The midpoint of the 2024 NFL preseason has arrived, and Week 2 of the exhibition schedule has proven to be a crucial period for several teams, as they treat it as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming regular season. This week has been even more significant with a series of joint practices, adding an extra layer of intensity to the preseason proceedings.
Quarterback Battles Heat Up
In New England, the quarterback battle is in full swing between Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye. As the Patriots grapple with an offense lacking in skill position players and hindered by a subpar offensive line, the decision on who will lead this rebuilding offense is critical. "The Patriots will have a decision to make who will quarterback this rebuilding offense that has little skill position players and a subpar offensive line," noted an insider.
Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Kirk Cousins is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, but rookie Michael Penix Jr. is fighting for opportunities to prove his worth. Penix made a strong impression in his preseason debut, completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards and leading the Falcons to 10 points over five possessions, resulting in a passer rating of 76.0. His performance adds depth to the Falcons' quarterback roster and provides a promising backup option.
In Chicago, the spotlight is on rookie Caleb Williams, who impressed in his preseason opener, completing 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards with a passer rating of 101.8. The rookie was instrumental in the Bears scoring six points during his two possessions. An analyst pointed out, "Let’s see how long Williams plays against the Bengals, but it will be vital for the Bears to get their rookie quarterback those live game reps."
Injury Concerns and Position Battles
The New York Giants are dealing with a setback as Malik Nabers suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener. This injury elevates the competition between Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson for the WR2 position behind Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins. Both receivers will need to step up to fill the void left by Nabers' absence.
The Kansas City Chiefs are also managing injury issues, with Hollywood Brown sidelined due to a shoulder injury. This situation might demand rookie Xavier Worthy to step up, especially with Rashee Rice facing a potential suspension. The Chiefs' wide receiver roster contenders, including Kadarius Toney, Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross, will need to make the most of their opportunities as the preseason progresses.
Rising and Struggling Performers
The Tennessee Titans have added new running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, both of whom showcased their potential in the preseason opener. Spears scored a touchdown, while Pollard had a notable 24-yard run. Together, they managed 37 yards on seven carries, hinting at a promising backfield for the Titans this season.
On defense, Laiatu Latu, who led the FBS with a 23.9% pressure rate at UCLA, is expected to bring a formidable presence to the Titans' pass rush. His performance in the preseason will be closely watched as the Titans aim to bolster their defensive line.
In Miami, the battle for the backup quarterback spot sees Skylar Thompson competing against Mike White. Thompson had a middling performance in his preseason opener, completing 8 of 19 passes for 95 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Meanwhile, White struggled significantly, completing only 4 of 14 passes for 26 yards against second- and third-team players. As the competition intensifies, a source indicated, "This battle may go down to the first week of the regular season before head coach Antonio Pierce names a starter."
Promising Performances and Health Updates
The Minnesota Vikings are breathing a sigh of relief as Jordan Addison avoided a serious injury, allowing him to continue contributing to the team's offensive schemes. Meanwhile, Trishton Jackson made headlines with a standout performance last week, accumulating 100 yards on four catches with a touchdown, highlighting his potential as a valuable receiving option.
The San Francisco 49ers' Ricky Pearsall has been plagued by hamstring and shoulder problems during training camp, underscoring the challenges many players face in maintaining peak physical condition. The team's medical staff will have their work cut out for them as they prepare Pearsall and others for the regular season.
In Denver, Bo Nix displayed efficiency in his preseason debut, completing 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards with a touchdown. In contrast, Jarrett Stidham struggled, finishing 4 of 7 for 37 yards with an interception. These performances will be critical for the Broncos' coaching staff as they finalize their quarterback depth chart.
As Week 2 of the preseason concludes, teams and players continue to vie for their spots, honing their skills and strategies. The decisions made in these crucial moments will shape the outcomes of the 2024 NFL season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year of football.