The NFL preseason is in full swing, and fans have plenty to be excited about after an action-packed weekend of football. The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears kickstarted the preseason excitement last week, paving the way for the rest of the league to join the fray over the past four days.
Rookie Quarterbacks and Rising Stars
Caleb Williams made a notable debut against the Buffalo Bills, providing a glimpse of his potential. Williams played 18 snaps on Saturday, completing 4 of his 7 pass attempts for 95 yards. Showcasing his versatility, he also tacked on 13 rushing yards, leaving fans eager to see more from the young quarterback.
In contrast, Bo Nix didn't start his game, with Jarrett Stidham taking the initial snaps. Once on the field, Nix demonstrated his skill by completing 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards, including a touchdown pass. His performance was complemented by 17 rushing yards, and his 5.4 yards per attempt, as noted by TruMedia, highlighted his efficiency under pressure.
J.J. McCarthy also delivered a compelling performance, completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. However, a late-game pass interception by Jack Jones highlighted an area for McCarthy to refine as the season progresses.
Michael Penix Jr., another quarterback to watch, connected on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards, maintaining a steady presence on the field. Jayden Daniels had a brief but impactful appearance, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards. Despite one screen pass sailing over the intended receiver's head, Daniels capped off his performance with a swift 3-yard touchdown rush. Drake Maye mirrored Daniels' completion rate, connecting on 2 of 3 pass attempts, though for a shorter total of 19 yards.
First-Year Running Backs and Defensive Standouts
The preseason also highlighted emerging talent among first-year running backs. Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright each found the end zone, establishing themselves as exciting prospects for their respective teams.
On the defensive side, Dominick Puni made a significant contribution by starting at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers. Austin Booker stood out with 2.5 sacks for the Bears, while Dallas Turner registered his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings, marking an essential milestone in his nascent career.
The Cincinnati defense saw a spark with Josh Newton snagging an interception, showcasing his readiness to compete at the professional level. Significant player absences couldn't be ignored, with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins sidelined due to an injury—a development that could have implications for the team's early-season strategy.
Key Offensive Plays
The weekend wasn't just about the rookies and new faces. Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton both made substantial contributions, each catching a touchdown, adding to the excitement and anticipation for the regular season.
As the preseason progresses, these performances are vital indicators for coaches and analysts alike, offering glimpses into how the upcoming season could unfold. While there's still much to be seen, the past weekend has laid a strong foundation, setting the stage for a thrilling NFL season ahead.