NFL preseason Week 2: Takeaways on prime gamers, schedule

Week 2 of the 2024 NFL preseason was used as one thing near a regular-season gown rehearsal for some groups, whereas others opted to maintain their starters largely out of hurt’s approach.

ESPN’s NFL Nation staff was out in power all weekend, reporting on the most recent developments for all 32 groups as we inch nearer to cut-down day on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Sunday’s video games

Broncos: There can be loads of stunned folks in and across the Broncos if coach Sean Payton would not formally title rookie Bo Nix because the staff’s beginning quarterback within the days to return. Nix possible completed his preseason work Sunday evening within the Broncos’ victory over the Green Bay Packers since most, if not all, of the staff’s starters usually are not anticipated to play a lot, if in any respect within the preseason finale.

Nix was 8-of-9 passing for 80 yards and a landing in his two drives Sunday evening. That means in two preseason appearances, Nix led six scoring drives within the seven possessions he performed, and the Broncos had a number of first downs in every of these scoring drives with no three-and-outs in any of the seven possessions. Nix basically labored with the starters in follow final week as if Payton had already made the announcement, together with Friday’s joint follow with the Packers. — Jeff Legwold

Next recreation: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, Aug. 25, 4:30 p.m. ET)

Packers: About the one definitive factor the Packers discovered on Sunday in Denver was they could have a tricky time successful this 12 months if they need to occur to be with out most of their 22 starters. Perhaps extra problematic is they won’t have a quarterback who might fill in efficiently if one thing occurred to Jordan Love.

Sean Clifford, final 12 months’s QB2, could not get a lot achieved in opposition to a big contingent of Denver starters. He performed all however the final 30 seconds of the primary half and could not muster any factors. His fourth and last drive ended with an interception. He completed 6-for-10 for 43 yards. The Packers totaled simply 69 yards of offense within the first half with simply six first downs (and three of these have been by penalty).

Rookie seventh-round choose Michael Pratt had his struggles as properly, together with dropping a fumble on a sack within the third quarter. He threw for under 52 yards on 10-of-16 passing.

The Packers’ longest offensive play of the complete recreation was simply 15 yards. — Rob Demovsky

Next recreation: vs. Ravens (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)

49ers: In line with what they’ve achieved prior to now, the 49ers did not precisely deal with this as a gown rehearsal, with a lot of their starters not taking part. They did, nonetheless, use QB Brock Purdy behind a patchwork offensive line lacking three projected starters and with out the providers of any of their prime 4 receivers, prime three working backs or tight finish George Kittle.

Given all of that, it is maybe no shock that Purdy and the offense struggled to generate a lot. Purdy performed 12 snaps over three sequence because the Niners gained simply 11 yards and one first down. What’s extra, Purdy took a number of hits and located himself scrambling on most of his dropbacks. He completed 2-of-6 for 11 yards earlier than giving method to Joshua Dobbs.

Under Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco typically has most popular to let the starters get extra work within the last preseason contest. Considering the brief turnaround to that recreation — it is Friday — and the staff’s quite a few accidents, it stays to be seen how a lot the highest group will play, if in any respect, in that one. — Nick Wagoner

Next recreation: at Raiders (Friday, Aug. 23, 10 p.m. ET)

Saints: The Saints performed Derek Carr and the offensive starters for 3 sequence. The final sequence was probably the most spectacular of the three, because the Saints went 95 yards on 16 performs to attain a landing. That broke a streak of 4 straight punts for the beginning unit relationship again to the primary preseason recreation.

Taysom Hill had a powerful day, springing Jamaal Williams for a 15-yard acquire with a pleasant block, working 11 yards himself on the subsequent play after which capping off the drive with a 2-yard landing dive. Carr additionally had two good throws, finishing a 19-yard go to Chris Olave and likewise changing a first-down go to rookie Bub Means on fourth-and-5 with stress in his face.

Defensive finish Chase Young was a standout defensively early within the recreation, however the Saints’ defenders had a regarding quantity of missed tackles late within the second half when attempting to include backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Also notable: Rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry left the sport early with an obvious leg harm. — Katherine Terrell

Next recreation: vs. Titans (Sunday, Aug. 25, 2 p.m. ET)

Saturday’s video games

Cowboys: This wasn’t a gown rehearsal for the Cowboys as a result of virtually all the starters have been spectators, however they have been in a position to get a protracted take a look at their projected left sort out, first-round choose Tyler Guyton, for the primary half.

While he didn’t match up a lot in opposition to Raiders All-Pro defensive finish Maxx Crosby, he was in a position to get seems in opposition to the Raiders’ first-team protection a lot of the half. Guyton continued to indicate he is on the right trajectory for the season opener when he’ll see a variety of Cleveland’s All-Pro Myles Garrett. The Cowboys have been in a position to run for 114 yards within the first half and didn’t permit a sack. While all of that wasn’t on account of Guyton, there weren’t obvious errors.

Backup quarterback Trey Lance’s first-half exhibiting was promising in opposition to a lot of the Raiders’ defensive starters. After a sluggish begin, he accomplished his last 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 subject aim from Brandon Aubrey. — Todd Archer

Next recreation: 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 alleged to be the ultimate audition for the Raiders’ beginning QB job. In reality, each fell flat.

Minshew, who began and performed 5 sequence, was erratic and completed simply 10-of-21 passing for 95 yards with a 5-yard scramble. O’Connell, in the meantime, regarded extra poised early on, however his last 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 sequence, threw for 96 yards on 14-of-20 passing, together with a 5-yard TD go to TE Harrison Bryant.

Both QBs have had their shares of ups and downs in camp and a pair of exhibition video games, and Raiders coach Antonio Pierce mentioned he needed to resolve on a starter after this recreation. O’Connell, because the incumbent, had the sting getting into the offseason program, and Minshew would seemingly carry extra of a spark coming off the bench. Stay tuned. — Paul Gutierrez

Next recreation: 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 harm.)

Washington had three catches for 38 yards within the first half to proceed his spectacular offseason. Washington handled a knee harm early final season and actually wasn’t prepared for the elevated function he needed to play when Christian Kirk went down with a groin harm. He has been one of many standouts throughout coaching camp. “It’s been cool to see his transformation and how good he looks,” Lawrence mentioned. “I’ve been really impressed.”

Second-year RB Tank Bigsby, who additionally has had an excellent 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, however it by no means developed after Bigsby struggled early within the season. — Mike DiRocco

Next recreation: 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 harm, 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.

Also encouraging was the bottom recreation for the second week in a row, averaging 4.75 yards per carry between Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker. Of concern although: Starting kicker Chase McLaughlin missed a 42-yard subject aim after lacking a 51-yarder final week. — Jenna Laine

Next recreation: 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. But though it wasn’t the beginning offense, the Rams acquired one other take a look at quarterback Stetson Bennett, who performed the complete recreation for the second time in lower than every 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 subsequent drive. Bennett completed 17-of-31 for 213 yards with a landing, an interception and a fumble. Although 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

Next recreation: at Texans (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)

Chargers: Starting quarterback Justin Herbert continues to be out with a plantar fascia harm 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 top 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 working backs Gus Edwards and J.Ok. Dobbins, exterior linebackers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and security Derwin James Jr. — Kris Rhim

Next recreation: at Cowboys (Saturday, Aug. 24, 4 p.m. ET)

Bills: This cannot be thought of a gown rehearsal for the Bills 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 regarded like a power of the Bills all through coaching camp, and additional indicators of that have 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 aspect, the speeding recreation 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 line additionally allowed solely two sacks. — Alaina Getzenberg

Next recreation: vs. Panthers (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)

Steelers: While Russell Wilson’s preseason debut was mired by offensive line struggles and penalties, Justin Fields injected power into the offense with dynamic, but inconsistent playmaking on his toes. Fields, who performed 5 sequence 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 sequence and was sacked thrice for a lack of 21 yards. Through eight sequence in two preseason video games, the Steelers’ first-team offense has failed to attain any factors and recorded simply seven first downs. But the offensive shortcomings of the unit hardly fall solely on the toes of the quarterbacks. The beginning offensive line has given up 5 sacks in that span, together with three Saturday.

Prior 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 harm. And if Saturday evening is any indication, the temperature of a seemingly steady scenario is quickly growing.— Brooke Pryor

Next recreation: 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. Entering Week 2 of the preseason, rookie exterior 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 exterior linebacker Caleb Murphy. Harrell took main steps towards solidifying a gentle spot within the rotation with an impactful efficiency in opposition to Seattle. The 2024 seventh-round choose acquired 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 general), however he is undoubtedly not Mr. Irrelevant for the Titans. — Turron Davenport

Next recreation: at Saints (Sunday, Aug. 25, 2 p.m. ET)

Seahawks: The Seahawks performed just a few starters, having gotten them loads of dwell 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 taking part in the complete 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.

But even with that turnover, this was the most effective Howell has regarded since Seattle acquired him in a March commerce with Washington. As for Smith, count on Seattle’s QB1 to get some taking part in time subsequent week in opposition to Cleveland. The solely protection the Seahawks have confronted all offseason is their very own — the Chargers and Titans each run variations of it — so the Seahawks possible wish to see how their offense stacks up in opposition to a distinct scheme. — Brady Henderson

Next recreation: 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). But beginning cornerback JuJu Brents was amongst those that performed extensively, and that got here at a value. Brents left the sport within the second quarter with a nostril harm and was unable to return. It’s the most recent in a protracted line of accidents for the 2023 second-round choose for whom the Colts proceed to have excessive hopes.

Tight finish Jelani Woods, a 2022 third-round alternative who immediately finds himself in a battle to make the roster, additionally left the sport with a toe harm. — Stephen Holder

Next recreation: at Bengals (Thursday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m. ET)

Cardinals: Two issues stood out within the Cardinals’ second preseason recreation, which didn’t characteristic any starters on both aspect of the ball: Trey Benson and the go rush. Benson regarded 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 exterior linebackers, had sacks and general, Arizona’s edge rushers accounted for 4 of the Cardinals’ eight quarterback hits. Both Xavier Thomas, a fifth-round draft choose 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 harm. — Josh Weinfuss

Next recreation: at Broncos (Sunday, Aug. 25, 4:30 p.m. ET)

Dolphins: The Dolphins’ quarterback scenario is settled solely on the prime. Tua Tagovailoa was sharp in his one sequence, 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 capacity 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 two backup quarterbacks have break 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 possible resolve who wins the No. 2 job behind Tagovailoa — with the loser destined for the follow squad. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Next recreation: 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 all the time 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. Running again Brian Robinson (3 carries, 22 yards) has regarded good — his imaginative and prescient and decisiveness have been key. — John Keim

Next recreation: 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 have 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 choose, 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 must use a McDonald-Clemons combo to exchange him. — Rich Cimini

Next recreation: 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 Young’s efficiency throughout Thursday’s joint follow in opposition to the Jets that he did not threat harm within the recreation. It’s unlikely Young 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 Young will work with. Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr. mixed for 3 catches after every had a drop within the preseason opener. Young will want Mingo, who has been working with the primary staff forward of first-round choose 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 regarded 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

Next recreation: at Bills (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)

Lions: The Lions rested their starters for the second consecutive recreation. 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 regarded 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 subject aim kick from Jake Bates. Hooker would finish with 150 passing yards, whereas going 12-for-15.

Earlier within the week, Hooker mentioned 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. Both Hooker and Sudfeld are vying for the QB2 spot behind Jared Goff. — Eric Woodyard

Next Game: vs. Steelers (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)

Chiefs: The Chiefs acquired a lot of what they needed from the 2 possessions with Patrick Mahomes and the beginning offense on the sphere, besides a landing. The Chiefs moved the ball properly and acquired a protracted go from Mahomes to first-round draft choose Xavier Worthy. But they twice stalled within the pink zone and needed to accept Harrison Butker subject targets — this in opposition to the backup Lions defenders.

The beginning offense has kicked a subject aim on every of its three drives together with throughout the preliminary preseason recreation. Worthy later caught a 22-yard landing go, however 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

Next Game: 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 prone 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 every week after sitting out the Vikings’ first preseason recreation, Mullens began Saturday in opposition to the Browns and performed the complete first half earlier than Jaren Hall took over. Mullens’ stint was probably the most notable a part of a recreation through 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. (Right guard Ed Ingram, cornerback Akayleb Evans and rookie exterior linebacker Dallas Turner have been the one starters in uniform.)

The Vikings regarded 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. But taking part in behind largely backup offensive linemen, he took three sacks and was hit a complete of 11 instances. — Kevin Seifert

Next Game: 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 practising 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 has been 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 lately mentioned 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 out of doors addition, is significant as quarterback Deshaun Watson is getting back from his personal season-ending shoulder surgical procedure. — Daniel Oyefusi

Next Game: 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 acquired issues transferring on a 16-yard finish round after veteran large 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 acquired the Bears their first journey to the pink zone, leading to a subject aim.

After connecting with Williams on a 45-yard dime, Odunze arrange the Bears contained in the pink zone on the offense’s fifth drive. Had Odunze saved his toes in bounds, the No. 9 choose would have recorded his first NFL landing on a great thing about a throw from Williams within the nook of the top zone.

One play later, Williams confirmed off his capacity to scramble and maintain his eyes downfield whereas working 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

Next Game: at Chiefs (Thursday, Aug. 22, 8:20 p.m.- ET)

Bengals: The beginning cornerback battle was alleged to be probably the most compelling side of Saturday’s preseason recreation in opposition to the Bears. But DJ Turner and Dax Hill — the 2 combatants for the beginning job reverse exterior 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 have been changed.

Rookie Josh Newton, a fifth-round draft pick of TCU, had an excellent and unhealthy second early within the recreation. He had a giant go deflection on a ball supposed for Bears large receiver DJ Moore, who simply signed a $110 million extension. But later within the recreation, 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 Baby

Next Game: 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 acquired one drive and reached the 6-yard line however Stroud threw an incompletion ending its sole full drive. Overall, each models flashed what might make them potent within the season. — D.J. Bien-Aime

Next Game: 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 regarded 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. Perhaps it was rust. Or nerves. Or merely that is why the Giants have been searching for his alternative.

At least Jones and the Giants have been in a position to depart with a greater style of their mouths after they performed a a lot better second quarter. Jones hit Darius Slayton deep down the proper sideline for a 44-yard acquire and led a pair of scoring drives. He regarded wholesome and moved properly when needed, which might be most necessary of all. Wide 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

Next Game: at Jets (Saturday. Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Ravens: Trenton Simpson is able to change Patrick Queen at inside linebacker. Simpson made influence performs everywhere in the subject and stopped the Falcons’ first three drives. He recorded a quarterback hit on third down of the opening sequence, 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 choose from a 12 months in the past, Simpson has gone from a query mark at first of the offseason to one of many staff’s prime 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 Pro Bowl. Now, after Queen signed with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, Simpson is considered 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 it has been a preseason recreation or a coaching camp follow, Simpson has been quick and aggressive, turning into a dependable playmaker subsequent to center linebacker Roquan Smith. — Jamison Hensley

Next recreation: at Green Bay (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)

Falcons: The Falcons did not swimsuit up round 40 gamers, together with all their starters and plenty of of their key second-team gamers — corresponding to rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. That left a bunch of younger gamers making an attempt to impress for a backup function or a spot on the 53-man roster.

The largest impressions made have been by Atlanta’s rookie defensive linemen: Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus. Both have needed to work laborious 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 subject with a fumble restoration and a sort out for a loss. That’s encouraging for a staff that immediately has a variety of optimism up entrance on protection with the addition of edge rusher Matthew Judon. Wide receiver Chris Blair and cornerback Natrone Brooks had huge video games, too, making a case for themselves to develop into Falcons — or discover a spot elsewhere after Aug. 27. — Marc Raimondi

Next Game: vs. Jaguars (Friday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. ET)

Thursday’s recreation

Eagles: Quarterback Jalen Hurts and the remainder of the offensive starters acquired 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. Several linebackers helped their trigger in opposition to the Patriots. Zack Baun, who has seen a lot of the first-team reps this summer time alongside Devin White, confirmed good pursuit to cease working 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 choose 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 an excellent learn to close down a brief go to the proper aspect within the first quarter and recorded three tackles in restricted motion. — Tim McManus

Next recreation: vs. Vikings (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)

Patriots: Rookie quarterback Drake Maye performed in 4 sequence over two quarters — totaling 25 snaps — and the outcomes (albeit in opposition to Eagles backups) sparked hope for the Patriots’ future. After taking part in only one sequence final week, Maye helped lead the offense to 10 factors — a 51-yard Joey Slye subject aim after which a 4-yard TD run from himself. He entered at first of the second quarter rather than starter Jacoby Brissett (3 sequence, 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 replicate 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 large receiver Javon Baker that was dropped. Had that connection been made — and Maye could not have thrown it any higher — it might have been a headline play. — Mike Reiss

Next recreation: at Commanders (Sunday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. ET)