The NFL preseason kicked off in earnest last week with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears leading the charge. As the rest of the league joined in on the action over the past four days, fans were treated to a series of debuts, standout performances, and notable events that signal the beginning of another thrilling season.
Caleb Williams' Season Debut
All eyes were on Caleb Williams as he made his much-anticipated season debut against the Buffalo Bills. Williams played a total of 18 snaps on Saturday, completing 4 of 7 pass attempts for 95 yards. Beyond his aerial prowess, he contributed 13 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability. While the outing might have been brief, it provided a glimpse into what Williams might achieve this season.
Quarterback Showcases
Bo Nix also made headlines, though he did not start the game. Jarrett Stidham took the initial snaps, but Nix quickly made his presence felt. Completing 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and securing one touchdown, Nix demonstrated precision and poise. He added 17 rushing yards to his performance, and his average of 5.4 yards per attempt, as noted by TruMedia, underscores his effectiveness.
Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy turned heads with an impressive performance, completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. However, his late-game pass was intercepted by Jack Jones, adding a touch of drama to his otherwise stellar outing.
Michael Penix Jr. had a solid showing, connecting on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. Jayden Daniels also displayed potential, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards. However, a screen pass sailing over his intended receiver's head highlighted areas for improvement. Daniels did find the end zone on a 3-yard rush, adding to his mixed evening.
Drake Maye made the most of his limited opportunities, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards.
Rookie Running Backs Make Impact
The preseason also shone a spotlight on the league's newest talents. Three first-year running backs, Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright, found the end zone, making strong cases for their roles in the regular season. Their performances suggest that they will be exciting players to watch as the season unfolds.
Notable Defensive Highlights
In defensive play, Dominick Puni made his mark as he started at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers. The Bears' Austin Booker delivered an impressive 2.5 sacks, while Dallas Turner registered his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings. Cincinnati's Josh Newton also grabbed the spotlight with an interception, highlighting the depth of talent in this year's defensive rookie class.
Injuries and Returns
On a less positive note, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was sidelined due to an injury, leaving fans and the team staff awaiting updates on his status. In his absence, younger talents had the chance to step up and showcase their abilities, potentially reshaping the team's dynamics going forward.
Touchdown Highlights
The preseason wouldn't be complete without some memorable touchdown catches. Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton both found the end zone, electrifying fans and reminding everyone of the excitement that football brings.
As the NFL preseason continues, these early games provide valuable insights into emerging talents and set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season. Each snap, throw, and catch not only tells the story of the game's outcome but also of the players' journeys, their triumphs, and the challenges they will face in the weeks and months ahead. The countdown to the regular season is officially on, and the anticipation is building with every passing play.