The midpoint of the 2024 NFL preseason has provided plenty of drama and riveting storylines as teams prepare for the regular season. Week 2, often referred to as a dress rehearsal, has been particularly eventful, featuring a flurry of joint practices and notable performances as players vie for roster spots and starting positions.
Quarterback Battles Heat Up
One of the most intriguing quarterback battles is happening in New England, where Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye are competing for the starting spot. With the Patriots’ offense suffering from a lack of skill position players and a subpar offensive line, the decision on who will lead the team is crucial. As one insider noted, "The Patriots will have a decision to make who will quarterback this rebuilding offense that has little skill position players and a subpar offensive line."
Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Kirk Cousins is firmly entrenched as the starter, but Michael Penix Jr. is fighting hard for opportunities. Penix showcased his potential in his preseason debut by completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards, with a passer rating of 76.0. Over five possessions, he guided the Falcons to 10 points. On the other hand, the Chicago Bears are heavily invested in developing their rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams. He completed 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards in his preseason opener, achieving an impressive passer rating of 101.8, and led the Bears to six points during his two possessions. As an analyst pointed out, "Let’s see how long Williams plays against the Bengals, but it will be vital for the Bears to get their rookie quarterback those live game reps."
Injuries and Comebacks
Injuries have also been a significant part of the preseason narrative. The New York Giants suffered a blow when Malik Nabers went down with an ankle injury in the preseason opener. His absence has opened the door for Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson to compete for the WR2 position behind Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins. Hollywood Brown is dealing with a shoulder injury, and the Kansas City Chiefs might need rookie Xavier Worthy to step up, especially with Rashee Rice potentially facing suspension. The Chiefs’ wide receiver roster contenders, including Kadarius Toney, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross, are all vying to fill the gap.
Standout Performances
Other noteworthy performances include those of the Tennessee Titans’ new running backs, Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. In the preseason opener, Spears scored a touchdown, while Pollard broke free for a 24-yard run. Together, they managed to accumulate 37 yards from seven carries, hinting at what could be a productive season ahead for the Titans' ground game. On the defensive side, Laiatu Latu demonstrated his potential by leading the FBS with a 23.9% pressure rate while at UCLA, a promising sign for the Titans’ defense.
The Miami Dolphins are also in the midst of a quarterback competition between Skylar Thompson and Mike White for the backup role. Thompson had a mixed performance, going 8 of 19 for 95 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the preseason opener. White struggled, completing only 4 of 14 passes for 26 yards against second- and third-team players.
Rookies Making Their Mark
Several rookies are making significant impacts during the preseason. For the Vikings, Jordan Addison avoided a serious injury, ensuring he remains an exciting prospect. Veteran star Justin Jefferson is expected to have limited snaps this preseason, leaving space for others, like Trishton Jackson, who accumulated 100 yards on four catches with a touchdown last week, to shine.
Meanwhile, Ricky Pearsall of the San Francisco 49ers has been coping with hamstring and shoulder problems throughout training camp. While these nagging injuries may hamper his preseason, the team remains hopeful for his recovery and contributions during the regular season.
In Denver, Bo Nix delivered a strong preseason debut by completing 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. Conversely, Jarrett Stidham struggled by finishing 4 of 7 for 37 yards with an interception, adding a layer of uncertainty to the Broncos' quarterback depth.
As the 2024 NFL preseason progresses, the performances, battles, and injuries will continue to shape the narrative leading into the regular season. Teams are using these opportunities to evaluate their rosters and finalize their lineups, preparing for a competitive and exciting season ahead.