The right kind, depraved and gruesome from every NFL crew’s preseason recreation: Cowboys rookie RB shines, Broncos O-line struggles

The NFL preseason is rarely any longer about wins and losses. Participation trophies are handed out admire childhood sports on the discontinuance of the three-recreation bustle, four video games for the two teams that play in the Corridor of Popularity Sport. Nevertheless, these “trophies” near in the make of Fifty three-man roster spots to boot to appear at squad slots. 

It be hard to overreact after your crew performed correct one recreation. With that in ideas, right here’s a peek at how every NFL crew’s first overview exhibition went to boot to the essential moments as we highlight the correct, depraved and gruesome for all 32 golf equipment in Week 1 of the 2023 preseason. 

Arizona Cardinals (defeated Denver Broncos 18-17)

The right kind: Fifth-spherical rookie quarterback Clayton Tune settling down after a shaky originate up to discontinuance with 135 yards and a touchdown after a pair of depraved misses and an interception on 13-of-23 passing. The more Tune performs, the greater he will seemingly peek, and seeing him discontinuance sturdy must be encouraging for first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon and his workers. The Cardinals defense additionally constantly confused Broncos quarterbacks, recording the most effective rigidity rate (50%) in the total NFL in Week 1 of the preseason. 

The depraved: Allowing Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson to beat them for a 21-yard touchdown on fourth-and-4. Wilson, who had by some distance the worst year of his occupation in 2022, had struggled mightily up to that level in the exhibition recreation as the Cardinals had deflected two passes on the toll road of scrimmage and sacked him twice. Arizona, who generated rigidity on 50% of the Broncos’ dropbacks — the most effective rate in the league in Week of the preseason — felt they crucial to all-out blitz Wilson on the play, allowing Jerry Jeudy to cook dinner the safety in the slot. In the event that they bustle a more conservative coverage, the Cardinals potentially procure home anyways, forcing a turnover on downs. 

The gruesome: Tune’s interception used to be gruesome the total ability spherical. His supposed target, Rondale Moore, fell down as Tune used to be getting inform to throw, however the run regarded admire it would had been large to the left of Moore anyways. Broncos cornerback Essang Bassey ran in a straight line in reveal to haul in the easy interception. This used to be surely the lowlight of the Cardinals’ night time. 

Atlanta Falcons (defeated Miami Dolphins 19-3)

The right kind: The Falcons’ recent-peek defender below first-year defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen shined. Sixth-spherical rookie security DeMarcco Hellams, an Alabama alum, used to be their brightest star on Friday, racking up a crew-excessive seven tackles and a crimson zone interception of Miami backup quarterback Mike White. 

Dee Alford’s Seventy 9-yard punt return touchdown served as the finest touchdown of the 2nd half, and it used to be electrical as Alford broke multiple tackles sooner than reducing the total ability all the contrivance in which thru the discipline for the rating.

The depraved and the gruesome: It may perhaps perchance most definitely perhaps most definitely had been nice for the Falcons to comprise mustered bigger than one offensive touchdown. Sure, easiest their backups took the discipline offensively, but you admire greater offensive cohesion, especially in the 2nd half. Atlanta punted (three cases) or had a turnover on downs (once) on all four of their offensive drives in the 2nd half, other than the discontinuance of the sport kneel down possession. 

Baltimore Ravens (defeated Philadelphia Eagles 20-19)

The right kind: Baltimore’s backup quarterback allege. Lamar Jackson has overlooked 10 of the Ravens’ final 22 video games alongside with the playoffs after no longer missing any in his occupation thanks to damage from 2018-2020. Both longtime backup Tyler Huntley (88 passing yards, one passing touchdown on 8-of-11 passing) and journeyman Josh Johnson (45 passing yards, one passing touchdown — seven yards — on 8-of-12 passing) performed smartly. The Ravens are in a sturdy inform must anything happen to Jackson. Additionally, All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker aloof has the juice at 33 years feeble. He proved that by draining a 60-yard discipline aim with ease. 

The depraved and the gruesome: Extensive receiver James Proche wants a stellar efficiency this preseason to remain a Baltimore Raven after the crew signed Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency and drafted Zay Vegetation in the most main spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft. He did the reverse of that Saturday, muffing a punt return on special teams while additionally easiest securing one safe for negative one yards on three targets as a receiver. 

Buffalo Bills (defeated Indianapolis Colts 23-19)

The right kind: Damar Hamlin made his return to NFL soccer. He started the sport on the kickoff crew sooner than enjoying 20 defensive snaps and four special teams snaps in total. He registered three tackles.

“It for determined felt admire a little bit weight off my shoulders,” Hamlin acknowledged when talking about making his first tackle. “I assume it may perhaps perhaps most likely most definitely perhaps well be admire that potentially every recreation. However even sooner than my allege it is form of admire that, all of us procure butterflies except we procure that first contact. That is standard for being an athlete, that correct ability that you just can know you is more seemingly to be human, that correct ability that you just can know you stay in the 2nd.”  

The depraved and the gruesome: The 2 turnovers. Backup quarterback Kyle Allen noticed his large receiver show disguise run dropped and deflected into the Colts’ hands for a pick six. 

The 2nd one used to be a lost fumble after a completion for a first down from backup quarterback Matt Barkley to tight discontinuance Jace Sternberger. Both of the giveaways were preventable, fundamental things that can even be tweaked and corrected. Nevertheless, both were gruesome moments for the victorious Bills.

Carolina Panthers (defeated 27-0 by New York Jets)

The right kind: Quarterback Bryce Younger, the most main overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, survived. The 5-foot-10, 204-pound passer who used to be heavily scrutinized for his stature at some level of the pre-draft job absorbed one sack and two hits. He did a nice job getting the ball out on time, finishing four of his six passes for 21 yards, given the fixed rigidity he used to be below on Saturday.

“Clearly, we had a little bit too considerable rigidity at cases,” Panthers head coach Frank Reich acknowledged postgame on Saturday. “Bryce used to be correct, he removed the ball swiftly. We had to ascertain out to beat some depraved discipline positions, which we didn’t attain. We got our 2nd drive, we’re backed up there, brilliant considerable. Those are mountainous eventualities, we talk about about this the total time. Let’s procure the curious eventualities in and put ourselves to the test. We had a pair of these this present day. We didn’t run these tests, but these are correct to learn from.”  

The depraved and the gruesome: The beating used to be worse for backup Matt Corrall, who used to be sacked four cases and hit two diverse cases. That efficiency ended in offensive tackle Cameron Irving and the offensive line collectively taking the blame for the Panthers’ offensive struggles in opposition to the Jets.

“We had to preserve it proper with every diverse,” Erving acknowledged postgame Saturday, thru ESPN. “The s— wasn’t correct sufficient. Prime to bottom, no matter if it is preseason, fashioned season, the s— used to be no longer correct sufficient. Any stage, from any situation, myself integrated, especially my f—–g self. All we are able to realize is are trying to regroup and repair it.”

Erving used to be additionally complimentary of his rookie quarterback’s resilience all the contrivance in which thru the sport.

“Poise, man. The kid’s poised,” Erving acknowledged. “He lives in the 2nd. That is all you may perhaps perhaps be in a situation to ascertain from a quarterback. He has a non permanent reminiscence. He did the entirety he used to be presupposed to realize. He processed the entirety. However us as an O-line, we now want to realize greater.”

Chicago Bears (defeated Tennessee Titans 23-17)

The right kind: Quarterback Justin Fields’ excellent passing day: 3 for 3 with 129 passing yards and two passing touchdowns — a 62-yarder to recent top wideout DJ Moore and a 56-yarder to running back Khalil Herbert. Both came thru show disguise passes, which is why Fields’ air yards total is minus-6 as his completions were on the back of the toll road of scrimmage. It be nice to ogle him procure acutely aware of recent starters in his offense early. The Bears defense additionally registered eight sacks, the most of any crew this preseason. Defensive lineman Trevis Gipson’s eight quarterback pressures lead all gamers this preseason. Sure, the Titans had offensive line points final season, but it is an encouraging designate for final season’s worst run streak. 

The depraved and the gruesome: Turnovers. The offense struggled with out Fields and the starters in the sport, committing two turnovers (an interception and a fumble lost) with the backups running the trace. Velus Jones Jr.’s muffed punt used to be gruesome given he also can’ve let the ball leap and done with out the curious allege completely. 

Cincinnati Bengals (defeated 36-19 by Inexperienced Bay Packers)

The right kind: Defensive tackle Domenique Davis, a 27-year-feeble undrafted free agent, dominated up entrance with four quarterback pressures, a quarterback hit and a fumble restoration. Regarded as one of his pressures up the center straight resulted in Packers backup quarterback Sean Clifford tossing a pick-six to Bengals cornerback Tycen Anderson. Fellow defensive tackle Jay Tufele, fourth-spherical pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, additionally stood out with a recreation-excessive tackles and a quarterback rigidity. 

The depraved and the gruesome: Backup quarterbacks Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian both threw an interception and both registered a 49.9 passer rating. Now not a mountainous designate for Cincinnati must Joe Burrow discontinuance up missing time in the fashioned season thanks to his calf damage. The Bengals failed to register an offensive touchdown. 

“I noticed some correct things, we moved the ball at cases,” Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged postgame on Friday. “By hook or by crook, their job is to procure us in the discontinuance zone. Offensively, we didn’t procure the ball in the discontinuance zone at all. Kicked some discipline targets, had the defensive touchdown, but in the fracture, that’s what we’re judged on — holding the soccer and getting the crew in the discontinuance zone. Now not sufficient of that tonight.”  

Cleveland Browns (defeated 17-15 by Washington Commanders)

The right kind: Quarterback Deshaun Watson seemed more glad in his preseason originate up in opposition to Washington on Friday than he did in any of the six video games he started in 2022. He completed all three of his run attempts for 12 yards, and he did a correct job of scrambling when crucial, totaling 20 speeding yards on three carries. Fifth-spherical rookie and backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson continues to provoke. He had a near-excellent time out as he totaled 102 passing yards and a seven-yard touchdown run on 9-of-10 passing while additionally alongside with 11 yards on three rushes.  

The depraved and the gruesome:  Kicker Cade York overlooked his easiest discipline aim of the night time, pushing a 46-yard are trying large apt. He additionally overlooked a 49-yard are trying in identical vogue on the Corridor of Popularity Sport. Cleveland may perhaps most definitely perhaps well want a kicker predicament.

Dallas Cowboys (defeated 28-23 by Jacksonville Jaguars)

The right kind: Deuce Vaughn. The 5-6, 176-pound rookie used to be the highlight of the sport for the Cowboys. The sixth-spherical pick’s 26-yard bustle on the back of the apt guard showcased his vertical tempo to boot to his ability to truck opposing defenders for extra yardage. The narrate of the AT&T Stadium crowd felt diverse when Vaughn used to be making one thing happen on Saturday. He totaled 62 scrimmage yards on 11 touches, and it feels admire he’ll be a fashioned fragment of the sport concept at some level of the fashioned season. 

Rookie third-spherical pick linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, one of Micah Parsons’ pupils, flashed as smartly with six tackles. The transformed security has loads of tempo and power when he collides with an opposing ball-carrier. 

The depraved and the gruesome: Dallas’ offensive line depth. Zack Martin returned to the crew on Monday after signing a revised deal, but after the most main five, things procure a little bit dicey. The backups who started on Saturday from left to apt were Asim Richards at left tackle, Matt Farniok at left guard, Brock Hoffman at heart, Josh Ball at apt guard and Matt Waletzko at apt tackle. Martin alongside with Terence Steele (apt tackle), Tyler Biadasz (heart), Tyler Smith (left guard) and Tyron Smith (left tackle) want to preserve healthy. Ethical now, no longer one of the well-known backups has impressed confidence. 

“You may perhaps most definitely perhaps well most definitely continually admire to procure to a pair of degree in camp where you may perhaps perhaps most definitely perhaps well also comprise your five guys that you just is more seemingly to be going to ascertain out to procure connected and procure into a rhythm and so on,” Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged postgame Saturday. “We’re obviously no longer at that level. Now we comprise some veterans and we now comprise some interesting parts, so on the flip aspect of that it does accomplish loads of opportunity for our young gamers. This is correct for us. I assume this may perhaps most definitely perhaps pay dividends in the long bustle. At some level you attain would prefer to procure into that routine of getting five guys working together.”

Denver Broncos (defeated 18-17 by Arizona Cardinals)

The right kind: Russell Wilson sooner or later threw a touchdown run. He beat an all-out blitz on fourth-and-4 correct out of doors the crimson zone for a 21-yard rating, but Wilson getting to that level required him to play a quarter-and-a-half in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals defense. He done his day with 93 yards and a touchdown on 7-of-13 passing. 

The depraved and the gruesome: The Denver Broncos offensive line allowed an NFL-worst 50% quarterback rigidity rate in Week 1 of the preseason. That integrated two of Wilson’s passes being swatted away and a sack of their franchise quarterback. Denver handed apt tackle Mike McGlinchey a five-year, $87.5 million deal and left guard Ben Powers a four-year, $52 million contract his offseason. For Wilson’s sake, expectantly the neighborhood can mesh when all people looks to be available. 

Detroit Lions (defeated New York Giants 21-16)

The right kind: Detroit’s early-spherical draft picks sizzled Friday night time. Twelfth overall pick Jahmyr Gibbs totaled 37 yards from scrimmage on seven touches as the RB displayed some nice elusiveness plus a functionality to diminish his shoulder and vitality thru in between the tackles in reveal to bring together a first down. Eighteenth overall pick, inner linebacker Jack Campbell, used to be sturdy with a crew-excessive four tackles plus one run defended. 2nd-spherical rookie security Brian Branch also can comprise gotten the correct crowd reaction of the night time after dropping a sledgehammer on Giants large receiver Cole Beasley. A nice debut for the lion cubs. 

The depraved and the gruesome: Backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld’s preseason efficiency used to be deplorable. He threw two interceptions, alongside with one on the most main play of the sport shown below. He barely completed 50% of his passes, 15-of-28 passing for 194 yards and the two picks. It makes total sense why the Lions felt the want to designate Teddy Bridgewater to be Jared Goff’s backup.  

Inexperienced Bay Packers (defeated Cincinnati Bengals 36-19)

The right kind: Quarterback Jordan Esteem showed promise while enjoying with loads of the Packers’ starting lineup on Inexperienced Bay’s first two drives of the sport. He threw for 46 yards, alongside with a 9-yard touchdown to 2nd-year receiver Romeo Doubs, on 7-of-10 passing. Most of his completions were quick, designed passes, but head coach Matt LaFleur did enable for Esteem to seize a pair of deep pictures, alongside with a near reference to Christian Watson that would’ve been about 43 yards. Except for a pair throws, Esteem used to be no longer off beam. His closing throw of the night time, the touchdown to Doubs, had fantastic touch and placement as he put it easiest where Doubs also can jog procure it.

“All in all, I believed it used to be a correct first efficiency,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged postgame on Friday. “It used to be very restricted motion. I’m determined he would admire to comprise the throw to [Luke] Musgrave back, but there is a lot to learn from. A glorious deal of correct came out of it. True the poise he showed, the advise he showed. I believed we were going inner and out of the huddle swiftly, so I believed it used to be a extraordinarily correct first publicity for him for this season.”  

Seventh-spherical rookie cornerback Carrington Valentine out of Kentucky additionally placed on a trace totaling four tackles and three passes defended. 

The depraved: Rookie sixth-spherical kicker Anders Carlson’s extra level misses. He has mammoth sneakers to have with the Packers’ all-time leading scorer Mason Crosby no longer with the Inexperienced and Gold after 16 seasons in Inexperienced Bay. Carlson pushed two of his five extra points large apt on Friday. He made his easiest discipline aim are trying of the sport, a 45-yarder in the third quarter.

“I maintain no longer wanna peek too some distance into it,” LaFleur acknowledged. “It be one recreation, but as long as you learn from it and recover and make the the biggest changes, then loads of cases you return stronger from it.”  

The gruesome: Esteem’s ugliest play of the night time came when 2nd-spherical rookie tight discontinuance Luke Musgrave broke large start on a crossing route. The Packers quarterback simply airmailed the throw, launching ability too excessive and off to the left. Esteem lamented the play as he surely looks to be to discontinuance that form of allege from occurring yet again. 

“The one I need I’m able to also procure back: that throw over the center to Luke,” Esteem acknowledged postgame on Friday. “Man, correct overlooked him. That is a straightforward throw, routine throw, correct couldn’t near up with it. However diverse than that, I believed we performed smartly. I believed the total run recreation used to be in lag.”

Houston Texans (defeated New England Patriots 20-9)

The right kind: Extensive receiver Tank Dell used to be some distance and away the brightest fragment of the Houston Texans’ preseason victory. The third-spherical rookie, who No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud pushed Houston to draft, totaled five catches for 65 yards, and the most acrobatic receiving touchdown, a six-yard-rating, of the preseason to this level. If Dell can continue to procure start despite his narrow physique — 5-10, 165 kilos — then Houston also can comprise a protracted-term solution on the slot receiver situation. 

The depraved: Stroud’s NFL debut in opposition to Invoice Belichick’s New England Patriots defense. Belichick has a reputation for dominating rookie quarterbacks and that came to run on Thursday. Stroud completed two of his four passes all the contrivance in which thru a pair of possessions for 13 yards. He additionally threw an gruesome interception on his 2nd run of the night time, apt into the hands of Patriots defensive back Jalen Mills. 

“I believed it used to be correct for C.J. to jog out and procure some stay reps, procure some proper looks to be,” Houston Texans first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged Thursday. “I believed he moved spherical smartly, went to the apt situation with the ball a pair cases, and it used to be correct to ogle him transfer out of the pocket and check out to make some things happen there. Everyone is aware of we now comprise some things to tremendous up, up entrance, and I maintain no longer want him having to transfer as considerable, but all of us comprise things to tremendous up and recover at. However I believed it used to be a correct first time out, correct peek at stay motion, so I believed it used to be correct for him.”

The gruesome: Stroud’s aforementioned interception that went apt to Mills. 

Indianapolis Colts (defeated 23-19 by Buffalo Bills)

The right kind: Anthony Richardson settling in after tossing an interception on his first drive. The young QB ended the day finishing seven of his 12 passes for 67 yards. Richardson’s most attention-grabbing throw of the day used to be this 34-yard toss to large receiver Alec Pierce, but Pierce couldn’t corral the picturesque deep ball. That play displayed the cannon of an arm that ended in the Colts taking him fourth overall: 

The depraved and the gruesome: Richardson’s early interception in the most main quarter when he threw off his back foot. It regarded admire he and his receiver weren’t on the identical online page since Richardson threw a ball that seemed supposed for a participant running some form of comeback or hitch route and his supposed target used to be extra up the sideline. Receiver Isaiah McKenzie apologized on the sideline following that play, in holding with The Athletic. 

“I would allege that interception is on me, a little bit miscommunication there,” McKenzie acknowledged on the CBS broadcast. “However for the most fragment, I fancy what I noticed from him [Richardson] and the contrivance in which he dispensed the ball.”  

Jacksonville Jaguars (defeated Dallas Cowboys 28-23)

The right kind: Extensive receiver Calvin Ridley had an damage free debut in his return to soccer after missing nearly the total final two seasons as Trevor Lawrence connected with him for 2 receptions and 21 yards. Lawrence had a nice albeit temporary day with 36 passing yards, a 9-yard touchdown to Christian Kirk, and an interception. The right kind play of the day belonged to Lawrence’s backup, Nathan Rourke. The undrafted rookie out of Ohio University equipped the soccer world with the correct play of the preseason and in all likelihood the correct soccer of the total 2023 season. He spun some distance flung from would-be tackles and fired a 21-yard touchdown run to Qadree Ollison while being dragged down by the wait. Rourke done with 153 passing yards and that scoring strike on 9-of-17 passing. 

The depraved and the gruesome: Lawrence’s interception in which he regarded to both overthrow Ridley or tried to squeeze the soccer into an incredibly tight window to tight discontinuance Evan Engram. On Monday, head coach Doug Pederson disagreed that there were route points on the enjoying, bringing up, thru the Florida Cases-Union, that the soccer “slipped out of his [Lawrecen’s] hand.”

Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (defeated 26-24 by New Orleans Saints)

The right kind: Chiefs’ original faces at large receiver shined. Former New York Giant Richie James, who co-led the G-Males with 57 catches final season, totaled 44 yards on two catches. One used to be a 43-yard reach, and the different used to be a one-yard touchdown safe.

Justyn Ross, the oft-injured worn Clemson wideout, once dominated an Alabama secondary with Pat Surtain II, Trevon Diggs, and Xavier McKinney in the 2019 College Soccer Playoff National Championship recreation to the tune of 153 receiving yards and a touchdown (74 yards) on six catches. He didn’t stuff the stat sheet admire that in his Chiefs preseason debut, but he did bring together the discontinuance zone on Sunday on a 15-yard touchdown run from Shane Buechele. Ross done with 29 receiving on two catches, alongside with the 15-yard rating.

The depraved and the gruesome: The Chiefs’ starting defensive line with out All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones. Jones is aloof holding out after a occupation year and with 2023 being the finest season left on his recent deal, so Kansas Metropolis’s starting defensive entrance used to be made from free-agent signing Charles Omenihu and George Karlaftis on the two defensive discontinuance spots while Chiefs mainstay Derek Nnadi and journeyman Daniel Wise started on the two defensive tackle spots. None of them were in a situation to so considerable as touch Carr or backup Jameis Winston, let alone sack them. Winston’s three sacks easiest occurred once defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spiced up his preseason recreation with on a fashioned foundation blitzing his backups. 

Las Vegas Raiders (defeated San Francisco 49ers 34-7)

The right kind: The Raiders’ run streak. Las Vegas struggled to bring together run streak wait on after Pro Bowlers Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones represented 17 of their 27 sacks final season, an overall total that ranked as the third fewest in 2022. They got four sacks, tied for the sixth most in the most main week of the preseason, from backups — Amari Burney (1.0),  John Jenkins (1.0),  Adam Butler (1.0), Jordan Willis (0.5) and Isaac Rochell (0.5) — while generating a quarterback rigidity rate of 48.9%, the eighth most in the NFL this previous week.

Rookie fourth-spherical pick Aidan O’Connell impressed in his originate up, throwing for 141 passing yards and a touchdown (9 yards) while finishing 15 of his 18 passes. He displayed some hope for Raiders fans must Jimmy Garoppolo suffer yet every other damage in 2023.

The depraved and the gruesome: Extensive receiver Tre Tucker, the Raiders’ third-spherical pick in the 2023 NFL Draft that they got when they sent Pro Bowl tight discontinuance Darren Waller to the New York Giants, dropped a pair passes — one on a third-and-7 slant route and yet every other on a determined third down that would had been a 34-yard pickup. The 2nd one used to be dominated incomplete following replay evaluation. Now not considerable went rotten for the Raiders, but Las Vegas would potentially admire to ogle Tucker tremendous up a pair things fundamentally. 

Los Angeles Chargers (defeated Los Angeles Rams 34-17)

The right kind: Rookie fourth-spherical pick receiver/returner Derius Davis out of TCU — college soccer’s reigning Jet award winner (the nation’s top return man) — showcased his recreation-breaking ability with an 81-yard punt return touchdown. He totaled five such ratings in college, alongside with two final season, and the Chargers hope Saturday’s used to be the most main of many. 

His college teammate, Chargers first-spherical pick large receiver Quentin Johnston, additionally found the discontinuance zone on an eight-yard safe. Johnston totaled 10 receiving yards and a touchdown on three catches. 

The Chargers’ floor recreation dominated as smartly Saturday, totaling 214 yards on 31 carries, an even looking 6.9 yards per streak, while rotating thru undrafted rookie Elijah Doston (six carries for 92 yards, and two touchdowns) and incumbents Joshua Kelley (54 yards on 9 carries) and Isaiah Spiller (27 yards on five carries). That is the form of production head coach Brandon Staley used to be procuring for when he employed offensive coordinator Kellen Moore this offseason. 

The depraved and the gruesome: There may perhaps be no longer any longer too considerable to nitpick diverse than the Chargers defensive backups allowing Rams rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett (191 passing yards and one touchdown on 17-of-29 passing) to warmth up a little bit bit. All in all, a dominant night time for SoFi Stadium’s renters. 

Los Angeles Rams (defeated 34-17 by Los Angeles Chargers)

The right kind: Rookie fourth-spherical quarterback Stetson Bennett (191 passing yards and one touchdown on 17-of-29 passing) came to life after three errant passes to originate up the sport. The Rams want a capable backup for 15-year feeble Matthew Stafford as he’s coming off a season in which he handled neck and head injuries. Likely his fellow Georgia Bulldog will even be that precise No. 2. Rookie fifth-spherical Puka Nacua, the recipient of Bennett’s scoring strike, stood out as smartly with three catches for 32 yards. 

The depraved: The Rams’ defensive depth gamers were bustle-flattened by the Chargers’ floor recreation, allowing them to rack up 214 yards on 31 carries, an even looking 6.9 yards per streak. Los Angeles aloof lacks legit depth after mortgaging the long term to jog all in for Grand Bowl LVI, which they won, so the device used to prevail. Nevertheless, that teambuilding device will jog away them thin for a minimal of 1 more year except they at final comprise possession of a first-spherical pick in 2024. The final time they picked in the most main spherical used to be deciding on quarterback Jared Goff first overall in 2016. 

The gruesome: Unlucky depth, heart-broken special teams. Rookie kicker Tanner Brown overlooked a 46-yard discipline aim. Rookie punter Ethan Evans noticed Chargers rookie returner Derius Davis seize one of his punts back 81 yards for a touchdown. Most of their special teams coverage teams are young, inexperienced gamers too. This is also one of the well-known worst special teams devices in the NFL in 2023. 

Miami Dolphins (defeated 19-3 by Atlanta Falcons)

The right kind: Third-spherical rookie running back De’Von Achane stood out despite enjoying on the back of a makeshift offensive line. He strung together 25 yards on 10 carries, 41 receiving yards on four catches and a 38-yard kickoff return. The speeding yards were hard earned and his tempo flashed, especially on the kickoff return.

The depraved and the gruesome: Miami backup quarterbacks Mike White and Skylar Thompson blended to throw 149 yards and three interceptions on 19-of-30 passing, totaling a blended passer rating of 41.5. They additionally took five sacks. White signed a two-year, $8 million contract this offseason after enjoying solidly in relief of Zach Wilson final season with the Jets. His time in Miami got off to a tough originate up. Especially after throwing an gruesome interception near the aim line. 

Minnesota Vikings (defeated 24-13 by Seattle Seahawks)

The right kind: First-spherical receiver Jordan Addison displayed a excessive ceiling. Whereas he easiest had one safe for 22 yards, his most attention-grabbing “safe” of the night time used to be an incompletion that should had been known as a reception. Addison displayed Pro Bowl-caliber toe amble swag with turf flying up as both of his toes came down inbounds. Backup running back Ty Chandler additionally stood out, stuffing the stat sheet with 70 scrimmage yards (41 speeding yards on 11 carries, 29 receiving yards on four catches). 

The depraved and the gruesome: Their defensive depth. Seahawks backup quarterback Drew Lock shredded their secondary (191 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception on 17-of-24 passing) with the exception of 1 ideas-numbing throw. Sure, the Vikings performed their backups, but they were the 2nd-worst total defense (388.7 total yards per recreation allowed) and 2nd-worst run defense (245.8 passing yards per recreation allowed) in 2022. Minnesota also can no longer admire what it sees if injuries in the secondary occur. 

New England Patriots (defeated 20-9 by Houston Texans)

The right kind: Rookie defensive discontinuance and 2nd-spherical pick Keion White blew previous the Texans’ backup offensive linemen with ease, totaling three quarterback pressures, three tackles and a quarterback hit. He additionally showed some savvy by hitting Houston running back Dare Ogunbowale at some level of a fumble, allowing his New England teammates to increase the fumble. 

The depraved: The Patriots offense used to be unable to back drives, easiest scoring a touchdown on their closing possession of the night time, wanting 14 performs to realize so. Sure, principally backups performed in Week 1 of the preseason, but it would had been encouraging to comprise scored no longer less than two touchdowns. 

The gruesome: Patriots passers were below rigidity on 33.3% of their dropbacks on Thursday, a settle that ranked nineteenth out of the 32 teams thru Week 1 of the preseason. If New England hopes to rediscover offensive rhythm below recent offensive coordinator Invoice O’Brien, that settle has to jog down. 

New Orleans Saints (defeated Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 26-24)

The right kind: Derek Carr seemed exactly the ability the New Orleans Saints also can comprise hoped their $150 million man would in his Saints debut: efficient and prolific. He completed six of his eight passes for 70 passing yards and a four-yard passing touchdown. Carr’s opening drive operation led head coach Dennis Allen to pull the starters after one drive. He connected with 2019 Offensive Participant of the Yr Michael Thomas for a 16-yard reach to boot to Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara. New Orleans must be proud of the very early results of the Carr era. 

The depraved: The backup defense allowed Blaine Gabbert and Shane Buechele to rating 24 unanswered points to seize a 24-17 lead correct previous the midway tag in the fourth quarter. The Saints’ defensive depth is sort of inexperienced after years of wage cap contract maneuvering thru restructures.

The gruesome: Rookie kicker Blake Grupe, who drained the sport-winning 31-yard discipline aim as time expired, used to be stopped by security twice on Sunday since his 5-7, 156-pound physique didn’t shout NFL participant to Saints stadium security. That is rarely any ability to tackle your local heroes. 

New York Giants (defeated 21-16 by Detroit Lions)

The right kind: Initiating security Jason Pinnock totaled a tackle for loss on Jahmyr Gibbs, defended two passes and hauled in an interception on five performs on Friday night time. That is height preseason efficiency. 

The depraved and the gruesome: The New York Giants offensive line. Sure, principally backups performed, but their entrance five put up one of the well-known worst performances of any crew all the contrivance in which thru the NFL in Week 1 of the preseason. Their 45.9% quarterback rigidity rate allowed used to be the fourth-worst in the league, and their five sacks allowed were tied for the 2nd-most allowed in the total NFL. Giants head coach Brian Daboll greater originate up praying his starting offensive lineman comprise a healthy 2023. 

New York Jets (defeated Carolina Panthers 27-0)

The right kind: The Jets defense, which used to be the No. 4 scoring defense (18.6 points per recreation allowed) a year ago, may perhaps perhaps be dominant all over yet again in 2023. They didn’t even play their starters, and they aloof dominated a Panthers offensive line compromised of 4 projected starters. Gang Inexperienced’s six sacks and 20 quarterback pressures were both the 2nd most of any crew in the league thru the most main week of the preseason. Rookie Will McDonald IV, the crew’s 15th overall draft pick in 2023, balled out with stir strikes and the total repertoire, racking up a sack and 6 pressures, tied for the 2nd most in the league this preseason.

Zach Wilson additionally cruised, throwing for 123 yards and a two-yard touchdown on 14-of-20 passing. 

The depraved and the gruesome: That the Jets didn’t spoil 30? New York in actuality had a excellent efficiency, so no longer considerable to ogle right here. 

Philadelphia Eagles (defeated 20-19 by Baltimore Ravens)

The right kind: New Eagles running back D’Andre Swift, a 2nd-spherical pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft, easiest crucial one play for head coach Cut Sirianni to ogle sufficient in Week 1 of the preseason: This 22-yard bustle in which he broke some ankles and trucked a defender.

Undrafted Alabama cornerback Eli Ricks additionally dazzled with a pick-six of backup quarterback Anthony Brown. That wasn’t his easiest play of the night time: Opposing passers were 1 for five with seven yards and the interception for a 0.0 passer rating in opposition to him. He additionally added two passes defended.

The depraved and the gruesome: Basically the most attention-grabbing proper depraved files for Philadelphia is dropping special teams linebacker Shaun Bradley for the season with an Achilles damage. In every other case, the defending NFC champions all over yet again peek gigantic. 

Pittsburgh Steelers (defeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17)

The right kind: 2nd-year quarterback Kenny Pickett seemed polished on his one drive with the most main crew that ended with a 33-yard touchdown strike to George Pickens. Particular, the Buccaneers performed their backups, but Pickett performed exactly the ability Steelers nation also can comprise hoped: He completed six of his seven passes for 70 yards and the aforementioned touchdown to Pickens. Two of his most attention-grabbing performs came on the money down, third down. He hit receiver Diontae Johnson for 11 yards on third-and-10, and he found Pickens for the touchdown on third-and-eight. 

“We noticed what we desired to ogle,” Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged postgame on Friday. “They are young guys, but they comprise some expertise, so we requested them to step out of doors themselves. … We’re no longer going to wear our hands out patting ourselves on the back.”  

The depraved and the gruesome: This is principally nitpicking since so considerable went apt for the Steelers, but two of the Buccaneers quarterbacks diced them up. Starter Baker Mayfield (63 yards and a touchdown on 8-of-9 passing) and backup John Wolford (111 yards and a touchdown on 10-of-17 passing) carved up Pittsburgh’s backup secondary. Now not the discontinuance of the realm, but I’m determined Tomlin would’ve most traditional to comprise seen them put up more of a fight in the secondary. 

San Francisco 49ers (defeated 34-7 by Las Vegas Raiders)

The right kind: Defensive discontinuance Clelin Ferrell, the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, is having a peek to spoil thru in his 2nd NFL discontinuance. He did so on Sunday, flashing with a nice bustle-stuffing tackle plus a sack of Raiders starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell in which he beat the left tackle with a straightforward swim transfer.

Seventh-spherical rookie receiver Ronnie Bell out of Michigan stood out as smartly, leading the 49ers with 58 receiving yards on three catches. That entails this highlight reel, over-the-shoulder take on a run from Sam Darnold. 

The depraved: Rookie kicker Jake Short-tempered, who the San Francisco 49ers selected in the third spherical (99th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Michigan  — making him the most effective-drafted kicker since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Roberto Aguayo in the 2nd spherical (59th overall) — struggled in his NFL debut. Short-tempered overlooked both discipline targets on Sunday, a 40-yard are trying that used to be off to the left and a 58-yard are trying that went large to the apt. He did join on his easiest extra level of the day. 

“He is been mountainous,” San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged of Short-tempered postgame on Sunday. “He handles himself smartly. So, no points right here with me.”  

The gruesome: Quarterback Trey Lance, the 49ers’ third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, struggled mightily on Sunday despite what his field rating says: 112 passing yards and a touchdown on 10-of-15 passing. His “touchdown” must’ve been intercepted because it went apt thru the hands of Raiders defensive back Duke Shelley sooner than magically landing in the hands of 49ers tight discontinuance Ross Dwelley. 

Lance used to be sacked four cases, a pair of of that may perhaps perhaps be attributed to heart-broken run security, but he additionally had two throws hit defenders in the hands and held the ball too long. He looks to be admire a major project getting into his third NFL season. 

Seattle Seahawks (defeated Minnesota Vikings 24-13)

The right kind: The Seahawks’ 2023 draft class flashed some possible, which is exactly what the entrance situation of job hoped to ogle. Extensive receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the 20th overall pick and first receiver taken in the latest draft, had a first rate night time (three catches for 25 yards). His 15-yard safe used to be his bet play of the night time. 2nd-spherical running back Zach Charbonnet (four carries for 14 yards, two catches for 14 yards) seemed sturdy to boot to both a rusher and receiver. Fifth-spherical defensive discontinuance Mike Morris accounted for 2 quarterback pressures and one quarterback hit. Encouraging indicators all the contrivance in which thru.

The depraved and the gruesome: General, the Seahawks had a if reality be told nice night time all the contrivance in which thru the board. Backup quarterback Drew Lock, the sport’s starter with Geno Smith chilling on the sidelines, used to be principally correct, finishing 17 of his 24 passes for 191 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Nevertheless, his interception used to be mystifying. Lock threw the ball apt into the chest of a Vikings defender as supposed target Matt Landers used to be triple-lined. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (defeated 27-17 by Pittsburgh Steelers)

The right kind: Baker Mayfield seemed admire a starting quarterback. He has bounced spherical the league the final two seasons, suiting up for three diverse teams. Nevertheless, he did what he crucial to realize in his brief time enjoying in opposition to the Steelers: He totaled 63 yards passing, alongside with an eight-yard elegance to the back of the discontinuance zone for a touchdown, while finishing eight of his 9 passes.

The depraved: The Buccaneers aloof fight with bustle blockading. They averaged an NFL-worst 76.9 speeding yards per recreation final season, and they weren’t all that inconceivable on Friday. Particular, three of their offensive line starters (left tackle Tristan Wirfs, heart Ryan Jensen and left guard Matt Feiler) sat out, but projected starters at apt guard (2nd-spherical rookie Cody Mauch) and apt tackle (Luke Goedeke) had removed from a necessary time out. Tampa Bay totaled 41 speeding yards on 20 carries midway thru the third quarter when the starters departed after Kyle Trask’s motion. Now not mountainous. 

The gruesome: The Buccaneers’ secondary backups got cooked, no longer once, but twice. First, it used to be whiffing on multiple tackles when the Steelers were dealing with a third-and-eight, which allowed receiver George Pickens to rating a 33-yard touchdown. 

In the third quarter, the secondary allowed Steelers 2nd-year large receiver Calvin Austin III to correct stir on down the left sideline for a straightforward 67-yard touchdown. Tampa Bay greater hope it has an damage-free secondary in 2023.

Tennessee Titans (defeated 23-17 by Chicago Bears)

The right kind: Backup quarterback Malik Willis leading the Titans down the discipline for a gap drive touchdown used to be a sturdy originate up. He straight started the sport with a 30-yard completion, and 11 performs later the Titans were in the discontinuance zone. Rookie 2nd-spherical quarterback Will Levis additionally led Tennessee to a touchdown on his first drive of the sport on the beginning up of the 2nd quarter. He completed a 21-yard strike apt away, and five performs later, the titans were in the discontinuance zone. 

The depraved: Nevertheless, both Willis and Levis failed to back drives the identical ability after their initial successes as an discontinuance-of-the-half 41-yard discipline aim used to be the finest diverse rating of the sport. Willis done with 189 passing yards, an interception to boot to 22 speeding yards on three carries, alongside with a two-yard speeding touchdown. Levis done with 85 passing yards on 9-of-14 passing with an interceptions. Titans head coach Mike Vrabel had a obvious message for his rookie quarterback on Sunday, a day after the loss: Attend it easy. 

“True letting the sport with regards to him [Levis], correct seize what’s there,” Vrabel acknowledged. “True looking for to make determined we’re no longer overdoing it, we’re correct enjoying one characteristic, a immense characteristic as the quarterback in the offense, taking what they provide you with, and when there’s opportunities to work the ball down the discipline, attain that. He did some nice things, and [he] would admire to comprise some things back.”

The gruesome: Every quarterback absorbed four sacks. The Titans had offensive line points a year ago as multiple quarterbacks suffered injuries. That’s the reason they went out and signed worn first-spherical pick tackle Andre Dillard (three years, $29 million) and selected Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski 11th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Their 38.8% quarterback rigidity rate allowed used to be the tenth worst in Week 1 of the preseason. About a of the sacks were on the quarterbacks, however the total offense in most cases needs to realize greater in security. 

Washington Commanders (defeated Cleveland Browns 17-15)

The right kind: Former No. 2 overall pick and 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Yr Inch Younger looks to be explosive yet again. He totaled one quarterback rigidity on easiest four snaps Friday night time in opposition to the Cleveland Browns, but he placed on demonstrate both the athleticism and run-streak methodology that had the soccer world drooling no longer too long ago. Younger looks to be primed for an immense season getting into the closing year of his rookie deal.  

Quarterback Sam Howell additionally had a nice night time with the starting neighborhood, finishing 9 of his 12 passes for 77 yards, alongside with a 26-yard scoring strike to 2nd-year large receiver Jahan Dotson.

The depraved: The contrast on this preseason recreation’s used to be two points, the equal of the safety Washington surrendered when apt tackle Andrew Wylie dedicated a holding penalty in the discontinuance zone. 

The gruesome: Jacoby Brissett undermined a ravishing efficiency — 75 passing yards on 6-of-10 passing and a 12-yard speeding touchdown — on Friday with an absolute lollipop of an interception. He made up our minds to heave a throw off his back foot while below rigidity, which made for a straightforward play for the Browns undrafted rookie security Ronnie Hickman. That throw is definitely one Brissett would admire to comprise back.