The midpoint of the 2024 NFL preseason has arrived, and Week 2 has served its usual role as a dress rehearsal for many teams. The week has been punctuated by a series of joint practices, offering a glimpse into potential rosters and strategies. Here’s a look at some key developments.
Quarterback Battles and Performances
In New England, the Patriots face a pivotal decision at quarterback, with Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye vying for the starting role. An insider noted, "The Patriots will have a decision to make who will quarterback this rebuilding offense that has little skill position players and a subpar offensive line." Both quarterbacks’ performances will be crucial in the upcoming weeks as the Patriots seek stability in their offensive unit.
The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, but the battle for opportunities remains fierce. Michael Penix Jr. has shown promise, completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards with a passer rating of 76.0 in his preseason debut. He led the Falcons to 10 points over five possessions, showcasing his potential as a reliable option.
In Chicago, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams made an impressive debut, completing 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards and earning a passer rating of 101.8. The Bears managed to score six points during Williams's two possessions, an encouraging sign for the franchise. An analyst pointed out the importance of Williams gaining live game experience, stating, "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."
Injury Concerns and Player Competitions
Malik Nabers of the New York Giants suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener, casting uncertainty over his availability. Competing for the WR2 position are Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson, who must step up to fill the gap behind Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins.
The Kansas City Chiefs face their own challenges, with Hollywood Brown nursing a shoulder injury and rookie Xavier Worthy potentially needing to step up. Additionally, Rashee Rice's status is in question, as he potentially faces suspension. This opens the door for wide receivers such as Kadarius Toney, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross to make their mark in the Chiefs' offense.
Strengths in Other Positions
The Tennessee Titans have revamped their running back roster with new additions Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Spears showcased his skills by scoring a touchdown in the preseason opener, while Pollard impressed with a 24-yard run. Collectively, they managed 37 yards from seven carries, hinting at a balanced and potent ground attack.
Meanwhile, Laiatu Latu has continued to demonstrate his prowess, leading the FBS with a 23.9% pressure rate during his tenure at UCLA. His performance is highly anticipated as the season progresses.
Backup Quarterback Scenarios
The Miami Dolphins have an ongoing competition for the backup quarterback position between Skylar Thompson and Mike White. Thompson finished 8 of 19 for 95 yards, with a touchdown and an interception in the preseason opener. On the other hand, White struggled, completing only 4 of 14 passes for 26 yards against second- and third-team players. An evaluator observed, "We’re unsure just how good he is because he’s been on the injured list," highlighting the uncertainty around White's capabilities.
For the Minnesota Vikings, Jordan Addison avoided a serious injury, which is a relief given the limited preseason snaps expected for Justin Jefferson. Trishton Jackson, however, made a significant impression, accumulating 100 yards on four catches with a touchdown last week.
Training Camp Setbacks
Ricky Pearsall of the San Francisco 49ers has been hampered by hamstring and shoulder issues during training camp, affecting his chances to secure a prominent role. As he battles through these injuries, his performance remains under close scrutiny.
Quarterback Updates
In Denver, Bo Nix impressed during the Broncos' preseason opener, completing 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards with a touchdown. In contrast, Jarrett Stidham finished 4 of 7 for 37 yards but threw an interception, leaving room to improve heading into Week 3 of the preseason.
As these battles and developments unfold, teams are keenly focused on fine-tuning their rosters and strategies for the upcoming regular season. Week 2 of the preseason has not only illuminated individual performances but also set the stage for the critical decisions that will shape the starting lineups.