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NFL Nation, ESPN
Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and Kansas City Chiefs veteran Patrick Mahomes appeared sturdy Saturday within the second week of the 2024 NFL preseason. The remainder of the league continued matchups on Saturday and can wrap up Sunday (full schedule beneath).
Week 2 of the preseason usually serves as a gown rehearsal for the common season. Our NFL Nation reporters let you know what you want to know from every sport as we head towards cut-down day on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Saturday’s Video games
Cowboys: This wasn’t a gown rehearsal for the Cowboys as a result of virtually the entire starters had been spectators, however they had been capable of get a protracted take a look at their projected left sort out, first-round decide Tyler Guyton, for the primary half.
Whereas he didn’t match up a lot in opposition to Raiders All-Professional defensive finish Maxx Crosby, he was capable of get appears in opposition to the Raiders’ first-team protection many of the half. Guyton continued to point out he is on the proper trajectory for the season opener when he’ll see plenty of Cleveland’s All-Professional Myles Garrett. The Cowboys had been capable of run for 114 yards within the first half and didn’t enable a sack. Whereas all of that wasn’t on account of Guyton, there weren’t evident errors.
Backup quarterback Trey Lance’s first-half exhibiting was promising in opposition to many of the Raiders’ defensive starters. After a sluggish begin, he accomplished his ultimate seven passes of the half, together with a fade for a landing to Ryan Flournoy. He additionally ran for 34 yards, together with a 20-yard acquire that arrange a 66-yard discipline purpose from Brandon Aubrey. — Todd Archer
Subsequent sport: vs. Chargers (Saturday, Aug. 24, 4 p.m. ET)
Raiders: Does both man need the gig? Neither Gardner Minshew nor Aidan O’Connell kicked the door down in opposition to Dallas in what was imagined to be the ultimate audition for the Raiders’ beginning QB job. Actually, each fell flat.
Minshew, who began and performed 5 collection, was erratic and completed simply 10-of-21 passing for 95 yards with a 5-yard scramble. O’Connell, in the meantime, appeared extra poised early on, however his ultimate go was returned 69 yards for a pick-six by Cowboys CB Kemon Hall on the primary play of the fourth quarter. O’Connell, who additionally performed 5 collection, threw for 96 yards on 14-of-20 passing, together with a 5-yard TD go to TE Harrison Bryant.
Each QBs have had their shares of ups and downs in camp and a pair of exhibition video games, and Raiders coach Antonio Pierce stated he wished to determine on a starter after this sport. O’Connell, because the incumbent, had the sting coming into the offseason program, and Minshew would seemingly deliver extra of a spark coming off the bench. Keep tuned. — Paul Gutierrez
Subsequent sport: vs. 49ers (Friday, Aug. 23, 10 p.m. ET)
Jaguars: The Jaguars did not gown 23 gamers, together with QB Trevor Lawrence and 7 different offensive starters. QB Mac Jones threw for 144 yards and a TD, which went to second-year WR Parker Washington, within the first half. (He got here again into the sport within the fourth quarter after C.J. Beathard left the sport with a groin damage.)
Washington had three catches for 38 yards within the first half to proceed his spectacular offseason. Washington handled a knee damage early final season and actually wasn’t prepared for the elevated position he needed to play when Christian Kirk went down with a groin damage. He has been one of many standouts throughout coaching camp. “It has been cool to see his transformation and the way good he appears,” Lawrence stated. “I have been actually impressed.”
Second-year RB Tank Bigsby, who additionally has had a great camp, added 56 yards of offense on 13 touches within the first half in opposition to the Bucs earlier than he went to the bench. The Jaguars hope to make use of him as a complement to Travis Etienne Jr. in 2024. That was their plan final 12 months, too, nevertheless it by no means developed after Bigsby struggled early within the season. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent sport: at Falcons (Friday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. ET)
Buccaneers: The Bucs have shelved their starters till Week 3, however with Randy Gregory‘s reported impending launch and YaYa Diaby nonetheless recovering from an ankle damage, second-year edge rusher Jose Ramirez notched 3.0 sacks after a robust efficiency in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals final week. Markees Watts, one other second-year participant, additionally had a sack.
Additionally encouraging was the bottom sport for the second week in a row, averaging 4.75 yards per carry between Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker. Of concern although: Beginning kicker Chase McLaughlin missed a 42-yard discipline purpose after lacking a 51-yarder final week. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent sport: vs. Dolphins (Friday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Rams: The Rams do not play many starters or key gamers throughout the preseason, so Week 2 wasn’t a lot of a gown rehearsal for the common season. However though it wasn’t the beginning offense, the Rams bought one other take a look at quarterback Stetson Bennett, who performed the whole sport for the second time in lower than per week.
Bennett, who threw 4 interceptions on Sunday in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys, protected the soccer till late within the third quarter, when he threw an interception in the long run zone. After throwing what was ultimately the game-winning landing go, Bennett fumbled on the primary play of the following drive. Bennett completed 17-of-31 for 213 yards with a landing, an interception and a fumble. Though he’s the Rams’ third-string quarterback, he’s in line to again up quarterback Matthew Stafford for the primary two video games of the season whereas Jimmy Garoppolo is serving his suspension. Stafford left the Rams’ joint follow with the Cowboys this week due to hamstring tightness, however is anticipated to return to follow subsequent week. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent sport: at Texans (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Chargers: Beginning quarterback Justin Herbert continues to be out with a plantar fascia damage in his proper foot, however was on the sphere earlier than the sport with out his strolling boot. In his absence, backup quarterbacks Easton Stick and Luis Perez every performed a half for Los Angeles, however neither discovered the tip zone.
Stick, who began the sport, completed 8-for-13 for 85 yards and an interception. Perez accomplished 13 of 20 passes for 78 yards. The Chargers had a protracted checklist of gamers not in uniform for the second week of the preseason, together with operating backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, outdoors linebackers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and security Derwin James Jr. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent sport: at Cowboys (Saturday, Aug. 24, 4 p.m. ET)
Payments: This cannot be thought-about a gown rehearsal for the Payments as a result of coach Sean McDermott stayed conservative and sat key wholesome gamers — notably quarterback Josh Allen in addition to center linebacker Terrel Bernard and go rusher Von Miller.
The line of defense has appeared like a energy of the Payments all through coaching camp, and additional indicators of that had been on show vs. the Steelers. Greg Rousseau sacked Russell Wilson 2½ instances (the opposite ½ attributed to Ed Oliver) in 11 snaps performed with 4 complete tackles and three quarterback hits. On the offensive facet, the speeding sport confirmed some positives after struggling the week prior. James Cook rushed six instances for 25 yards, whereas rookie Ray Davis had eight carries for 58 yards. The road additionally allowed solely two sacks. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent sport: vs. Panthers (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Steelers: Whereas Russell Wilson‘s preseason debut was mired by offensive line struggles and penalties, Justin Fields injected vitality into the offense with dynamic, but inconsistent playmaking on his ft. Fields, who performed 5 collection with the second-team unit, completed because the Steelers’ main passer (11 of 17, 92 yards) and rusher (8 carries, 42 yards).
Wilson, in the meantime, accomplished 8 of 10 makes an attempt for 47 yards in 5 collection and was sacked thrice for a lack of 21 yards. By means of eight collection in two preseason video games, the Steelers’ first-team offense has failed to attain any factors and recorded simply seven first downs. However the offensive shortcomings of the unit hardly fall solely on the ft of the quarterbacks. The beginning offensive line has given up 5 sacks in that span, together with three Saturday.
Previous to the sport, Mike Tomlin advised the staff web site that the quarterback competitors between Wilson and Fields would warmth up now that Wilson is again from his calf damage. And if Saturday evening is any indication, the temperature of a seemingly secure scenario is quickly growing.— Brooke Pryor
Subsequent sport: at Lions (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Titans: The Titans did not play any of their starters after two days of intense work with the Seahawks in joint practices this week. Coming into Week 2 of the preseason, rookie outdoors linebacker Jaylen Harrell was the primary participant Titans coach Brian Callahan talked about when requested who he was trying ahead to watching.
Harrell’s sturdy coaching camp thrust him right into a battle for a beginning spot, pending veteran linebacker Arden Key’s suspension for violating the league’s efficiency enhancing substances coverage. Key’s suspension was overturned early Saturday, however Harrell stays in competitors with veterans Rashad Weaver and Shane Ray, together with second-year outdoors linebacker Caleb Murphy. Harrell took main steps towards solidifying a gradual spot within the rotation with an impactful efficiency in opposition to Seattle. The 2024 seventh-round decide bought the beginning and performed 18 snaps on protection. Harrell completed with two sacks and a tipped go. Harrell was the final participant Tennessee chosen on this 12 months’s draft (252nd total), however he is positively not Mr. Irrelevant for the Titans. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: at Saints (Sunday, Aug. 25, 2 p.m. ET)
Seahawks: The Seahawks performed only some starters, having gotten them loads of reside reps in opposition to the Titans earlier within the week over two days of joint practices. With Geno Smith sitting once more, Sam Howell made a second straight begin, and the takeaway was the identical because it was after the preseason opener: Howell, for no matter motive, is healthier in video games than he’s in follow. He was correct and environment friendly, finishing 11 of 14 makes an attempt for 153 yards whereas enjoying the whole first half. He led three scoring drives in 5 possessions, together with a 23-yard landing on a well-placed fade ball. His lone mistake was a misplaced fumble on one of many two sacks he took.
However even with that turnover, this was one of the best Howell has appeared since Seattle acquired him in a March commerce with Washington. As for Smith, anticipate Seattle’s QB1 to get some enjoying time subsequent week in opposition to Cleveland. The one protection the Seahawks have confronted all offseason is their very own — the Chargers and Titans each run variations of it — so the Seahawks seemingly wish to see how their offense stacks up in opposition to a distinct scheme. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent sport: vs. Browns (Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 p.m. ET)
Colts: The Colts sat virtually all their starters and key backups (together with No. 2 quarterback Joe Flacco). However beginning cornerback JuJu Brents was amongst those that performed extensively, and that got here at a worth. Brents left the sport within the second quarter with a nostril damage and was unable to return. It is the newest in a protracted line of accidents for the 2023 second-round decide for whom the Colts proceed to have excessive hopes.
Tight finish Jelani Woods, a 2022 third-round alternative who instantly finds himself in a battle to make the roster, additionally left the sport with a toe damage. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent sport: at Bengals (Thursday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m. ET)
Cardinals: Two issues stood out within the Cardinals’ second preseason sport, which didn’t function any starters on both facet of the ball: Trey Benson and the go rush. Benson appeared considerably higher than final weekend. He not solely discovered holes, however he exploded by means of them for vital yardage, showcasing his velocity within the course of, ending with 9 carries for 43 yards.
And Arizona’s go rush, which has been a query mark all offseason, stood out with its relentlessness off the sting. Xavier Thomas and Cam Thomas, each outdoors linebackers, had sacks and total, Arizona’s edge rushers accounted for 4 of the Cardinals’ eight quarterback hits. Each Xavier Thomas, a fifth-round draft decide this 12 months, and Cam Thomas are combating to make the staff, however each confirmed Saturday evening that they need to be a part of the skin linebacker rotation, which took a success throughout camp when BJ Ojulari, the presumptive starter, went down with an ACL damage. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent sport: at Broncos (Sunday, Aug. 25, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Dolphins: The Dolphins’ quarterback scenario is settled solely on the high. Tua Tagovailoa was sharp in his one collection, finishing all 5 of his go makes an attempt for 51 yards and a 13-yard landing to River Cracraft. Behind him was a distinct story.
Skylar Thompson performed for roughly two quarters, finishing 8 of 15 passes for 61 yards. He flashed the identical potential to increase performs that he has proven since his rookie season in 2022, however might virtually be described as antsy within the pocket. Mike White took over halfway by means of the third quarter and it solely took him 5 makes an attempt to surpass Thompson’s output. The 2 backup quarterbacks have cut up snaps pretty evenly at follow this summer time, however contemplating neither was sharp within the preseason opener final week, the preseason finale subsequent week will seemingly determine who wins the No. 2 job behind Tagovailoa — with the loser destined for the follow squad. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent sport: at Buccaneers (Friday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Commanders: Quarterback Jayden Daniels continued to look good — he has not but formally been named the starter for the season opener, however that has at all times been a matter of when, not if. Daniels confirmed poise and endurance once more within the pocket, and he as soon as extra threw in rhythm and gave receivers an opportunity to run after the catch. He accomplished 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards. He even ran on a zone learn for 13 yards, however he wants to recollect to slip. Working again Brian Robinson (3 carries, 22 yards) has appeared good — his imaginative and prescient and decisiveness have been key. — John Keim
Subsequent sport: vs. Patriots (Sunday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. ET)
Jets: This wasn’t a lot of a gown rehearsal for the Jets. They rested quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor, together with each starter and most key reserves. Two notables who did play had been defensive ends Will McDonald IV and Micheal Clemons, each of whom are within the highlight due to Haason Reddick‘s holdout (26 days and counting).
McDonald, their 2023 first-round decide, made a splash play — a highlight-film sack. He used his signature transfer, the spin, to blow previous backup proper sort out Ricky Lee. McDonald (1 sort out in 13 snaps) has terrific closing velocity when he beats his man along with his preliminary transfer, however he wants so as to add extra to his arsenal. Clemons (0 tackles, 10 snaps) had a quiet evening. If Reddick’s holdout lasts till the common season, the Jets should use a McDonald-Clemons combo to interchange him. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent sport: vs. Giants (Saturday, Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Panthers: No gown rehearsal for quarterback Bryce Young — or any of the starters. Coach Dave Canales was snug sufficient with Younger’s efficiency throughout Thursday’s joint follow in opposition to the Jets that he did not threat damage within the sport. It is unlikely Younger will play in subsequent week’s preseason finale, which speaks to his command of the offense in follow.
There have been some encouraging indicators for the receiving corps Younger will work with. Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr. mixed for 3 catches after every had a drop within the preseason opener. Younger will want Mingo, who has been working with the primary staff forward of first-round decide Xavier Legette all through camp, to be dependable behind Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen. Marshall’s two-catch efficiency was an extension of Thursday’s follow when he had two touchdowns, the second a diving, twisting catch on a fade route. Corners Lamar Jackson and D’Shawn Jamison appeared first rate as Carolina searches for a starter to play reverse Jaycee Horn with Dane Jackson (hamstring) out no less than six weeks. — David Newton
Subsequent sport: at Payments (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Lions: The Lions rested their starters for the second consecutive sport. Veteran quarterback Nate Sudfeld began within the first half, going 14-for-27 with 196 passing yards, 1 landing and 1 interception whereas second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker returned to the sphere and began within the second half after struggling a concussion within the preseason opener in opposition to the New York Giants on Aug. 8.
Hooker appeared snug within the pocket, placing collectively a robust third-quarter drive, finishing 5 straight passes at one level earlier than making an incompletion — which was capped by a 32-yard discipline purpose kick from Jake Bates. Hooker would finish with 150 passing yards, whereas going 12-for-15.
Earlier within the week, Hooker stated his mom, Wendy, inspired him to slip extra after taking a lot contact versus the Giants. Wendy advised him, “We gotta slide!” and he took her recommendation. Each Hooker and Sudfeld are vying for the QB2 spot behind Jared Goff. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent Recreation: vs. Steelers (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Chiefs: The Chiefs bought a lot of what they wished from the 2 possessions with Patrick Mahomes and the beginning offense on the sphere, besides a landing. The Chiefs moved the ball properly and bought a protracted go from Mahomes to first-round draft decide Xavier Worthy. However they twice stalled within the purple zone and needed to accept Harrison Butker discipline objectives — this in opposition to the backup Lions defenders.
The beginning offense has kicked a discipline purpose on every of its three drives together with throughout the preliminary preseason sport. Worthy later caught a 22-yard landing go, nevertheless it was thrown by Carson Wentz. Worthy caught three passes for 62 yards, together with the 39-yarder from Mahomes. Rashee Rice caught 4 passes, all from Mahomes.
Mahomes additionally made a slick behind-the-back go to Travis Kelce. — Adam Teicher
Subsequent Recreation: vs. Bears (Thursday, Aug. 22, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Vikings: The Vikings had no alternative this week however to look previous rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy‘s season-ending knee surgical procedure and take a revised inventory of their quarterback room. Sam Darnold has shifted from the more likely to unquestioned Week 1 starter, and fellow veteran Nick Mullens has moved from an insurance coverage coverage to the presumptive No. 2 spot.
And so per week after sitting out the Vikings’ first preseason sport, Mullens began Saturday in opposition to the Browns and performed the whole first half earlier than Jaren Hall took over. Mullens’ stint was probably the most notable a part of a sport during which the Vikings held out almost all of their offensive and defensive starters — having opted as a substitute to place them by means of two days of full-pads work throughout joint practices Wednesday and Thursday with the Browns. (Proper guard Ed Ingram, cornerback Akayleb Evans and rookie outdoors linebacker Dallas Turner had been the one starters in uniform.)
The Vikings appeared to make up for misplaced time with Mullens, having him drop again on 24 of their 41 first-half performs, not counting a kneel-down simply earlier than halftime. He accomplished 11 of 21 passes for 135 yards, together with a 14-yard landing to receiver Trishton Jackson. However enjoying behind largely backup offensive linemen, he took three sacks and was hit a complete of 11 instances. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent Recreation: at Eagles (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Browns: The Cleveland Browns rested their starters, however a regarding offensive sort out scenario was solely exacerbated in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings. Already training with out beginning tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin, who’re on the bodily unable to carry out checklist, Cleveland misplaced three extra tackles on Saturday. James Hudson, Hakeem Adeniji and Germain Ifedi, all of whom have taken reps at left sort out in coaching camp, didn’t return after leaving the sport with accidents.
The illnesses left the Browns to play Lorenzo Thompson, an undrafted rookie, at left sort out throughout the second half. There was no replace from head coach Kevin Stefanski on the return timeline for Wills or Conklin, each of whom sustained season-ending accidents in 2023. Stefanski just lately stated that Wills, who injured his MCL on his proper knee final November, is near returning.
Stabilizing the left sort out place, both with the return of Wills or an outdoor addition, is significant as quarterback Deshaun Watson is getting back from his personal season-ending shoulder surgical procedure. — Daniel Oyefusi
Subsequent Recreation: at Seattle (Saturday, Aug 24, 10 p.m. ET)
Bears: It took Caleb Williams and Chicago’s beginning offense properly into the second quarter to get right into a groove after starting with three consecutive three-and-outs. Rookie Rome Odunze bought issues transferring on a 16-yard finish round after veteran extensive receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen exited the sport.
Williams then drew a 43-yard defensive go interference when focusing on Tyler Scott on a deep ball, which bought the Bears their first journey to the purple zone, leading to a discipline purpose.
After connecting with Williams on a 45-yard dime, Odunze arrange the Bears contained in the purple zone on the offense’s fifth drive. Had Odunze stored his ft in bounds, the No. 9 decide would have recorded his first NFL landing on a great thing about a throw from Williams within the nook of the tip zone.
One play later, Williams confirmed off his potential to scramble and hold his eyes downfield whereas operating in a 7-yard landing, his first of the preseason after 23 snaps in opposition to the Bengals.
Defensively, Chicago took no mercy on Cincinnati’s backups by drawing up 10 blitzes in opposition to Bengals third-string quarterback Logan Woodside — together with three nook blitzes from Kyler Gordon, Josh Blackwell and Reddy Steward with the latter two serving to produce two interceptions for the Bears’ protection. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent Recreation: at Chiefs (Thursday, Aug. 22, 8:20 p.m.- ET)
Bengals: The beginning cornerback battle was imagined to be probably the most compelling side of Saturday’s preseason sport in opposition to the Bears. However DJ Turner and Dax Hill — the 2 combatants for the beginning job reverse outdoors cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt — did not get an opportunity to make a play on the ball.
Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams did not goal both of them earlier than Turner and Hill had been changed.
Rookie Josh Newton, a fifth-round draft select of TCU, had a great and dangerous second early within the sport. He had a giant go deflection on a ball supposed for Bears extensive receiver DJ Moore, who simply signed a $110 million extension. However later within the sport, he was whistled for defensive go interference on a deep ball supposed for Chicago’s Tyler Scott.
Newton might push for a beginning job ultimately, however the battle nonetheless seems to be between Hill and Turner. — Ben Child
Subsequent Recreation: vs. Colts (Thursday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m. ET)
Texans: The Texans’ protection stole the present — to the purpose that it restricted the offense’s reps — because the starters solely performed the primary quarter. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. virtually began the sport with an interception return for a landing however dropped Daniel Jones‘ go.
The subsequent defensive possession nonetheless, security Jalen Pitre did what Stingley virtually did and intercepted Jones and returned it for a rating. The subsequent drive, the Giants’ offense crossed mid-field however Stingley ended the possession with an interception.
The Texans’ beginning offense did not rating however quarterback C.J. Stroud was environment friendly going 7-for-10 for 88 yards. The unit solely bought one drive and reached the 6-yard line however Stroud threw an incompletion ending its sole full drive. Total, each items flashed what might make them potent within the season. — D.J. Bien-Aime
Subsequent Recreation: vs. Rams (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Giants: Nothing that unfolded early in Daniel Jones’ first preseason motion — since tearing his ACL in his proper knee final November — will make the Giants really feel higher about their beginning quarterback, particularly contemplating they appeared for his potential alternative this offseason.
Jones threw two interceptions on his first three drives, together with an ill-advised pick-six from his personal finish zone. He was truly fortunate it wasn’t three for 3 as a result of his first go hit cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. within the chest. Maybe it was rust. Or nerves. Or just that is why the Giants had been on the lookout for his alternative.
A minimum of Jones and the Giants had been capable of go away with a greater style of their mouths after they performed a significantly better second quarter. Jones hit Darius Slayton deep down the best sideline for a 44-yard acquire and led a pair of scoring drives. He appeared wholesome and moved properly when obligatory, which might be most essential of all. Broad receiver Malik Nabers additionally confirmed the hype with 4 catches for 54 yards in an up-and-down afternoon for the beginning offense. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent Recreation: at Jets (Saturday. Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Ravens: Trenton Simpson is able to exchange Patrick Queen at inside linebacker. Simpson made influence performs everywhere in the discipline and stopped the Falcons’ first three drives. He recorded a quarterback hit on third down of the opening collection, made an open-field sort out of quarterback Taylor Heinicke on third down of the second drive and broke up a go 10 yards downfield on third down of the third possession.
A 3rd-round decide from a 12 months in the past, Simpson has gone from a query mark in the beginning of the offseason to one of many staff’s high performers this summer time. He solely performed a complete of 46 defensive snaps final season as a result of he was behind Queen, who made his first Professional Bowl. Now, after Queen signed with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, Simpson is certainly one of two new starters on a protection who ranked first within the NFL in fewest factors allowed (16.8), most sacks (60) and most takeaways (60). Whether or not it has been a preseason sport or a coaching camp follow, Simpson has been quick and aggressive, changing into a dependable playmaker subsequent to center linebacker Roquan Smith. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent sport: at Inexperienced Bay (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Falcons: The Falcons did not swimsuit up round 40 gamers, together with all their starters and lots of of their key second-team gamers — corresponding to rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. That left a gaggle of younger gamers making an attempt to impress for a backup position or a spot on the 53-man roster.
The most important impressions made had been by Atlanta’s rookie defensive linemen: Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus. Each have needed to work arduous in follow to get extra reps and Orhorhoro has began to get constant runs with the second staff, whereas Dorlus has began to make appearances there, as properly. On Saturday, Orhorhoro had an enormous sack within the first quarter and Dorlus was hustling everywhere in the discipline with a fumble restoration and a sort out for a loss. That is encouraging for a staff that instantly has plenty of optimism up entrance on protection with the addition of edge rusher Matthew Judon. Broad receiver Chris Blair and cornerback Natrone Brooks had large video games, too, making a case for themselves to turn into Falcons — or discover a spot elsewhere after Aug. 27. — Marc Raimondi
Subsequent Recreation: vs. Jaguars (Friday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. ET)
Thursday’s sport
Eagles: Quarterback Jalen Hurts and the remainder of the offensive starters bought the evening off. A handful of regulars noticed motion on protection, in the meantime, as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio continued to kind by means of the competitors at a few key spots, together with linebacker and cornerback. A number of linebackers helped their trigger in opposition to the Patriots. Zack Baun, who has seen many of the first-team reps this summer time alongside Devin White, confirmed good pursuit to cease operating again Rhamondre Stevenson for no acquire early within the first quarter. Nakobe Dean spent a lot of his evening within the New England backfield and completed with a team-high 5 tackles.
There have been optimistic developments at edge rusher as properly. Nolan Smith Jr., a first-round decide in 2023, registered his second sack of the preseason. Free agent acquisition Bryce Huff was largely a go rush specialist throughout his time with the Jets, creating uncertainty as as to whether he could possibly be a three-down participant. Time will inform on that, however he made a great learn to close down a brief go to the best facet within the first quarter and recorded three tackles in restricted motion. — Tim McManus
Subsequent sport: vs. Vikings (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
Patriots: Rookie quarterback Drake Maye performed in 4 collection over two quarters — totaling 25 snaps — and the outcomes (albeit in opposition to Eagles backups) sparked hope for the Patriots’ future. After enjoying only one collection final week, Maye helped lead the offense to 10 factors — a 51-yard Joey Slye discipline purpose after which a 4-yard TD run from himself. He entered in the beginning of the second quarter rather than starter Jacoby Brissett (3 collection, 3-of-7 for 17 yards, 1 interception).
Maye’s stat line — 6-of-11 for 47 yards, along with 15 yards on 4 carries — did not essentially mirror the calmness of his efficiency as he patiently went by means of his progressions. For instance, he delivered a pinpoint deep ball within the third quarter to diving rookie extensive receiver Javon Baker that was dropped. Had that connection been made — and Maye could not have thrown it any higher — it will have been a headline play. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent sport: at Commanders (Sunday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. ET)
Sunday video games
Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos, 8 p.m. ET
New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers, 8 p.m. ET
