{"id":61481,"date":"2025-08-11T13:03:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T13:03:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/61481\/"},"modified":"2025-08-11T13:03:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T13:03:14","slug":"2025-nfl-preseason-week-1-takeaways-on-new-players-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/61481\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 NFL preseason Week 1: Takeaways on new players"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/espn_generic_m.jpg&#038;h=80&#038;w=80&#038;scale=crop.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/p>\n<p>NFL NationAug 11, 2025, 12:20 AM<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"icon-font-after icon-close-solid-after\" href=\"#\">Close<\/a>NFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cover the NFL year-round across ESPN.com, ESPN television shows, ESPN Radio, ESPN+ and social media platforms. It was established ahead of the 2013 season.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/scoreboard\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2025 NFL preseason<\/a> kicked off Thursday and continued through Sunday, with several rookies playing their first snaps.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/fixtures\/_\/week\/2\/year\/2025\/seasontype\/1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Week 1<\/a> of preseason games served as a first look into the new players on each team, whether they were rookies or offseason acquisitions. To keep you updated on how players fared in their first game action, our NFL Nation reporters summarized the top debuts below.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\">Quick links:<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/fixtures\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Full schedule<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/where-to-watch\/leagues\/nfl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Where to watch<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/29098001\/nfl-depth-charts-all-32-teams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Depth charts<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/fantasy\/football\/story\/_\/page\/FFDraftGuide25-45508190\/2025-fantasy-football-rankings-mock-draft-cheat-sheets-sleepers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Fantasy football draft guide<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/fantasy.espn.com\/football\/welcome?addata=quick_links_ffl2025\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up to play<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/_end_rule.png\" width=\"100%\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sunday<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917388_237_lac.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Chargers: Evaluating the offensive and defensive lines at practice can be challenging, as players look to keep each other healthy without going full speed often, so defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"247df926-1f6a-3527-852f-9bdd1b22c178\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/5089178\/jamaree-caldwell\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jamaree Caldwell<\/a> hasn&#8217;t flashed much. But through two preseason games, he has shown why the Chargers selected him in the third round. Caldwell has been consistently active while creating pressure. On Sunday, he sacked Saints rookie quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"0eb2837a-e6ed-bbd7-d7d5-cbeb2cd7ab11\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360689\/tyler-shough\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tyler Shough<\/a> and added four tackles.<\/p>\n<p><a data-player-guid=\"821964fe-1909-3f39-ba96-5f64f8d79e94\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4433895\/eric-rogers\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Eric Rogers<\/a>, an undrafted free agent cornerback out of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/164\/rutgers-scarlet-knights\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rutgers<\/a>, also dazzled Sunday. He picked off two passes, including one from Shough that was returned 43 yards for a touchdown. Outside linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"aa771675-70fb-3d08-9628-3515b5faf104\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4911489\/caleb-murphy\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Caleb Murphy<\/a> also had a big day with two sacks, including a strip-sack, to continue a surprising camp that has put him in strong contention to make the team. &#8212; Kris Rhim<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/lar\/los-angeles-rams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Los Angeles Rams<\/a>  (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/no.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Saints: The Saints started quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"8a3a5113-e81b-582c-e5a2-e097ed7a1813\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426339\/spencer-rattler\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Spencer Rattler<\/a> for most of first half before 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough entered before halftime to run the two-minute offense. Shough was able to drive the team down the field for a field goal.<\/p>\n<p>Shough played most of the second half and had his ups and downs, the highlight of which was a 54-yard touchdown pass to <a data-player-guid=\"668603bd-4f29-6ca6-c109-df2c8a9d1770\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4573697\/mason-tipton\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Mason Tipton<\/a> one series after throwing a pick-six. The interception occurred when targeting <a data-player-guid=\"ddadc653-2b91-ded4-37ee-59e53cbf8a04\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3127306\/dante-pettis\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dante Pettis<\/a>, as Chargers cornerback Eric Rogers jumped the route and returned it for a score. Shough finished 15-of-22 for 165 yards with one touchdown, the one pick and a 86.4 passer rating. \ufeff&#8211; Katherine Terrell<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/jax\/jacksonville-jaguars\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a> (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917388_471_chi.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bears: The Bears used first-round tight end <a data-player-guid=\"678445c0-543b-31f1-b924-67545f33ebbb\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4723086\/colston-loveland\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Colston Loveland<\/a> on only six offensive snaps but gave their other two drafted skill players ample work, with second-round wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"f78ad5c7-c991-3940-b213-79f9a8d77008\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685278\/luther-burden\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Luther Burden III<\/a> and seventh-round running back <a data-player-guid=\"b00b9764-fa7b-326a-ba35-9676bab28b09\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4608686\/kyle-monangai\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kyle Monangai<\/a> on the field for 25 offensive snaps each.<\/p>\n<p>Burden was targeted three times and turned in two catches for 29 yards, including a sideline play where he picked up a first down and quickly got out of bounds to put <a data-player-guid=\"a553e934-7317-cf85-1a72-08644f847e3c\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/17427\/cairo-santos\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Cairo Santos<\/a> in position for a 57-yard field goal before halftime. Monangai displayed his physical rushing style and willingness to power through contact to the tune of five yards per carry (six carries for 30 yards).<\/p>\n<p>With so much veteran receiver depth, UDFA rookie <a data-player-guid=\"72cdc7f6-ec96-3639-a62a-a309ce193648\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/5160110\/jahdae-walker\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jahdae Walker<\/a> will have a steep climb up the depth chart, but he led the team in receiving (three receptions for 41 yards) and caught a 14-yard touchdown from quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"8d0f04b5-96e8-6985-13e2-0fa770882d9c\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/15168\/case-keenum\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Case Keenum<\/a>. &#8212; Courtney Cronin<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/buf\/buffalo-bills\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Buffalo Bills<\/a>  (8 p.m. ET, Sunday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917389_871_mia.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Dolphins:  Sunday saw a shaky debut for rookie quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"81693489-80eb-3903-a1c4-67d185a59c36\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4889929\/quinn-ewers\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Quinn Ewers<\/a>, whose first five passes fell incomplete before he found running back <a data-player-guid=\"d4ac78d5-9b9b-4a65-c118-5b2ea8bac6b7\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4048244\/alexander-mattison\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Alexander Mattison<\/a> on a checkdown. The seventh-round pick out of Texas was also strip-sacked at the Dolphins&#8217; 5-yard line on his second drive of the game. Miami&#8217;s backup offensive line didn&#8217;t help him much, but Ewers looked like a rookie. He had the opportunity to lead the Dolphins on a game-winning drive but was strip-sacked again on fourth-and-long after mostly struggling throughout the drive. He finished 5-of-19 passing for 91 yards and two lost fumbles.<\/p>\n<p>New backup QB <a data-player-guid=\"2430b06b-1be6-0b7a-6a3b-cef2c06d1c61\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361259\/zach-wilson\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Zach Wilson<\/a> didn&#8217;t fare much better, short-arming a pair of attempts to his tight ends in the flat &#8212; one of which, to <a data-player-guid=\"1277dd6b-0e3f-eb8d-5de2-52a894fe610c\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4047422\/tanner-conner\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tanner Conner<\/a>, would&#8217;ve been an easy touchdown but fell incomplete. But Wilson did complete 5-of-9 passes for 96 yards, playing all but one series in the first half. He was pressured constantly, as the struggles of Miami&#8217;s depth linemen affected Wilson&#8217;s processing speed. &#8212; Marcel Louis-Jacques<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/det\/detroit-lions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Detroit Lions<\/a> (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/_end_rule.png\" width=\"100%\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Saturday<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917389_879_pit.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Steelers: With most of Pittsburgh&#8217;s starters sitting this one out, new-to-the-Steelers veterans made the biggest impact.<\/p>\n<p>Safety <a data-player-guid=\"4c93b46a-9d91-13b5-a049-14b60a248133\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3917909\/juan-thornhill\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Juan Thornhill<\/a> popped &#8212; literally &#8212; on the Jaguars&#8217; first drive with a big hit on WR <a data-player-guid=\"f7b37472-30a8-395c-8ade-5462fbda15d4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432773\/brian-thomas-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brian Thomas Jr<\/a>. Then, later in the first half, fellow veteran defensive back <a data-player-guid=\"6338c7ad-ee07-06e2-b921-a5b57f96464a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4567979\/brandin-echols\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brandin Echols<\/a>, the team&#8217;s top reserve corner, made a statement with a big hit and a pass breakup.<\/p>\n<p>The rookies weren&#8217;t quite as successful in their first NFL action. Running back <a data-player-guid=\"69abf2e0-5e51-3367-a4cf-2eaf9d46ff9b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4819231\/kaleb-johnson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kaleb Johnson<\/a> got plenty of opportunities with 22 snaps, but he averaged 2.5 yards on eight carries and was stuffed twice. He also had a bad drop on a <a data-player-guid=\"779f3cff-73eb-dcb6-1327-48a95fa9d491\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3116407\/mason-rudolph\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mason Rudolph<\/a> pass, but he bounced back with a 6-yard catch off play-action in the second quarter.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, first-round pick DL <a data-player-guid=\"dda3e155-2461-3379-8a26-0218bf5962c7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4682980\/derrick-harmon\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Derrick Harmon<\/a> played 30 snaps, recording one quarterback pressure and zero tackles. &#8212; Brooke Pryor<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/tb\/tampa-bay-buccaneers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a> (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917389_442_jax.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jaguars: <a data-player-guid=\"c39cf8be-f94e-3db4-9c3a-fcc72135a03f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685415\/travis-hunter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Travis Hunter<\/a> played both ways against Pittsburgh at EverBank Stadium, but other than that, it was a quiet debut for the Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 pick.<\/p>\n<p>Hunter played 10 snaps on offense &#8212; all coming with the first team on the opening drive &#8212; and had two catches for 9 yards, with another catch nullified by an illegal block penalty on left guard <a data-player-guid=\"ba6b08b0-4638-b786-9cf0-0aba83e640ea\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4048231\/ezra-cleveland\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ezra Cleveland<\/a>. Hunter also played eight snaps on defense and had one missed tackle.<\/p>\n<p>Receiver <a data-player-guid=\"2c787d57-fd60-9e8b-1e7f-d8aecc7a4cbb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361577\/dyami-brown\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dyami Brown<\/a>, signed in free agency after a strong playoff run with Washington, played one series and did not have a target. However, he did have a 7-yard carry on a jet sweep on a fourth-and-1 play from the Jaguars&#8217; 42-yard line. Brown will be the Jaguars&#8217; No. 2 or 3 receiver, depending on how much Hunter plays on offense. &#8212; Michael DiRocco<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/no\/new-orleans-saints\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New Orleans Saints<\/a> (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>0:36<\/p>\n<p>Jarrett Stidham connects with Lucas Krull for a Broncos TD<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Jarrett Stidham connects with Lucas Krull for a Broncos TD<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917389_537_den.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Broncos: As the <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"51042145-e3c1-0694-ae0d-f720342ff8fc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/den\/denver-broncos\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Denver Broncos<\/a> rookie class dipped its collective toe into the preseason &#8212; rookie running back <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4568490\/rj-harvey\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">RJ Harvey<\/a> got the start, undrafted rookie linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"231a1830-0ce2-3f5a-83e3-0c88555f4960\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4875336\/karene-reid\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Karene Reid<\/a> had a leaping interception and undrafted rookie CB <a data-player-guid=\"3bbfa227-ee77-3aa1-86b9-e1f45d26f6d2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4643729\/joshua-pickett\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Joshua Pickett<\/a> had a toe-tap interception in the game &#8212; it was 29-year-old wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"259e5160-ef97-3801-bc7e-0f9268125ac5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3122168\/trent-sherfield-sr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Trent Sherfield Sr<\/a>. who was the new face with the biggest impact Saturday night.<\/p>\n<p>Sherfield, who signed a two-year deal in free agency, had 73 yards on his three receptions, including a top-shelf toe tap for a 36-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. In a crowded group of receivers, Sherfield has consistently shown in training camp that he can offer far more to the team than quality special teams play. &#8212; Jeff Legwold<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/ari\/arizona-cardinals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Arizona Cardinals<\/a> (9:30 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sf.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>49ers: Only three projected Week 1 starters played for the Niners, giving backup QB <a data-player-guid=\"1b10c3ae-12ed-7035-5b1e-4512832b6efc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241464\/mac-jones\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mac Jones<\/a> a chance to make a first impression against (most of) Denver&#8217;s starting defense. Jones got off to a good start, connecting on his first four passes, including a 50-yarder to rookie WR <a data-player-guid=\"280e4563-f82e-37a3-a9ea-fd1a0232346f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431466\/jordan-watkins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jordan Watkins<\/a> to set up a touchdown. Jones&#8217; protection didn&#8217;t hold up much after that, as he was sacked twice and didn&#8217;t complete any of his other three attempts, including an interception.<\/p>\n<p>Plenty of snaps for rookie defensive tackles <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4686308\/cj-west\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">C.J. West<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"91fd2df7-c807-3486-8638-f227fe88bee2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4430835\/alfred-collins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alfred Collins<\/a> and safety <a data-player-guid=\"033c8b9e-5e44-3748-9bb1-975a273a7622\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4693337\/marques-sigle\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Marques Sigle<\/a>. Sigle and West started and helped limit Denver&#8217;s first-team offense to 56 yards on 18 plays with a safety allowed. &#8212; Nick Wagoner<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/lv\/las-vegas-raiders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Las Vegas Raiders<\/a> (4 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/kc.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Chiefs: The hype surrounding rookie left tackle <a data-player-guid=\"cbe294e4-5bb4-3ae5-ad79-b3e6c2688442\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4569659\/josh-simmons\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josh Simmons<\/a>, the Chiefs&#8217; first-round pick, is not stopping after his NFL preseason debut. In 11 snaps against the <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"8fc7b962-95e1-3cb8-6a7d-b499de9ad546\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/ari\/arizona-cardinals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Arizona Cardinals<\/a>, Simmons showcased why the Chiefs are so high on him being the potential savior when it comes to protecting the blind side of quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"37d87523-280a-9d4a-0adb-22cfc6d3619c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3139477\/patrick-mahomes\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Patrick Mahomes<\/a>. On multiple pass-blocking snaps, Simmons stonewalled outside linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"2ebc321c-dba5-20a0-c01e-9547f5ec6de3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241987\/baron-browning\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Baron Browning<\/a>, a four-year veteran.<\/p>\n<p>Prior to Saturday&#8217;s game, Mahomes said he wanted to accomplish a few tasks, including an unusual one: He wanted to get hit by a defender at least once. &#8220;I don&#8217;t necessarily look forward to getting hit,&#8221; Mahomes said Thursday while laughing. &#8220;I always like getting hit once, but it&#8217;s still a shock. I&#8217;m just excited to see where we&#8217;re at.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Welp, Mahomes wasn&#8217;t hit once in his lone drive of the game. He completed his one attempt, a 1-yard touchdown pass to receiver <a data-player-guid=\"4b5f961e-2169-3e75-af91-a9d47b269c1e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4689988\/jason-brownlee\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jason Brownlee<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Chiefs&#8217; best defensive performance was from second-year cornerback <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4428383\/christian-roland-wallace\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Roland-Wallace<\/a>, who recorded an interception and a fumble recovery. &#8212; Nate Taylor<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/sea\/seattle-seahawks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Seattle Seahawks<\/a> (10 p.m. ET, Friday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ari.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Cardinals: <a data-player-guid=\"efcb42e5-0bef-62d1-b58b-dbc17fde2479\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2578570\/jacoby-brissett\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacoby Brissett<\/a> showed Saturday why he was the right signing to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3917315\/kyler-murray\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyler Murray<\/a>&#8216;s backup. Brissett threw for 80 yards, including two touchdown passes, on 5-of-8 passing in less than a quarter and didn&#8217;t look rattled while commanding the offense.<\/p>\n<p>And second-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"558e02de-4bf6-3d6c-b55e-7fae4221b005\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685408\/will-johnson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Will Johnson<\/a> learned very quickly what it&#8217;s like to play cornerback in the NFL. He was flagged for pass interference on the first pass thrown his way of the preseason. He rebounded and defended a pass in the second quarter while looking solid all around.<\/p>\n<p>Rookie safety <a data-player-guid=\"f09fdafa-9a5e-36eb-ad87-8cfedca14edf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4430821\/kitan-crawford\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kitan Crawford<\/a> had an impressive interception, picking off Kansas City&#8217;s <a data-player-guid=\"aedb2a19-94bf-e7e1-3bf7-62b18f512a01\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4250360\/bailey-zappe\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bailey Zappe<\/a> in the end zone. &#8212; Josh Weinfuss<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/den\/denver-broncos\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Denver Broncos<\/a> (9:30 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>0:23<\/p>\n<p>Justin Fields scampers in for first preseason score as a Jet<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Justin Fields opens the Jets preseason with a 13-yard rushing touchdown.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nyj.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jets: Quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"7e9fbd60-951e-2d9a-8d8c-b3f1ab6c4a4d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4362887\/justin-fields\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Justin Fields<\/a> gave the Jets what they wanted to see: a methodical, 79-yard touchdown drive in his only possession. Fields has been uneven in camp, but he was in command in his debut, hitting three checkdown passes and scoring on a 13-yard scramble in the first quarter. That speed dimension at quarterback is something the Jets haven&#8217;t had in, like, forever. This was a good, clean performance &#8212; a solid first step for a quarterback looking to reboot his career.<\/p>\n<p>Rookie right tackle <a data-player-guid=\"1c641907-6330-300a-b0d7-59aeff07cb8a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4789907\/armand-membou\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Armand Membou<\/a>, the No. 7 pick, held up well in a starting role. He was physical in the run game, made no penalties and allowed zero pressures in 10 pass-blocking snaps, per NFL Next Gen Stats. &#8212; Rich Cimini<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/nyg\/new-york-giants\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New York Giants<\/a> (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917390_299_gb.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Packers: Two targets, two positive plays for first-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"c5e38ead-375e-3df1-8989-1d7b334915a7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4701936\/matthew-golden\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matthew Golden<\/a>. The wide receiver showed the strong hands he has displayed all camp, snagging the first ball thrown his way on a slant for a 7-yard gain from <a data-player-guid=\"f19ea9a5-ca4d-79b9-3e49-543e438cd336\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4036378\/jordan-love\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jordan Love<\/a> on third-and-7 and then drawing a 6-yard pass interference penalty against <a data-player-guid=\"4a3e8bb3-8d6a-7208-dc0f-7cf148b34c1b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4427250\/sauce-gardner\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sauce Gardner<\/a> on third-and-6. That was the extent of Golden&#8217;s debut. He did not play after Love and the rest of the offensive starters were pulled after two drives.<\/p>\n<p>Fellow rookie WR <a data-player-guid=\"88cd2d34-d443-3091-a621-0aca42cd63eb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431487\/savion-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Savion Williams<\/a> (third round) did not play because of the shoulder injury that has limited him in practice. One other receiving note: <a data-player-guid=\"6189b3f7-b774-362d-ca5f-9edf211e55f9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035004\/mecole-hardman\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mecole Hardman<\/a>, a three-time Super Bowl champ with the Chiefs who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44308346\/mecole-hardman-lands-green-bay-packers-source-says\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">signed for the league minimum<\/a> in March, didn&#8217;t help his chances when he muffed a punt in the second quarter. In a deep receiver room, Hardman probably needs to make plays as a returner to earn a spot. &#8212; Rob Demovsky<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/ind\/indianapolis-colts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Indianapolis Colts<\/a> (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>0:22<\/p>\n<p>Emeka Egbuka makes a 21-yard catch for his first catch during preseason<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Kyle Trask throws it up to Emeka Egbuka, who hauls in a 21-yard reception to start his preseason.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917390_951_ten.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Titans: All eyes were on QB <a data-player-guid=\"9f4e87b5-5da8-38c0-9951-e3496b55b3c8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4688380\/cameron-ward\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cameron Ward<\/a> in the Titans&#8217; preseason opener. He got off to a slow start by going three-and-out. But the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45934825\/titans-rookie-qb-cameron-ward-leads-td-drive-debut\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">No. 1 pick bounced back<\/a> on the next series by completing five passes for 67 yards on an 11-play drive that resulted in a 1-yard touchdown run by <a data-player-guid=\"1fcf4862-25fd-157f-c216-63e99beebfee\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3916148\/tony-pollard\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tony Pollard<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Fourth-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"21d65606-f599-35d4-84d5-67c4c0a7bf3b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4686728\/gunnar-helm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Gunnar Helm<\/a> continued to impress as he made a 16-yard catch on a third down, moving the chains for Tennessee. Helm is listed as the No. 2 tight end on the unofficial depth chart.<\/p>\n<p>Defensively, third-year safety <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241199\/joshuah-bledsoe\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Joshuah Bledsoe<\/a> helped force a turnover in his Titans debut. Bledsoe held wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"dca0f9be-e7d8-7438-5b00-f16dd82890c2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3932144\/jacob-harris\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacob Harris<\/a> up while rookie defensive back <a data-player-guid=\"ca940583-81ba-62b9-b8d6-fe1a4b61c358\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4570888\/davion-ross\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Davion Ross<\/a> punched the ball out and recovered the fumble. Veteran defensive end <a data-player-guid=\"d2c1e4c6-f633-37e1-5cd1-eef560173d1d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3115914\/jihad-ward\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jihad Ward<\/a> had the Titans&#8217; only sack in his debut. Rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431147\/cam-horsley\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cam Horsley<\/a>&#8216;s pressure helped set Ward up for the sack on <a data-player-guid=\"15de87c3-4f4d-81be-45f3-82033cb0b8bb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4034946\/kyle-trask\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyle Trask<\/a>. &#8212; Turron Davenport<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/atl\/atlanta-falcons\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Atlanta Falcons<\/a> (7 p.m. ET, Friday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917390_91_tb.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Buccaneers: First-round draft pick <a data-player-guid=\"48fb595b-ecda-3de2-9c05-fcc8090c4b84\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4567750\/emeka-egbuka\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emeka Egbuka<\/a> showed off his physical attributes with a leaping 21-yard grab from backup quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"15de87c3-4f4d-81be-45f3-82033cb0b8bb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4034946\/kyle-trask\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyle Trask<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Left tackle <a data-player-guid=\"ee84e0b1-7176-f8d3-1848-488610cae88e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3895840\/charlie-heck\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Charlie Heck<\/a>, who signed as a free agent this offseason and will step in for <a data-player-guid=\"91fe3c7a-d974-44dd-59c0-6f52466976ad\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4240589\/tristan-wirfs\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tristan Wirfs<\/a>, surrendered a pressure to <a data-player-guid=\"c490106e-71e7-b501-b677-a61a41b96400\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3843843\/arden-key\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Arden Key<\/a> on a third down. Cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"7f92a70b-61b4-3c81-88ba-4da46390ec85\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4912847\/jacob-parrish\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacob Parrish<\/a> (a third-round pick) had two pass breakups in extensive action, as second-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"82d9b18f-1369-3586-9792-5a1e45e3a0f3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4816107\/benjamin-morrison\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Benjamin Morrison<\/a> is likely to miss the entire preseason with a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n<p>Rookie safety <a data-player-guid=\"05801f5b-bc93-716d-7886-1d09dfac38c0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426508\/shilo-sanders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shilo Sanders<\/a> delivered multiple big hits, including one on <a data-player-guid=\"2ea2fede-1220-6125-2acf-b4ce3713c7f1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2574511\/brandon-allen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brandon Allen<\/a> on a blitz. Another undrafted free agent standout, inside linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"417f0482-f3e0-aeda-117b-7a9a01cb854f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4568492\/nick-jackson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nick Jackson<\/a>, had a sack and an interception. &#8212; Jenna Laine<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/pit\/pittsburgh-steelers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lar.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rams: The Rams don&#8217;t play their starters during the preseason, so the new faces who got extended looks on Saturday night against the Cowboys were mostly from their rookie class.<\/p>\n<p>Two standouts for Los Angeles on defense were third-round linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"dd08313d-2815-38e1-bd1d-b33db8a27f04\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4682983\/josaiah-stewart\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josaiah Stewart<\/a> and fifth-round linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"f7a824c6-8134-3831-bb79-71e78e38141e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4602943\/chris-paul-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Paul Jr<\/a>. Stewart sacked Cowboys quarterback <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360698\/joe-milton-iii\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Joe Milton III<\/a> early in the second quarter. Paul wore the green dot, which means he was relaying the defensive playcalls.<\/p>\n<p>The Rams&#8217; top 2025 draft pick, second-round tight end <a data-player-guid=\"897a7b37-1f13-3f52-b2ed-a45faef85eb1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4570037\/terrance-ferguson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Terrance Ferguson<\/a>, did not play, as he is dealing with a groin injury. &#8212; Sarah Barshop<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/lac\/los-angeles-chargers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Los Angeles Chargers<\/a> (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/dal.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Cowboys: After games like Saturday&#8217;s, it must be pointed out that quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"874bf8b4-e29a-45ac-3deb-a36404104c8a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360698\/joe-milton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Joe Milton III<\/a> is in his second year. There will be growing pains even if the Cowboys are counting on him as <a data-player-guid=\"5f09781b-6b0b-7325-049b-a91e60d794e6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2577417\/dak-prescott\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dak Prescott<\/a>&#8216;s backup.<\/p>\n<p>He was off target on his first three throws of the game and his first completion lost 1 yard. Accuracy was an issue. To open the second half, he was intercepted after he forced a deep ball into double coverage to <a data-player-guid=\"b474dfdc-9ccc-3669-b7fc-e5d7652bb480\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/5083754\/ryan-flournoy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ryan Flournoy<\/a>. Milton left early with what was called an elbow injury.<\/p>\n<p>He finished 17-of-29 for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The coaches want him to make the easy play and not always trust his big arm. Habits can take time to break. &#8212; Todd Archer<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/bal\/baltimore-ravens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Baltimore Ravens<\/a> (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>0:18<\/p>\n<p>McCarthy threads it to Addison for diving grab<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">J.J. McCarthy threads it perfectly as Jordan Addison makes the diving catch for an 18-yard gain.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917391_784_min.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Vikings: No. 2 quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"5916363e-a6ac-b982-bf03-2a84374413ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426875\/sam-howell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Howell<\/a> had an encouraging outing after replacing <a data-player-guid=\"460fbf74-c64d-3862-b942-852d104e94dd\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4433970\/jj-mccarthy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">J.J. McCarthy<\/a> for the team&#8217;s second possession. Howell led the team on a 94-yard touchdown drive, capped by his own 1-yard touchdown plunge, and had strong downfield throws to receivers <a data-player-guid=\"c0bf4418-a5d6-d55f-1634-3ed34c5b9dcb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360637\/jeshaun-jones\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jeshaun Jones<\/a> (20 yards) and <a data-player-guid=\"51bb271d-e901-5408-5d38-ea97059a2aa5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3915802\/lucky-jackson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lucky Jackson<\/a> (17).<\/p>\n<p>Howell has struggled at times during training camp as he learns the Vikings&#8217; scheme, so his performance Saturday allayed some concerns.<\/p>\n<p>Running back <a data-player-guid=\"ca688cbe-b781-01a6-69f2-eb87420aec83\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360569\/jordan-mason\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jordan Mason<\/a>, acquired via trade with the <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"985a261f-296c-c95c-32a5-addc4df75001\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/sf\/san-francisco-49ers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">San Francisco 49ers<\/a>, started and carried four times for 20 yards on the opening drive. Mason, who is expected to split carries with veteran <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3042519\/aaron-jones-sr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aaron Jones Sr.<\/a> in the regular season, had a particularly nice cutback run for 9 yards.<\/p>\n<p>The Vikings had hoped to give free agent receiver <a data-player-guid=\"a542aac8-e1f3-7490-f0bd-df914d56c0ca\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4372485\/rondale-moore\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rondale Moore<\/a> a long look as a punt returner and reserve receiver, but Moore suffered a left leg injury on his first punt return and was taken off the field on a cart. Rookie free agent <a data-player-guid=\"5c86a34a-9bae-3adb-a910-25bef73b340f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4590532\/silas-bolden\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Silas Bolden<\/a> was next up on punt returns, returning one for 8 yards, while rookie <a data-player-guid=\"35890a95-a2fa-35a7-a063-4e20206ebaec\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4565185\/tai-felton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tai Felton<\/a> returned two kickoffs for an 18-yard average. &#8212; Kevin Seifert<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"595690b3-2161-4913-a7a7-814af2fd2621\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/ne\/new-england-patriots\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New England Patriots<\/a> (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917391_296_hou.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Texans: Rookie tackle <a data-player-guid=\"f2b340f9-1160-3aee-8008-86622e61b37e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429693\/aireontae-ersery\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aireontae Ersery<\/a> allowed zero pressures in five pass-blocking snaps in the only series he played. The second-rounder was at left tackle and paved lanes for running back <a data-player-guid=\"0bc3b6c0-0877-7bdc-bc9a-5528d76ff428\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2983509\/dare-ogunbowale\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dare Ogunbowale<\/a>. When Ogunbowale ran toward Ersery&#8217;s side, he averaged 6.5 yards on four carries.<\/p>\n<p>The Texans&#8217; rookie receivers didn&#8217;t get much action, though third-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"8e9a6518-91a4-3d30-ae1f-1412145a5184\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4586312\/jaylin-noel\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jaylin Noel<\/a> caught a screen pass on third-and-8 and made a couple of guys miss en route to a first down, which extended the only drive that ended in a touchdown for the starters. &#8212; DJ Bien-Aime<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"d1a9b001-1df7-fbd7-ae4c-6ca7065286ec\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/car\/carolina-panthers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Carolina Panthers<\/a> (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>0:16<\/p>\n<p>Jaxson Dart finds Lil&#8217;Jordan Humphrey for Giants TD<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Jaxson Dart airs one out to Lil&#8217;Jordan Humphrey, who makes the catch for a Giants touchdown vs. the Bills in NFL preseason.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nyg.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Giants: The Giants have to feel good about their biggest additions this offseason. Veteran quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"f0610946-ceb6-9a99-3bcc-cf110b2078b5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/14881\/russell-wilson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Russell Wilson<\/a>, rookie QB <a data-player-guid=\"13e97d3e-2171-371b-9a7a-2c44670b5a62\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4689114\/jaxson-dart\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jaxson Dart<\/a> (No. 25) and rookie linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"df4ecbf0-8676-3fbd-8563-25721d12b4ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4725996\/abdul-carter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Abdul Carter<\/a> (No. 3) had successful debuts versus Buffalo.<\/p>\n<p>Dart was most impressive of all. He was decisive and efficient, completing 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards with a touchdown. The score came on a 29-yard strike down the left sideline to receiver <a data-player-guid=\"a427fd34-58c6-bda0-8a03-9d58a5b0e704\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4039057\/liljordan-humphrey\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lil&#8217;Jordan Humphrey<\/a> with pressure in his face. He also rushed three times for 24 yards.<\/p>\n<p>Wilson, meanwhile, led the Giants to a field goal on his only drive, while Carter had a pair of pressures on six snaps. New York couldn&#8217;t have drawn it up better. &#8212; Jordan Raanan<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"d1a9b001-1df7-fbd7-ae4c-6ca7065286ec\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/nyj\/new-york-jets\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">New York Jets<\/a> (7 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/buf.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bills: The Bills made several additions to the defensive line this offseason, and some of those new faces popped.<\/p>\n<p>Two of the Bills&#8217; rookie defensive linemen made strong first impressions. Second-round defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"9ff2d26e-f4d4-3bca-a197-e49721700a6b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4684527\/tj-sanders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">T.J. Sanders<\/a> nearly sacked Dart on his touchdown throw in the first half. DT <a data-player-guid=\"3f15b443-59d1-3969-b059-f77ea96a63b1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4831989\/deone-walker\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Deone Walker<\/a>, a fourth-round pick, got pressure and then batted down a pass from Dart; he finished with two quarterback pressures.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the Bills limiting his practice time, defensive end <a data-player-guid=\"591c8883-7eb1-633e-5283-7bfbb9dbf51e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3051389\/joey-bosa\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Joey Bosa<\/a> played 10 snaps over two drives with the first-team defense and made a solid first impression. &#8212; Alaina Getzenberg<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"595690b3-2161-4913-a7a7-814af2fd2621\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/chi\/chicago-bears\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Bears<\/a> (8 p.m. ET, Sunday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/_end_rule.png\" width=\"100%\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Friday<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917392_230_cle.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Browns: Rookie quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"fecbc03c-f8bf-342e-82be-991901cf6449\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432762\/shedeur-sanders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shedeur Sanders<\/a> shined as he got the start in Cleveland&#8217;s preseason opener, throwing a pair of first-half touchdowns. Sanders has been QB4 in Cleveland&#8217;s quarterback competition but got the start because of injuries to <a data-player-guid=\"091ea624-8d37-3c02-0e79-a5f866733f19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4240703\/kenny-pickett\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kenny Pickett<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"2126efde-bc9b-0168-dd5a-49fe11331807\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4427238\/dillon-gabriel\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dillon Gabriel<\/a>. In about three quarters of action, Sanders showed the pinpoint accuracy and poise that led many to believe he was a top quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft before falling to the fifth round.<\/p>\n<p>It was also a strong debut for two other members of the Browns&#8217; rookie class, linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"265dea72-f88b-38e4-be49-2a85cc9e0181\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4876017\/carson-schwesinger\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Carson Schwesinger<\/a> and defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"9167867c-52d4-3d9e-982c-f4b7ad9f259b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4873232\/mason-graham\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mason Graham<\/a>. Schwesinger, a second-round pick, led the Browns with six tackles in the first half. And Graham, the No. 5 pick in the draft, also had a quarterback pressure in a couple of drives. &#8212; Daniel Oyefusi<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"d1a9b001-1df7-fbd7-ae4c-6ca7065286ec\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/phi\/philadelphia-eagles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/car.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Panthers: It was an underwhelming day for the class overall. First-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"5b060a16-d491-3595-b199-6ba05b4d9391\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685472\/tetairoa-mcmillan\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tetairoa McMillan<\/a> had a great over-the-shoulder catch of a <a data-player-guid=\"975cc6da-01e5-3dcc-8a1a-1c9ecdb27d58\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685720\/bryce-young\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bryce Young<\/a> pass for 30 yards. But he finished with only two catches on five targets, and should have had a touchdown catch but ran a bad route. Sixth-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"660d1c52-4e4d-363c-8f43-5682094954c7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4708486\/jimmy-horn-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jimmy Horn Jr<\/a>. caught four of five targets, but for only 15 yards. Edge rushers <a data-player-guid=\"612dd487-79ec-3903-ac83-7b6b79f27cf9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4833355\/nic-scourton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nic Scourton<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"6e054426-486a-3045-ba0a-061469f7b4e7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429166\/princely-umanmielen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Princely Umanmielen<\/a> combined for only one sack (Scourton) &#8212; Umanmielen also lost containment on a Sanders scramble &#8212; so plenty of room for improvement there. &#8212; David Newton<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"595690b3-2161-4913-a7a7-814af2fd2621\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/hou\/houston-texans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Houston Texans<\/a> (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p>Note: The preseason game between the <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"56caffee-178d-f6f2-a076-b277486b8c32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/det\/detroit-lions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Detroit Lions<\/a> and <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"49fd392a-86fe-4df3-1b77-9bbfa18b2ad5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/atl\/atlanta-falcons\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Atlanta Falcons<\/a> was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45929128\/lions-falcons-preseason-game-suspended-morice-norris-taken-field-ambulance-serious-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">suspended with 6:19 left<\/a> in the fourth quarter after Lions safety <a data-player-guid=\"38fc7936-364e-39f5-bbcb-21cf8f6134dc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4880777\/morice-norris\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Morice Norris<\/a> left the field in an ambulance after sustaining an injury after a collision with a Falcons player. The Lions said he was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, but was talking and moving.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917392_280_det.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lions: Rookie receiver <a data-player-guid=\"e7dc0c49-11ca-35bf-b192-93fa1f54389a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/5123663\/isaac-teslaa\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Isaac TeSlaa<\/a> scored his first NFL preseason touchdown off an 11-yard pass from backup QB <a data-player-guid=\"5ce7c1f8-b2be-2310-4d44-ad43e67c8175\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3115293\/kyle-allen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyle Allen<\/a>. TeSlaa, a third-round pick out of Arkansas, gave Detroit a 7-3 lead in the second quarter. TeSlaa, a Michigan native and lifelong Lions fan, ended with two catches for 18 yards. He has continued to make plays through training camp and preseason action. In practice, TeSlaa has earned some first-team reps with the offense. Lions rookies DL <a data-player-guid=\"a7b5ffec-364d-37f4-a273-13e9e1a4b591\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431615\/tyleik-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyleik Williams<\/a> and OL <a data-player-guid=\"8989d674-eae4-3036-8e88-ab05de721eb6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429035\/tate-ratledge\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tate Ratledge<\/a> also made their preseason debuts after being held out of the Hall of Fame Game versus the Chargers last week. The most underwhelming performance of the night was from third-year QB <a data-player-guid=\"d1f61296-d207-4931-0513-c2d12b386356\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4240858\/hendon-hooker\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hendon Hooker<\/a>, who started for Detroit and fumbled twice in the first half. He went 7-10 with 38 passing yards. &#8212; Eric Woodyard<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"af33088b-1e19-d27d-dbc0-354fd7151703\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/mia\/miami-dolphins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Miami Dolphins<\/a> (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917392_5_atl.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Falcons: If the Falcons were to find a trade partner for quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"53bec012-c2ed-bc7c-a8d5-438611f9faa1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/14880\/kirk-cousins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kirk Cousins<\/a>, they might be comfortable with <a data-player-guid=\"a6b7d488-9fff-e11c-3a7d-995c27018755\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3120590\/easton-stick\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Easton Stick<\/a> as <a data-player-guid=\"28022fa1-9050-eee1-5160-c77a6a379ec2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360423\/michael-penix-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Penix Jr<\/a>.&#8217;s backup. Stick, a free agent signing from the <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"84caf62b-c753-71ea-a787-44fd224a4294\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/lac\/los-angeles-chargers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Los Angeles Chargers<\/a>, was 15-of-18 passing for 149 yards and a touchdown. Stick&#8217;s 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"3801fa8f-9222-803c-e3c6-0a7da36bdf61\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4369886\/chris-blair\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Blair<\/a> put the Falcons ahead 10-7 with :34 left in the first half.<\/p>\n<p>Atlanta&#8217;s rookies were relatively quiet. No. 26 pick <a data-player-guid=\"87402464-c2ff-30bc-8742-23aaaf9ba9ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/5081394\/james-pearce-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">James Pearce Jr<\/a>. was often double-teamed on the edge. No. 15 pick <a data-player-guid=\"046f3cb8-d17d-3fc5-b2b6-82615dadde28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685597\/jalon-walker\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jalon Walker<\/a>, an edge rusher, and third-round pick safety <a data-player-guid=\"138f98fa-b2b6-318b-a1df-8d0bb7edd8a9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431005\/xavier-watts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Xavier Watts<\/a> had one tackle apiece. Fourth-round pick cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"6be92b2c-3912-3c1d-b8f6-9cd03a559992\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431194\/billy-bowman-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Billy Bowman Jr<\/a>. had a great open-field tackle in punt coverage. Seventh-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"8dde2021-2cc6-307f-aedf-35e8805f5ed6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4693369\/jack-nelson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Nelson<\/a> had some struggles at right tackle. &#8212; Marc Raimondi<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"0a0aea59-9a5e-01b3-57a3-0151cf4bf393\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/ten\/tennessee-titans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tennessee Titans<\/a> (7 p.m. ET, Friday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ne.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Patriots: Second-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"714eed1f-95d7-3242-83da-3b34074b4424\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432710\/treveyon-henderson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">TreVeyon Henderson<\/a> made an immediate impact, returning the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown against Commanders backups. When the Patriots selected Henderson 38th out of Ohio State, they touted his speed and big-play ability &#8212; both as a running back and returner &#8212; which is the type of juice the team has been lacking in recent seasons. Henderson added one carry for 18 yards and caught three passes for 12 yards. He is projected to complement starter <a data-player-guid=\"819826d3-6398-f473-46df-252be8a68036\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4569173\/rhamondre-stevenson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rhamondre Stevenson<\/a> and No. 3 option <a data-player-guid=\"8b2aeafa-d727-78e8-3ae2-2b8ca7a8537e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360294\/antonio-gibson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Antonio Gibson<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"bbd06451-4221-b5bc-d606-a90963b0c08b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429891\/dj-james\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DJ James<\/a>, a 2024 sixth-round pick of the Seahawks who spent last year on the Patriots&#8217; practice squad, also had a notable performance with an INT. That reflects how he has had a strong training camp in which he has consistently been around the football. &#8212; Mike Reiss<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"3db556c9-ed76-a7a5-4ccb-a92fc6db4334\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/min\/minnesota-vikings\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Minnesota Vikings<\/a> (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917392_135_wsh.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Commanders: Rookie corner <a data-player-guid=\"1e69c37c-4dc0-316f-bbfc-063da90e4053\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4574689\/trey-amos\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Trey Amos<\/a> played two series and continued his strong summer. He defended a fade ball well and came up on the run one time to make a stop for no yards. Meanwhile, first-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"ee076108-1639-3f88-a354-c2800308a669\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685326\/josh-conerly-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josh Conerly Jr<\/a>. started at right tackle and played 22 snaps. He continues to look more comfortable on the right side. He was solid on the edge, with one hiccup vs. a stunt, and blocked well in space. Seventh-round pick running back <a data-player-guid=\"7c9f28d6-5924-d767-999d-582e169a5cd3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4575131\/jacory-croskey-merritt\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacory Croskey-Merritt<\/a> finished with only 24 yards on seven carries, but he typically gained more than what was available because of his sharp cuts and vision. &#8212; John Keim<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"75b8623b-8926-b411-0476-3d3602b78523\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.co.uk\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/cin\/cincinnati-bengals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> (8 p.m. ET, Aug. 18)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/_end_rule.png\" width=\"100%\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Thursday<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/sea.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Seahawks: One play from <a data-player-guid=\"db08b6f5-a66c-3022-8e51-e509258adaed\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432734\/jalen-milroe\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Milroe<\/a> &#8216;s NFL debut showed exactly how he can help the Seahawks&#8217; offense this season even as their third QB. Milroe gained 27 yards on a zone-read keeper, flashing the impressive running ability that Seattle plans to take advantage of on occasion via specialty packages. He ran three times for 38 yards and also fared well with his arm, completing 6 of 10 attempts for 61 yards. He led one TD drive in five possessions and was sacked on Seattle&#8217;s final drive.<\/p>\n<p>Rookie fifth-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"aed58dcd-628f-3602-8c5b-c7bd527a9fc5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4597703\/tory-horton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tory Horton<\/a> continued to make his case to beat out <a data-player-guid=\"81db9cc8-c749-7acb-964c-5a27015dd68e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3051738\/marquez-valdes-scantling\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Marquez Valdes-Scantling<\/a> for the No. 3 receiver role. With Valdes-Scantling getting the night off along with several other veterans, Horton caught three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown pass from <a data-player-guid=\"0b8ae860-a909-6cdb-db2d-8e3fe1b28d83\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3924327\/drew-lock\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Drew Lock<\/a> in the first half. &#8212; Brady Henderson<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. Chiefs, 10 p.m. ET, Friday<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lv.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Raiders: <a data-player-guid=\"fb81ea34-8566-3bda-9997-f9bf0a4ba991\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4890973\/ashton-jeanty\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ashton Jeanty<\/a>&#8216;s preseason debut was underwhelming. On three carries, the Heisman Trophy finalist totaled minus-1 yards. His longest carry was for three yards. But a few plays later, Jeanty was stopped for a 4-yard loss.<\/p>\n<p>The Raiders&#8217; offensive line didn&#8217;t provide much support for Jeanty and the run game as a whole. Las Vegas averaged 2.6 yards on nine carries in the first half.<\/p>\n<p><a data-player-guid=\"1e951c62-d62a-1b08-02f0-978d1e029fa7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3115373\/jamal-adams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jamal Adams<\/a> &#8212; who signed last month &#8212; looked solid at weak-side linebacker, as he was active around the line of scrimmage. In 14 defensive snaps, Adams had three tackles, including two run stuffs. On third and long in the second quarter, Adams burst up the middle before tackling Seattle running back <a data-player-guid=\"f768d6c1-7a31-31d2-a37e-159bd9dc5c76\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4808830\/damien-martinez\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Damien Martinez<\/a>. &#8212; Ryan McFadden<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. 49ers, 4 p.m. ET, Saturday<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917393_987_bal.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Ravens: Rookie sixth-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"c302c2a2-a74a-3966-8b85-1c3b66ab565b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4690143\/lajohntay-wester\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LaJohntay Wester<\/a> provided much-needed juice to the Ravens&#8217; punt return game when he scored on an 87-yard runback in the first quarter.<\/p>\n<p>Wester, whose college coach was Deion Sanders at Colorado, flashed some &#8220;Prime Time&#8221; elusiveness when he darted around three would-be Colts tacklers in the middle of the field before racing down the right sideline.<\/p>\n<p>Baltimore&#8217;s punt return game was an issue last season. The Ravens used four punt returners who averaged 9.7 yards, which ranked 16th in the NFL, and failed to break a punt return longer than 22 yards. Wester also had team highs with two catches for 41 yards with a long of 30.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/la_wester?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">@la_wester<\/a> TO THE HOUSE<\/p>\n<p>Tune in on WBAL! <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/kNQd43xeDs\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/kNQd43xeDs<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Ravens\/status\/1953601890622574771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">August 7, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n<p>Rookie kicker <a data-player-guid=\"16f0a87e-34cf-34ca-ad36-1c2245aa36e9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4697745\/tyler-loop\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Loop<\/a> hooked a 46-yard field goal attempt wide left in his first attempt, but he nailed a 52-yarder in the fourth quarter. Loop is the only kicker on the roster, but coach John Harbaugh said Loop has to prove himself in the preseason. In training camp, Loop is 58-of-62 (93.5%). &#8212; Jamison Hensley<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at Cowboys, 7 p.m. ET, Saturday<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917393_973_ind.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Colts: Tight end <a data-player-guid=\"0f413f35-0856-304f-8a14-953ee7532190\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431459\/tyler-warren\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Warren<\/a>, the No. 14 pick in this year&#8217;s draft, made his anticipated debut and wasted little time making an impact. Warren caught all three passes on which he was targeted, generating 40 receiving yards in the process. On his longest play, a 23-yard reception from <a data-player-guid=\"5ad1bcc2-57bc-bb72-bcd0-0cdd0d945444\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3917792\/daniel-jones\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Daniel Jones<\/a> on a slant route, Warren showed the breadth of his talent, catching the ball cleanly and running 14 more yards after the catch.<\/p>\n<p>Elsewhere, the Colts got a long look at new kicker <a data-player-guid=\"bd38713e-d779-d178-0745-9f0873baadc6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4571557\/spencer-shrader\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Spencer Shrader<\/a>, who had a big workload with four first-half field-goal attempts. He connected from 53, 33 and 39 yards and missed from 52. Shrader, who kicked for three teams as a rookie last season, is replacing veteran kicker <a data-player-guid=\"086cd877-8c16-25b3-2951-1bb478991e00\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4249087\/matt-gay\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matt Gay<\/a>, whom the Colts released earlier this year. &#8212; Stephen Holder<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. Packers, 1 p.m. ET, Saturday<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917393_212_phi.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Eagles: Running back <a data-player-guid=\"7d561919-7fde-fbee-8c41-eb0805faa25f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4239934\/aj-dillon\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">AJ Dillon<\/a> had an encouraging debut, rushing five times for 27 yards (5.4 average) and catching three passes for 27 yards. He showed some wiggle with a jump cut on a 9-yard gain and moved the pile when he lowered his shoulder. It was a good start after sitting out all of last season because of a neck injury.<\/p>\n<p>Undrafted rookie receiver <a data-player-guid=\"8ee714c0-1365-3a5f-afd5-a3c157062591\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4715355\/darius-cooper\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Darius Cooper<\/a> (6 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD) raised his profile. He regularly separated from defenders with sharp routes and good burst.<\/p>\n<p>First-round pick linebacker <a data-player-guid=\"23e1997f-707c-3915-b745-94a119996c4a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685287\/jihaad-campbell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jihaad Campbell<\/a> nearly came up with an interception, and fourth-round defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"60e3f72f-5827-c544-5582-7b53708c8bd9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4569586\/ty-robinson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ty Robinson<\/a> registered two pressures, a sack and demonstrated good awareness by sniffing out a screen and taking that option away from the quarterback. &#8212; Tim McManus<\/p>\n<p>Next game: vs. Browns, 1 p.m. ET, Saturday<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754917394_952_cin.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bengals: Defensive end <a data-player-guid=\"ee8dca16-7ec4-3fa6-8c10-6cc028cd1802\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685562\/shemar-stewart\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shemar Stewart<\/a> took a while to get onto the field because of contractual issues, but the first-round pick out of Texas A&amp;M has been as advertised. He was disruptive on a couple of his 18 defensive snaps against the Eagles.<\/p>\n<p>He had a 3-yard tackle for loss on a run play. Then on a play-action bootleg, Stewart did a good job pursuing Eagles quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"2c956767-311d-3239-9e76-9402f34af990\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685201\/tanner-mckee\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tanner McKee<\/a> and nearly forcing an interception.<\/p>\n<p>Rookie left guard <a data-player-guid=\"bbf33233-d90b-33ae-b016-133643508224\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4646773\/dylan-fairchild\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dylan Fairchild<\/a>, a third-round pick and projected starter, had a very nondescript outing, which is a very good thing for an offensive lineman. Right guard <a data-player-guid=\"efd5079f-9f4f-0ee4-d091-a3abb85a7183\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2576736\/lucas-patrick\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lucas Patrick<\/a>, who is battling for a starting spot, had a couple of miscues on the opening drive, including a costly penalty. &#8212; Ben Baby<\/p>\n<p>Next game: at Commanders, 8 p.m. ET, Aug. 18<\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"NFL NationAug 11, 2025, 12:20 AM CloseNFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cover the&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":61482,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[436],"tags":[49,48,514,82],"class_list":["post-61481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-nfl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61481","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61481"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61481\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61482"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}