The close of the first week of the 2024 NFL preseason saw a mix of promising performances and areas needing attention, revealing potential that excites fans and concerns that demand coaching staff's focus.
Standout Performances and Key Struggles
Caleb Williams showcased his gunslinging ability during training camp and carried that momentum onto the field against the Buffalo Bills. His command and confidence were clear, offering a glimpse of what could be a breakout season. In contrast, Taylor Heinicke faced significant challenges; stepping in to relieve rookie Michael Penix Jr. with the Atlanta Falcons, Heinicke struggled to find his rhythm, raising questions about the depth of the Falcons' quarterback room.
The Los Angeles Chargers endured erratic play from Easton Stick, who was filling in for injured star Justin Herbert. Stick's inconsistency was a glaring issue against an opponent that capitalized on every mistake. Similarly, Mike White of the Miami Dolphins and Josh Johnson of the Baltimore Ravens delivered underwhelming outings, highlighting areas that require significant improvement as the preseason continues.
Impressive Command and Agility
Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos demonstrated a level of command that aligns with the high praise he's received from head coach Sean Payton. His decisive play stands as a positive takeaway for the Broncos. Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels used his agility effectively to find the end zone early in his game, showcasing his dynamic playmaking ability.
In Minnesota, J.J. McCarthy’s downfield passes were on par with Sam Darnold’s performance, suggesting the Vikings might have a strong quarterback competition on their hands. On the flip side, Justin Fields faltered with the Pittsburgh Steelers, fumbling two snaps in a lackluster debut.
Rookies Making an Impact
For the Houston Texans, Tank Dell made an immediate impact by scoring early on a reception from C.J. Stroud. This performance underscores the potential Dell has to be a major contributor right from the start. In the Miami Dolphins' backfield, Jaylen Weight showed explosiveness, suggesting he could be a key weapon in their offensive arsenal.
Unfortunately, the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots both displayed uninspiring offensive play in their preseason openers. A significant factor in their struggles was the lack of stability within their offensive lines, an issue that will need addressing to avoid rough starts to the regular season.
Coaching and Team Dynamics
Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers appeared sluggish, indicating that the team is still adjusting to new leadership and systems. Conversely, Philadelphia saw standout performances from Will Shipley, who emerged as a reliable workhorse, and from Quinyon Mitchell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., both of whom made significant impact plays.
The Kansas City Chiefs faced a setback as Marquise Brown was sidelined after just one catch in his preseason debut. This puts additional pressure on rookie Xavier Worthy to step up and fill the gap, a task that will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
Defensive Standouts and Team Efforts
The Seattle Seahawks delivered a dominant performance by shutting out the Los Angeles Rams, with Byron Murphy II impressively leading the defense. However, Cooper DeJean, still recovering from injury, did not shine in his matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, indicating a player still on the mend and not yet at full strength.
As preseason games provide a preliminary glimpse into the potential of players and teams, the blend of commendable efforts and areas requiring attention sets the stage for a compelling lead-up to the regular season.