The NFL's preseason action this week saw teams across the league focusing on development and roster fine-tuning, as coaches evaluated their young players and those on the cusp of making the final 53-man lineup. In Arizona, second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune delivered a notable performance for the Cardinals in their matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Cardinals vs. Saints
With head coach Jonathan Gannon opting to rest many starters, Tune stepped up, completing four of his five passes during a nine-play, 70-yard drive. His efforts culminated in a touchdown, highlighted by Michael Carter's 11-yard run. Tune finished the game with an impressive final drive, including a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr., and ended the game with 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing. Despite his efforts, the Cardinals fell to the Saints 16-14.
QBs Struggle and Shine Across the League
Elsewhere, Desmond Ridder started for the Cardinals, playing the entire first half and completing four of nine passes for 43 yards. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. also had a solid outing, completing nine of 16 throws for 104 yards. The Cardinals, however, faced another defeat at the hands of the Miami Dolphins, losing 20-13.
The Baltimore Ravens took a hit in their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, losing 16-13. Head coach John Harbaugh made a notable decision, opting for a 21-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal rather than attempting a touchdown.
In Chicago, the Buffalo Bills suffered a heavy loss to the Bears, with a final score of 33-6. On a brighter note for the Bears, rookie Caleb Williams showcased his potential, completing four of seven passes for 95 yards.
Notable Performances and Roster Movements
The New England Patriots emerged victorious over the Carolina Panthers, with a final score of 17-3. Meanwhile, Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins made their return for the Bengals in a tight contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite their efforts, the Bengals narrowly lost 17-14.
The Cleveland Browns faced defeat against the Green Bay Packers. For the Packers, Jordan Love secured a significant milestone off the field, inking a four-year, $220 million contract that includes a $75 million signing bonus.
The Denver Broncos edged out the Indianapolis Colts in a high-scoring affair, winning 34-30. Bo Nix led the charge for the Broncos with 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing.
The New York Giants had cause for celebration as they triumphed over the Detroit Lions 14-3. In another impressive performance, the Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-12.
Close Contests and Strategic Decisions
The Jacksonville Jaguars impressed with a 26-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Las Vegas Raiders lost a nail-biter to the Minnesota Vikings, ending with a score of 24-23.
On the West Coast, the Seattle Seahawks secured a win against the Los Angeles Chargers, finishing 16-3. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams managed a narrow victory over the Dallas Cowboys, closing out the game 13-12.
Injury Concerns and Rookies Making Waves
In Atlanta, there was a worrying moment when DeMarcco Hellams was carted off the field due to a left leg injury. Taylor Heinicke struggled with his performance, completing just four of 11 passes for 11 yards. However, the Falcons saw a bright spot in their first-round rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins, who allowed just two completions for a mere eight yards.
In a candid moment during the Saints game, Derek Carr revealed, “New Orleans didn't game plan at all, and that he didn't know who was playing with him until just before kickoff.”
As the preseason progresses, coaches and fans alike will continue to watch closely as players vie for their spots on the final rosters, with standout performances making a significant impact on those crucial decisions.