The 2024 NFL preseason has reached its midpoint, and Week 2 of the exhibition schedule is often considered a pivotal dress rehearsal for many teams. This week has seen a flurry of joint practices and emerging narratives, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing regular season.
Quarterback Battles Intensify
One of the most closely watched competitions is happening in New England, where the Patriots face a critical decision between Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye for their starting quarterback role. "The Patriots will have a decision to make who will quarterback this rebuilding offense that has little skill position players and a subpar offensive line," an insider noted.
Over in Chicago, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is making strides, having completed 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards with an impressive passer rating of 101.8 in his preseason debut. The Bears managed to score six points during Williams's two possessions. "Let’s see how long Williams plays against the Bengals, but it will be vital for the Bears to get their rookie quarterback those live game reps," an analyst pointed out, highlighting the importance of these early experiences for Williams.
Injuries and Opportunities
Injuries have also shaped the preseason landscape. The New York Giants' Malik Nabers suffered an ankle injury in the opener, creating opportunities for other receivers. Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson are now vying for the WR2 position behind established players Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins.
The Kansas City Chiefs are facing similar challenges, with Hollywood Brown sidelined by a shoulder injury. Consequently, rookie Xavier Worthy might need to step up. Complicating matters, Rashee Rice potentially faces suspension. This scenario opens the door for Kadarius Toney, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross to solidify their spots on the wide receiver roster.
Miami's Backup Quarterback Competition
The Miami Dolphins' search for a reliable backup quarterback is heating up. Skylar Thompson and Mike White are both in the mix. Thompson finished the preseason opener 8 of 19 for 95 yards, including a touchdown and an interception, while White struggled, completing just 4 of 14 passes for 26 yards against second- and third-team players.
Rookie Standouts and Veterans
Other rookies have also been making their presence felt. For the Atlanta Falcons, Michael Penix Jr. is fighting for opportunities, having completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards with a passer rating of 76.0 in his preseason debut. He managed to guide the Falcons to 10 points over five possessions. Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins remains the established starter for the Falcons.
In Minnesota, Jordan Addison avoided a serious injury scare, which is a relief for a team that expects limited snaps from star wide receiver Justin Jefferson this preseason. Last week, Trishton Jackson accumulated 100 yards on four catches, including a touchdown, demonstrating his potential to contribute significantly to the Vikings' offense.
Tennessee's New Running Backs
The Tennessee Titans are another team to watch, especially with the addition of running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Spears scored a touchdown in their preseason opener, while Pollard showcased his skills with a 24-yard run. Together, they managed 37 yards from seven carries, hinting at a versatile and dynamic backfield for the Titans this season.
San Francisco's Injury Concerns
San Francisco 49ers are grappling with injury concerns, particularly with Ricky Pearsall, who has been dealing with hamstring and shoulder problems throughout training camp. His health will be crucial for the team's depth and overall offensive strategy.
Denver's Quarterback Performance
In Denver, both Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham are under the microscope. Nix had a strong preseason opener, completing 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards with a touchdown. In contrast, Stidham struggled, finishing 4 of 7 for 37 yards and throwing an interception. "This battle may go down to the first week of the regular season before head coach Antonio Pierce names a starter," a source indicated, underscoring the competitive nature of the position.
The 2024 NFL preseason is already serving up a blend of excitement, suspense, and strategic adjustments. With key players stepping up and others working through injuries, the coming weeks promise to deliver even more developments as teams finalize their rosters and refine their game plans.