The NFL preseason has officially kicked off, and with it, the anticipation and excitement that comes with the return of football. The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears were quick out of the gates, getting things started last week, while the rest of the league joined the action over the past four days.
Among the buzzworthy performances, Caleb Williams made his season debut against the Buffalo Bills, marking an impressive but brief appearance. The quarterback played 18 snaps, completing 4 of 7 pass attempts for 95 yards and adding 13 yards on the ground. While Williams’ statistics may not jump off the page, his performance set a solid foundation for the season ahead.
Meanwhile, Bo Nix did not start the game but made a notable impact when he did take the field. Jarrett Stidham took the initial snaps, but it was Nix who captured the spotlight. Completing 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and one touchdown, Nix demonstrated both accuracy and poise. His effort on the ground was admirable as well, as he contributed 17 rushing yards. TruMedia highlighted his efficiency with an average of 5.4 yards per attempt, a promising metric for the young quarterback.
J.J. McCarthy also delivered a commendable performance, completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. However, his late-game pass was intercepted by Jack Jones, a play that underscored the unpredictability and high stakes of the preseason.
Michael Penix Jr. had a steady outing, connecting on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. On the other hand, Jayden Daniels showed a mixture of promise and areas for improvement. Completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards, Daniels had a screen pass that unfortunately sailed over his intended receiver's head. Nonetheless, he found redemption by rushing into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown.
Drake Maye had limited opportunities but managed to complete 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards, giving a brief glimpse of his potential in the league.
On the rush front, three first-year running backs made their mark by finding the end zone: Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright. Their performances are a promising sign for their respective teams, highlighting the depth and talent among the league's newest players.
The San Francisco 49ers saw Dominick Puni starting at right guard, an important role that showed his readiness to protect their quarterback and establish a robust offensive line. On the defensive side, Austin Booker shone brightly with 2.5 sacks for the Bears, while Dallas Turner registered his first professional sack for the Minnesota Vikings—a moment he will likely remember for the rest of his career. Cincinnati's defense also had a standout moment with Josh Newton snagging an interception.
Not all news was positive, though. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was sidelined due to an injury, raising concerns among Minnesota Vikings fans and the broader football community.
In terms of receiving touchdowns, Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton both found paydirt, further adding to the offensive excitement of the week.
The preseason continues to serve as a critical stage for both rookies and seasoned veterans, showcasing emerging talents and giving teams a chance to fine-tune strategies. As the NFL world eagerly anticipates the start of the regular season, performances during these early games provide insights into potential breakout stars and pivotal positional battles.
The drama and excitement of preseason football can sometimes rival the regular season, as each play, snap, and decision could significantly impact careers and team fortunes. With more games ahead, the NFL preseason is proving once again why it holds a special place in the hearts of football fans everywhere.