The NFL preseason has officially taken off, bringing fans an exciting taste of football action. The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears ignited the preseason festivities last week, setting the stage for the rest of the league, which joined the fray over the past four days.
Quarterback Performances in the Spotlight
Caleb Williams made his season debut against the Buffalo Bills, putting on a solid performance during his limited time on the field. Williams played 18 snaps on Saturday, completing 4 out of 7 pass attempts for 95 yards. Adding versatility to his game, he also ran for an additional 13 yards.
Several other quarterbacks showcased their skills as well. Bo Nix, who did not start the game but saw significant playing time, completed an impressive 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown. Nix also added 17 yards on the ground, maintaining an average of 5.4 yards per attempt as recorded by TruMedia.
J.J. McCarthy had a mixed outing, completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. McCarthy's late-game pass was intercepted by Jack Jones, adding a sour note to an otherwise strong performance.
Meanwhile, Michael Penix Jr. connected on 9 of his 16 pass attempts for 104 yards, showing promise despite not finding the end zone. Jayden Daniels had a brief yet impactful presence, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards. While one of his screen passes sailed over the intended receiver's head, Daniels made amends by rushing into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown.
Drake Maye also got some time on the field, completing 2 out of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards.
Running Backs Making Headlines
First-year running backs made their mark as well, with three rookies finding the end zone. Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright each scored a touchdown, signaling a promising start to their professional careers.
Emerging Defensive Stars
On the defensive side, Dominick Puni started at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, showcasing his skills in a critical position. Austin Booker shined for the Bears, recording 2.5 sacks, while Dallas Turner registered his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings.
Josh Newton contributed to Cincinnati's defense with an interception, and the absence of Kirk Cousins due to injury was felt among the ranks.
Notable Catch Artists
In the receiving department, Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton each caught a touchdown, adding excitement for fans and promise for their respective teams.
As the NFL preseason continues, players and teams alike will use these games to fine-tune their skills and strategies. Fans can look forward to more thrilling performances and emerging talents as the weeks progress.