The NFL preseason action is in full swing, marking the long-awaited return of football. The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears had the honor of kicking off the festivities, and as the rest of the league joined in over the past four days, the excitement has only grown.
Rookies and Veterans Set the Stage
The spotlight was on Caleb Williams as he made his season debut against the Buffalo Bills. Williams saw limited action, playing just 18 snaps, but he made the most of them, completing 4 of 7 pass attempts for 95 yards. He also showcased his mobility by adding 13 yards on the ground, hinting at the dual-threat capabilities that many anticipate he will bring to the field this season.
Meanwhile, Bo Nix didn't start the game, with Jarrett Stidham taking the initial snaps. However, Nix made a strong impression when he did get into the game, completing 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown. He also chipped in 17 rushing yards, underscoring his versatility. According to TruMedia, Nix's average yards per attempt was a solid 5.4 yards, making him a reliable option for his team.
Quarterbacks in the Spotlight
J.J. McCarthy had an eventful outing, completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards. He threw two touchdowns but was also intercepted once, a late-game pass picked off by Jack Jones that underscored the high-risk, high-reward nature of his playing style. McCarthy's performance, while mixed, showcased his potential to lead the offense under pressure.
Michael Penix Jr. also saw significant action, connecting on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. Though he didn’t find the end zone, his consistent yardage kept the chains moving and allowed the offense to maintain momentum.
Jayden Daniels had a concise yet impactful performance, completing 2 of 3 passes for 45 yards. Despite a screen pass that sailed over his intended receiver's head, Daniels managed to rush into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown, highlighting his ability to recover and contribute when it matters most. Drake Maye, in a brief appearance, completed 2 of 3 passes for 19 yards, offering a glimpse of his potential in the process.
Running Backs Make Their Mark
First-year running backs also made headlines, with Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright each finding the end zone. Their performances will certainly make them players to watch as the regular season approaches, their contributions providing glimpses of future stars in the making.
Defensive Highlights
On the defensive side, Dominick Puni made his mark by starting at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers. Austin Booker had a standout performance for the Bears, recording 2.5 sacks. Dallas Turner, representing the Minnesota Vikings, registered his first professional sack, and Josh Newton snagged an interception for Cincinnati, showcasing defensive prowess across the league.
Veterans and New Faces
While rookies grabbed headlines, there were significant contributions from veteran players as well. Kirk Cousins didn't see the field, sidelined due to an injury, which opened opportunities for others to step up. Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton both caught touchdowns, adding to the dynamic nature of the preseason action.
As the NFL preseason progresses, the blend of emerging talent and established stars is providing fans with plenty of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming regular season. With standout performances and new faces making immediate impacts, the future of the league looks as thrilling as ever.