The NFL's future stars were on full display in the preseason as five first-round rookie quarterbacks showcased their talents, providing a tantalizing glimpse into what fans can expect in the upcoming season.
Caleb Williams Shines for the Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams took the field for the Chicago Bears and delivered an impressive performance in his debut. Facing a third-and-long, Williams connected with wide receiver D.J. Moore for a crucial 12-yard gain. He then wowed the crowd with a 42-yard pass to running back D'Andre Swift, although the drive ultimately resulted in a red zone stop. Williams capped his outing with a 30-yard field goal from Cairo Santos, finishing his brief appearance 4 of 7 for 95 yards and a 13-yard scramble.
Jayden Daniels Shows His Versatility
Jayden Daniels made his mark with an electrifying blend of passing and rushing prowess. Daniels lofted his first NFL pass over Austin Ekeler's head but soon found his stride, hitting wideout Dyami Brown for a 42-yard gain. He then demonstrated his dual-threat capability by running into the end zone from three yards out, wrapping up his night 2 of 3 for 45 yards and one touchdown run.
Drake Maye's Precise Debut
Drake Maye had a concise but effective debut, completing two of his three attempts for 19 yards. His highlight came when he converted a third-and-12 to Antonio Gipson, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.
Michael Penix Jr. Impresses with the Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. had a busy night, playing five possessions in the first half against Miami. He led the Atlanta Falcons to two scoring drives, completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. One of his standout moments was a 41-yard pass to Chris Blair, emphasizing his deep-throw accuracy.
J.J. McCarthy Bounces Back Strongly
J.J. McCarthy experienced a rollercoaster debut with a mix of highs and lows. His first pass attempt resulted in an 18-yard completion to Jalen Nailor, but his second throw was intercepted by Raiders cornerback Jack Jones. He quickly rebounded, however, throwing a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jackson early in the second half and finishing his day with 188 yards on 11 of 17 passing. “Clearly, everybody can see the arm talent. I loved seeing him come right back after the interception and still be aggressive,” noted Kevin O'Connell.
Bo Nix Powers Denver Broncos
Bo Nix showcased his leadership and efficiency as he guided the Denver Broncos to scores on four out of five drives. Nix wrapped up his night completing 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards, highlighted by his first touchdown pass to Marvin Mims. He also demonstrated his mobility with an 11-yard run. “It was a good day. I thought we ran the ball efficiently, made some good plays in the pass game, converted some third downs, got points when we needed to; it was a good job going into half with points and coming out with points. Overall, thoughts we did a good job, huge team win,” Nix reflected.
Excitement and Poise Under Pressure
The excitement surrounding these rookies is palpable. Raheem Morris praised the composure and adaptability of his young quarterback, stating, “He wants one of those throws back that he threw on the sideline, but he was able to go through some progression. Pretty much, a really good night for him and I was really pleased with what he was able to do.”
Similarly, teammate Sam Cosmi echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the calm, collected manner in which his quarterback handled the pressure. “He made a check mid-play. It turned out to be a big gain. We bunkered down and really went in there. He was calm and collected, which is what you want to see, and it was really impressive. We all sat on the sideline, and we were like, 'Dang, that was really fun.' So I think everybody should be very excited just from that little sneak peek right there. I know I am. I know the guys are fired up. I think we got a dude back there.”
While it is still the preseason, the performances of these five rookie quarterbacks have undoubtedly set the stage for an exhilarating NFL season ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how these young guns continue to develop and impact their respective teams.