Haynes’ holding penalty that wiped out a touchdown play could be the difference in this close battle.
Tennessee Titans vs. New Orleans Saints
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Will Levis Kara Durrette/Getty Images
Titans First-Team Offense Impresses Against Saints
Reserves
The Tennessee Titans struggled offensively a year ago—the team
was 28th in total offense, 29th in passing and 27th in points per game.
Given those struggles and the multiple new faces in
Nashville this year, Titans head coach Brian Callahan elected to play starting
quarterback Will Levis and the first-team offense for a couple series Sunday in
the hopes of building some momentum heading into the regular season.
It admittedly came against a New Orleans defense that wasn’t playing its most prominent players—but those two drives were sharp, with each culminating in points. The first drive was especially impressive, with Levis guiding Tennessee on a nine-play, 84-yard drive that culminated in a Tony Pollard touchdown run.
Pollard, who joined the Titans in free agency, turned seven
touches into 39 yards and that score. Fellow newcomer Calvin Ridley caught two
of his three targets for 39 yards of his own. And Levis misfired on just one
attempt, completing seven of eight throws for 118 yards.
It was exactly what Callahan was looking for when he elected
to play his starters Sunday.
Samson Nacua (Almost) Makes the Play of the Preseason
With the New Orleans Saints resting most of their starters in the preseason finale, there wasn’t a ton to be gleaned from Sunday’s game. The biggest storyline of the game was likely the battle for backup duties under center between Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler.
For what it’s worth, Rattler had the better first half, leading the Saints on a touchdown drive that culminated in a 21-yard scoring strike to Equanimeous St. Brown. But if Derek Carr goes down in the regular season, the Saints have problems. Big problems.
But it was another brother of a high-end NFL wideout who
nearly made the play of the preseason.
Samson Nacua was signed as an undrafted free agent by the
Indianapolis Colts back in 2022. But where his younger brother Puka was a
revelation as a rookie last year, Samson has been unable to stick in the NFL.
As the first half wound down, the Titans attempted a 58-yard
field goal that Nacua caught seven-yards deep in the end zone. Nacua made his
way through traffic and appeared on his way to that most improbable of
touchdowns—the kick-six.
NFL @NFL
Samson Nacua ALMOST had the most insane TD.
📺: #TENvsNO on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/mz2tx3KIHG
Until, that is, Nacua stepped out of bounds at Tennessee’s three-yard line.
So close.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos
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Audric Estime Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Cardinals Backup Quarterback Battle is, Um…Yeah.
Given that Kyler Murray has missed time in three straight seasons (including at least six games the past two years), it’s important for the Redbirds to have a viable backup under center.
If Sunday’s loss to the Broncos was any indication, the team may have to sort through roster cuts later this week to find one.
Clayton Tune, who started one game for the Cardinals last year as a rookie, just hasn’t been able to hit the right note with the offense (That joke is almost as bad as the quarterback play in this game was for Arizona) all preseason long. Tune was 12-of-18 for 119 yards, but he was sacked three times, threw a late pick-six and has led the Arizona offense to just two touchdowns in 17 preseason possessions.
Desmond Ridder, who made 17 starts over two seasons in Atlanta, wasn’t markedly better. Ridder was able to do what Tune couldn’t and lead a touchdown drive, but his stats and level of play were similar to Tune before he forced from the game in the fourth quarter.
That ain’t a compliment.
Let’s put it this way—both Tune and Ridder were badly outplayed by Zach Wilson of the Broncos.
Yes. That Zach Wilson.
Rookie Running Back Audric Estime Continues Strong Summer
for Broncos
When NFL rosters are cut to 53 on Tuesday, veteran running back Samaje Perine of the Denver Broncos may well find himself on the outside looking in. If that’s the case, it will be all Audric Estime’s fault.
Estime fell to the fifth round in April’s draft largely because of bad 40 times at both the combine and Notre Dame’s pro day. But he told reporters he believes he has what it takes to be a three-down back at the NFL level.
“I try to pride myself as being a three-down back,”
Estime said. “I think everybody at this level is a good runner, but I’d
like to also be as good as I can be as a pass-catcher, as a pass protector,
that any time they want to put me in the game, I can be productive in that
situation.”
Estime isn’t going to unseat Javonte Williams (who had a fine summer in his own right) as the starting running back in Denver, but after a consistently solid preseason that included six touches for 32 yards and a touchdown on Denver’s opening drive against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Estime appears to have locked up a spot on Denver’s 53-man roster.
New England Patriots vs. Washington Commanders
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Drake Maye Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
The Future Should be Now in Beantown
We know who will start under center in Week 1 for about 31
NFL teams. However, the quarterback competition between veteran journeyman
Jacoby Brissett and rookie third overall pick Drake Maye remained open.
Before the game, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told 98.5 The Sports Hub (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss) that Maye has become more assertive about staking his claim to the starting job.
“I think early on he was trying to defer and just be a good teammate,” Mayo said. “Now, he’s competing to be the starting quarterback; he’s really kind of ramped up his preparation and production on the field.”
Sunday night against the Commanders, Maye had the opportunity to truly make his case. With Brissett sidelined after just one series by a shoulder injury, Maye played the entire first half. And while it came against Washington’s reserves, Maye impressed.
There was an 88-yard touchdown drive where Maye went 5-for-6
for 71 yards and added a 17-yard scramble before throwing an 18-yard score to
Kevin Harris.
Zack Cox @zm_cox
Some very impressive plays by Drake Maye on that drive.
– 17-yard scramble on third-and-14
– Cross-body completion to Polk for 29 yards
– 16-yard completion to Douglas on third-and-8 pic.twitter.com/UHSLSAZmvV
There was a gorgeous 48-yard score that was unfortunately called back by one of New England’s approximately 37 offensive line penalties—apparently the zebras weren’t lying when they said illegal formation would be a point of emphasis in 2024.
Pats Buzz @PatsBuzz
Awesome touchdown pass from Drake Maye!!
Sadly, the offensive line once again doesn’t line up correctly and it’s called back…. pic.twitter.com/GLhyNlQslj
All told, Maye was 13 of 20 for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Was it a flawless performance? Nope. Will there be growing pains if Maye opens
the season as the starter? Oh yeah—New England is not a good team.
But Maye showed enough in the preseason to indicate that he
gives New England every bit the chance to win each week that Brissett would.
Start the rookie, coach.
The Commanders Should be a Much-Improved Defensive Team
in 2024
OK, so this might be reaching. Speculating. Specu-reaching. But given that there more scrubs than a Texas prairie on the field for Washington Sunday night, it’s not easy to come up with a takeaway that isn’t, “I like the black uniforms.”
The thing is though, those scrubs played pretty well
defensively against a Patriots team that fielded more than a few starters.
Yes, the Pats were the lowest-scoring team in the NFL last year. But the Commanders were also dead last in total defense. So, there’s that.
It doesn’t appear that will be the case in 2024. New head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. have the Commanders playing hard on the defensive side of the ball. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye engineered one long touchdown drive, but other than that there’s wasn’t much until Joe Milton led New England to a field goal late in the third quarter.
There are admittedly questions on the edge and at cornerback. But with a revamped linebacker corps and arguably the best tandem of tackles in the NFL, the Washington defense should be light-years better than last year’s sieve.
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