NFL Preseason 2024: Biggest Takeaways from Week 1 Games (2024)

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden DanielsMitchell Leff/Getty Images

New England Patriots quarterbacks Drake Maye (left) and Jacoby Brissett (right)John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

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Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell scores a touchdown Friday against the Pittsburgh SteelersJustin K. Aller/Getty Images

Tank Dell was on a tear as a rookie for the Houston Texans. Unfortunately, a fractured fibula in Week 13 ended a promising campaign. Still, Dell finished seventh among first-year wide receivers with 709 yards. He's clearly a favorite target for Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, which became evident during Houston's first preseason contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stroud connected with his draft classmate for a 34-yard score. The explosive target took advantage of his inside leverage, then forced a missed tackle, on his way to the end zone.

Across the line of scrimmage, the Steelers also have a young, promising tackling machine in linebacker Payton Wilson.

Wilson, whom Pittsburgh drafted with this year's 98th overall pick, is the reigning Butkus Trophy winner. He's a highly productive and athletic defender. However, an extensive injury history affected the Wilson's draft status.

The linebacker opened Friday's contest with a tackle for loss. He could be found near the ball on almost every play. He's an instinctive defender, who has a chance to play a big role in a rotation with veterans Patrick Quinn and Elandon Roberts.

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. under center during Friday's preseason contest against the Miami Dolphins. Rich Storry/Getty Images

Miami Dolphins Find Yet Another Weapon in Rookie Running Back Jaylen Wright
While Atlanta is content with a talented rookie not playing, the Dolphins may be forced to find ways to get running back Jaylen Wright onto the field.

Wright is an explosive back who adds even more speed and dynamism to Miami's top-ranked offense. The fourth-round draftee brings legit 4.38-second 40-yard-dash speed to an already potent backfield. Wright is a slashing runner, who can thrive in the zone-based scheme.

Wright carried the ball 10 times for 55 yards and score in his debut. Considering the injury histories of Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane, the rookie can be a big contributor in Miami.

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate WigginsGreg Fiume/Getty Images

The Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens felt the need to invest heavily in their secondaries this offseason. Both should feel better about those situations coming out of Week 1 of the preseason.

Quinyon Mitchell was the first cornerback chosen in this year's draft class. He paid immediate dividends for the Eagles, with a near-interception when being tested on third down for the very first time. Mitchell has exceptional ball skills, and they're obvious.

Baltimore Ravens Rookie Cornerback Nate Wiggins Denies His Opponents

Nate Wiggins also heard his name called in this year's first round. The Ravens chose the Clemson product with the 30th overall pick. Wiggins was ready to be challenged and thrived with three defended passes.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden DanielsMitchell Leff/Getty Images

To paraphrase the late, great Dennis Green, "Jayden Daniels is exactly who we thought he was. He didn't let the New York Jets off the hook."

The best possible outcome for any team in preseason, particularly Week 1, is to have the starters go in, execute and quickly get off the field. That's exactly what happened when Daniels took the field with the Washington Commanders for the first time.

After airmailing his first throw, this year's third overall pick completed his first pass 42 yards down the field to a streaking Dyami Brown. The Jets dropped eight into coverage on 3rd-and-6. Daniels dropped back, used a quick hitch to avoid slight pressure off his right side and delivered a perfect downfield strike.

While the rookie finished the drive with a three-yard score, Daniels' deep connection says a lot about his potential.

"He made a check mid-play," offensive lineman Samuel Cosmi said during an in-game interview (h/t Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala). "It turned out to be a big gain.

"...So, I think everyone should be very excited just from that little sneak peek right there. I know I am. I know the guys are fired up. I think we got a dude back there."

The New York Jets couldn't resist selecting Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen with the 134th overall pick in this year's NFL draft. Allen has the potential to be a big-time steal.

Despite being a phenom at the collegiate level. Allen was the 10th running back selected in April's event. Part of the reason behind his slide was due to the fact he couldn't put a full predraft workout together because of a lingering high-ankle sprain.

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams rolls to his right during a preseason contest against the Buffalo Bills.Rich Barnes/Getty Images

Preseason isn't the time to get overly excited about individual performances. Yet it's difficult not to be impressed with what this year's No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams, did Saturday in his debut against the Buffalo Bills.

Generally, excitement should be tempered knowing that schemes are simplified and teams aren't necessarily playing all of their starters. Williams displayed some of the traits that made him a special talent, though.

Creativity was the name of Williams' game while in college. It translates.

An off-balance laser, while rolling to his right with a defender chasing, isn't normal. It's an exceptional throw.

But everyone knew Williams can make those wild passes and do so with regularity. Keep in mind, he was nearly perfect through two drives. He would have completed his first six passes before an outright miss if not for back-to-back drops by tight end Cole Kmet and D.J. Moore.

Everyone should understand the setup. Still, the Chicago Bears have never featured a quarterback this talented.

The organization chose to trade its leading receiver Stefon Diggs, who posted four-straight 1,100-yards for the Bills, to the Houston Texans this offseason. The team wanted to get bigger at the position and chose Coleman with its top draft pick (33rd overall).

Coleman has excellent ball skills and body control. They weren't on display on Saturday.

The rookie caught one pass against soft zone coverage to start his professional career. But the Bills offense also targeted him twice in the end zone, which didn't result in a score.

The situation is going to develop over time, with veterans Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins providing more immediate targets for quarterback Josh Allen.

"At the end of the day, I think he'll be a huge contributor this year," Shakir said of Coleman during an in-game interview. "... He's a big body. He knows how to use it."

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'ConnellStephen Maturen/Getty Images

No Clarity in the Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback Competition

The Las Vegas Raiders are the only franchise in the NFL this preseason to have a true quarterback competition. Other organizations have some uncertainty, but a plan seems to be in place. Whereas the Raiders must decide whether Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew II will open the regular season behind center.

O'Connell opened the Raiders' Saturday's preseason contest against the Minnesota Vikings as the Raiders' "starting" quarterback. Everyone will see if it's any indication which way head coach Antonio Pierce is leaning or if he just gets the benefit of the doubt having been with the squad last season. Minshew could easily easily be the first Raiders quarterback onto the field next weekend.

Neither pulled away nor really hurt themselves with their initial performance.

O'Connell was efficient by completing seven-of-nine passes for 76 yards, though he was sacked once and still presents mobility issue. Minshew was far more aggressive, as a veteran should be against backup defenders. He has playmaking ability, which showed up with a 20-yard touchdown pass to DJ Turner.

But questions remain about Minshew's decision-making at times and arm limitations.

The Raiders will move a week closer to the regular season without an answer who will be leading the team this fall.

Technically, the Vikings aren't entirely settled at quarterback, either. However, the coaching staff seems content going into the regular season with Sam Darnold as the team's starting quarterback, while giving J.J. McCarthy time to develop.

As exciting as it may have been to see McCarthy play for the first time, Minnesota's other first-round pick, Dallas Turner, had more of an immediate impact.

Green Bay Packers edge-defender Lukas Van NessPerry Knotts/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers chose Lukas Van Ness with the 13th overall pick in last year's draft knowing full well that he was a developmental prospect. The team should be rewarded for its foresight based on how Van Ness has looked through training camp and the first preseason contest against the Cleveland Browns.

Van Ness had one defining trait coming out of the Iowa Hawkeyes program: His play-strength was as good as any edge prospect in recent memory. His bull-rush proved to be deadly at the collegiate level.

The Browns didn't have their entire starting offensive line on the field, with backup quarterback Jameis Winston leading the way. As a result, Van Ness was too much to handle, with three tackles for loss and a sack. The sophom*ore edge-defender could have had a second sack but failed to secure it, though Colby Wooden cleaned up the negative play.

Preston Smith turns 32 later this year. Positive returns from Van Ness portend an expanded role this fall.

The NFL and its teams scaled back on the preseason and player usage for safety purposes. The main thing every coach wants with each of these exhibition contests is to avoid injuries. Unfortunately, the Browns endured multiple maladies Saturday.

Ronnie Hickman proved to be a standout rookie safety last season, even after going undrafted. He was beat for a 65-yard touchdown by Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks during the Packers' opening drive. Hickman pulled up slightly during the play, which turned out to be a back injury.

Backup center Luke Wypler suffered a leg injury that required an air cast and cart to be taken off the field. The Browns signed veteran pivot Brian Allen earlier in the year, but he was released on Aug. 3 with an injury settlement. Michael Dunn can play some center, though he's not entirely comfortable there.

David Bell may be facing a make-or-break preseason to be on the Browns' final roster, with Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman ahead of him on the depth chart. The former third-round draft pick hasn't provided much through two seasons. He may not add much through the rest of preseason after leaving Saturday's game with a quad injury.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson SteeleScott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The preseason is more beneficial to undrafted players trying to make the roster than any other group. Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele is the latest darling based on his initial appearance.

The Chiefs already feature arguably the league's angriest runner in Isiah Pacheco. He'll have competition from his newest backfield-mate, Carson Steele.

But Steele didn't test well during the predraft process, with a 4.75-second 40-yard dash and marginal change-of-direction numbers.

The Chiefs don't need a workhorse, but a plow horse will work just fine. Pacheco is the lead back. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a third-down options. Deneric Prince brings some juice to the backfield. Steele can be the groups thumper, while providing some positional flexibility as a 228-pound back.

The Jacksonville Jaguars failed to retain Calvin Ridley this offseason, then saw their top receiver leave and join an AFC South rival. Adjustments had to be made, and this year's selection of Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall draft pick is a big piece of the puzzle.

Thomas was college football's best downfield threat last season. He averaged 17.3 yards per catch in 2023. So, it comes as no surprise that his first NFL catch was courtesy of a vertical route.

Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy IISteph Chambers/Getty Images

The Seattle Seahawks' Byron Murphy II became the second defensive prospect off the board during April's NFL draft and the first interior defender selected. He drew the type of attention from the Los Angeles Chargers that a talented defensive lineman demands.

Murphy proved up to the task when facing double-teams and controlling the Chargers' offensive linemen.

It's only the first game of preseason. There's no reason to overreact. But the Chargers' depth chart at the skill positions is scary based on those who took the field Saturday.

Currently, franchise quarterback Justin Herbert is dealing with plantar fascia in his right foot. He could be affected for some or most of the regular season. Yet Los Angeles doesn't have the talent at quarterback to be competitive if Herbert is forced to miss any time and the wide receivers may struggle to elevate anyone else.

To be fair, Los Angeles was one of the teams who didn't play their starters. Backup quarterback Easton Stick wasn't dropping back and targeting Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. The rest of the wide receiver group did nothing to impress.

New head coach Jim Harbaugh loves to take a ground-and-pound approach. It may be the only saving grace to the Chargers offense early in the regular season.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe BurrowJason Mowry/Getty Images

By Week 11, Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury.

So, the Bengals have to hold their breath a little bit every time their franchise signal-caller faces live action against an actual opponent. Saturday's test against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went smoothly, though.

Burrow completed five-of-seven passes for 51 yards and a score. After that, his night was done.

The Bengals have an elite quarterback behind center. Burrow did exactly what everyone should expect from a veteran of his caliber: He immediately led his offense on a scoring drive, while taking apart a simplified defensive approach.

Now, Burrow and Co. must build upon this effort and keep the quarterback healthy.

Robert Hainsey opened the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' initial preseason game as the first-team center despite the organization drafting Graham Barton with this year's 26th overall pick.

The setup may not last long.

Hainsey and Barton did take turns throughout the first few series. But the team invested in Barton for a reason and it began to show with how well the rookie performed in his first game experience.

The Buccaneers have eased their first rounder into the lineup, because he's making the transition back to center after playing left tackle for the last three seasons. Truth is, Barton needs all the reps he can get with the first team so he can gel with his guards, get used to making all of the line calls and form a full-time relationship with quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Hainsey isn't the solution so he needs to move to the side.

A toss from Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis to running back Tyjae SpearsWesley Hitt/Getty Images

Tennessee's first two offensive possessions ended in touchdowns.

Granted, the initial drive began at the San Francisco 49ers' 15-yard line, but the Titans still needed to punch the ball in the end zone and did.

Levis completed five of his seven attempts, with a one-yard touchdown plunge to open Tennessee's scoring.

San Francisco originally drafted the 6'2", 310-pound defender in the sixth round of the 2022 class. Davis played very little during his first two seasons. But he looks ready for an expanded role based on the improved play seen Saturday against the Titans.

The 25-year-old defensive tackle registered two tackles for loss and a sack. Davis worked his way through multiple blockers, split double-teams and found ways into the backfield.

Obviously, San Francisco has one of the league's best defensive fronts. Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins are proven starters. Jordan Elliott joined the team as a free agent this offseason. Kevin Givens played extensively last season.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon (left) and New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen (right)Mike Christy/Getty Images

Marvin Harrison Jr. is the future of Arizona Cardinals football. He provided nothing in the present. On the other hand, fellow first-round Darius Robinson looked like a future difference-maker for the defense.

Harrison played one series, which lasted only three plays, and wasn't targeted. His impact won't be felt until later, it seems.

Whereas Robinson, whom the organization chose with this year's 27th overall pick, showed in his lone series that he can be an effective chess piece by lining up inside over guard to take full advantage of his 6'5", 286-pound frame.

Technically, Robinson is a defensive end. He can play the role on early downs. He should be most effective taking advantage of interior blockers as part of Arizona's pressure packages. Everyone saw the first glimpse of the approach Saturday against the New Orleans Saints.

Klint Kubiak is the son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak. Changes will be felt throughout the Saints scheme.

To start, Klint Kubiak is likely to employ more two-back and/or tight-end sets. Those are staples of the Shanahan coaching tree. The Saints are talented enough to do so with Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams at running back, as well as Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau at tight end.

These personnel packages will limit some opportunities for the wide receivers. In order to demand significant playing time, those outside targets need to bring a specific skill set.

Chris Olave is the squad's clear WR1. A.T. Perry has the makings of an ideal complement. The 2023 sixth-round draft pick is a big-bodied (6'5", 205 lbs), downfield target.

Broncos QB Bo NixEmilee Chinn/Getty Images

Cowboys QB Trey LanceRonald Martinez/Getty Images