The NFL preseason roared into action this past week, marking the return of football excitement across the nation. Fans were treated to an array of standout performances, surprising outcomes, and riveting debuts.
The 2023 preseason officially kicked off with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears squaring off last week, setting the stage for a flurry of gridiron action over the subsequent days. Enthusiasts from every team had reasons to cheer as the rest of the league joined the preseason fray over the past four days.
Quarterback Showcases
One of the highlights was the much-anticipated season debut of Caleb Williams against the Buffalo Bills. Williams showed glimpses of his potential, playing 18 snaps and completing 4 of 7 pass attempts for 95 yards. Not just restricted to the air, Williams also showcased his dual-threat capability, adding 13 yards on the ground.
Over in another matchup, Bo Nix didn’t start the game, ceding the opening snaps to Jarrett Stidham. However, Nix made a significant impact upon entering. He completed an impressive 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards, accentuated with a touchdown. His performance was efficient, registering an average of 5.4 yards per attempt, according to TruMedia. Additionally, Nix contributed 17 rushing yards, further showcasing his versatility.
J.J. McCarthy also drew attention with his dynamic showing, completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for a noteworthy 188 yards. He threw two touchdowns, though his performance was marred by a late-game interception, courtesy of Jack Jones.
Michael Penix Jr. displayed solid fundamentals, connecting on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. Jayden Daniels impressed in his limited opportunities, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards and adding a 3-yard rushing touchdown. Despite a mishap with a screen pass that sailed over its intended receiver, Daniels' overall performance kept the fans excited.
Drake Maye also brought steady gameplay, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards in his brief appearance.
Rookie Running Backs Making Waves
The preseason isn’t just about quarterbacks, as young running backs are making their presence felt. Three first-year running backs found the end zone this week: Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright. Their performances indicate a promising influx of new talent into the league’s backfield rotations.
Standouts on Defense
The defensive side of the ball wasn’t without its stars. Dominick Puni stood out by starting at right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, solidifying his role. Austin Booker put in a commanding performance for the Bears, registering 2.5 sacks, while Dallas Turner notched his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings.
Josh Newton added to the defensive highlights with an interception for Cincinnati, further emphasizing the depth of defensive talent emerging this preseason.
Veterans and Injuries
Among the veteran players, Kirk Cousins found himself sidelined due to an injury, underscoring the ever-present physical challenges of the sport. Meanwhile, on the offensive end, Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton both caught touchdowns, demonstrating that experience remains invaluable on the field.
The initial week of the NFL preseason has certainly delivered in terms of action, with both seasoned veterans and fresh faces contributing to the excitement that makes the league so compelling. As teams continue to refine their rosters and fans eagerly anticipate the regular season, the performances thus far set a high bar for the remaining preseason fixtures.