The midpoint of the 2024 NFL preseason has brought significant developments and revelations across the league, highlighting the intense battles and emerging storylines that capture the excitement of football fans everywhere.
Preseason as a Dress Rehearsal
Week 2 of the exhibition schedule has long been viewed as a dress rehearsal for teams to fine-tune their strategies and evaluate their roster depth. Teams are increasingly leveraging joint practices to simulate the pressure and unpredictability of live games. This week has been no exception, with several franchises employing this approach to sharpen their squads.
Quarterback Competitions Heating Up
One of the most compelling narratives is the quarterback battle in New England. The Patriots are in the midst of determining whether Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye will lead their rebuilding offense, which, as one insider pointed out, has "little skill position players and a subpar offensive line." The decision on the starting quarterback is no small matter given the challenges the offensive unit faces.
In Chicago, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has shown promising potential. Williams completed 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards in his preseason opener, achieving a commendable passer rating of 101.8. An analyst emphasized the importance of these game reps for Williams, noting, "Let’s see how long Williams plays against the Bengals, but it will be vital for the Bears to get their rookie quarterback those live game reps." The Bears managed to score six points during Williams's two possessions, giving fans a glimpse of his capabilities.
The competition in Atlanta also remains fierce. Kirk Cousins is set as the starter for the Falcons, but Michael Penix Jr. is making a strong case for himself. Penix showcased his skills by completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards in his preseason debut, with a passer rating of 76.0, guiding the Falcons to 10 points over five possessions. This performance highlights the depth at the quarterback position for Atlanta.
Injuries and Opportunities
Teams are also managing injuries and evaluating depth in key positions. The New York Giants are coping with the absence of Malik Nabers, who suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener. Meanwhile, Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson are seizing the opportunity to compete for the WR2 position behind Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins.
The Kansas City Chiefs are evaluating their wide receiver roster amid Hollywood Brown’s shoulder injury and a potential suspension looming over Rashee Rice. Rookie Xavier Worthy might need to step up, joining other contenders like Kadarius Toney, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross in the battle for a starting spot.
Running Back Dynamics
The Tennessee Titans are showcasing new running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Spears made an immediate impact by scoring a touchdown in the preseason opener, while Pollard demonstrated his explosiveness with a 24-yard run. Together, Pollard and Spears managed 37 yards from seven carries, indicating a promising backfield duo for the Titans.
Second-String Showdowns
The Miami Dolphins are experiencing a competitive battle for the backup quarterback spot between Skylar Thompson and Mike White. Thompson had a mixed performance, finishing 8 of 19 for 95 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the preseason opener. White, meanwhile, struggled, completing only 4 of 14 for 26 yards against second- and third-team players. This battle may extend into the first week of the regular season before head coach Antonio Pierce names a backup, a source indicated.
Evaluating Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, Laiatu Latu's transition from UCLA to the NFL is being closely monitored. Latu led the FBS with a 23.9% pressure rate, and teams are eager to see how his collegiate success translates on the professional stage.
Avoiding Serious Setbacks
For the Minnesota Vikings, there was a collective sigh of relief as Jordan Addison avoided a serious injury. With star receiver Justin Jefferson expected to have limited snaps this preseason, Trishton Jackson's 100-yard, one-touchdown performance on four catches last week has been a significant boost.
49ers' Injury Concerns
The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with Ricky Pearsall's hamstring and shoulder issues. His health will be crucial as the team prepares for the regular season.
Promising Performances
In Denver, Bo Nix made a strong impression in the preseason opener, completing 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards with a touchdown. Jarrett Stidham, however, had a less stellar outing, finishing 4 of 7 for 37 yards with an interception. These performances are being closely watched as the Broncos finalize their depth chart.
As the preseason progresses, these storylines will continue to evolve, providing a fascinating glimpse into the strategies and decisions shaping the upcoming NFL season.