The NFL preseason is a critical time for teams as they focus on development and fine-tuning their rosters. Coaches and staff use this period to evaluate young talent and determine who will make the final 53-man lineup. This year's preseason action has been no exception, providing fans and analysts with plenty of storylines and standout performances.
Cardinals' Quarterback Situation
In Arizona, the spotlight was on second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune, who put on a notable performance against the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Jonathan Gannon opted to rest many starters, giving Tune an opportunity to showcase his skills. Tune capitalized, completing four of his five passes during a nine-play, 70-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown. A significant highlight of this drive was Michael Carter's 11-yard touchdown run. Tune further impressed with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr., finishing the game with 163 yards and a touchdown, completing 15 of 24 passes. Despite these efforts, the Cardinals ultimately fell to the Saints, 16-14.
Desmond Ridder, who started for the Cardinals, played the entire first half but had a less impactful performance, completing just four of nine passes for 43 yards. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. also saw action, completing nine of 16 throws for 104 yards. In another game, the Cardinals faced the Miami Dolphins and were defeated 20-13.
Injuries and Defensive Showcases
The preseason also saw some unfortunate injuries, with DeMarcco Hellams being carted off the field due to a left leg injury. On the other side of the ball, first-round rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins made a strong impression, allowing only two completions for eight yards.
Mixed Results for Quarterbacks
In other preseason action, Taylor Heinicke struggled, completing just four of 11 passes for 11 yards in the Ravens' 16-13 loss to the Eagles. Head coach John Harbaugh's decision to go for a 21-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal highlighted a strategic approach, although it didn't secure a victory.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills suffered a heavy defeat to the Chicago Bears, with a final score of 33-6. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had a brief but promising showing for the Bears, completing four of seven passes for 95 yards.
Patriots Triumph, Bengals See Returns
The New England Patriots celebrated a comfortable 17-3 win over the Carolina Panthers. Returning stars Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins suited up for the Bengals, who narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 17-14.
Elsewhere, the Browns faced defeat against the Green Bay Packers, with Jamari Thrash recording three catches for 43 yards. The Denver Broncos edged out the Indianapolis Colts in a high-scoring affair, 34-30, as Bo Nix impressed with 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing.
Giants, Texans, Jaguars, and More
The New York Giants recorded a 14-3 victory over the Detroit Lions, while the Houston Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-12. The Jaguars claimed a win against the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing 26-13. The Las Vegas Raiders lost in a close contest to the Minnesota Vikings, 24-23.
The Seattle Seahawks emerged victorious against the Los Angeles Chargers, 16-3, and the Rams secured a narrow win over the Cowboys, with a final score of 13-12.
Contracts and Statements
Off the field, a significant contract was signed, with Jordan Love securing a four-year, $220 million deal with the Packers, including a hefty $75 million signing bonus.
An intriguing revelation came from Derek Carr during the game's broadcast, stating, "New Orleans didn't game plan at all, and that he didn't know who was playing with him until just before kickoff." This candid admission highlights the fluid nature of preseason games and the adaptability required from players and coaches alike.
The NFL preseason continues to be a dynamic period, rich with developments that set the stage for the regular season. Teams across the league are making tough decisions and laying the groundwork for their campaigns, hoping that their early efforts translate to success when the stakes become higher.