The NFL preseason is always a critical period, focusing on development and fine-tuning rosters as teams evaluate young players and those on the edge. In Arizona, the Cardinals' matchup against the New Orleans Saints offered a glimpse into promising talent, particularly from second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune. Tune delivered a notable performance during the game, orchestrating impressive drives and showcasing his potential under pressure.
Arizona Cardinals' Quarterback Showcase
Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon opted to rest many starters, giving Tune a chance to shine. In return, Tune completed four of his five passes during a nine-play, 70-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown, capped off by Michael Carter’s 11-yard run. The young quarterback's final drive was equally impressive, finishing with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr. In total, Tune managed to amass 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing attempts.
Despite Tune's efforts, the Cardinals fell to the Saints 16-14. Desmond Ridder started for the Cardinals, playing the entire first half and completing four of nine passes for 43 yards. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. also got his shot, completing nine of 16 throws for 104 yards in the Cardinals' previous game against the Miami Dolphins, which ended in a 20-13 loss.
Injuries and Setbacks
During these intense preseason games, injuries are an unfortunate reality. DeMarcco Hellams was carted off the field due to a left leg injury – a significant setback for the player and the team. The quarterback play wasn’t as sharp with Taylor Heinicke completing just four of 11 passes for 11 yards, further complicating the team’s roster decisions. First-round rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins, however, was a bright spot, allowing only two completions for a mere eight yards.
Mixed Outcomes Across the League
Elsewhere in the league, the Ravens faced a close contest against the Eagles but ultimately lost 16-13. Head Coach John Harbaugh's decision to opt for a 21-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal was a notable moment in the game.
The Bills had a challenging preseason game against the Chicago Bears, suffering a heavy 33-6 loss. On the Bears' side, rookie Caleb Williams showed promise, completing four of seven passes for 95 yards. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots secured a comfortable 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers, a game that highlighted both teams' depth and potential.
Key Player Returns and Contracts
Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins made their return for the Bengals, who narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14. In contrast, the Browns faced defeat from the Green Bay Packers. Jamari Thrash made three catches for 43 yards, signaling his potential contribution to the team’s offense.
In Denver, Bo Nix had a commendable game, passing for 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 attempts, helping the Broncos eke out a 34-30 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The New York Giants also had a solid showing, winning over the Detroit Lions 14-3. A major headline for the Packers was Jordan Love securing a lucrative four-year, $220 million contract, including a $75 million signing bonus, solidifying his future with the team.
League-Wide Performances
The Texans added a victory to their preseason slate, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-12. The Jaguars also emerged victorious, downing the Kansas City Chiefs 26-13. The Las Vegas Raiders, however, lost a close contest to the Minnesota Vikings, 24-23.
In another notable matchup, the Seattle Seahawks dominated the Los Angeles Chargers with a 16-3 win. The Rams managed a close victory over the Cowboys, finishing with a 13-12 scoreline.
Providing insight into the game’s informal nature, Derek Carr revealed during the broadcast that the Saints didn't game plan at all and that he didn't know who was playing with him until just before kickoff. This candid statement underscores the experimental and evaluative nature of the preseason games, where final rosters are still very much in flux.
Overall, these preseason games not only highlight budding talent but also lay bare the challenges teams must navigate as they finalize their rosters. Injuries, player performances, and strategic decisions will all play a crucial role in setting the stage for the upcoming regular season.