Observations from the First Week of the 2024 NFL Preseason
With the first week of the 2024 NFL preseason in the books, several players have made headlines. From breakout performances to struggles, the early action gives fans much to ponder.
Caleb Williams has already showcased his prowess, demonstrating command and accuracy during training camp. His game against the Buffalo Bills reinforced his potential, with his gunslinging capabilities standing out.
Switching gears, Taylor Heinicke had a rocky start with the Atlanta Falcons. Brought in to spell rookie Michael Penix Jr., Heinicke struggled to find his rhythm, raising concerns about the team's quarterback depth going forward.
Another quarterback facing challenges, Easton Stick, had an erratic showing while stepping in for the injured Justin Herbert with the Chargers. Consistency will be key for Stick if he hopes to solidify his position on the roster.
In the same vein, Mike White of the Miami Dolphins and Josh Johnson of the Baltimore Ravens delivered underwhelming performances. Both players will need to elevate their games in the coming weeks if they hope to cement their roles.
On the positive side, Bo Nix garnered attention with his impressive command and poise. The praise from Sean Payton appears well-founded, as Nix orchestrated the offense effectively.
Jayden Daniels used his agility to find the end zone early in his outing, showcasing his dual-threat capability. Similarly, J.J. McCarthy matched Sam Darnold’s output in downfield passing for Minnesota, highlighting his potential as a reliable signal-caller.
One of the more concerning developments came from Pittsburgh, where Justin Fields fumbled two snaps in his debut with the Steelers. Ball security will be crucial for Fields as he looks to establish himself in Pittsburgh's offense.
Among the rookies, Tank Dell made an immediate impact for the Houston Texans, scoring early on a reception from C.J. Stroud. His early contributions hint at a promising season ahead.
However, not all early performances were as promising. Jaylen Weight displayed explosiveness in the Miami Dolphins' backfield, but the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots struggled with uninspiring offensive displays. Issues within their offensive lines played a significant role in their lackluster performances.
Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers seemed sluggish. It's evident that the team will need time to adapt to Harbaugh's system.
On a brighter note for Philadelphia, Will Shipley emerged as a reliable workhorse. Alongside him, Quinyon Mitchell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. made notable impact plays, signaling a fortified defense for the Eagles.
In Kansas City, Marquise Brown's preseason debut was cut short after just one catch, leaving rookie Xavier Worthy with an opportunity to step up for the Chiefs.
Defensive highlights weren't scarce. The Seattle Seahawks' defense showed dominance, shutting out the Los Angeles Rams. Byron Murphy II's impressive performance on defense epitomized their relentless approach.
Conversely, Cooper DeJean of the Baltimore Ravens did not shine in his matchup as he continues to recover from an injury. Patience will be required as he works his way back to full strength.
In conclusion, the preliminary games have given a glimpse into the potential and the work needed across the league. Teams and players alike have laid the groundwork for what promises to be an intriguing season ahead.