The NFL preseason has always been a crucial period for teams to hone their lineups and make critical decisions about their roster compositions. This year has been no different, with young talents vying for attention and seasoned players proving their mettle. The Arizona Cardinals have been particularly active, with second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune making a significant impression during their preseason matchups.
Cardinals' Quarterback Shuffle
In a notable game against the New Orleans Saints, Tune delivered a standout performance. Despite Head Coach Jonathan Gannon's decision to rest many starters, Tune stepped up, completing four of his five passes during a nine-play, 70-yard drive. This impressive drive culminated in a touchdown, capped by Michael Carter's 11-yard run. Tune didn't stop there, orchestrating another successful drive that included a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr., finishing the game with 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing. Despite Tune's strong showing, the Cardinals fell short against the Saints, losing 16-14.
Desmond Ridder, who started for the Cardinals, played the entire first half but managed only a muted performance, completing four of nine passes for 43 yards. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. also saw action, completing nine of 16 throws for 104 yards, though the Cardinals lost their subsequent game to the Miami Dolphins 20-13.
Player Injuries and Performances
The preseason has also been marred by injuries, with DeMarcco Hellams being carted off the field due to a left leg injury. Elsewhere, Taylor Heinicke struggled, completing just four of 11 passes for a mere 11 yards. In contrast, first-round rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins delivered a solid performance, allowing only two completions for eight yards.
Other Notable Games
Several other teams also faced ups and downs. The Ravens lost to the Eagles 16-13, with Head Coach John Harbaugh opting for a 21-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal. The Bills were decimated by the Chicago Bears, losing 33-6, with rookie Caleb Williams leading the Bears' charge by completing four of seven passes for 95 yards.
The New England Patriots halted the Carolina Panthers with a definitive 17-3 win. Key players for the Bengals, Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins, returned to action, although their presence wasn't enough to secure a win as they narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14. The Browns also fell, facing defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, where Jamari Thrash managed three catches for 43 yards.
Shining Rookies and Tight Matches
The Broncos edged out the Indianapolis Colts 34-30, with Bo Nix contributing significantly by throwing for 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing. The New York Giants claimed a 14-3 victory over the Detroit Lions. In a surprising development, Jordan Love inked a four-year, $220 million contract with the Packers, which includes a substantial $75 million signing bonus.
The Texans triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-12, while Jacksonville Jaguars fans had reason to cheer as their team defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 26-13. The Las Vegas Raiders, in a tightly contested game, lost to the Minnesota Vikings 24-23.
The Seattle Seahawks claimed a resounding 16-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, the Rams managed to secure a narrow win over the Cowboys, with a final score of 13-12. Adding an intriguing narrative to the proceedings, Derek Carr revealed during the game’s broadcast that "New Orleans didn't game plan at all, and that he didn't know who was playing with him until just before kickoff," underscoring the unpredictable nature of preseason football.
As the preseason progresses, these performances and developments underscore the high stakes and intense competition inherent to the NFL's lead-up weeks. Teams continue to evaluate their options, young players look to carve out roles, and veterans aim to prove that they can still contribute meaningfully. The coming weeks promise more action and critical decisions that will shape the landscape of the upcoming NFL season.