The NFL preseason is that pivotal time when franchises focus on fine-tuning their rosters and evaluating emerging talent. For teams like the Arizona Cardinals, it's a chance to see what their young players, particularly those on the fringes of the roster, can bring to the table. In a recent matchup against the New Orleans Saints, second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune seized his opportunity, making a significant impression.
Arizona Cardinals' QB Showcase
Head coach Jonathan Gannon opted to rest many of his starters, giving Tune his moment to shine. In a nine-play, 70-yard drive, Tune's precision was evident as he completed four of his five passes. This drive culminated in a touchdown, capped off by an 11-yard run from Michael Carter. Tune wasn't done yet; his final drive included a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr., showcasing his growing confidence. Tune finished his outing with 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing. Despite his efforts, the Cardinals fell to the Saints 16-14.
Desmond Ridder, who also had his audition, started for the Cardinals and played the entire first half, although his performance was less impressive with just four completions on nine attempts for 43 yards. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. later completed nine of 16 throws for 104 yards in the Cardinals' subsequent loss to the Miami Dolphins, 20-13.
Challenges and Performances Across the League
Across different matchups, the preseason also had its share of challenges and standout moments. During a game, safety DeMarcco Hellams had to be carted off due to a left leg injury, emphasizing the physical toll even preseason games can take. For the Ravens, head coach John Harbaugh, in a strategic move, opted for a 21-yard field goal on a fourth-and-goal situation, but ultimately, they lost to the Eagles 16-13.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, rookie Caleb Williams showed promise for the Bears, completing four of seven passes for 95 yards in their decisive 33-6 win over the Buffalo Bills. In a noteworthy contract news, Jordan Love secured a lucrative four-year, $220 million deal with the Green Bay Packers, including a whopping $75 million signing bonus, setting high expectations for the young quarterback.
Mixed Results for AFC Teams
The New England Patriots found success against the Carolina Panthers, clinching a 17-3 victory. Cincinnati Bengals fans saw the return of Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins, although the team narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14. The Browns faced a tough defeat at the hands of the Packers, in a game highlighted by Jamari Thrash's three catches for 43 yards.
The Denver Broncos edged out the Indianapolis Colts in a high-scoring contest, 34-30, with Bo Nix throwing for 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing. The New York Giants emerged victorious against the Detroit Lions, securing a 14-3 win.
Defensive Standouts and Quarterback Struggles
Not all performances were equally stellar. Taylor Heinicke struggled mightily, completing just four of 11 passes for a mere 11 yards. However, on the defensive side, first-round rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins shone brightly, allowing only two completions for eight yards.
Diverse Outcomes Wrap Up the Preseason
The Texans managed a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a score of 20-12, while the Jaguars downed the Kansas City Chiefs 26-13. The Las Vegas Raiders faced a close defeat against the Minnesota Vikings, 24-23. In other matchups, the Seattle Seahawks triumphed over the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3, and the Rams edged out the Cowboys 13-12 in a tightly contested game.
Behind the Scenes with Derek Carr
During the Saints' matchup, veteran quarterback Derek Carr provided some candid insight. Revealing during the broadcast that the Saints "didn't game plan at all, and that he didn't know who was playing with him until just before kickoff". This laid-back approach might have been a strategy to keep the team's play straightforward in the preseason.
With the preseason serving as a crucial stepping stone for many, the performances and developments witnessed offer a glimpse of what might unfold as the regular season draws near. The stakes are high, and every snap, pass, and catch bring the teams one step closer to refining their rosters and strategies for the challenges ahead.