The first week of the 2024 NFL preseason has wrapped up, and it has brought to light several promising performances as well as some concerning developments across the league. This initial set of games served as a preliminary glimpse into the potential of both new and veteran players as they aim to solidify their roles ahead of the regular season.
Younger QBs Showcase Potential
Among the quarterbacks making waves, Caleb Williams stood out with his gunslinging performance during training camp, which translated well into live action against the Buffalo Bills. His ability to command the offense and deliver precise throws has been a highlight of the preseason.
In contrast, Taylor Heinicke struggled to find his rhythm with the Atlanta Falcons. Stepping in to relieve rookie Michael Penix Jr., Heinicke's performance left much to be desired, revealing areas that need significant improvement if he is to be a reliable backup this season.
The Chargers faced their own challenges at the quarterback position. Easton Stick exhibited erratic play while filling in for an injured Justin Herbert, highlighting concerns about depth in LA's quarterback roster. Moreover, the Chargers appeared sluggish overall under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, which could be a point of focus moving forward.
Mixed Results in Miami and Baltimore
The Miami Dolphins saw a mix of performances among their signal-callers. Mike White's underwhelming outing did little to inspire confidence, though Jaylen Weight's explosiveness in the backfield offered a silver lining for Miami fans. Similarly, Josh Johnson's outing for the Baltimore Ravens fell flat, raising questions about the Ravens' backup plans.
Strong Showings Elsewhere
Bo Nix's showing for the Denver Broncos aligned well with the high praise he has garnered from head coach Sean Payton. Nix demonstrated command and poise, attributes that bode well for his future with the team.
In Jacksonville, Jayden Daniels utilized his remarkable agility to find the end zone early, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Similarly, Tank Dell made an immediate impact for the Houston Texans by scoring early on a reception from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, hinting at a promising connection between the young duo.
J.J. McCarthy's performance for the Minnesota Vikings was noteworthy as well, with his downfield passes effectively matching Sam Darnold's output. McCarthy's ability to stretch the field could be an asset for the Vikings as the season progresses.
Challenges for Carolina and New England
The Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots had less inspiring outings. Both teams struggled to find offensive momentum, largely due to instability within their offensive lines. These issues will need addressing if they hope to compete effectively this season.
Justin Fields, in his debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers, had a couple of fumbles which tainted his performance. The young quarterback will undoubtedly focus on handling snaps more securely as the preseason continues.
Emerging Stars and Developments
Will Shipley emerged as a reliable workhorse for the Philadelphia Eagles, providing stability and productivity out of the backfield. In addition, defenders Quinyon Mitchell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. made significant impact plays for the Eagles, signalling potential strengths in their defensive unit.
The Seattle Seahawks displayed defensive prowess by shutting out the Los Angeles Rams. Byron Murphy II's impressive performance was a bright spot for Seattle, highlighting their defensive capabilities early in the preseason.
Conversely, Marquise Brown's time on the field was cut short after just one catch in his preseason debut for the Kansas City Chiefs. With Brown sidelined, the Chiefs will be looking to rookie Xavier Worthy to step up and fill the void.
Cooper DeJean of the Baltimore Ravens didn’t shine in his matchup as he is still recovering from an injury. His return to full strength will be a pivotal factor for the Ravens’ secondary.
This first week of preseason action has provided fans and coaches alike with valuable insights into their teams’ strengths and areas needing improvement. As the preseason continues, all eyes will be on these emerging storylines, with high hopes for a compelling NFL season ahead.