The close of the first week of the 2024 NFL preseason offers an initial peek into the upcoming season, revealing a blend of promising performances and areas of concern. As teams adjust their rosters and strategies, a few key players and teams have already begun to stand out.
Standout Performances
Caleb Williams showcased his gunslinging ability during training camp and continued to perform well against the Buffalo Bills, living up to the early hype. Similarly, Bo Nix demonstrated command of the field that justified the high praise he's received from Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
In the Philadelphia Eagles' camp, Will Shipley emerged as a reliable workhorse. The rookie duo of Quinyon Mitchell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. also made significant impacts, giving fans something to look forward to. On the defensive side, Byron Murphy II's impressive performance contributed to the Seattle Seahawks' shutout of the Los Angeles Rams, cementing his role as a key player to watch this season.
Tank Dell made an immediate impact for the Houston Texans, scoring early in the game on a reception from C.J. Stroud. Jaylen Weight also showed explosiveness in the Miami Dolphins’ backfield, hinting at a potentially dynamic offense this season.
Areas of Concern
While some players shined, others struggled to find their footing. Taylor Heinicke had difficulty establishing rhythm with the Atlanta Falcons as he stepped in to relieve rookie Michael Penix Jr. Easton Stick exhibited erratic play while filling in for an injured Justin Herbert with the Chargers, raising concerns about the team's depth at quarterback.
For the Dolphins, Mike White's underwhelming outing left much to be desired, and Josh Johnson's performance for the Baltimore Ravens didn’t inspire confidence either. J.J. McCarthy's downfield passes were on par with Sam Darnold's output in Minnesota, a benchmark that may not be sufficient for the Vikings' aspirations this season. Additionally, Justin Fields fumbled two snaps in his debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers, hinting at issues that need immediate addressing.
The Chiefs faced some setbacks as well. Marquise Brown was sidelined after just one catch in his preseason debut, and rookie Xavier Worthy will need to step up to fill the void. The Chargers also appeared sluggish under their new head coach Jim Harbaugh, a situation that requires close monitoring as the season progresses.
Team-Wide Concerns
The Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots both displayed uninspiring offensive play in their preseason openers. The lack of stability within their offensive lines was a significant factor in their struggles, underscoring the need for improvements to protect their quarterbacks and fuel their offenses effectively.
Cooper DeJean did not shine in his matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, likely owing to his ongoing recovery from an injury. His performance serves as a reminder that preseason games are often a stage for players to regain their form and fitness, returning to regular-season action fully prepared.
Early Lessons and Implications
As these preliminary games offer glimpses into the potential of players and teams, they also highlight areas in need of urgent focus. Coaches and players alike will scrutinize these early performances to make the necessary adjustments. With several weeks still to go before the regular season kicks off, there's ample time for improvements and strategic recalibrations.
Overall, while some players have hit the ground running, others are still finding their stride. The coming weeks will undoubtedly bring further revelations as teams fine-tune their rosters and strategies, setting the stage for an exciting NFL season.