As the NFL approaches Cut Day, teams are racing against the clock to trim their active rosters from 90 to 53 players by next Tuesday. The intense period of evaluation has seen standout performances and big names making critical decisions, giving fans much to speculate about as the season approaches.
Recently, at Fanatics Fest, NFL legends Tom Brady and Peyton Manning weighed in on the league's top quarterbacks. Unsurprisingly, both Brady and Manning placed Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes at the pinnacle of their rankings. Joining Mahomes in their top five were Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, and Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen. Manning included Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert in his list, highlighting the young quarterback's impressive skill set. Meanwhile, Brady spotlighted veteran Aaron Rodgers, now leading the New York Jets, underscoring Rodgers' enduring influence in the league.
The preseason has also been a stage for individual brilliance and significant developments. Buffalo Bills' defensive end Greg Rousseau made waves with his remarkable 2.5 sacks over just 11 snaps in a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, signaling his readiness for the main stage. Kansas City receiver Xavier Worthy also turned heads, catching three of six targets for 62 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions, establishing himself as a reliable option for Mahomes.
However, not all performances were as uplifting. New York Giants' Daniel Jones had a tough outing, completing only 11 of 18 passes for 138 yards and suffering two interceptions against the Houston Texans. San Francisco 49ers' Brock Purdy also faced challenges, completing just two of six passes for 11 yards and taking a sack against the New Orleans Saints.
Amid the preseason action, the Washington Commanders made a clear decision, naming Jayden Daniels as their starting quarterback despite a 13-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Giants also found a bright spot in Malik Nabers, who made notable receptions during their game against the Texans.
In other preseason developments, Dallas Turner played 13 snaps for the Minnesota Vikings in their victory over the Cleveland Browns but showed minimal productivity. Meanwhile, Matthew Judon opted for a trade to the Atlanta Falcons over the Chicago Bears, hoping for a fresh start and new opportunities.
Quarterbacks have also been in the headlines off the field. Justin Herbert returned to practice for the Los Angeles Chargers after battling plantar fascia in his right foot since July 31. This return is a sigh of relief for Chargers fans, who are eager to see Herbert back to full strength.
In contract news, Seattle Seahawks' Geno Smith secured a three-year, $75 million extension, with $40 million guaranteed. This significant commitment underscores the Seahawks' confidence in Smith's abilities and leadership.
Speculations on the MVP race have already begun. Will Brinson has pegged Buffalo's Josh Allen as his top MVP bet with +850 odds, highlighting Allen's dual-threat capability and the Bills' strong roster. Brinson also identified Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford as a mid-tier MVP contender with 30-to-1 odds, suggesting Stafford still has potential to deliver standout performances.
Off the field, Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa shared candid thoughts on the pressures he faces as an NFL quarterback. "To put it in the simplest terms, if you woke up every morning and I told you that you suck at what you did, that you don't belong doing what you do, that you shouldn't be here, that this guy should be here, that you haven't earned this," Tagovailoa reflected. He added, "You hear it and you hear it — regardless of what it is, the good or the bad — and you hear it more and more and you start to actually believe that... it's basically been two years of training that out." His remarks shed light on the mental challenges faced by professional athletes, far beyond the physical demands of the game.
In another noteworthy commentary, Minnesota Vikings' head coach Kevin O'Connell addressed relationship dynamics between players and coaches, emphasizing, "I don't particularly have a comment on something that took place with another team or I don't like to comment on comments of other players on other teams, but I can just tell you I know that the players Flo works with, he's got great relationships here." O'Connell's words underscore the importance of strong interpersonal dynamics within teams.
As Cut Day looms, the NFL landscape continues to evolve rapidly. With veteran wisdom from the likes of Brady and Manning, standout preseason performances, and candid off-field insights, fans have much to digest and look forward to as the season inches closer. The excitement, drama, and relentless pace of the NFL show no signs of slowing down.