As the NFL preseason progresses, teams are in a crucial period of development and fine-tuning. Coaches and scouts are meticulously evaluating young talents and those on the fringes of their rosters to finalize the coveted 53-man lineup.
Cardinals' Quarterback Shuffle
In Arizona, the Cardinals continue to refine their roster. Second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune delivered a standout performance in a close preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. Operating under head coach Jonathan Gannon's decision to rest many starters, Tune showcased his potential by completing four of five passes on a nine-play, 70-yard drive, culminating in Michael Carter's 11-yard touchdown run.
Tune's efforts didn't stop there. He engineered another touchdown drive, including a precise 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr. Tune ended the game with 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing, although the Cardinals ultimately fell to the Saints 16-14.
Quarterback Depth Tested
The Cardinals' quarterback depth was further tested with Desmond Ridder starting and playing the entire first half, finishing with four of nine passes for 43 yards. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. also saw action, completing nine of 16 throws for 104 yards in a prior match against the Miami Dolphins, where the Cardinals lost 20-13.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Cardinals, as DeMarcco Hellams suffered a left leg injury and had to be carted off the field, adding further concerns to their roster decisions.
Ravens and Eagles Face Off
Elsewhere, the Baltimore Ravens faced the Philadelphia Eagles in a tightly contested game. The Ravens, coached by John Harbaugh, opted for a conservative 21-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal, and eventually lost to the Eagles 16-13. Despite the loss, rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins stood out, allowing just two completions for a mere eight yards.
Lopsided Loss for Buffalo
The Buffalo Bills faced a harsh 33-6 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bears. On a brighter note for the Bears, rookie Caleb Williams completed four of seven passes for 95 yards, giving fans a glimpse of his potential.
Patriots and Panthers Clash
The New England Patriots showcased their prowess with a solid 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Their development strategies seemed to be paying off as they dominated on both sides of the ball.
Joe Burrow's Return
Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins made their returns for the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite their efforts, the team narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ending with a close score of 17-14. Burrow's performance was a positive sign for Bengals fans awaiting the regular season.
Broncos vs. Colts
The Denver Broncos edged out the Indianapolis Colts in a high-scoring encounter, finishing 34-30. Bo Nix was particularly impressive for the Broncos, throwing for 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing, solidifying his spot on the team.
Contracts and Comebacks
Jordan Love's new four-year, $220 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, which includes a $75 million signing bonus, made headlines, highlighting the Packers' confidence in their quarterback. Despite this major investment, the Browns defeated the Packers in their recent clash, with Jamari Thrash contributing three catches for 43 yards.
Raiders and Vikings Duel
The Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings had one of the closest contests of the week, with the Vikings narrowly edging out the Raiders 24-23. It was a game of inches that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Seahawks, Rams, and Other Notable Performances
The Seattle Seahawks secured a comfortable 16-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, showing early signs of a robust season ahead. Conversely, the Rams eked out a 13-12 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in a game that highlighted defensive grit and strategic playmaking.
Additional Notes
The Houston Texans emerged victorious over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 20-12 scoreline, and the Jacksonville Jaguars cruised past the Kansas City Chiefs, winning 26-13. The New York Giants also demonstrated their capabilities with a decisive 14-3 win over the Detroit Lions.
Meanwhile, New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr provided an interesting tidbit during the game’s broadcast, revealing 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 laid-back approach highlights the experimental nature of preseason games, where the focus is on assessing players' adaptability and raw talent.