NFL Preseason Roundup: Key Battles, Cuts and Takeaways
The NFL preseason has clarified starting roles, but questions loom at key positions in multiple locker rooms. From position battles, big-name roster cuts, and overall takeaways, our team of NFL fanatics has extracted the juicy info to round up the Preseason.
Position Battles: Uncertainty in New England and Pittsburgh
The battle between Jacoby Brissett and third-overall pick Drake Maye remains unresolved in New England. Brissett's status hinges on his recovery from a shoulder injury in the final preseason game. Maye, while promising, might need more time to adjust to the NFL level, especially behind an offensive line that looks less than spectacular.
In Pittsburgh, the situation was murky before the recent news. Veteran Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both struggled throughout the preseason. With his wealth of experience, Wilson seems to be the safer option for head coach Mike Tomlin. Fields’ legs and big-play ability are exceptional, but despite an efficient performance in the preseason finale, Fields' tendency to take sacks and fumble is concerning. However, Tomlin recently announced that Wilson will get the nod in Week 1.
Elsewhere, Bo Nix emerged victorious in Denver’s quarterback competition, beating out Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. Stidham, unhappy with the decision, has made his displeasure known. In Las Vegas, veteran Gardner Minshew secured the starting QB role over Aidan O’Connell, with the two splitting snaps throughout the preseason.
At the wide receiver position, Tampa Bay’s rookie standout Jalen McMillan, a Washington product, earned the third receiver spot alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. His emergence led to the Buccaneers cutting Sterling Shepard, while Trey Palmer remains on the roster as depth.
On the offensive line, former first-round tackle Evan Neal lost his starting spot on the New York Giants to veteran Jermaine Eluemunor. Neal’s demotion is a significant shake-up for the Giants, who will need stability up front to protect quarterback Daniel Jones, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the rest of their offensive line.
Big-Name Roster Cuts: Surprising Moves
As teams trimmed their rosters from 90 to 53 players, several big-name players found themselves on the outside looking in.
Terrace Marshall Jr., once a promising WR prospect out of LSU (same WR room as Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson) for the Carolina Panthers, was cut, signalling the team’s desire to go in a different direction with their receiving corps. Desmond Ridder, a quarterback who many thought might find a sustained role as a backup after a failed stint as the starter in Atlanta, was surprisingly let go by the Arizona Cardinals.
The Minnesota Vikings made a move by releasing injury-riddled safety Lewis Cine, their former 2022 first-round pick. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans parted ways with cornerback Caleb Farley, another former first-round selection who has struggled with injuries in the NFL.
The Green Bay Packers decided to move on from 2023 sixth-round pick kicker Anders Carlson, opting instead for veteran Greg Joseph. The decision was influenced by Carlson's inconsistencies during the preseason, dating back to his struggles down the stretch in his rookie season. The Packers also cut quarterbacks Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt and then traded for Titans’ Malik Willis to be Jordan Love’s backup. In Buffalo, running back Frank Gore Jr. was cut despite an impressive preseason finale where he rushed for 101 yards and averaged 5.6 yards per carry.
Brett Rypien found himself out of a job in Chicago, with the Bears deciding to keep only Tyson Bagent as the backup to Caleb Williams. KaDaraius Toney, after a disappointing 2023 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, was also released, making way for the return of JuJu Smith-Schuster to Kansas City.
Biggest Overall Takeaways: Rookie QBs Shine, Giants and Browns Concern
The NFL preseason showcased the potential of this year's rookie quarterback class. Caleb Williams in Chicago and Jayden Daniels in Washington displayed impressive arm talent, decision-making and athleticism, providing hope for their respective franchises. Bo Nix also impressed in Denver, showing poise and quick decision-making, which earned him the starting job.
Drake Maye saved his best performance for the Patriots’ preseason finale, leaving the door open for him to challenge Brissett once healthy. However, the Giants and Browns enter the season with significant concerns. The Giants' offensive line issues could spell trouble for Daniel Jones, who could continue to struggle without a stable of playmakers outside of first-round pick WR Malik Nabers. The Browns’ offence looks stagnant, with key players like Deshaun Watson, Amari Cooper, and Jerry Jeudy all dealing with recent injuries and a lack of chemistry.
The Los Angeles Chargers are another team to watch as they embark on their first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The team remains the most mysterious in the NFL but could make noise in an uncertain AFC West.
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