The first week of the 2024 NFL preseason has come to an end, shedding light on both promising performances and areas of concern for several teams. As the preseason kicks off, initial glimpses into the players' potential and how the teams might shape up this year are emerging.
Standout Performances and Struggles
Caleb Williams, who has been turning heads during training camp, continued to showcase his impressive gunslinging ability in his game against the Buffalo Bills. His performance was one of the brighter spots in an otherwise mixed beginning to the preseason.
In contrast, Taylor Heinicke faced significant challenges with the Atlanta Falcons. Stepping in to relieve rookie Michael Penix Jr., Heinicke struggled to find his rhythm, leading to questions about the Falcons' depth at the quarterback position.
The Los Angeles Chargers faced similar tribulations. With starting quarterback Justin Herbert sidelined due to injury, Easton Stick had the opportunity to prove himself but instead showed erratic play that leaves the team searching for more consistency.
Underwhelming Outings
Two other quarterbacks, Mike White of the Miami Dolphins and Josh Johnson of the Baltimore Ravens, also had underwhelming outings. Both were expected to make strong cases for their roles but fell short of expectations in their preseason debuts.
Quarterbacks weren’t the only ones feeling the heat. Justin Fields, in his debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers, fumbled two snaps, underscoring the need for more polished execution as the season progresses.
Rookies and Rising Stars
On the positive side, several rookies and rising stars made headlines. Bo Nix received high praise from Sean Payton and lived up to it, demonstrating command and leading his team effectively. Jayden Daniels also showcased his agility, finding the end zone early in his game.
J.J. McCarthy’s performance in Minnesota drew comparisons to the output of veteran Sam Darnold, signaling a promising future for the young quarterback. Additionally, Tank Dell made an immediate impact for the Houston Texans, scoring early on a reception from C.J. Stroud, while Jaylen Weight showed his explosiveness in the Miami Dolphins' backfield.
Offensive Struggles
While some individuals shined, team performances painted a different picture for others. Both the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots displayed uninspiring offensive play in their preseason openers. A significant factor in their struggles was the lack of stability within their offensive lines, highlighting an area in dire need of improvement.
The Chargers, under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, also appeared sluggish, raising flags about how quickly the team can adapt to the new leadership and system in place.
Reliable Players and Defensive Strength
On a more positive note for Philadelphia, Will Shipley emerged as a reliable workhorse, proving his worth on the field. Quinyon Mitchell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. also made significant impact plays, reinforcing the Eagles' defensive might.
The Seattle Seahawks enjoyed a standout defensive performance, shutting out the Los Angeles Rams. Byron Murphy II was particularly impressive, stepping up when the team needed him most.
Injuries and Recoveries
Injuries continued to play a role in shaping early preseason outcomes. Cooper DeJean, still recovering from an injury, did not shine in his matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile, for the Kansas City Chiefs, Marquise Brown was sidelined after just one catch in his preseason debut, putting additional pressure on rookie Xavier Worthy to step up and fill the void.
As these preliminary games highlight the potential of players and teams, they also underscore the need for continuous improvement and adaptation. With many storylines already beginning to unfold, the 2024 NFL preseason promises to be as unpredictable and exciting as fans hope it to be.