The NFL preseason is in full swing, and football fans have plenty to talk about as teams dust off the cobwebs and newcomers vie for attention. Last week, the action kicked off with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears setting the stage, and over the past four days, the entire league engaged in a flurry of activity.
Caleb Williams Steps Up
Among the players drawing significant attention was Caleb Williams, who made his season debut against the Buffalo Bills. Williams was given a limited number of snaps, playing in just 18. He completed 4 of his 7 pass attempts, amassing 95 yards through the air. Adding to his versatile performance, Williams also rushed for 13 yards, hinting at his dual-threat potential.
Bo Nix Impresses in Relieve
The anticipation for Bo Nix was palpable, though he did not start the game. Jarrett Stidham took the initial snaps, leaving Nix to follow. When his opportunity came, Nix seized it, completing an impressive 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and securing one touchdown. His average yards per attempt stood at 5.4, as highlighted by TruMedia. Nix also managed to carve out 17 rushing yards, demonstrating his capability to contribute on the ground.
J.J. McCarthy's Mixed Performance
J.J. McCarthy showcased both skill and room for improvement in his preseason outing. Completing 11 of 17 pass attempts, McCarthy accumulated 188 yards and threw for two touchdowns. However, his game was not without its blemishes, as he also threw one interception. Notably, Jack Jones intercepted a late-game pass from McCarthy, which is sure to be a focal point in upcoming practices as the team fine-tunes their execution.
Quarterbacks Under the Spotlight
Michael Penix Jr. also had a noteworthy performance, connecting on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels had a concise yet impactful showing, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards. Despite a mishap where a screen pass sailed overhead, Daniels made up for it by rushing into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown. Drake Maye also saw limited action, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards.
Emerging Running Backs
The preseason is often a stage for fresh talent to emerge, and first-year running backs did not disappoint. Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright each found their way to the end zone, giving fans a glimpse of the potential they bring to their respective teams.
Key Defensive Plays
Dominick Puni showcased his skills by starting at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, and Austin Booker made his mark for the Bears with 2.5 sacks. Dallas Turner tallied his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings, signaling a promising start to his NFL career. Meanwhile, Cincinnati's Josh Newton snagged an interception, adding to the team's defensive highlights.
Injury Reports
On the sidelines, Kirk Cousins was notably absent due to an injury. His condition will be closely monitored as the regular season approaches, as the Vikings will undoubtedly need their seasoned quarterback in top form.
Wide Receivers Showcasing Skill
In the air attack, Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton both made notable contributions by catching touchdowns, their performances earning them spotlight recognition as the preseason unfolds.
As the preseason games continue, every snap and every play bring us closer to the start of the regular season. The early performances of both seasoned professionals and eager rookies demonstrate the sheer competitiveness and talent spread across the league, making the wait for regular-season action all the more exciting.