The NFL's future stars shone brightly during last week's preseason games, as five first-round rookie quarterbacks put their talent on full display. These fresh faces offered a glimpse into an exciting season ahead.
Caleb Williams Impresses for Bears
Taking the reins for the Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams wasted no time in showcasing his skills. In a drive marked by crucial conversions, Williams connected with wide receiver D.J. Moore on a third-and-long for a 12-yard gain. He then stunned the defense with a 42-yard strike to running back D'Andre Swift.
While the Bears’ drive concluded with a red zone stop, Cairo Santos managed to convert a 30-yard field goal, salvaging points for the team. Williams added a 13-yard scramble to his achievements and completed his brief appearance with 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards. His early showing sets high expectations for what's to come.
Jayden Daniels Finds His Stride
Jayden Daniels, another promising talent, had a mixed start with his first NFL pass sailing over Austin Ekeler’s head. However, Daniels quickly found his footing, connecting with wideout Dyami Brown for a 42-yard play that set up his 3-yard touchdown run.
Ending his night with two completions out of three attempts for 45 yards and one touchdown run, Daniels demonstrated poise and versatility. The quick turnaround from his initial jitters to a scoring drive was noteworthy. His performance prompted positive remarks from his team and fans alike.
Drake Maye's Efficient Play
Drake Maye also made waves, completing two of his three attempts for 19 yards. His first throw, a third-and-12 conversion to Antonio Gipson, showcased his ability to perform under pressure. While his outing was brief, it was a promising start for the rookie quarterback.
Michael Penix Jr. Steers Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. took command for the Falcons, playing five possessions in the first half against Miami. Penix led the Falcons to two scoring drives, completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. His highlight reel included a 41-yard completion to Chris Blair, pointing to an expansive playbook and a strong arm.
Penix’s consistent performance over multiple drives indicates a steady, reliable presence in the Falcons' offense. His leadership during these sequences will likely be a cornerstone for the team moving forward.
J.J. McCarthy’s Eventful Debut
J.J. McCarthy had an eventful debut. His first pass was an 18-yard completion to Jalen Nailor, displaying his immediate impact. However, his second throw resulted in an interception by Raiders cornerback Jack Jones. Undeterred, McCarthy later launched a 45-yard touchdown to Jackson early in the second half, offering a glimpse of his resilience and arm talent.
McCarthy concluded his day with an impressive 188 yards on 11 of 17 passing attempts. Coach Kevin O'Connell appreciated McCarthy’s aggressive play even after the interception, noting the quarterback’s confidence and arm talent.
Bo Nix Leads Broncos
The Denver Broncos saw Bo Nix excel, scoring on four out of five drives he led. Nix completed 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and showcased his mobility with an 11-yard run. His first touchdown pass to Marvin Mims added to an all-around effective performance.
Nix described his day as a “huge team win,” stressing the importance of their balanced offense that efficiently ran the ball and made critical plays in the passing game. His ability to command the game efficiently left a significant impression.
Reflecting on these performances, Sam Cosmi praised one rookie’s in-play adjustments, calling it “really impressive” and capturing the team's collective excitement. “We all sat on the sideline, and we were like, 'Dang, that was really fun,'” he noted. Such reactions signal bright days ahead for these rookie quarterbacks.
Raheem Morris also provided insights, acknowledging the pressure on first-round quarterbacks but expressing satisfaction with his player's execution, despite a desire to refine some throws. “Pretty much, a really good night for him, and I was really pleased with what he was able to do,” Morris remarked.
With preseason debuts like these, the future of the NFL looks promising. These rookie quarterbacks not only met but exceeded expectations, setting the stage for what could be a captivating season ahead.