As the first week of the 2024 NFL preseason draws to a close, a number of players have shown flashes of potential while others have highlighted areas that need improvement.
Quarterbacks in the Spotlight
Caleb Williams turned heads with his gunslinging ability during training camp and carried that momentum into his performance against the Buffalo Bills. This promising start could see him becoming a significant asset as the season progresses. In contrast, Taylor Heinicke's struggle to find his rhythm for the Atlanta Falcons, as he stepped in to relieve rookie Michael Penix Jr., raises questions about the consistency of the Falcons' backup quarterback options.
Easton Stick's erratic play while filling in for an injured Justin Herbert with the Chargers could be a concern for the team's depth at quarterback. Meanwhile, Mike White of the Miami Dolphins and Josh Johnson of the Baltimore Ravens left the field with underwhelming performances that did little to inspire confidence in their prospects moving forward.
Newcomers Making an Impact
On a brighter note, Bo Nix demonstrated a command of the game that aligned well with the high praise he has been receiving from Sean Payton. Jayden Daniels showcased his agility, finding the end zone early in his game, adding another dynamic threat to his team's offense.
Tank Dell made his presence felt in Houston, scoring early on a reception from C.J. Stroud, hinting at a promising receiver-quarterback connection for the Texans. Similarly, Jaylen Weight displayed explosive play in the Miami Dolphins' backfield, potentially adding a new dimension to their ground game.
Veterans and Rookies: A Mixed Bag
J.J. McCarthy's downfield passes matched the output of veteran Sam Darnold during their matchup in Minnesota, suggesting that McCarthy could hold his own against more experienced players. However, Justin Fields had a rocky debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers, fumbling two snaps, which could be a cause for concern as the season progresses.
Marquise Brown's preseason debut for the Chiefs was cut short after just one catch, sidelining him for the rest of the game. This leaves an opportunity for rookie Xavier Worthy to step up and fill the void that Brown's absence creates.
Team Performances and Notable Players
The Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots both displayed uninspired offensive efforts in their preseason openers, with both teams struggling due to a lack of stability within their offensive lines. The Chargers, under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, seemed sluggish overall, indicating that adjustments might be necessary to quicken their pace and effectiveness.
In contrast, the Philadelphia Eagles found positives, with Will Shipley emerging as a reliable workhorse. Defense also shone for the Eagles, with Quinyon Mitchell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. making significant impact plays. The Seattle Seahawks not only shut out the Los Angeles Rams but also had an impressive performance from Byron Murphy II.
On the other hand, Cooper DeJean, recovering from an injury, did not shine in his matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, suggesting that he may need more time to regain his pre-injury form.
These preliminary games offer a glimpse into the potential of players and teams as they gear up for the regular season. With more preseason action to come, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who can capitalize on their early momentum and who will need to make adjustments to ensure they're ready for when the games start to count.