The 2024 NFL preseason has reached its midpoint, and Week 2 of the exhibition schedule often serves as a critical dress rehearsal for many teams. This week has already been marked by a series of joint practices, and several teams find themselves at crucial junctures ahead of the regular season.
Quarterback Competitions Heat Up
In New England, the Patriots have a highly scrutinized quarterback battle unfolding between Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye. The decision will be pivotal for a rebuilding offense that struggles with a lack of skill position players and a subpar offensive line. As one insider keenly observed, "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."
Rookie Quarterbacks Stepping Up
The Chicago Bears are placing substantial expectations on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. In his preseason opener, Williams showed promise by completing 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards, resulting in a passer rating of 101.8. During Williams's two possessions, the Bears managed to score six points. An analyst highlighted, "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."
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons have their starting quarterback situation more settled with Kirk Cousins. However, Michael Penix Jr. is fighting for opportunities, aiming to carve out a more substantial role. In his preseason debut, Penix completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards with a passer rating of 76.0, guiding the Falcons to 10 points over five possessions.
Challenges and Injuries on the Field
Several teams are grappling with player injuries that could impact their rosters. The New York Giants are dealing with an ankle injury to Malik Nabers, suffered during the preseason opener. For the Kansas City Chiefs, Hollywood Brown's shoulder injury puts additional pressure on rookie Xavier Worthy to step up. Moreover, Rashee Rice's potential suspension looms large over a wide receiver group already contending with competition from Kadarius Toney, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross.
Running Backs and Offensive Lines
The Tennessee Titans have bolstered their running backs' lineup with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Both have shown glimpses of capability; Spears scored a touchdown in the preseason opener, while Pollard made an impressive 24-yard run. Together, they managed 37 yards from seven carries, offering a glimpse of potential synergy in the backfield.
Backup Battles and Defensive Standouts
A keen competition for the backup quarterback spot is taking place in Miami between Skylar Thompson and Mike White. Thompson completed 8 of 19 passes for 95 yards, with a touchdown and an interception in the preseason opener. White, on the other hand, struggled, completing only 4 of 14 passes for 26 yards against second- and third-team players. This battle may go down to the first week of the regular season before head coach Antonio Pierce names a starter, as a source indicated.
On the defensive side, the Minnesota Vikings face their own series of challenges and opportunities. Jordan Addison managed to avoid a serious injury, while Justin Jefferson is expected to have limited snaps this preseason. Trishton Jackson emerged as a standout performer, accumulating 100 yards on four catches with a touchdown last week.
Undeterred Prospects
San Francisco 49ers' Ricky Pearsall has been hampered by hamstring and shoulder problems throughout training camp. Despite these setbacks, other players have risen to the occasion in preseason games. For example, Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos delivered an efficient performance in his preseason opener, completing 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. Conversely, Jarrett Stidham struggled, finishing 4 of 7 for 37 yards with an interception.
As these preseason games unfold and rosters take shape, teams continue to evaluate and adapt in preparation for the regular season. The movement and performances in these games will undoubtedly shape many of the final 53-man rosters across the league, cementing the futures of numerous players.