The 2024 NFL preseason has reached its midpoint, ushering in a crucial phase for teams to solidify their lineups and strategies. This stage, often viewed as a dress rehearsal, saw an array of joint practices and player evaluations, giving fans and coaches alike a glimpse of what's to come in the regular season.
New England Patriots: Quarterback Dilemma
The New England Patriots find themselves in the midst of a quarterback battle between Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye. This competition is critical for a Patriots offense currently lacking in skill position players and struggling with a subpar offensive line. As an insider noted, "The Patriots will have a decision to make who will quarterback this rebuilding offense that has little skill position players and a subpar offensive line." This decision will significantly impact their performance as they navigate their challenging schedule.
Atlanta Falcons: Quarterback Battle and Rising Stars
Over in Atlanta, Kirk Cousins is firmly established as the starting quarterback. However, Michael Penix Jr. is making a compelling case for more opportunities. In his preseason debut, Penix finished 9 of 16 for 104 yards, posting a passer rating of 76.0 and guiding the Falcons to 10 points over five possessions. The rookie's performance has certainly drawn attention and could earn him a more substantial role as the season progresses.
Chicago Bears: Rookie Quarterback’s Early Impressions
The Chicago Bears are integrating rookie quarterback Caleb Williams into their lineup. Williams displayed promise in his preseason opener by completing 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards and achieving a passer rating of 101.8. Despite the limited action, he managed to lead the Bears to six points over two possessions. An analyst pointed out, "Let’s see how long Williams plays against the Bengals, but it will be vital for the Bears to get their rookie quarterback those live game reps."
New York Giants and Injury Concerns
The New York Giants are coping with an injury blow, as Malik Nabers suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener. This development has intensified the competition between Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson for the WR2 position behind starters Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins. The Giants are monitoring this situation closely, hoping to solidify their receiving corps before the regular season kicks off.
Kansas City Chiefs: Wide Receiver Issues
For the Kansas City Chiefs, Hollywood Brown's shoulder injury and the potential suspension of Rashee Rice have cast uncertainty over their wide receiver situation. This has opened the door for rookie Xavier Worthy to step up. Other contenders such as Kadarius Toney, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross are also vying for a pivotal role in the high-octane Chiefs offense.
Tennessee Titans: New Running Back Duo
The Tennessee Titans are integrating new running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears into their game plan. Spears made an immediate impact by scoring a touchdown in the preseason opener, while Pollard showcased his explosiveness with a 24-yard run. Combined, they contributed 37 yards from seven carries, offering a glimpse into the Titans' versatile backfield potential.
Miami Dolphins: Backup Quarterback Competition
In Miami, the Dolphins are witnessing a competitive battle for the backup quarterback spot between Skylar Thompson and Mike White. Thompson delivered a mixed performance, completing 8 of 19 passes for 95 yards, with both a touchdown and an interception. Mike White struggled against second and third-team players, completing only 4 of 14 passes for 26 yards. This battle may go down to the first week of the regular season before head coach Antonio Pierce names a starter.
Vikings and Other Notables
The Minnesota Vikings breathed a sigh of relief as Jordan Addison avoided a serious injury, while star receiver Justin Jefferson is expected to have limited snaps this preseason. Last week, Trishton Jackson impressed with 100 yards on four catches and a touchdown, adding depth to their receiving unit.
Meanwhile, Ricky Pearsall of the San Francisco 49ers has been dealing with ongoing hamstring and shoulder problems during training camp, raising concerns about his availability and performance moving forward.
Broncos: Quarterback Performances
The Denver Broncos saw mixed outcomes from their quarterbacks in the preseason opener. Bo Nix stood out by completing 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his accuracy and poise. On the other hand, Jarrett Stidham had a less memorable performance, finishing 4 of 7 for 37 yards with an interception, indicating that the backup quarterback role remains contested.
As the preseason progresses, teams are keenly evaluating their rosters and making crucial decisions that will shape their fortunes in the upcoming regular season. These preseason developments not only provide an early look at emerging talents but also spotlight the areas of concern each franchise must address before the games start to count.