Week 1 takeaways: Mecole Hardman provides extra velocity to Chiefs’ offense
Final week’s Corridor of Fame sport was a style, however this week marks the total return of soccer, albeit of the preseason selection. The Pittsburgh Steelers may need a pair of recent stars in James Washington and Devin Bush, Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns began sizzling, and so did a number of different younger quarterbacks.
All that and extra within the largest takeaways and fantasy soccer nuggets of the preseason’s opening week from NFL Nation:
Soar to a matchup:
CIN-KC | LAR-OAK | DAL-SF | IND-BUF | NYJ-NYG | WSH-CLE
NE-DET | ATL-MIA | CAR-CHI | TEN-PHI
JAX-BAL | HOU-GB | LAC-ARI | DEN-SEA
TB-PIT | MIN-NO
Saturday’s video games
One play from Saturday night time’s preseason opener confirmed why the Chiefs could possibly be higher offensively this season than they had been in 2018. Rookie huge receiver Mecole Hardman took a shovel move 17 yards for a landing within the second quarter by outrunning a number of Cincinnati defenders. Hardman, the Chiefs’ prime draft choose, has confirmed that type of velocity repeatedly at coaching camp. He is one other quick risk for Patrick Mahomes, becoming a member of Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson and 260-pound tight finish Travis Kelce. That type of velocity might be tough for opponents to take care of. — Adam Teicher
The Bengals had some good moments in coach Zac Taylor’s preseason debut however in the end regarded sloppy in opposition to the Chiefs. Cincinnati dedicated 11 penalties for 115 yards and had 4 turnovers, together with an end-of-half interception that resulted in a bruised rib for rookie RB Trayveon Williams. Two of these turnovers got here on muffed punt returns. The errors overshadowed a scoring drive by Cincinnati’s starters and a optimistic displaying by rookie quarterback Ryan Finley. The Bengals should look sharper once they take the sector at Washington on Thursday. — Ben Child
Mike Glennon regarded extra polished within the pocket — aside from throwing two dangerous interceptions, together with one on the purpose line — whereas Nathan Peterman, who broke off a 50-yard run, introduced extra power and regarded extra athletic, when he wasn’t getting clobbered. As such, give Peterman a slight edge within the race to be Derek Carr’s backup at quarterback, even when Glennon had shinier stats in throwing for 200 yards on 17-of-25 passing. There have been just some too many what-was-he-thinking performs for a man in his seventh NFL season. Peterman, in the meantime, adopted his spectacular run with a fast slant Three-yard TD move to Keelan Doss however did little after. He completed with a mere 66 yards passing, in finishing 9 of 12 makes an attempt and getting sacked twice. He offers Jon Gruden extra choices on offense, ought to he have to play rather than Carr. — Paul Gutierrez
Sean McVay’s opinion of preseason soccer stays clear: It’s pointless to play starters in exhibition video games. McVay didn’t play any starters, aside from projected first-year beginning defensive deal with Sebastian Joseph-Day and linebacker Micah Kiser, within the Rams’ preseason opener in opposition to the Raiders. McVay additionally didn’t deem it essential to play a number of key backups, together with operating again Malcolm Brown and cornerback Troy Hill. McVay’s resolution to maintain key gamers sidelined in a preseason sport doesn’t come as a shock. Final season, McVay drew loads of scrutiny when he performed backups all through the preseason, although that call was hardly questioned when the Rams superior to Tremendous Bowl LIII. This season, he has emphasised the significance of mixed practices of their preparation. The Rams held two joint practices with the Chargers, adopted by two joint practices with the Raiders forward of their preseason sport. — Lindsey Thiry
San Francisco 49ers 17, Dallas Cowboys 9
Saturday’s largest takeaway comes from a participant who wasn’t even enjoying in opposition to Dallas. The Niners introduced that slot receiver Trent Taylor had surgical procedure to repair a damaged toe on Friday and can miss the remainder of the preseason. Though the Niners hope Taylor might be again early within the season, his loss is necessary. By means of two weeks of coaching camp, he regarded the a part of a man poised to guide the staff in targets and receptions. Taylor will return, however the Niners should now discover a reliable goal for Jimmy Garoppolo outdoors of tight finish George Kittle. Third-round choose Jalen Hurd has been approaching these days, and he added to that trigger with two landing catches Saturday night time. With Taylor out, the chance is there for Hurd, however he might want to proceed to enhance the remainder of the exhibition season with the intention to be concerned early within the season. It is only one extra query a staff dealing with many now has to reply. — Nick Wagoner
Whereas a variety of consideration was on who wasn’t at Levi’s Stadium (Ezekiel Elliott) and who performed solely a bit (Dak Prescott) or in no way (Jason Witten, Alfred Morris, Zack Martin, Amari Cooper) within the Cowboys’ 17-9 loss to San Francisco of their preseason opener, the staff bought its first take a look at new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore in sport motion. On the face of it, not a lot modified for the offense — simply three discipline objectives — however Moore didn’t present a lot of what the Cowboys had been doing in Oxnard, California, in coaching camp practices. In 4 crimson zone drives, the Cowboys didn’t rating a landing and Brett Maher missed a discipline purpose try. Moore was capable of assist direct the Cowboys down the sector in a two-minute drill to shut the primary half with backup quarterback Cooper Rush. The second half was painful however hardly the fault of Moore. By way of the mechanics of his new position, little appeared to go unsuitable. The Cowboys didn’t have any points with personnel groupings or confusion on the sideline. However clearly issues have to enhance. Relationship again to final season, the Cowboys have gone three preseason video games and not using a landing. — Todd Archer
Friday’s video games
zero:54
Nathan Peterman breaks free for a 50-yard run, then caps off the Raiders’ drive with a Three-yard landing throw to Keelan Doss.
In Bruce Arians’ debut as Bucs head coach, Jameis Winston and the first-team offense had a strong night time. Winston went 5-for-6 for 40 yards, together with a 9-yard landing move to Chris Godwin on the opening possession. The protection had some hiccups in the way in which of some blown coverages and never ending tackles, though it was good to see Noah Spence rattling Josh Dobbs just a few occasions and Carl Nassib and Deone Bucannon every arising with sacks. Nonetheless, the protection appears to be hurting for depth with so many accidents. Rookie kicker Matt Homosexual drilled a 55-yard discipline purpose earlier than halftime, however Cairo Santos has been giving him a powerful push each day in follow, so anticipate that kicking battle to proceed by way of the preseason. — Jenna Laine
James Washington made a compelling case for extra appears in a Steelers passing sport that wants viable choices behind JuJu Smith-Schuster. Slimmed down within the offseason and rising in confidence, Washington did a little bit of the whole lot on his method to 84 yards receiving — snagging the deep ball from Josh Dobbs whereas absorbing contact, connecting on a back-shoulder landing play with school teammate Mason Rudolph and almost securing a second landing with an outstretched, barely-out-of-bounds catch within the nook of the tip zone. Rudolph regarded decisive throwing from the pocket, Dobbs ripped off huge dashing positive aspects and rookie linebacker Devin Bush was arduous to disregard with eight tackles and a near-interception. The protection was spotty early with a number of starters out, however a number of younger gamers shined. — Jeremy Fowler
zero:55
Patrick Mahomes completes all 4 of his passes to arrange Carlos Hyde for a one-yard landing on the Chiefs’ opening drive.
The 9 snaps we noticed from the first-team offense offered some clues about what this new Vikings scheme will function. Kirk Cousins is superb on play-action, and its use, together with the quarterback going below heart extra typically, will assist Minnesota be much less predictable. Cousins went Four-for-Four for 65 yards and a landing in New Orleans. The recipient of that scoring play — third-round choose Alexander Mattison — confirmed how necessary his position might be even with Dalvin Prepare dinner because the lead operating again. Mattison can shoulder a heavy load, as evidenced by what he did at Boise State and the way efficient he was on a handful of outside-zone runs within the first half, together with the 1-yard TD move he caught on the purpose line. The Vikings proceed to discover the best way to successfully use heavier personnel groupings with multiple-tight finish units and using the fullback, each of which ought to have an emphasis on this scheme. — Courtney Cronin
The Saints would put their QB room up in opposition to anyone else’s within the NFL. New Orleans rested Drew Brees in opposition to the Vikings on Friday, however backup Teddy Bridgewater regarded sharp in opposition to his former staff. Bridgewater accomplished 14 of 19 passes for 134 yards and one landing on a terrific two-minute drive earlier than halftime. In the meantime, third-stringer Taysom Hill — who ought to as soon as once more play a key position as a change-of-pace read-option QB — threw for 80 yards and a rating and ran for 45 yards within the second half. — Mike Triplett
Thursday’s video games
The Colts haven’t got a timetable on when Andrew Luck (calf) will return to follow, however they’re working below the expectation that the quarterback might be prepared for the beginning of the common season. Till that occurs, although, Jacoby Brissett will stay the beginning quarterback. The offense had no success with Brissett on the sector for the primary three sequence Thursday. The Colts totaled simply 22 yards with just one first down whereas Brissett was within the sport. Brissett continues to see his passes knocked down on the line of scrimmage, and he completed 2-of-5 for 21 yards. The Colts are anticipated to present their subsequent replace on Luck’s standing as soon as the staff returns to follow Saturday. — Mike Wells
The Payments’ prime two picks previously draft acquitted themselves effectively. Ed Oliver held his personal in opposition to All-Professional guard Quenton Nelson, whereas Cody Ford was used at each proper guard and proper deal with all through Buffalo’s first few sequence. Josh Allen (6-for-11, 66 yards) confirmed the restraint the Payments want for him to develop, however he nonetheless took 4 photographs downfield — finishing one. Buffalo’s defensive depth regarded robust, albeit in opposition to a closely depleted Colts offense, and Devin Singletary (27 dashing yards, 21 receiving yards) is perhaps a PPR star within the making. The Payments’ offensive line, whereas improved on paper, nonetheless must jell because it battles by way of accidents. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
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It was just one sequence, however QB Sam Darnold displayed the traits that make you imagine he is usually a franchise quarterback. He moved effectively within the pocket, shopping for time and discovering his second and third reads — which he did so effectively on the finish of his rookie season. Darnold (Four-for-5, 68 yards, one TD) virtually threw an interception on his first move, however he rebounded properly. This was an encouraging begin for Adam Gase’s offense, which did not have its two most completed gamers: operating again Le’Veon Bell and heart Ryan Kalil. — Wealthy Cimini
Daniel Jones appears like the true deal. OK, it was solely the primary preseason sport. It was just one drive during which he was on the sector. It does not matter. What the signal-caller did — 5-for-5 passing for 67 yards and a landing — in his solely drive was spectacular. Jones made some throws into tight home windows and did not flinch below the highlight in his first foray right into a stay NFL sport atmosphere. — Jordan Raanan
zero:54
Nathan Peterman breaks free for a 50-yard run, then caps off the Raiders’ drive with a Three-yard landing throw to Keelan Doss.
The Redskins’ quarterback competitors remained in impartial. Colt McCoy did not play, however he additionally did not lose any floor. Dwayne Haskins confirmed that he’s not able to be a Week 1 starter — which the staff already knew. Case Keenum, who performed with largely backups as three-fifths of the beginning line sat, didn’t distinguish himself. He accomplished Four of 9 passes, with 46 of his 60 yards on one landing completion. Keenum did not have a lot time to throw on some performs due to the offensive line, so it is arduous to precisely decide, however he did not separate himself from the pack. Keenum nonetheless is studying the offense; he’ll want a stronger displaying in subsequent weeks to earn the job. — John Keim
Baker Mayfield performed just one sequence, however what a sequence it was for the second-year quarterback. Using a hurry-up, no-huddle tempo, Mayfield took the Browns 89 yards down the sector in solely 2 minutes, 13 seconds, finishing 5 of 6 passes and capping the breakneck drive with a 21-yard landing strike to Rashard Higgins. Mayfield did it with out Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, as each star receivers sat out. Mayfield regarded somewhat comfy working out of tempo, which he performed in virtually solely at Oklahoma. In Beckham, Landry and Higgins, Mayfield has the weapons. A persistently aggressive, hurry-up part may make Mayfield and the Cleveland assault all of the extra, effectively, harmful. — Jake Trotter
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First-round choose N’Keal Harry, who surprisingly performed after showing to tweak one thing in his proper leg Tuesday, made two glorious catches earlier than limping off and getting checked out by the athletic coaching and medical employees. Harry did not return. Each catches mirrored how his measurement (6-foot-Three, 225 kilos) and physicality may assist the Patriots this season, as fellow huge receiver Maurice Harris has in contrast Harry’s physique sort to that of former NFL nice Anquan Boldin. However Harry’s standing bears watching. It’s commendable that he wished to play by way of harm within the preseason opener, though now the choice may sideline him if the problem lingers. — Mike Reiss
The excellent news for the Lions is it could actually’t get a lot worse. It is preseason. Most starters did not play. However make no mistake about it, the Patriots’ 31-Three annihilation of the Lions raised severe issues concerning the depth of the roster, and it is perhaps tough sufficient that common supervisor Bob Quinn ought to a minimum of take a look at the waiver wire. Backup tackles Tyrell Crosby and Andrew Donnal struggled all night time lengthy in opposition to whomever the Patriots lined up in opposition to them. The offensive line allowed 9 sacks — a quantity greater than the seven passes Detroit quarterbacks accomplished. The secondary was routinely overwhelmed on routes by New England’s receivers. And the backup quarterback state of affairs could possibly be worrisome. — Michael Rothstein
Extensive receiver Russell Gage continues to point out up. He’s making robust catches down the sector and operating sharp routes, as he confirmed in Miami. He has displayed nice arms, even making grabs out of bounds. Why is that this necessary? Properly, Gage is enjoying the identical position that star Julio Jones could be enjoying, however Jones is rehabbing a foot harm and awaiting a brand new contract. Jones will not play within the preseason. And if the contract does not get resolved by Sept. Eight, there’s an opportunity Jones will not be on the sector in opposition to the Vikings within the opener. Gage must be able to contribute. Even when Jones is again on the sector for the common season, because the Falcons anticipate, having one other succesful goal akin to Gage could be a pleasant asset. — Vaughn McClure
Josh Rosen is displaying continued progress in his bid to search out Ryan Fitzpatrick and win the Dolphins’ beginning quarterback job. We noticed a (largely) good model of Rosen on Thursday as he overcame poor safety to guide just a few robust drives down the sector. He completed 13-of-20 for 191 yards and a nasty interception. However he will get a thumbs-up for making sufficient flashes out of his six drives within the second and third quarters. Fitzpatrick bought the beginning and regarded OK in restricted motion (two drives, 2-of-5, 20 yards). Rosen’s day provides much more intrigue to a tightening QB battle. — Cameron Wolfe
First-round draft choose Brian Burns was spectacular. The Panthers chosen the previous Florida State edge rusher with the 16th choose to shore up a protection that completed 27th within the league in sacks final season. Burns continued to point out his effectiveness as a velocity pass-rusher in opposition to Chicago with two sacks; he used a pleasant spin transfer to register his first and his velocity to tally his second. Marquis Haynes additionally had two sacks because the Panthers debuted their Three-Four base protection. — David Newton
Since Bears coach Matt Nagy opted to relaxation a lot of the starters (those who did play noticed solely transient motion), the eye at Soldier Area centered on — you guessed it — the kicker battle. The night time belonged to Elliott Fry, who whipped the group right into a frenzy when he hit from 43 yards — the identical precise distance and course as Cody Parkey’s double-doink miss in final season’s playoff loss to Philadelphia. Fry additionally made his lone PAT try. However, Eddy Pineiro had an uneven Bears preseason debut, crusing a 48-yard try huge left earlier than connecting on a 23-yard chip shot. — Jeff Dickerson
Backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sharp in his debut with the Titans. He ended the day having accomplished 12 of his 16 makes an attempt for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Tannehill’s finest throws got here on a crisp move to Kalif Raymond on a publish route for a 19-yard achieve and a superbly positioned drop shot to Anthony Firkser on a seam route. He may have added a 3rd landing however underthrew Taywan Taylor, who dropped the move ultimately zone after slowing down. The Titans wished to improve their backup quarterback place. Judging from Tannehill’s debut, they’ve completed their mission. — Turron Davenport
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The harm to Nate Sudfeld’s non-throwing wrist places the Eagles quarterback state of affairs behind Carson Wentz in a state of flux. Sudfeld, the previous sixth-round pick of Indiana, was in line to interchange Nick Foles because the No. 2 QB, however he left the sector sporting an air solid. That backup publish has proved important for Philly over the previous two years and stays necessary given Wentz’s harm historical past. If Sudfeld is sidelined for an prolonged time frame, search for the Eagles so as to add competitors to a quarterback room that additionally contains Cody Kessler and rookie Clayton Thorson. — Tim McManus
Three of the Jaguars’ prime 5 draft picks didn’t play due to accidents, however the two who did had been definitely spectacular. Defensive finish Josh Allen, the staff’s first-round choose, beat the block of tight finish Nick Boyle to deal with operating again Gus Edwards for a 2-yard loss on his first NFL snap. Allen additionally bought a stress on QB Lamar Jackson earlier than being taken out. It was good to see Allen flash expertise in his restricted enjoying time. Working again Ryquell Armstead (fourth spherical) ran arduous and likewise confirmed some elusiveness with a nifty transfer to keep away from an unblocked linebacker within the backfield. Armstead’s numbers weren’t nice (eight carries for 22 yards), however it was the way in which he ran — bodily, breaking some tackles — that’s encouraging. The Jaguars are hoping Armstead (who left the sport and was evaluated for a concussion) can develop into the first backup to Leonard Fournette. — Mike DiRocco
Lamar Jackson carried the momentum from a powerful coaching camp into Thursday’s preseason opener. Counting on his arm and never his legs, Jackson accomplished Four of 6 passes (66.7%) for 59 yards and one landing whereas trying no runs. His finest throw got here when he hit Chris Moore for 30 yards alongside the sideline. It’s the kind of move that Jackson generally overthrew final season. In main Baltimore to scores on two of his three sequence, Jackson put collectively a efficiency that confirmed he’s very a lot accountable for the offense. “Lamar was calm, collected, poised and had nice management on the market,” offensive deal with Ronnie Stanley stated. “Simply directing the offense, he is aware of what to do. He has full confidence in himself and in our teammates.” — Jamison Hensley
The Texans did not make it out of their preseason opener unscathed. Slot receiver Keke Coutee needed to be helped off the sector in Inexperienced Bay after he was tackled to the bottom in the course of the second quarter after catching a move. The 2018 fourth-round choose instantly grabbed his leg and didn’t return to the sport. Coutee later tweeted after which deleted, “Minor setback, nothing main.” Coutee confirmed flashes of excellence final season however missed all however six video games because of accidents to each of his hamstrings. Earlier within the week, receiver DeAndre Hopkins known as Coutee “one of the crucial improved gamers on this offense.” And quarterback Deshaun Watson stated he has seen that the slot receiver has discovered the best way to learn defenses and “do precisely what the offense has been wanting him to do.” — Sarah Barshop
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A complete of 26 gamers sat out Thursday night time — 16 of them had been possible starters — so there wasn’t a lot to judge on the prime of the roster. However for those who’re in search of one thing optimistic, there’s this: Two issues the Packers did not do final season — take the ball away and make performs on particular groups — went their means Thursday night time. They got here up with two first-half interceptions (one by rookie sixth-round choose Ka’dar Hollman and one other by second-year cornerback Chandon Sullivan) and a special-teams landing when Equanimeous St. Brown recovered a muffed punt ultimately zone. DeShone Kizer quarterbacked the Packers within the first half with first rate numbers — Eight-of-13 for 102 yards and a landing — however at this level, there’s not a lot distinction between Kizer and third-stringer Tim Boyle (who threw two landing passes). — Rob Demovsky
With Melvin Gordon lacking his staff’s preseason opener because of a contract dispute, the remainder of the operating again group picked up the slack. The Chargers completed with 179 dashing yards on 28 makes an attempt (6.Four per carry) in opposition to the Cardinals. Rookie QB Easton Stick led the cost with 51 dashing yards, together with an explosive, 31-yard scramble for a rating. Justin Jackson additionally had a formidable run, bowling over an Arizona defender on his method to a Four-yard rating. With Gordon’s holdout presumably lasting into the common season, the Chargers will proceed to seek for efficient choices at operating again to assist fill the void till the Wisconsin product returns. — Eric D. Williams
Although he did not rating and even get the ball previous midfield, rookie quarterback Kyler Murray regarded crisp, sharp and environment friendly. He formally went 6-for-7 for 44 yards, spreading the ball all around the discipline and evading stress utilizing an unmatched escapability. However for pretty much as good as Murray regarded, the first-team protection regarded dangerous, letting the Chargers transfer down the sector with relative ease. However the story for the Cardinals was Murray’s displaying in his first NFL motion. — Josh Weinfuss
When Vic Fangio was employed by the Broncos, he emphasised the significance of avoiding “dying by inches” — the little errors and flaws in fundamentals that trigger groups to lose video games. Two video games into the preseason, the Broncos have watched not inches, however misplaced yards, price them dearly. After eight penalties within the Corridor of Fame sport, the Broncos had been flagged 15 occasions within the loss to the Seahawks, with 11 of these penalties being accepted. The beginning offense, led by quarterback Joe Flacco, put collectively a 12-play scoring drive to open the sport. The Broncos’ move rush on protection additionally had its moments, however the flags finally overwhelmed their efforts. They definitely will not agree with all the penalties, however with three preseason video games nonetheless to play, the Broncos are usually not the essentially sound operation Fangio needs. — Jeff Legwold
The Seahawks’ backup quarterback competitors is nearer than it appeared a day in the past. Earlier than Seattle’s preseason opener, it might have been tough to think about Paxton Lynch beating out Geno Smith primarily based on how every has regarded two weeks into coaching camp. However Lynch closed the hole a minimum of a bit with a powerful night time in opposition to his former staff, going 11-of-15 for 109 yards with a passing and dashing landing. He was decisive and largely correct, save for a misfire on his first try. In the meantime, Smith went Three-of-9 throughout a nondescript first half and is now headed for surgical procedure to take away a cyst in his knee, which the staff hopes will solely hold him out for a couple of week. That’ll give Lynch a chance to make up extra floor as the 2 vie for the lone backup spot behind Russell Wilson. — Brady Henderson