As the first week of the 2024 NFL preseason draws to a close, a mixture of promising performances and areas of concern have emerged, setting the stage for a season filled with potential surprises and intense competition.
Quarterback Performances: The Good and the Bad
Caleb Williams showcased his gunslinging prowess during training camp and carried that momentum into his game against the Buffalo Bills. His performance has fans and analysts alike buzzing about his potential impact this season.
Conversely, Taylor Heinicke struggled to find his rhythm with the Atlanta Falcons. Stepping in to relieve rookie Michael Penix Jr., Heinicke’s difficulty in adjusting raises questions about Atlanta’s quarterback depth.
Easton Stick’s erratic play while filling in for an injured Justin Herbert with the Chargers did little to inspire confidence. Stick’s inconsistency highlights the pressing need for stability under center if the Chargers are to maintain a competitive edge.
Other quarterbacks failed to impress as well. Mike White of the Miami Dolphins and Josh Johnson of the Baltimore Ravens both had underwhelming outings, adding to the growing list of QB concerns as teams look to finalize their rosters.
Standout Performances and Rising Stars
Bo Nix demonstrated the command expected of him, validating the high praise he’s received from Broncos' head coach, Sean Payton. Similarly, Jayden Daniels utilized his agility effectively, finding the end zone early in his game and drawing attention as a versatile threat.
J.J. McCarthy matched Sam Darnold’s output in Minnesota, firing downfield passes that spoke to his growing confidence and arsenal. Meanwhile, Justin Fields had a less-than-stellar debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers, fumbling two snaps and leaving much to be desired in his future performances.
The Houston Texans saw an immediate impact from Tank Dell, who scored early off a reception from C.J. Stroud. For the Miami Dolphins, Jaylen Weight showed explosiveness in the backfield, hinting at his potential to become a key player for the team.
Team Struggles and Defensive Highlights
The Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots had uninspiring offensive showings in their preseason openers, struggling significantly due to a lack of stability within their offensive lines. The Chargers also appeared sluggish under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, indicating there is work to be done to get the team up to speed.
On the defensive side, Will Shipley emerged as a reliable workhorse for Philadelphia, while Quinyon Mitchell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. made significant impact plays for the Eagles. The Seattle Seahawks delivered a dominant performance, shutting out the Los Angeles Rams. Byron Murphy II’s impressive play for the Seahawks underscored the team’s strong defensive potential.
Nevertheless, not all defensive notes were positive. Cooper DeJean of the Ravens did not shine in his matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, as he continues to recover from an injury, suggesting that he might need more time to return to form.
Brief yet Pivotal Appearances
Marquise Brown’s preseason debut for the Kansas City Chiefs was cut short after just one catch, sidelining him for the remainder of the game. This absence puts pressure on rookie Xavier Worthy to step up and fill the void, emphasizing the importance of depth and readiness in Kansas City’s receiving corps.
The preseason continues to offer glimpses into the developing dynamics of players and teams. With each game, contenders and pretenders are starting to be sorted out, igniting anticipation and speculation among fans and analysts. The preliminary games are a crucial period of evaluation, laying the groundwork for what promises to be a thrilling NFL season.