The NFL preseason is in full swing, kicking off with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears last week and now expanding to include the rest of the league over the past four days. This segment of the NFL calendar is always a critical period for rookies and seasoned players alike to demonstrate their skills and secure their spots on the roster.
Caleb Williams' Debut
All eyes were on Caleb Williams as he made his season debut against the Buffalo Bills. Williams participated in 18 snaps on Saturday, completing 4 of 7 pass attempts for a total of 95 yards. He also contributed 13 rushing yards, showcasing versatility that coaches and fans are eager to see blossom throughout the season.
Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham Share the Spotlight
Bo Nix did not start the game, leaving the initial snaps to Jarrett Stidham. However, Nix made an impactful entry, completing 15 of 21 pass attempts for 125 yards and a touchdown. Nix wasn't just effective in the air; he added 17 rushing yards to his stats, underlining his dual-threat capability. With an average of 5.4 yards per attempt, as noted by TruMedia, Nix is carving out a reliable profile as a consistent offensive contributor.
On the other side of the field, J.J. McCarthy had a busy day, finishing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 188 yards, including two touchdowns and one interception. Jack Jones capitalized on McCarthy's late-game pass, securing an interception that would provide a crucial swing in momentum.
Other Rookie Performers
Michael Penix Jr. made his mark by connecting on 9 of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels, in limited action, completed 2 of 3 pass attempts for 45 yards. Though Daniels had a screen pass that missed its target, he redeemed himself by rushing into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown. This dual-threat ability is an asset that will only grow in value as the season progresses.
Drake Maye also stepped up, completing 2 of 3 pass attempts for 19 yards, while three rookie running backs—Bucky Irving, Audric Estime, and Jaylen Wright—each found the end zone, signaling a potential changing of the guard among the league's rushing talent.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side of the ball, Dominick Puni was a strong presence for the San Francisco 49ers, starting at right guard. Austin Booker made an impact for the Chicago Bears with 2.5 sacks, a performance indicating that he will be a force to reckon with this year. Additionally, Dallas Turner registered his first professional sack with the Minnesota Vikings, signifying the beginning of what promises to be a notable career.
Josh Newton added to his team's defensive prowess by snagging an interception for the Cincinnati Bengals, further demonstrating the depth of talent in this year's rookie class.
Veteran Updates
Unfortunately, not all the news was positive for veteran players. Kirk Cousins was sidelined due to an injury, casting a shadow over the Minnesota Vikings' offensive strategy moving forward. This absence leaves a significant gap that the team must address promptly.
Nonetheless, some veterans made notable contributions during the preseason. Will Shipley and Jermaine Burton both caught touchdowns, offering a reliable target and experience to their respective teams.
As the preseason action unfolds, the performances of both rookies and seasoned players will continue to shape the narratives of the upcoming NFL season. The initial games have already provided a glimpse of emerging talent and set the stage for an exciting year of football.