As the NFL preseason unfolds, the focus remains on development and fine-tuning team rosters. This period provides an opportunity for teams to evaluate young players and those hovering on the edge of the roster, making crucial decisions about who will secure a spot in the final 53-man lineup.
Cardinals' Quarterback Battle
In Arizona, the preseason spotlight shone brightly on second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune. During a matchup against the New Orleans Saints, Tune delivered a performance that could solidify his standing on the team. Head coach Jonathan Gannon, opting to rest many starters, gave Tune the opportunity to take center stage.
Tune seized the moment, completing four of his five passes in a nine-play, 70-yard drive that culminated in an 11-yard touchdown run by Michael Carter. His final drive was equally impressive, featuring a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr. Tune finished the game with 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing. Despite Tune's efforts, the Cardinals narrowly fell to the Saints, 16-14.
Desmond Ridder, who started the game for the Cardinals, played the entire first half. Ridder completed four of nine passes for 43 yards, while rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. added another 104 yards, completing nine of 16 throws during the game. However, the Cardinals also saw defeat at the hands of the Miami Dolphins, 20-13, with these players gaining valuable experience.
Injury Report
Every preseason also brings its share of injuries. The Cardinals experienced a significant setback when DeMarcco Hellams was carted off the field due to a left leg injury. This kind of loss can shift dynamics within the team, adding urgency to evaluating the rest of the roster.
Player Highlights
Taylor Heinicke struggled to find his rhythm, completing just four of 11 passes for 11 yards. On the defensive side, first-round rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins showcased his potential by allowing only two completions for a mere eight yards.
Meanwhile, in Baltimore, head coach John Harbaugh's decision to opt for a 21-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal ended in a narrow 16-13 loss to the Eagles.
Over in Chicago, the Bills faced a lopsided defeat against the Bears, 33-6. For the Bears, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams demonstrated promise, completing four of seven passes for 95 yards.
Across the League
In other action, the New England Patriots secured a decisive 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers. For the Cincinnati Bengals, the return of Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins was a welcome sight, despite their narrow 17-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Browns faced defeat against the Green Bay Packers, where Jamari Thrash managed three catches for 43 yards. Denver fans had reason to celebrate as the Broncos edged out the Indianapolis Colts in a 34-30 nail-biter, with Bo Nix throwing for 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing.
The New York Giants emerged victorious over the Detroit Lions with a 14-3 win, while the Houston Texans overpowered the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-12. In Jacksonville, the Jaguars bested the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 26-13. The Las Vegas Raiders fell to the Minnesota Vikings in a close contest, 24-23, and the Seattle Seahawks triumphed over the Los Angeles Chargers, 16-3.
Derek Carr, reflecting on the Saints' lack of preparation, revealing during the broadcast that "New Orleans didn't game plan at all, and that he didn't know who was playing with him until just before kickoff." The raw and uncalculated approach may have shaped the game's outcome, further emphasizing the experimental nature of the preseason.
In a noteworthy financial move, Jordan Love secured a substantial four-year, $220 million contract with the Packers, including a $75 million signing bonus. This significant investment underscores Green Bay's confidence in Love's future role as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Among other notable outcomes, the Rams eked out a 13-12 victory over the Cowboys, rounding out a week of games that offered both drama and insight into the potential future stars of the league.
As the preseason progresses, the performances of these young talents and the strategic decisions by coaching staffs continue to set the stage for the regular season, where every choice made in these early games could influence the trajectory of the 2023 NFL campaign.