The NFL is heading into one of its most pivotal periods as we approach Cut Day. With each team required to trim their rosters from 90 to 53 players by next Tuesday, the stakes couldn't be higher for many athletes vying for a spot on the final roster.
Amidst the flurry of preseason activity, two of the NFL's most legendary quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, took the stage at Fanatics Fest to share their rankings of the league’s top quarterbacks. Both Brady and Manning placed Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes at the pinnacle of their lists, recognizing his prowess and impact on the field.
They also showed unanimous respect for several other quarterbacks. The dynamic Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, Baltimore Ravens' elusive Lamar Jackson, and the Buffalo Bills' powerhouse Josh Allen all earned spots in both Brady's and Manning's top-five rankings. Manning additionally spotlighted the Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert, whose potential and skill set have drawn significant attention.
Brady, on the other hand, paid homage to veteran Aaron Rodgers, who has now taken the reins with the New York Jets. Rodgers’ career and ongoing contributions remain a subject of interest and admiration across the league.
Preseason performances have offered some compelling insights and standout moments. Buffalo Bills' defensive end Greg Rousseau showcased his defensive talent by recording 2.5 sacks over just 11 snaps in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, implying a promising prospect for the coming season.
Kansas City receiver Xavier Worthy made waves by catching three of six targets for 62 yards and securing a touchdown against the Detroit Lions, suggesting he could be a key player in the Chiefs' arsenal this year.
Meanwhile, some quarterbacks had a tougher outing. New York Giants' Daniel Jones struggled against the Houston Texans, completing 11 of 18 passes for 138 yards but throwing two interceptions. San Francisco 49ers' Brock Purdy found himself under pressure, completing only two of six passes for 11 yards and suffering a sack against the New Orleans Saints.
In another notable development, Jayden Daniels was named the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders despite a difficult 13-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins. His growth and adaptation will be keenly watched as the season progresses.
Various other players also had moments worth noting. Malik Nabers’ receptions for the Giants against the Texans were notable, while Dallas Turner earned some playing time with 13 snaps for the Minnesota Vikings in their victory over the Cleveland Browns, though his impact was minimal.
Matthew Judon's decision to seek a trade to the Atlanta Falcons over the Chicago Bears raised eyebrows, and fans will be interested to see how his journey with the Falcons unfolds.
One positive update came from the Los Angeles Chargers camp. Justin Herbert returned to practice after battling plantar fascia in his right foot since July 31. Chargers fans breathed a collective sigh of relief seeing their quarterback back in action.
The Seattle Seahawks also caused a stir by securing Geno Smith to a significant three-year, $75 million extension, including $40 million in guaranteed money, demonstrating their confidence in his abilities and looking to solidify their quarterback situation.
On the pundits' side of things, Will Brinson gave his MVP predictions, placing Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen as the favorite with +850 odds. He also mentioned Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford as a mid-tier contender with 30-to-1 odds, offering a broader view on potential standout performers this season.
As the league braces for Cut Day, players, coaches, and fans alike are on edge. The emotional and professional toll of these decisions is encapsulated well in Tua Tagovailoa's recent reflections: “To put it in the simplest terms, if you woke up every morning and I told you that you suck at what you did, that you don't belong doing what you do, that you shouldn't be here, that this guy should be here, that you haven't earned this,” he shared. “You hear it and you hear it — regardless of what is, the good or the bad — and you hear it more and more and you start to actually believe that... it's basically been two years of training that out.”
Such insights underscore the relentless pressures NFL players endure, both on and off the field. As Cut Day looms, every snap, pass, and play becomes crucial in determining the future careers of many athletes in this riveting league.