The NFL preseason is officially underway, marking the beginning of the journey for teams and fans alike. Last week, the kickoff took place with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears setting the tone. Over the past four days, the rest of the league joined in the action, stirring the excitement further.
Caleb Williams' Debut
All eyes were on Caleb Williams as he made his season debut against the Buffalo Bills. Williams, seeing limited action, played 18 snaps on Saturday. He managed to complete 4 of his 7 pass attempts, amassing 95 yards through the air. Additionally, he showcased his mobility, adding 13 rushing yards. The debut, though brief, offered a glimpse of the potential electrifying performances that might follow.
Bo Nix's Strong Performance
Bo Nix, who did not start the game, quickly made his presence felt when he took over from Jarrett Stidham. Nix demonstrated efficiency and control, completing 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown. On the ground, he contributed an additional 17 rushing yards. His performance was further highlighted by an impressive 5.4 yards per attempt as noted by TruMedia, ensuring that he remains a player to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Action-Packed Quarterback Showcases
J.J. McCarthy also put on a show, completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 188 yards. He threw two touchdowns but couldn’t avoid an interception as Jack Jones capitalized on a late-game mistake. Another highlight came from Michael Penix Jr., who connected on 9 of his 16 pass attempts for 104 yards, showing promise and potential for growth.
Dynamic Running Backs Making Waves
Exciting moments were not limited to the quarterbacks. Three first-year running backs found the end zone: Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright, each making significant contributions to their respective teams. Their performances aptly showcased the depth of talent in the rookie pool this year.
Defensive Standouts
The defenses were not to be outdone. Dominick Puni started at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, providing a boost to their defensive lineup. Austin Booker made a substantial impact for the Bears, recording 2.5 sacks. Meanwhile, Dallas Turner registered his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings, signifying a promising start to his career. Additionally, Josh Newton snagged an interception for Cincinnati, proving to be a pivotal player in the secondary.
Injury Reports
Not all the news was positive, though. Kirk Cousins was sidelined due to an injury, a development that fans will be keenly watching. The absence of a key player like Cousins could pose challenges, and the team’s response will be critical in the coming weeks.
Wide Receiver Highlights
The wide receivers had their moments as well. Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton each caught a touchdown, further exhibiting their playmaking abilities. Their contributions will undoubtedly be crucial as the regular season approaches.
As the NFL preseason unfolds, these performances set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable season. With several players already making a mark, the anticipation builds for what lies ahead, promising an engaging and action-packed journey for teams, players, and fans alike.