The NFL preseason has kicked off in earnest, offering football fans an early glimpse of emerging talent and hopeful contenders. The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears got the ball rolling last week, setting the stage for a weekend brimming with gridiron action.
Caleb Williams Makes a Statement
One of the most anticipated debuts was that of Caleb Williams, who stepped onto the field against the Buffalo Bills. Williams, playing 18 snaps on Saturday, showed his potential by completing 4 of 7 pass attempts for 95 yards. The quarterback also showcased his versatility, adding 13 yards on the ground.
Bo Nix Shines Bright
Bo Nix, though not starting the game, made a significant impact when he took the field. After Jarrett Stidham handled the initial snaps, Nix completed 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown. He also added 17 yards rushing. With an average of 5.4 yards per attempt, per TruMedia, Nix demonstrated precision and command in his preseason showing.
In contrast, J.J. McCarthy displayed a more mixed performance. Completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 188 yards, McCarthy managed two touchdowns but also threw a crucial late-game interception to Jack Jones.
Other Notable Performances
Additional quarterback performances varied, with Michael Penix Jr. connecting on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. Jayden Daniels had a brief but dynamic showing, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards. Although a screen pass sailed over his intended receiver, Daniels found redemption by rushing into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown. Drake Maye also had a short but efficient outing, completing 2 of 3 passes for 19 yards.
On the ground, first-year running backs Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright all found the end zone, making strong cases for more prominent roles as the season progresses. Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton added receiving touchdowns, further highlighting the day's offensive successes.
Defensive Standouts
The defensive side of the ball saw its share of standout moments as well. Dominick Puni started at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, making his presence felt on the line. Austin Booker made a notable impact for the Bears, registering 2.5 sacks. Likewise, Dallas Turner celebrated his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings.
Another defensive highlight came from Josh Newton, who snagged an interception for Cincinnati, a pivotal moment that bolstered the team's defensive fortitude. The absence of Kirk Cousins due to an injury was a significant talking point, as fans and analysts will watch closely for updates on his condition moving forward.
The NFL preseason, although merely a prelude to the regular season, has already offered a wealth of storylines and performances to consider. From rookie standouts to veteran prowess, the early games have provided a tantalizing taste of what's to come when the stakes are raised and the regular season gets underway in earnest.