Week 2 of the 2024 NFL preseason was used as one thing near a regular-season gown rehearsal for some groups, whereas others opted to maintain their starters principally out of hurt’s method.
ESPN’s NFL Nation staff was out in drive all weekend, reporting on the newest developments for all 32 groups as we inch nearer to cut-down day on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Sunday’s video games
Broncos: There might be loads of shocked individuals in and across the Broncos if coach Sean Payton would not formally title rookie Bo Nix because the staff’s beginning quarterback within the days to return. Nix seemingly completed his preseason work Sunday night time within the Broncos’ victory over the Inexperienced Bay Packers since most, if not all, of the staff’s starters should not anticipated to play a lot, if in any respect within the preseason finale.
Nix was 8-of-9 passing for 80 yards and a landing in his two drives Sunday night time. Which means in two preseason appearances, Nix led six scoring drives within the seven possessions he performed, and the Broncos had a number of first downs in every of these scoring drives with no three-and-outs in any of the seven possessions. Nix primarily labored with the starters in apply final week as if Payton had already made the announcement, together with Friday’s joint apply with the Packers. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent recreation: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, Aug. 25, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Packers: About the one definitive factor the Packers realized on Sunday in Denver was they could have a troublesome time profitable this yr if they need to occur to be with out most of their 22 starters. Maybe extra problematic is they may not have a quarterback who might fill in efficiently if one thing occurred to Jordan Love.
Sean Clifford, final yr’s QB2, could not get a lot executed towards a big contingent of Denver starters. He performed all however the final 30 seconds of the primary half and could not muster any factors. His fourth and remaining drive ended with an interception. He completed 6-for-10 for 43 yards. The Packers totaled simply 69 yards of offense within the first half with simply six first downs (and three of these have been by penalty).
Rookie seventh-round decide Michael Pratt had his struggles as properly, together with dropping a fumble on a sack within the third quarter. He threw for under 52 yards on 10-of-16 passing.
The Packers’ longest offensive play of all the recreation was simply 15 yards. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent recreation: vs. Ravens (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
49ers: In keeping with what they’ve executed up to now, the 49ers did not precisely deal with this as a gown rehearsal, with lots of their starters not taking part. They did, nonetheless, use QB Brock Purdy behind a patchwork offensive line lacking three projected starters and with out the providers of any of their prime 4 receivers, prime three working backs or tight finish George Kittle.
Given all of that, it is maybe no shock that Purdy and the offense struggled to generate a lot. Purdy performed 12 snaps over three collection because the Niners gained simply 11 yards and one first down. What’s extra, Purdy took a number of hits and located himself scrambling on most of his dropbacks. He completed 2-of-6 for 11 yards earlier than giving option to Joshua Dobbs.
Below Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco usually has most popular to let the starters get extra work within the remaining preseason contest. Even with the quick turnaround to that recreation — it is Friday — the Niners plan to present Purdy and the offense an extended look in that recreation, which ought to present a extra correct learn on the staff’s progress. — Nick Wagoner
Subsequent recreation: at Raiders (Friday, Aug. 23, 10 p.m. ET)
Saints: The Saints performed Derek Carr and the offensive starters for 3 collection. The final collection was essentially the most spectacular of the three, because the Saints went 95 yards on 16 performs to attain a landing. That broke a streak of 4 straight punts for the beginning unit relationship again to the primary preseason recreation.
Taysom Hill had a formidable day, springing Jamaal Williams for a 15-yard acquire with a pleasant block, working 11 yards himself on the following play after which capping off the drive with a 2-yard landing dive. Carr additionally had two good throws, finishing a 19-yard move to Chris Olave and in addition changing a first-down move to rookie Bub Means on fourth-and-5 with stress in his face.
Defensive finish Chase Younger was a standout defensively early within the recreation, however the Saints’ defenders had a regarding quantity of missed tackles late within the second half when making an attempt to comprise backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Additionally notable: Rookie cornerback Kool-Assist McKinstry left the sport early with an obvious leg harm. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent recreation: vs. Titans (Sunday, Aug. 25, 2 p.m. ET)
Saturday’s video games
Cowboys: This wasn’t a gown rehearsal for the Cowboys as a result of nearly the entire starters have been spectators, however they have been capable of get a protracted have a look at their projected left sort out, first-round decide Tyler Guyton, for the primary half.
Whereas he didn’t match up a lot towards Raiders All-Professional defensive finish Maxx Crosby, he was capable of get appears to be like towards the Raiders’ first-team protection a lot of the half. Guyton continued to point out he is on the right trajectory for the season opener when he’ll see loads of Cleveland’s All-Professional Myles Garrett. The Cowboys have been capable of run for 114 yards within the first half and didn’t permit a sack. Whereas all of that wasn’t on account of Guyton, there weren’t evident errors.
Backup quarterback Trey Lance’s first-half exhibiting was promising towards a lot of the Raiders’ defensive starters. After a sluggish begin, he accomplished his remaining seven passes of the half, together with a fade for a landing to Ryan Flournoy. He additionally ran for 34 yards, together with a 20-yard acquire that arrange a 66-yard subject aim from Brandon Aubrey. — Todd Archer
Subsequent recreation: vs. Chargers (Saturday, Aug. 24, 4 p.m. ET)
Raiders: Does both man need the gig? Neither Gardner Minshew nor Aidan O’Connell kicked the door down towards Dallas in what was speculated to be the ultimate audition for the Raiders’ beginning QB job. In truth, each fell flat.
Minshew, who began and performed 5 collection, was erratic and completed simply 10-of-21 passing for 95 yards with a 5-yard scramble. O’Connell, in the meantime, regarded extra poised early on, however his remaining move was returned 69 yards for a pick-six by Cowboys CB Kemon Corridor on the primary play of the fourth quarter. O’Connell, who additionally performed 5 collection, threw for 96 yards on 14-of-20 passing, together with a 5-yard TD move to TE Harrison Bryant.
Each QBs have had their shares of ups and downs in camp and a pair of exhibition video games, and Raiders coach Antonio Pierce stated he wished to resolve on a starter after this recreation. O’Connell, because the incumbent, had the sting coming into the offseason program, and Minshew would seemingly convey extra of a spark coming off the bench. Keep tuned. — Paul Gutierrez
Subsequent recreation: vs. 49ers (Friday, Aug. 23, 10 p.m. ET)
Jaguars: The Jaguars did not gown 23 gamers, together with QB Trevor Lawrence and 7 different offensive starters. QB Mac Jones threw for 144 yards and a TD, which went to second-year WR Parker Washington, within the first half. (He got here again into the sport within the fourth quarter after C.J. Beathard left the sport with a groin harm.)
Washington had three catches for 38 yards within the first half to proceed his spectacular offseason. Washington handled a knee harm early final season and actually wasn’t prepared for the elevated function he needed to play when Christian Kirk went down with a groin harm. He has been one of many standouts throughout coaching camp. “It has been cool to see his transformation and the way good he appears to be like,” Lawrence stated. “I have been actually impressed.”
Second-year RB Tank Bigsby, who additionally has had a very good camp, added 56 yards of offense on 13 touches within the first half towards the Bucs earlier than he went to the bench. The Jaguars hope to make use of him as a complement to Travis Etienne Jr. in 2024. That was their plan final yr, too, nevertheless it by no means developed after Bigsby struggled early within the season. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent recreation: at Falcons (Friday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. ET)
Buccaneers: The Bucs have shelved their starters till Week 3, however with Randy Gregory’s reported impending launch and YaYa Diaby nonetheless recovering from an ankle harm, second-year edge rusher Jose Ramirez notched 3.0 sacks after a powerful efficiency towards the Cincinnati Bengals final week. Markees Watts, one other second-year participant, additionally had a sack.
Additionally encouraging was the bottom recreation for the second week in a row, averaging 4.75 yards per carry between Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker. Of concern although: Beginning kicker Chase McLaughlin missed a 42-yard subject aim after lacking a 51-yarder final week. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent recreation: vs. Dolphins (Friday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Rams: The Rams do not play many starters or key gamers through the preseason, so Week 2 wasn’t a lot of a gown rehearsal for the common season. However though it wasn’t the beginning offense, the Rams acquired one other have a look at quarterback Stetson Bennett, who performed all the recreation for the second time in lower than every week.
Bennett, who threw 4 interceptions on Sunday towards the Dallas Cowboys, protected the soccer till late within the third quarter, when he threw an interception in the long run zone. After throwing what was finally the game-winning landing move, Bennett fumbled on the primary play of the following drive. Bennett completed 17-of-31 for 213 yards with a landing, an interception and a fumble. Though he’s the Rams’ third-string quarterback, he’s in line to again up quarterback Matthew Stafford for the primary two video games of the season whereas Jimmy Garoppolo is serving his suspension. Stafford left the Rams’ joint apply with the Cowboys this week due to hamstring tightness, however is predicted to return to apply subsequent week. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent recreation: at Texans (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Chargers: Beginning quarterback Justin Herbert continues to be out with a plantar fascia harm in his proper foot, however was on the sector earlier than the sport with out his strolling boot. In his absence, backup quarterbacks Easton Stick and Luis Perez every performed a half for Los Angeles, however neither discovered the tip zone.
Stick, who began the sport, completed 8-for-13 for 85 yards and an interception. Perez accomplished 13 of 20 passes for 78 yards. The Chargers had a protracted listing of gamers not in uniform for the second week of the preseason, together with working backs Gus Edwards and J.Okay. Dobbins, outdoors linebackers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and security Derwin James Jr. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent recreation: at Cowboys (Saturday, Aug. 24, 4 p.m. ET)
Payments: This cannot be thought-about a gown rehearsal for the Payments as a result of coach Sean McDermott stayed conservative and sat key wholesome gamers — notably quarterback Josh Allen in addition to center linebacker Terrel Bernard and move rusher Von Miller.
The defensive position has regarded like a power of the Payments all through coaching camp, and additional indicators of that have been on show vs. the Steelers. Greg Rousseau sacked Russell Wilson 2½ instances (the opposite ½ attributed to Ed Oliver) in 11 snaps performed with 4 complete tackles and three quarterback hits. On the offensive facet, the speeding recreation confirmed some positives after struggling the week prior. James Cook dinner rushed six instances for 25 yards, whereas rookie Ray Davis had eight carries for 58 yards. The road additionally allowed solely two sacks. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent recreation: vs. Panthers (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Steelers: Whereas Russell Wilson’s preseason debut was mired by offensive line struggles and penalties, Justin Fields injected power into the offense with dynamic, but inconsistent playmaking on his ft. Fields, who performed 5 collection with the second-team unit, completed because the Steelers’ main passer (11 of 17, 92 yards) and rusher (8 carries, 42 yards).
Wilson, in the meantime, accomplished 8 of 10 makes an attempt for 47 yards in 5 collection and was sacked 3 times for a lack of 21 yards. Via eight collection in two preseason video games, the Steelers’ first-team offense has failed to attain any factors and recorded simply seven first downs. However the offensive shortcomings of the unit hardly fall solely on the ft of the quarterbacks. The beginning offensive line has given up 5 sacks in that span, together with three Saturday.
Previous to the sport, Mike Tomlin advised the staff web site that the quarterback competitors between Wilson and Fields would warmth up now that Wilson is again from his calf harm. And if Saturday night time is any indication, the temperature of a seemingly secure scenario is quickly growing.– Brooke Pryor
Subsequent recreation: at Lions (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Titans: The Titans did not play any of their starters after two days of intense work with the Seahawks in joint practices this week. Coming into Week 2 of the preseason, rookie outdoors linebacker Jaylen Harrell was the primary participant Titans coach Brian Callahan talked about when requested who he was wanting ahead to watching.
Harrell’s robust coaching camp thrust him right into a battle for a beginning spot, pending veteran linebacker Arden Key’s suspension for violating the league’s efficiency enhancing substances coverage. Key’s suspension was overturned early Saturday, however Harrell stays in competitors with veterans Rashad Weaver and Shane Ray, together with second-year outdoors linebacker Caleb Murphy. Harrell took main steps towards solidifying a gentle spot within the rotation with an impactful efficiency towards Seattle. The 2024 seventh-round decide acquired the beginning and performed 18 snaps on protection. Harrell completed with two sacks and a tipped move. Harrell was the final participant Tennessee chosen on this yr’s draft (252nd total), however he is undoubtedly not Mr. Irrelevant for the Titans. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent recreation: at Saints (Sunday, Aug. 25, 2 p.m. ET)
Seahawks: The Seahawks performed only some starters, having gotten them loads of stay reps towards the Titans earlier within the week over two days of joint practices. With Geno Smith sitting once more, Sam Howell made a second straight begin, and the takeaway was the identical because it was after the preseason opener: Howell, for no matter purpose, is best in video games than he’s in apply. He was correct and environment friendly, finishing 11 of 14 makes an attempt for 153 yards whereas enjoying all the first half. He led three scoring drives in 5 possessions, together with a 23-yard landing on a well-placed fade ball. His lone mistake was a misplaced fumble on one of many two sacks he took.
However even with that turnover, this was the most effective Howell has regarded since Seattle acquired him in a March commerce with Washington. As for Smith, anticipate Seattle’s QB1 to get some enjoying time subsequent week towards Cleveland. The one protection the Seahawks have confronted all offseason is their very own — the Chargers and Titans each run variations of it — so the Seahawks seemingly need to see how their offense stacks up towards a distinct scheme. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent recreation: vs. Browns (Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 p.m. ET)
Colts: The Colts sat virtually all their starters and key backups (together with No. 2 quarterback Joe Flacco). However beginning cornerback JuJu Brents was amongst those that performed extensively, and that got here at a value. Brents left the sport within the second quarter with a nostril harm and was unable to return. It is the newest in a protracted line of accidents for the 2023 second-round decide for whom the Colts proceed to have excessive hopes.
Tight finish Jelani Woods, a 2022 third-round selection who all of a sudden finds himself in a battle to make the roster, additionally left the sport with a toe harm. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent recreation: at Bengals (Thursday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m. ET)
Cardinals: Two issues stood out within the Cardinals’ second preseason recreation, which didn’t characteristic any starters on both facet of the ball: Trey Benson and the move rush. Benson regarded considerably higher than final weekend. He not solely discovered holes, however he exploded by way of them for important yardage, showcasing his velocity within the course of, ending with 9 carries for 43 yards.
And Arizona’s move rush, which has been a query mark all offseason, stood out with its relentlessness off the sting. Xavier Thomas and Cam Thomas, each outdoors linebackers, had sacks and total, Arizona’s edge rushers accounted for 4 of the Cardinals’ eight quarterback hits. Each Xavier Thomas, a fifth-round draft decide this yr, and Cam Thomas are combating to make the staff, however each confirmed Saturday night time that they need to be a part of the surface linebacker rotation, which took successful throughout camp when BJ Ojulari, the presumptive starter, went down with an ACL harm. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent recreation: at Broncos (Sunday, Aug. 25, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Dolphins: The Dolphins’ quarterback scenario is settled solely on the prime. Tua Tagovailoa was sharp in his one collection, finishing all 5 of his move makes an attempt for 51 yards and a 13-yard landing to River Cracraft. Behind him was a distinct story.
Skylar Thompson performed for roughly two quarters, finishing 8 of 15 passes for 61 yards. He flashed the identical capacity to increase performs that he has proven since his rookie season in 2022, however might nearly be described as antsy within the pocket. Mike White took over halfway by way of the third quarter and it solely took him 5 makes an attempt to surpass Thompson’s output. The 2 backup quarterbacks have cut up snaps pretty evenly at apply this summer time, however contemplating neither was sharp within the preseason opener final week, the preseason finale subsequent week will seemingly resolve who wins the No. 2 job behind Tagovailoa — with the loser destined for the apply squad. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent recreation: at Buccaneers (Friday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Commanders: Quarterback Jayden Daniels continued to look good — he has not but formally been named the starter for the season opener, however that has all the time been a matter of when, not if. Daniels confirmed poise and endurance once more within the pocket, and he as soon as extra threw in rhythm and gave receivers an opportunity to run after the catch. He accomplished 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards. He even ran on a zone learn for 13 yards, however he wants to recollect to slip. Operating again Brian Robinson (3 carries, 22 yards) has regarded good — his imaginative and prescient and decisiveness have been key. — John Keim
Subsequent recreation: vs. Patriots (Sunday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. ET)
Jets: This wasn’t a lot of a gown rehearsal for the Jets. They rested quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor, together with each starter and most key reserves. Two notables who did play have been defensive ends Will McDonald IV and Micheal Clemons, each of whom are within the highlight due to Haason Reddick’s holdout (26 days and counting).
McDonald, their 2023 first-round decide, made a splash play — a highlight-film sack. He used his signature transfer, the spin, to blow previous backup proper sort out Ricky Lee. McDonald (1 sort out in 13 snaps) has terrific closing velocity when he beats his man together with his preliminary transfer, however he wants so as to add extra to his arsenal. Clemons (0 tackles, 10 snaps) had a quiet night time. If Reddick’s holdout lasts till the common season, the Jets must use a McDonald-Clemons combo to interchange him. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent recreation: vs. Giants (Saturday, Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Panthers: No gown rehearsal for quarterback Bryce Younger — or any of the starters. Coach Dave Canales was snug sufficient with Younger’s efficiency throughout Thursday’s joint apply towards the Jets that he did not threat harm within the recreation. It is unlikely Younger will play in subsequent week’s preseason finale, which speaks to his command of the offense in apply.
There have been some encouraging indicators for the receiving corps Younger will work with. Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr. mixed for 3 catches after every had a drop within the preseason opener. Younger will want Mingo, who has been working with the primary staff forward of first-round decide Xavier Legette all through camp, to be dependable behind Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen. Marshall’s two-catch efficiency was an extension of Thursday’s apply when he had two touchdowns, the second a diving, twisting catch on a fade route. Corners Lamar Jackson and D’Shawn Jamison regarded first rate as Carolina searches for a starter to play reverse Jaycee Horn with Dane Jackson (hamstring) out not less than six weeks. — David Newton
Subsequent recreation: at Payments (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Lions: The Lions rested their starters for the second consecutive recreation. Veteran quarterback Nate Sudfeld began within the first half, going 14-for-27 with 196 passing yards, 1 landing and 1 interception whereas second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker returned to the sector and began within the second half after struggling a concussion within the preseason opener towards the New York Giants on Aug. 8.
Hooker regarded snug within the pocket, placing collectively a powerful third-quarter drive, finishing 5 straight passes at one level earlier than making an incompletion — which was capped by a 32-yard subject aim kick from Jake Bates. Hooker would finish with 150 passing yards, whereas going 12-for-15.
Earlier within the week, Hooker stated his mom, Wendy, inspired him to slip extra after taking a lot contact versus the Giants. Wendy advised him, “We gotta slide!” and he took her recommendation. Each Hooker and Sudfeld are vying for the QB2 spot behind Jared Goff. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent Recreation: vs. Steelers (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Chiefs: The Chiefs acquired a lot of what they wished from the 2 possessions with Patrick Mahomes and the beginning offense on the sector, besides a landing. The Chiefs moved the ball properly and acquired a protracted move from Mahomes to first-round draft decide Xavier Worthy. However they twice stalled within the crimson zone and needed to accept Harrison Butker subject targets — this towards the backup Lions defenders.
The beginning offense has kicked a subject aim on every of its three drives together with through the preliminary preseason recreation. Worthy later caught a 22-yard landing move, nevertheless it was thrown by Carson Wentz. Worthy caught three passes for 62 yards, together with the 39-yarder from Mahomes. Rashee Rice caught 4 passes, all from Mahomes.
Mahomes additionally made a slick behind-the-back move to Travis Kelce. — Adam Teicher
Subsequent Recreation: vs. Bears (Thursday, Aug. 22, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Vikings: The Vikings had no selection this week however to look previous rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending knee surgical procedure and take a revised inventory of their quarterback room. Sam Darnold has shifted from the more likely to unquestioned Week 1 starter, and fellow veteran Nick Mullens has moved from an insurance coverage coverage to the presumptive No. 2 spot.
And so every week after sitting out the Vikings’ first preseason recreation, Mullens began Saturday towards the Browns and performed all the first half earlier than Jaren Corridor took over. Mullens’ stint was essentially the most notable a part of a recreation wherein the Vikings held out almost all of their offensive and defensive starters — having opted as a substitute to place them by way of two days of full-pads work throughout joint practices Wednesday and Thursday with the Browns. (Proper guard Ed Ingram, cornerback Akayleb Evans and rookie outdoors linebacker Dallas Turner have been the one starters in uniform.)
The Vikings regarded to make up for misplaced time with Mullens, having him drop again on 24 of their 41 first-half performs, not counting a kneel-down simply earlier than halftime. He accomplished 11 of 21 passes for 135 yards, together with a 14-yard landing to receiver Trishton Jackson. However enjoying behind principally backup offensive linemen, he took three sacks and was hit a complete of 11 instances. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent Recreation: at Eagles (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Browns: The Cleveland Browns rested their starters, however a regarding offensive sort out scenario was solely exacerbated towards the Minnesota Vikings. Already practising with out beginning tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin, who’re on the bodily unable to carry out listing, Cleveland misplaced three extra tackles on Saturday. James Hudson, Hakeem Adeniji and Germain Ifedi, all of whom have taken reps at left sort out in coaching camp, didn’t return after leaving the sport with accidents.
The illnesses left the Browns to play Lorenzo Thompson, an undrafted rookie, at left sort out through the second half. There was no replace from head coach Kevin Stefanski on the return timeline for Wills or Conklin, each of whom sustained season-ending accidents in 2023. Stefanski lately stated that Wills, who injured his MCL on his proper knee final November, is near returning.
Stabilizing the left sort out place, both with the return of Wills or an outdoor addition, is important as quarterback Deshaun Watson is coming back from his personal season-ending shoulder surgical procedure. — Daniel Oyefusi
Subsequent Recreation: at Seattle (Saturday, Aug 24, 10 p.m. ET)
Bears: It took Caleb Williams and Chicago’s beginning offense properly into the second quarter to get right into a groove after starting with three consecutive three-and-outs. Rookie Rome Odunze acquired issues transferring on a 16-yard finish round after veteran huge receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen exited the sport.
Williams then drew a 43-yard defensive move interference when concentrating on Tyler Scott on a deep ball, which acquired the Bears their first journey to the crimson zone, leading to a subject aim.
After connecting with Williams on a 45-yard dime, Odunze arrange the Bears contained in the crimson zone on the offense’s fifth drive. Had Odunze stored his ft in bounds, the No. 9 decide would have recorded his first NFL landing on a great thing about a throw from Williams within the nook of the tip zone.
One play later, Williams confirmed off his capacity to scramble and maintain his eyes downfield whereas working in a 7-yard landing, his first of the preseason after 23 snaps towards the Bengals.
Defensively, Chicago took no mercy on Cincinnati’s backups by drawing up 10 blitzes towards Bengals third-string quarterback Logan Woodside — together with three nook blitzes from Kyler Gordon, Josh Blackwell and Reddy Steward with the latter two serving to produce two interceptions for the Bears’ protection. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent Recreation: at Chiefs (Thursday, Aug. 22, 8:20 p.m.- ET)
Bengals: The beginning cornerback battle was speculated to be essentially the most compelling side of Saturday’s preseason recreation towards the Bears. However DJ Turner and Dax Hill — the 2 combatants for the beginning job reverse outdoors cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt — did not get an opportunity to make a play on the ball.
Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams did not goal both of them earlier than Turner and Hill have been changed.
Rookie Josh Newton, a fifth-round draft select of TCU, had a very good and dangerous second early within the recreation. He had an enormous move deflection on a ball supposed for Bears huge receiver DJ Moore, who simply signed a $110 million extension. However later within the recreation, he was whistled for defensive move interference on a deep ball supposed for Chicago’s Tyler Scott.
Newton might push for a beginning job finally, however the battle nonetheless seems to be between Hill and Turner. — Ben Child
Subsequent Recreation: vs. Colts (Thursday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m. ET)
Texans: The Texans’ protection stole the present — to the purpose that it restricted the offense’s reps — because the starters solely performed the primary quarter. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. nearly began the sport with an interception return for a landing however dropped Daniel Jones’ move.
The following defensive possession nonetheless, security Jalen Pitre did what Stingley nearly did and intercepted Jones and returned it for a rating. The following drive, the Giants’ offense crossed mid-field however Stingley ended the possession with an interception.
The Texans’ beginning offense did not rating however quarterback C.J. Stroud was environment friendly going 7-for-10 for 88 yards. The unit solely acquired one drive and reached the 6-yard line however Stroud threw an incompletion ending its sole full drive. Total, each models flashed what might make them potent within the season. — D.J. Bien-Aime
Subsequent Recreation: vs. Rams (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Giants: Nothing that unfolded early in Daniel Jones’ first preseason motion — since tearing his ACL in his proper knee final November — will make the Giants really feel higher about their beginning quarterback, particularly contemplating they regarded for his potential substitute this offseason.
Jones threw two interceptions on his first three drives, together with an ill-advised pick-six from his personal finish zone. He was really fortunate it wasn’t three for 3 as a result of his first move hit cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. within the chest. Maybe it was rust. Or nerves. Or just that is why the Giants have been in search of his substitute.
At the very least Jones and the Giants have been capable of go away with a greater style of their mouths after they performed a a lot better second quarter. Jones hit Darius Slayton deep down the correct sideline for a 44-yard acquire and led a pair of scoring drives. He regarded wholesome and moved properly when essential, which might be most essential of all. Extensive receiver Malik Nabers additionally confirmed the hype with 4 catches for 54 yards in an up-and-down afternoon for the beginning offense. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent Recreation: at Jets (Saturday. Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Ravens: Trenton Simpson is able to change Patrick Queen at inside linebacker. Simpson made impression performs all around the subject and stopped the Falcons’ first three drives. He recorded a quarterback hit on third down of the opening collection, made an open-field sort out of quarterback Taylor Heinicke on third down of the second drive and broke up a move 10 yards downfield on third down of the third possession.
A 3rd-round decide from a yr in the past, Simpson has gone from a query mark initially of the offseason to one of many staff’s prime performers this summer time. He solely performed a complete of 46 defensive snaps final season as a result of he was behind Queen, who made his first Professional Bowl. Now, after Queen signed with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, Simpson is certainly one of two new starters on a protection who ranked first within the NFL in fewest factors allowed (16.8), most sacks (60) and most takeaways (60). Whether or not it has been a preseason recreation or a coaching camp apply, Simpson has been quick and aggressive, turning into a dependable playmaker subsequent to center linebacker Roquan Smith. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent recreation: at Inexperienced Bay (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Falcons: The Falcons did not swimsuit up round 40 gamers, together with all their starters and lots of of their key second-team gamers — akin to rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. That left a gaggle of younger gamers trying to impress for a backup function or a spot on the 53-man roster.
The most important impressions made have been by Atlanta’s rookie defensive linemen: Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus. Each have needed to work onerous in apply to get extra reps and Orhorhoro has began to get constant runs with the second staff, whereas Dorlus has began to make appearances there, as properly. On Saturday, Orhorhoro had an enormous sack within the first quarter and Dorlus was hustling all around the subject with a fumble restoration and a sort out for a loss. That is encouraging for a staff that all of a sudden has loads of optimism up entrance on protection with the addition of edge rusher Matthew Judon. Extensive receiver Chris Blair and cornerback Natrone Brooks had massive video games, too, making a case for themselves to develop into Falcons — or discover a spot elsewhere after Aug. 27. — Marc Raimondi
Subsequent Recreation: vs. Jaguars (Friday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. ET)
Thursday’s recreation
Eagles: Quarterback Jalen Hurts and the remainder of the offensive starters acquired the night time off. A handful of regulars noticed motion on protection, in the meantime, as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio continued to type by way of the competitors at a few key spots, together with linebacker and cornerback. A number of linebackers helped their trigger towards the Patriots. Zack Baun, who has seen a lot of the first-team reps this summer time alongside Devin White, confirmed good pursuit to cease working again Rhamondre Stevenson for no acquire early within the first quarter. Nakobe Dean spent a lot of his night time within the New England backfield and completed with a team-high 5 tackles.
There have been optimistic developments at edge rusher as properly. Nolan Smith Jr., a first-round decide in 2023, registered his second sack of the preseason. Free agent acquisition Bryce Huff was principally a move rush specialist throughout his time with the Jets, creating uncertainty as as to whether he might be a three-down participant. Time will inform on that, however he made a very good learn to close down a brief move to the correct facet within the first quarter and recorded three tackles in restricted motion. — Tim McManus
Subsequent recreation: vs. Vikings (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Patriots: Rookie quarterback Drake Maye performed in 4 collection over two quarters — totaling 25 snaps — and the outcomes (albeit towards Eagles backups) sparked hope for the Patriots’ future. After enjoying only one collection final week, Maye helped lead the offense to 10 factors — a 51-yard Joey Slye subject aim after which a 4-yard TD run from himself. He entered initially of the second quarter rather than starter Jacoby Brissett (3 collection, 3-of-7 for 17 yards, 1 interception).
Maye’s stat line — 6-of-11 for 47 yards, along with 15 yards on 4 carries — did not essentially replicate the calmness of his efficiency as he patiently went by way of his progressions. For instance, he delivered a pinpoint deep ball within the third quarter to diving rookie huge receiver Javon Baker that was dropped. Had that connection been made — and Maye could not have thrown it any higher — it will have been a headline play. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent recreation: at Commanders (Sunday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. ET)
