The NFL’s preseason is a time for teams to evaluate their rosters, focusing heavily on young talent and those vying for a spot on the final 53-man lineup. This period is critical for fine-tuning strategies and assessing player potential under game conditions.
Cardinals' Quarterback Rotation
In Arizona, second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune made headlines with a standout performance against the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Jonathan Gannon opted to rest many of his starters, giving Tune the opportunity to shine. Tune didn’t disappoint, completing four of his five passes on a nine-play, 70-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown. The drive was capped off by an 11-yard run from Michael Carter. Tune’s final tally included a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr., and he finished with 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing. Despite Tune's efforts, the Cardinals fell to the Saints 16-14.
Desmond Ridder also saw action for the Cardinals, starting the game and playing the entire first half. Ridder completed four of nine passes for 43 yards. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. added another element to the Cardinals' quarterback rotation, completing nine of 16 throws for 104 yards. However, the Cardinals faced another defeat, losing to the Miami Dolphins 20-13.
DeMarcco Hellams' Injury
In a tough moment for the Cardinals, DeMarcco Hellams was carted off the field due to a left leg injury, leaving a gap in their defensive lineup. Meanwhile, Taylor Heinicke struggled, completing only four of 11 passes for 11 yards. On a brighter note for the Cardinals, first-round rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins held his own, allowing only two completions for a mere eight yards.
Around the League
The Baltimore Ravens experienced their own set of challenges, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles 16-13. Head coach John Harbaugh opted for a conservative approach, choosing a 21-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal, a decision that didn’t pay off with a win.
The Buffalo Bills were handed a lopsided defeat by the Chicago Bears, 33-6. For the Bears, rookie Caleb Williams showed promise, completing four of seven passes for 95 yards. In contrast, the New England Patriots secured a convincing 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
In a closely contested game, Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins returned for the Bengals but narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14. Across the league, the Browns faced defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. Jamari Thrash contributed three catches for 43 yards in the effort.
It was a thrilling game for Broncos fans as Denver edged out the Indianapolis Colts 34-30. Bo Nix played a pivotal role, recording 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing. Meanwhile, the New York Giants emerged victorious over the Detroit Lions with a 14-3 win.
Notable Contracts and Key Performances
In a major financial move, Jordan Love secured a lucrative four-year, $220 million contract with the Packers, including a $75 million signing bonus. On the field, the Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-12, while the Jaguars triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs 26-13.
The Las Vegas Raiders experienced a narrow defeat against the Minnesota Vikings, falling 24-23. The Seattle Seahawks notched a 16-3 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Rams managed a close win over the Cowboys with a final score of 13-12.
Unplanned Success
In an intriguing twist, Derek Carr revealed during the game’s broadcast that "New Orleans didn't game plan at all, and that he didn't know who was playing with him until just before kickoff." This element of surprise may have been a factor in the close 16-14 scoreline, adding another layer to the unpredictable nature of preseason play.
As preseason games draw to a close, teams continue to make crucial evaluations and decisions, setting the stage for the regular season. The development and performances seen during these games are vital, offering glimpses of future stars and shaping the final team rosters.