As the 2024 NFL preseason reaches its midpoint, the league finds itself swirling with storylines, position battles, and emerging talents. Week 2 of the exhibition schedule, often seen as a dress rehearsal, has already provided plenty of intrigue.
Quarterback Battles Heating Up
In New England, the Patriots are grappling with a quarterback conundrum. Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye are locked in a battle to lead an offense that, according to insiders, is “rebuilding and has little skill position players and a subpar offensive line.” Both quarterbacks are vying for the coach’s confidence, but the decision remains in the balance as the preseason wears on.
Down south, the Atlanta Falcons have a more straightforward situation with Kirk Cousins firmly established as the starter. However, the competition for backup quarterback is heating up, with Michael Penix Jr. fighting for opportunities. Penix impressed in his preseason debut, completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards, achieving a passer rating of 76.0, and guiding the Falcons to 10 points over five possessions.
In Chicago, all eyes are on rookie Caleb Williams. The young quarterback showed promise in his preseason opener, completing 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards and earning a passer rating of 101.8. With analysts pointing out the importance of giving Williams “those live game reps,” his development will be crucial for the Bears' immediate future.
Injuries Impacting Rosters
Injuries are an unfortunate reality of the game, and several teams are already feeling their effects. The New York Giants' Malik Nabers suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener, putting a damper on their receiver plans. Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver Hollywood Brown is grappling with a shoulder injury, potentially opening the door for rookie Xavier Worthy to step up. The Chiefs' wide receiver roster is also contending with the potential suspension of Rashee Rice, adding more uncertainty to the mix.
New Faces and Standout Performances
The Tennessee Titans have welcomed new additions to their backfield in Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Spears made an immediate impact, scoring a touchdown in the preseason opener, while Pollard showcased his abilities with a 24-yard run. Combined, the two managed 37 yards from seven carries, giving Titans fans a glimpse of a promising ground game.
Laiatu Latu, a standout from UCLA known for leading the FBS with a 23.9% pressure rate, is another name generating buzz. His performance will be closely watched as teams evaluate defensive prospects.
Backup Quarterback Competitions
The Miami Dolphins are also in the midst of a quarterback battle, albeit for the backup spot behind Tua Tagovailoa. Skylar Thompson and Mike White are the contenders, with Thompson finishing 8 of 19 for 95 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the preseason opener. White, meanwhile, struggled, completing only 4 of 14 passes for 26 yards against second- and third-team players. This competition might extend right up to the start of the regular season, as sources indicate it "may go down to the first week before head coach Antonio Pierce names a starter."
Rookie Contributions
Rookies are also making their mark elsewhere. In Denver, Bo Nix delivered an efficient performance in the Broncos' preseason opener, completing 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards with a touchdown. Conversely, fellow quarterback Jarrett Stidham struggled, finishing with just 37 yards and an interception from seven attempts.
The San Francisco 49ers' Ricky Pearsall has been hampered by hamstring and shoulder issues during training camp, impacting his ability to contribute fully. Over in Minnesota, Jordan Addison avoided a serious injury, much to the relief of Vikings fans. With star receiver Justin Jefferson expected to have limited preseason snaps, players like Trishton Jackson, who tallied 100 yards on four catches with a touchdown last week, may have the opportunity to shine.
The competition for the WR2 spot in New York is another subplot to watch. Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson are battling for the position behind Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins, adding depth to the Giants' receiving corps.
As the preseason progresses, these battles, injuries, and standout performances will continue to shape the NFL landscape. With each passing week, the stakes grow higher for players aiming to secure their spot in the regular season, making every play, practice, and game an opportunity to impress.