NFL preseason Week 1 takeaways: Bryce Young has tricky debut

The major week of the 2023 NFL preseason persevered Saturday, with the Fresh York Jets touring to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers, the Chicago Bears taking up the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field and the Buffalo Bills playing host to the Indianapolis Colts in the day’s afternoon video games.

The Panthers struggled in the predominant preseason sport of the Bryce Young era, with the Jets securing a 27-0 motorway victory. The Bears bought off to a fleet open because of the a pair of scoring drives engineered by Justin Fields, indirectly prevailing 23-17 over the Titans. The Bills, with Damar Hamlin making his return to the game field, effectively-known the occasion with a 23-19 victory over the Colts.

Here are the largest takeaways from every sport as much as now — including Thursday and Friday matchups — along with the rest of the Week 1 preseason time table.

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NFL preseason video games on Saturday, Aug. 12

Fresh York Jets 27, Carolina Panthers 0

Jets: It used to be but another obvious step for Zach Wilson 2.0. With Aaron Rodgers sitting for the 2nd straight sport, Wilson played an environment friendly two quarters in the Jets’ 27-0 receive. He led the offense to a touchdown and two field dreams in six series, extra distancing himself from final season’s disappointment. Let’s be certain: The 2021 2nd total decide calm has a ability to head as he tries to reboot his career and learn a fresh offense. It received’t happen overnight; it’s all about infant steps.

They did no longer quiz him to kind loads in this sport. In fact, Wilson (14-for-20, 123 yards) did no longer total a pass that traveled extra than 10 air yards. It used to be mostly screens and checkdowns, however right here’s a quarterback who has skilled the yips on these gimme throws. He used to be poised in the pocket, especially in a two-minute drill that ended with a 2-yard touchdown pass to TE Kenny Yeboah. That the Panthers rested superstar pass-rusher Brian Burns, who wrecked the Jets’ pass safety in a joint put together, helped Wilson’s motive. Burns doubtlessly will catch the open subsequent week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. — Rich Cimini

Next sport: at Buccaneers (7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 19)

Panthers: Beyoncé placed on a phenomenal better point out at Financial institution of The usa Stadium on Wednesday than Bryce Young did Saturday. Happily, Beyoncé wasn’t at the abet of the Carolina offensive line. The neighborhood that used to be supposed to be a energy in no design gave Young a raffle to manufacture any rhythm in his preseason debut. The tip decide of the draft used to be hammered by a Jets defender on two of his first three throws and sacked earlier than he may maybe maybe catch off a final strive. So he used to be hit three of the seven times he dropped abet to pass. The force came from the outdoor against left address Ikem Ekwonu, final twelve months’s first-round decide, and the internal against the guards attempting to replace Austin Corbett (physically unable to manufacture list). Young used to be a fair exact 4-for-6 for 21 yards, however used to be 0-for-2 with a sack on third down. The third-down passes, both on sideline routes, were uncatchable. Quite a bit to sexy up right here. — David Newton

Next sport: at Giants (7 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 18, NFL Network)

Chicago Bears 23, Tennessee Titans 17

Bears: Quarterback Justin Fields orchestrated abet-to-abet touchdown drives, utilizing the procure-and-flee ability of his playmakers. Fields threw a hasty screen to huge receiver DJ Moore, who sped past a pair of Titans defenders for a 62-yard touchdown. On Chicago’s subsequent offensive series, Fields dumped off a pass to Khalil Herbert in the flat on third-and-prolonged, which the running abet took 56 yards down the dwelling team sideline (after stiff-arming a defender) for a touchdown. The Bears ranked unnecessary final in yards after the procure (1,132) and did no longer safe a single play rack up 50 YAC in 2022. The major-team offense had two such performs which resulted in touchdowns on its lone two drives in the preseason opener. The fast sport has been an emphasis all the design thru coaching camp, and the sexy, atmosphere friendly operation by the offense is an encouraging impress of boost that Bears coaches said they had hoped to survey. — Courtney Cronin

Next sport: at Colts (7 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 19, NFL Network)

Titans: Malik Willis came out on top of the backup quarterback battle with Will Levis in the predominant preseason sport. Willis done with 16 completions for 189 yards and an interception. The 2nd-twelve months quarterback led the Titans on a 12-play, 75-yard pressure that ended with a 2-yard touchdown flee by Willis to open the game. Willis added to that honest earlier than halftime when he orchestrated a 60-yard pressure that resulted in a 37-yard field goal by Caleb Shudak. It’s miles obvious Willis is some distance extra glad than he used to be final twelve months. That confirmed in his decisiveness and anticipation as he hit receivers in dash most of the day. The one pass Willis would favor to safe abet used to be a throw that used to be catchable however a shrimp high for tight live Josh Whyle. The throw tipped off Whyle’s hands and bought intercepted. The Willis/Levis battle will proceed in joint practices with the Vikings subsequent week. — Turron Davenport

Next sport: at Vikings (8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 19)

Buffalo Bills 23, Indianapolis Colts 19

Bills: Whereas the highlight came in the invent of Damar Hamlin‘s respectable return to the game field, there were limited solutions offered in the team’s defensive battles. At No. 2 cornerback, Dane Jackson started and his day ended after he caught an interception off rookie Anthony Richardson on the gap pressure (five performs). The assorted two contenders, Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford, played an virtually equal quantity of snaps — 36 for Elam and 32 for Benford. Jackson is in the lead for the job factual now, evidenced by the team’s confidence to know him out after the gap series, however it undoubtedly remains fluid. At center linebacker, simplest so phenomenal used to be won. Terrel Bernard (hamstring) sat out, giving Tyrel Dodson overtime, however nothing on the sphere establish a mark on him earning the job. Bernard’s health will fling a prolonged design in deciding that battle. — Alaina Getzenberg

Next sport: at Steelers (6:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 19)

Colts: Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, the fourth total decide, made his debut with a efficiency that used to be a blended gather. Richardson started the game and done 7-of-12 for 67 yards with an interception. He played three series and used to be unable to bear any components, however that used to be as phenomenal thanks to conditions because it used to be Richardson’s safe efficiency. The Colts were undermined by field establish and penalties for the length of Richardson’s time in the lineup, with two of his three drives starting all the design thru the Indianapolis 10-yard line. Richardson executed his first two makes an strive however then overthrew Isaiah McKenzie on an apparent miscommunication, ensuing in an interception. The Colts were stopped on a fourth-and-1 internal Buffalo territory on Richardson’s 2nd possession and moved 77 yards earlier than lacking a 28-yard field goal on his third and final pressure. Richardson continues to battle Gardner Minshew for the Week 1 starting job. — Stephen Holder

Next sport: vs. Bears (7 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 19, NFL Network)

Jacksonville Jaguars at Dallas Cowboys: 5 p.m. ET

Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens: 7 p.m. ET, NFL Network

Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams: 9 p.m. ET, NFL Network

NFL preseason video games on Friday, Aug. 11

Green Bay Packers 36, Cincinnati Bengals 19

Packers: It did no longer take hold of Jordan Fancy prolonged to catch going, and he did no longer stop in the game prolonged, both. But the Packers must be inspired by what they seen of their fresh starter’s two series. He executed 7 of 10 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown and connected with five assorted pass-catchers, including Romeo Doubs for the touchdown (a contested 9-yard recede) and for his longest completion (a 12-yard crosser). He used to be 4-for-5 for 28 yards on play-action. The finest thing lacking used to be a deep connection. He overthrew a wide-open Luke Musgrave to total the predominant series. One play earlier, his pass for Christian Watson bought broken up. Fancy used to be in no design forced on his 10 dropbacks even with out his blind-aspect protector, David Bakhtiari, who likely received’t play in any preseason video games. “I thought he looked poised, it looked treasure he used to be in complete notify,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said at halftime on the TV broadcast. “Obviously on that first series he’d enjoy to safe the throw abet to Musgrave, however all in all I thought it used to be a truly productive day for him.” Now, the Packers must resolve if that is sufficient exhibition work for Fancy or if they’ll play him all over again subsequent week. Rookie backup QB Sean Clifford led four scoring drives (three TDs and a field goal) in relief. — Rob Demovsky

Next sport: vs. Patriots (8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 19)

Bengals: Might maybe well there be frontrunners in a pair of keen establish battles? Jake Browning, final twelve months’s third-string quarterback, played the entire lot of the predominant half with the rest of the 2nd-team offense, whereas fresh signee Trevor Siemian played in the 2nd half. Over at factual address, Jonah Williams bought the night off whereas Jackson Carman played in the game. Browning ran with the starters in the joint put together with Green Bay and had the favorable reps on Friday. As for the offensive-line tussle, between Friday’s participation (or lack thereof) and feedback from assistant coach Frank Pollack earlier in coaching camp, Williams is the sure accepted to cement the factual fringe of the motorway. — Ben Tiny one

Next sport: at Falcons (7:30 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 18)

Detroit Lions 21, Fresh York Giants 16

Lions: All eyes were on huge receiver Jameson Williams for the length of his first preseason sport as he skilled a pair of highs and lows. As promised, Lions head coach Dan Campbell gave the 2021 No. 12 total decide a ton of reps whereas he serves a six-sport suspension for violating the NFL’s playing policy. He delivered on a one-handed, two-point conversion reception after a 95-yard punt return touchdown by Maurice Alexander in the third quarter. Alternatively, on Detroit’s opening possession, backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld used to be picked off on a deep factual pass intended for Williams by Giants safety Jason Pinnock. Sudfeld furthermore tried to search out Williams on but another deep play in the predominant quarter, however they were out of sync as Williams lower to the center of the sphere as the pass used to be thrown up the left aspect. Total, Williams used to be targeted seven times, with two catches for 18 yards, including a deep-ball plunge at 5:50 in the predominant quarter that precipitated gentle boos from the stands. After a pair of joint practices with Giants for the length of the week, the Lions rested loads of their starters including quarterback Jared Goff, huge receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson. — Eric Woodyard

Next sport: vs. Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, NFL Network, Saturday, Aug. 19)

Giants: Virtually about the total Giants’ extinct starters were kept out of the preseason opener after joint practices earlier in the week. That left their draft class in the highlight, and the outcomes were a blended gather. Third-round huge receiver Jalin Hyatt had one procure for minus-four yards on 16 offensive snaps. His tempo had opened eyes from teammates at camp, with extinct cornerback Adoree Jackson even evaluating his dash to being “treasure a Usain Scramble.” With the exception of Hyatt being a non-ingredient in his first NFL sport, first-round cornerback Deonte Banks had his usaand downs with a pass breakup whereas furthermore benefitting from Lions huge receiver Jameson Williams losing a deep pass. In the meantime, center John Michael Schmitz, a 2nd-rounder out of Minnesota, fared better whereas playing your total first half, and sixth-round cornerback Tre Hawkins had mostly exact moments (several passes defended) with the exception of for a overlooked address. — Jordan Raanan

Next sport: vs. Panthers (7 p.m. ET, NFL Network, Friday, Aug. 18)

Atlanta Falcons 19, Miami Dolphins 3

Falcons: On an night the establish the Falcons sat almost about all their offensive and defensive starters, the largest thing to gather on used to be conceptually. This used to be certain on defense the establish Atlanta used to be clearly aggressive in the predominant half. Atlanta shut Miami out, 6-0, in the predominant half with a crimson-zone interception from safety DeMarcco Hellams and two assorted stops all the design thru the Falcons’ 10-yard-line. In the regular season these would were field goal makes an strive, however it undoubtedly’s calm a exact impress for the kind of defense coordinator Ryan Nielsen needs to flee. Hellams, the Falcons’ seventh-round decide combating for a roster discipline, used to be across the ball all the design thru the predominant half. In totality, Atlanta intercepted Miami’s quarterbacks thrice, had five sacks and 9 quarterback hits — a dominant expose of the kind of defense Nielsen would treasure. — Michael Rothstein

Next sport: vs. Bengals (7:30 p.m. ET, Friday, Aug. 18)

Dolphins: The backup quarterback battle went nowhere. Mike White bought the open and played your total first half, finishing 9 of 14 passes for 85 yards. He led a pair of journeys to the crimson zone however threw an interception in the live zone on Miami’s opening pressure earlier than failing to convert on fourth down in the plenty of. Skylar Thompson wasn’t any better, connecting on 10 of 16 makes an strive for 104 yards, two interceptions and a misplaced fumble. The quarterback play as a complete used to be uninspiring Friday night, and whereas White remains ahead in the flee, neither player did phenomenal to support their case. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Next sport: at Texans (4 p.m. ET, NFL Network, Saturday, Aug. 19)

Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17

Steelers: In his pregame press conference, coach Mike Tomlin used to be hasty to verbalize 2nd-twelve months quarterback Kenny Pickett wanted extra preseason reps than a extinct quarterback may maybe maybe, however Pickett and the Steelers’ first-team offense simplest played one series in the receive against the Bucs. Pickett excelled in his fast stint, going 6-for-7 for 70 yards and a touchdown — and his lone incompletion used to be a throw away to defend some distance from a sack. Pickett confirmed composure as he worked thru his progressions, including an 11-yard completion to Diontae Johnson to convert third-and-10 and a 33-yard touchdown to George Pickens on third-and-8. The Steelers’ offense wasn’t as atmosphere friendly with out Pickett, however Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph‘s models furthermore confirmed glimpses at explosiveness that used to be lacking a twelve months in the past. In the third quarter, Rudolph hit 2nd-twelve months huge receiver Calvin Austin for a 67-yard touchdown. A twelve months in the past, the Steelers’ longest pass play used to be a 57-yard completion from Pickett to Pat Freiermuth. It be honest the preseason, however the early offensive returns are promising. — Brooke Pryor

Next sport: vs. Bills (6:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 19)

Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield struck first in the Bucs’ quarterback opponents, getting the open and finishing 8 of 9 passes for 63 yards and a 10-yard touchdown to Trey Palmer. Most seriously, he took care of the football, with no turnovers, which is the No. 1 thing he wanted to point out after throwing 9 picks in 12 practices. Kyle Trask wanted to point out some playmaking downfield and did so with a 23-yard completion to David Moore, however he used to be intercepted on that very same pressure on a pass intended for Moore. He went 6-of-10 for Ninety 9 yards and an interception. Mayfield used to be the better passer Friday night, and we’ll seek for if that continues subsequent week when Trask gets the open at the Jets.— Jenna Laine

Next sport: at Jets (7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19)

Washington Commanders 17, Cleveland Browns 15

Commanders: Washington must be contented with quarterback Sam Howell‘s preseason open. He wasn’t spectacular, however he used to be solid. Sure, the offense started slack, with two defective series in tidy section thanks to the offensive line. They allowed too phenomenal force, factual address Andrew Wylie in particular, and created no running lanes. The tip consequence: 10 yards in two series. But Howell and the offense done precise with a touchdown in its third and final series. Howell (9-for-12, 77 yards) extinct his legs and arm to generate yards. He extended performs and they furthermore known as crawl roll-outs to transfer the pocket. They’ll deserve to kind loads of that this season. The motorway has loads to point out — they weren’t going thru live Myles Garrett, who did no longer play. But Howell did no longer force any throws and capped the final pressure with a 26-yard pass to Jahan Dotson. That can also be a productive aggregate this season. — John Keim

Next sport: vs. Ravens (8 p.m. ET on ESPN, Monday, Aug. 21)

Browns: In his preseason debut, quarterback Deshaun Watson used to be crisp for the length of his one series. Out of a one-hour climate lengthen, Watson executed all three of his passes for 12 yards, and extra impressively, rushed for 20 yards on three carries. Cleveland injure up getting stuffed at the goal line on fourth down to total the pressure. But it used to be an encouraging look from Cleveland’s franchise quarterback, especially coming off the shaky six video games he started for the Browns final season. Watson likely received’t play in Cleveland’s preseason sport in Philadelphia subsequent week following the joint practices with the Eagles. But coach Kevin Stefanski has indicated that Watson will catch but another tune-up in the preseason finale in Kansas Metropolis leading into the open of the regular season. — Jake Trotter

Next sport: at Eagles (7:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Aug. 17)

Arizona Cardinals 18, Denver Broncos 17

Cardinals: No person knew what to ask of from the Cardinals’ defense heading into Friday night, however it undoubtedly establish a unit on expose that also can exceed expectations this season. Sure, it’s the predominant preseason sport however the design the entrance seven bought force on Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson is no longer likely to subside going ahead. Defensive lineman L.J. Collier had a batted pass, linebacker Dennis Gardeck sacked Wilson, and the Cardinals’ starting defense had three quarterback hurries, including one on the play factual after Gardeck’s sack, all earlier than the 2nd unit took the sphere. And, at one point, outdoor linebacker Zaven Collins, who made a establish switch this offseason, dropped a wide hit in the predominant quarter. The depth the 2nd team confirmed provides hope that this Cardinals’ defense may maybe maybe support anchor this team whereas Kyler Murray works to return. — Josh Weinfuss

Next sport: vs. Chiefs (8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19)

Broncos: The Broncos safe persevered to survey depth concerns appear for the length of coaching camp and they crept up of their preseason opener Friday night. The projected regulars exited the game in the 2nd quarter with the Broncos leading 10-0 and as much as tempo. What adopted were difficulties from the reserves, including a blocked field goal by the Cardinals, four penalties by reserve offensive linemen and a wobbly day out from backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham (5-of-15 passing with an interception). Defensive lineman Elijah Garcia (two sacks), safety Delarrin Turner-Weep and rookie running abet Jaleel McLaughlin were significant exceptions among the many reserves — McLaughlin scored a 4-yard touchdown with 1:30 to play — however total what has been one of the significant team’s largest concerns coming into coaching camp is calm honest that. — Jeff Legwold

Next sport: at 49ers (8:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19)

NFL preseason video games on Thursday, Aug. 10

Houston Texans 20, Fresh England Patriots 9

Texans: C.J. Stroud struggled in his first preseason open, which may maybe maybe permit the quarterback opponents with Davis Mills to linger. Stroud played two series and went 2-for-4 for 13 yards with an interception. Mills went 9-for-12 for Ninety 9 yards with a touchdown. Stroud looked as if it’d be environment apart in the opponents as coach DeMeco Ryans gave Stroud the total first-team offensive reps in put together as he confirmed better notify of the offense. But in his first NFL action, he used to be tentative, took a sack and threw an interception that resulted in a Patriots’ field goal. He did no longer safe improbable safety, as he used to be under force on 60% of his dropbacks. On the plenty of hand, Mills led the Texans to their simplest components of the predominant half with a touchdown throw to rookie receiver Tank Dell. — DJ Bien-Aime

Next sport: vs. Dolphins (4 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 19)

Patriots: On an night that virtually all starters did no longer play, 2nd-round draft decide Keion White changed into in a convincing debut. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound defensive live out of Georgia Tech started on the threshold and used to be disruptive and consistently across the ball. He done with three tackles, including smothering running abet Dare Ogunbowale on a loose replace with quarterback Davis Mills that linebacker Calvin Munson recovered for a turnover. White’s efficiency, blended with first-round decide Christian Gonzalez starting at cornerback, infuses formative years into an already precise defense that returns every player with the exception of Devin McCourty. The Patriots lead the NFL in terms of defensive retention. — Mike Reiss

Next sport: at Packers (8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 19)

Seattle Seahawks 24, Minnesota Vikings 13

Seahawks: Drew Lock has but to study it all together over four NFL seasons, however he confirmed Thursday night why the Seahawks proceed to think that he is a starting-caliber quarterback. With Geno Smith and most of Seattle’s extinct first-teamers getting the night off, Lock started against Minnesota and played into the fourth quarter, in tidy section since the Seahawks deserve to catch him as many reps as seemingly this preseason after he did no longer play a single snap in final twelve months’s regular season. At times, he looked treasure he used to be shaking off rust from virtually a calendar twelve months on the bench. But he mostly confirmed off the instruments that made him a 2nd-round decide and a player Seattle badly wanted to bear in the Russell Wilson alternate. Lock executed 17 of 24 passes for 191 yards, two touchdown passes and a tricky-fair exact fortune interception on a throw that used to be tipped at the motorway of scrimmage. — Brady Henderson

Next sport: vs. Cowboys (10 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 19)

Vikings: Working abet Ty Chandler took fair exact thing about a long survey Thursday night as he competes for the No. 2 job at the abet of starter Alexander Mattison. Playing for virtually your total first half, Chandler rushed for 41 yards on 11 carries, whereas furthermore catching four passes for but another 29 yards. Alongside the design, he demonstrated his ability to invent the predominant defender omit. And he did so, coach Kevin O’Connell said at halftime, on some performs that were no longer blocked effectively. With Kene Nwangwu sidelined by damage for many of camp and rookie DeWayne McBride struggling, Chandler has a particular route to the No. 2 job at this point. — Kevin Seifert

Next sport: vs. Titans (8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 19)

NFL preseason video games on Sunday Aug. 13

Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at Fresh Orleans Saints: 1 p.m. ET, NFL Network

San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders: 4 p.m. ET, NFL Network