NFL preseason week 2: Top players and schedule

[ad_1]

Contents

NFL National Team, ESPNAugust 17, 2024 04:02 PM EST

Chicago Bears Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams Saturday Match Cincinnati Bengals It’s the second week of the 2024 NFL preseason. The rest of the league will continue play on Saturday and will wrap up on Sunday (full schedule below).

Week 2 of the preseason is often a dress rehearsal for the regular season. As the action winds down on Tuesday, August 27, our NFL Nation reporters will tell you what to expect from each game.

Saturday’s games

crow: Trenton Simpson Ready to replace Patrick Quinn Inside linebacker. Simpson made great plays down the field, stopping the Falcons’ first three possessions. He recorded a quarterback hit on third down in the opener and an interception on the quarterback in the open field. Taylor Hynek On third down of the second down and on third down of the third possession, broke up a pass from 10 yards out.

Simpson, a third-round pick last year, went from being a question mark at the start of the offseason to one of the team’s best players this summer. He played just 46 total snaps on defense last year as he played behind Quinn, who was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season. Now, after Quinn signed with a rival Pittsburgh SteelersSimpson is one of two new starters on a defense that ranks first in the NFL in points allowed (16.8), sacks (60) and tackles for loss (60). Whether in preseason games or training camp practices, Simpson is quick and aggressive, becoming a reliable playmaker next to the middle linebacker. Roquan Smith.—— Jamison Hensley

Next game: Green Bay (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)

Falcon: The Falcons were without about 40 players, including all of their starters and many key second-team players — such as rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.. That leaves a group of young players trying to carve out a spot either in the backup position or on the 53-man roster.

Most impressive were Atlanta’s rookie defensive linemen: Luke Ojohoro and Brandon DollesBoth have to work hard in practice to get more playing time, but Ojohoro has started to play steadily in the second unit and Dorus has started to play there as well. On Saturday, Ojohoro had a big sack in the first quarter, while Dorus was all over the field, recovering a fumble and making a tackle. That’s encouraging for a team that suddenly has a lot of confidence in its defensive front after the addition of its tight ends. Matthew Judon. Wide Receiver Chris Blair and cornerback Natrone Brooks He also played a great game and created a situation for himself to join the Falcons – or find a spot elsewhere after August 27th. —Mark Raimondi

Next game: vs. Jaguars (Friday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. ET)

Bear: it took Caleb Williams Chicago’s first-string offense got into the swing of things in the second quarter, after three straight strikeouts. Rom Odonze After the experienced wide receiver, the action started at the end of the 16-yard DJ Moore and Keenan Allen Exit the game.

Williams was then blocked for a 43-yard pass. Taylor Scott A deep pass allowed the Bears to enter the red zone for the first time and set up a field goal.

Odenze got the Bears into the red zone on the fifth play of the offense after connecting with Williams 45 yards out. If Odenze’s feet had been in bounds, the No. 9 pick would have caught a beautiful pass from Williams in the corner of the end zone and recorded his first NFL touchdown.

Two plays later, Williams showed off his scrambling ability and ability to put his head down and see the field as he ran for a 7-yard touchdown, his first touchdown in 23 preseason games against the Bengals.

On defense, Chicago was relentless in its attack against Cincinnati’s secondary, blitzed 10 times against the Bengals’ third-string quarterback. Logan Woodside ——Including from Caleb Gordon, Josh Blackwell and Reddy Stewart The latter two helped the Bears defense to record two interceptions. — Courtney Cronin

Next game: vs. Chiefs (Thursday, August 22, 8:20 p.m.)

Bengal Tiger: The battle for the starting cornerback spot should have been the highlight of Saturday’s preseason game against the Bears. DJ Turner and Dax Hill – Two contenders for the starting outside cornerback position Cam Taylor-Britt — No chance to catch the ball. Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams Neither Turner or Hill was targeted until they were replaced. Josh NewtonA fifth-round pick out of Texas Christian University, he was a mixed bag early in the game. He threw a pass that was blocked by a Bears receiver, but he caught it. DJ Moorewho had just signed a $110 million contract extension. But late in the game, he was whistled for pass interference on a long pass to Chicago. Taylor ScottNewton may eventually fight for the starting job. But the competition still seems to be between Hill and Turner. ——Ben Babe

Next game: vs. Colts (Thursday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.)

Thursday’s games

Eagles: Quarterback Jaylen is injured The rest of the offensive starters were rested. Meanwhile, a handful of regulars made an impact on defense, as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio continued to create competition at several key positions, including linebacker and cornerback. Several linebackers made plays against the Patriots. Zach Bowenhe and most of the first team players this summer Devin Whiteshowed good pursuit ability and stopped the running back Lamond Stevenson There were no earnings at the beginning of the first quarter. Dean of the Chinese Academy of Sciences He spent much of the night in New England’s backfield and finished with a team-high five tackles.

Positive progress has also been made in the wing attack. Nolan Smith Jr.The 2023 first-round pick had his second sack of the preseason. Bryce Huff He was primarily a pass rush specialist during his time with the Jets, so it’s unclear whether he can be a third-down player. Time will tell, but he did a good job of judging a short pass to the right side in the first quarter and made three tackles in limited action. —Tim McManus

Next game: vs. Vikings (Saturday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. ET)

patriot: Rookie quarterback Derek Meyer Playing four plays in two quarters — 25 total snaps — the results (albeit against an Eagles backup) gave some hope for the Patriots’ future. After playing just one play last week, Meyer helped the team score 10 points — 51 yards Joy Sly He scored a field goal and then ran for a 4-yard touchdown. He replaced the starter at the beginning of the second quarter. Jacoby Brissett (3 carries, 3 completions of 7, 17 yards, 1 interception).

Meyer’s numbers — 6 of 11 passes for 47 yards, plus four carries for 15 yards — don’t necessarily reflect his calmness as he patiently worked his way up. For example, he threw a pinpoint pass to a leaping rookie receiver in the third quarter. Javon Baker Was abandoned. If that connection could be made — and Meyer’s pitching couldn’t have been better — it would have made headlines. –Mike Reese

Next game: On Commanders (Sunday, August 25, 8 p.m. ET)

Saturday Games

New York Giants exist Houston Texans1 p.m. ET

Detroit Lions exist Kansas City Chiefs4 p.m. ET

Minnesota Vikings exist Cleveland Browns4:25 p.m. ET

Seattle Seahawks exist Tennessee Titans7 p.m. ET

Arizona Cardinals exist Indianapolis Colts7 p.m. ET

Washington Commander exist Miami Dolphins7 p.m. ET

Buffalo Bills exist Pittsburgh Steelers7 p.m. ET

New York Jets exist Carolina Panthers7 p.m. ET

Los Angeles Rams exist Los Angeles Chargers7:05 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers exist Jacksonville Jaguars7:30 p.m. ET