The NFL preseason offers a glimpse into the future of football, a period dedicated to development and the fine-tuning of rosters. It’s a chance for teams to evaluate young talent and those players teetering on the edge of the final 53-man lineup. This preseason has been no different, with standout performances and critical evaluations taking center stage.
Cardinals' Quarterback Drama
In Arizona, second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune showcased his potential during the Cardinals' matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Jonathan Gannon chose to rest many of his starters, giving Tune an opportunity to shine. Tune didn't disappoint, completing four of his five passes during a nine-play, 70-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown, spearheaded by Michael Carter's 11-yard run.
Tune's standout moment came on his final drive, where he threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr. He finished the game with 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing attempts. Despite his efforts, the Cardinals fell short, losing to the Saints 16-14.
Challenges and Opportunities
Desmond Ridder, who started for the Cardinals and played the entire first half, struggled, managing just four completions on nine attempts for 43 yards. Backup rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showed promise, completing nine of 16 throws for 104 yards, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory against the Miami Dolphins, who defeated the Cardinals 20-13. The Cardinals also faced a setback with DeMarcco Hellams being carted off due to a left leg injury.
Notable Performances Elsewhere
The Ravens also had their share of preseason drama, losing narrowly to the Eagles 16-13. Head coach John Harbaugh made a notable decision opting for a 21-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal. Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins displayed strong defense, allowing just two completions for a mere eight yards.
In Chicago, the Bears routed the Buffalo Bills with a dominant 33-6 victory. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams made an impression, completing four of seven passes for 95 yards.
Patriots' Dominance and Other Wins
The New England Patriots showcased their strength with a commanding 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals, buoyed by the return of Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins, narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14.
The Browns faced a tough defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, where Jordan Love secured a lucrative four-year, $220 million contract, highlighted by a $75 million signing bonus. This did not, however, translate to a win, as the Packers' wider team effort continued to struggle.
High Scoring Showdowns
In high-scoring affairs, the Denver Broncos edged out the Indianapolis Colts 34-30, largely thanks to Bo Nix, who racked up 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing. The Texans overcame the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-12, while the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 26-13.
Close Contests and Defensive Masterclasses
The Las Vegas Raiders lost to the Minnesota Vikings in a thrilling contest, 24-23. In Seattle, the Seahawks put on a defensive masterclass against the Los Angeles Chargers, winning 16-3. The Rams narrowly beat the Cowboys with a final score of 13-12, and the New York Giants emerged victorious over the Detroit Lions with a 14-3 win.
Derek Carr’s Reveal
Amidst the action, a candid moment came from Derek Carr during the broadcast of the Cardinals game against the Saints. Carr divulged, “New Orleans didn’t game plan at all, and that he didn’t know who was playing with him until just before kickoff." His revelation added a layer of unpredictability to the preseason games, highlighting the off-the-cuff nature of these preparatory matches.
The preseason continues to be a critical period for NFL teams, as they make pivotal decisions about their rosters and strategies. These games may not count towards the regular-season standings, but they are invaluable for coaches and players alike, offering a window into the future of the NFL. The exciting performances and crucial evaluations witnessed thus far suggest an enthralling season ahead.