The NFL preseason is officially in full swing, kicking off with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears setting the stage early last week. Over the past few days, the rest of the league has joined in, giving fans a taste of the excitement to come.
Quarterbacks Impress
On Saturday, Caleb Williams made his much-anticipated season debut against the Buffalo Bills. Williams played 18 snaps, completing 4 of his 7 pass attempts for 95 yards. Additionally, he showcased his dual-threat capability by adding 13 yards on the ground.
Bo Nix had a strong showing, despite not starting the game. Jarrett Stidham took the initial snaps, but Nix's performance was notable, completing 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and connecting for a touchdown. Nix also logged 17 rushing yards, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt as noted by TruMedia.
J.J. McCarthy was another standout, finishing 11 of 17 for 188 yards. He threw two touchdowns but also had a late-game interception to Jack Jones. On the other hand, Michael Penix Jr. connected on 9 of his 16 attempts, accumulating 104 yards, while Jayden Daniels completed 2 of 3 passes for 45 yards and also rushed for a 3-yard touchdown.
Drake Maye had a limited outing, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards, but did enough to keep the offense moving efficiently.
Running Backs and Receivers Shine
The preseason also spotlighted several rookie running backs who found the end zone. Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright each scored touchdowns, responding well to the pressure of their first professional outings.
Veteran receivers didn't disappoint either. Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton both made notable catches for touchdowns, solidifying their positions as reliable targets moving into the regular season.
Defensive Highlights
Defensively, Dominick Puni made his presence known, starting at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers and showcasing solid protection in the trenches. Austin Booker recorded 2.5 sacks for the Bears, showing early promise as an impact player. Meanwhile, Dallas Turner registered his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings, a milestone he's likely to build on.
Another defensive highlight came from Josh Newton, who snagged an interception for Cincinnati, adding to the pressure on the opposing offense. However, the Vikings faced a setback with Kirk Cousins sidelined due to an injury, casting a shadow over their preseason efforts.
As teams continue to adjust their rosters and strategies, the performances during these games provide a valuable glimpse into the forthcoming season. The preseason has already offered a mix of emerging talent and seasoned professionals reaffirming their roles, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling NFL season.