Preseason Week 1 Highlights Winners and Losers Across the NFL
The opening week of NFL preseason produced standout performances from several rookies and veterans, while a few players and teams struggled, prompting early concerns.
The NFL’s first preseason slate featured 16 games between Thursday and Saturday, offering a glimpse of emerging talent and early setbacks. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton impressed the Broncos with three catches for 60 yards, including a one-handed grab that highlighted his contested-catch ability. Steelers rookie quarterback Drew Allar threw for 153 yards and three touchdowns in limited second-half action against the Packers, prompting praise for the team's draft decision. Rookie kicker Trey Smack of the Packers converted all three field-goal attempts, including a 58-yard effort, as Green Bay’s only points in a loss to Pittsburgh.
Arizona’s quarterback trio of Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis combined for 212 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Raiders, with Brissett delivering a perfect first-half performance. Raiders first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in his debut, though coach Klint Kubiak emphasized that Kirk Cousins remains the starter. San Francisco’s rookie wideout De’Zhaun Stribling recorded seven catches for 63 yards in a single half against the Titans, while Cincinnati’s Dohnte Meyers contributed as a receiver, rusher and punt returner in a victory over Detroit.
The Falcons suffered a double blow, losing first-round edge rusher Jalon Walker to a torn ACL and seeing rookie James Pearce Jr. suspended for eight games after a personal-conduct violation. Atlanta’s offense faltered as Tua Tagovailoa fumbled early and the team fell 27-7 to Denver. Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward struggled, completing just five of 12 passes for 57 yards against the 49ers. New England’s rookie kicker Andy Borregales missed three field goals in a 13-13 tie with Indianapolis, prompting head coach Mike Vrabel to stress the expectation of making kicks. Detroit’s rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa failed to catch any of three targets against Cincinnati, and Indianapolis backup quarterback Riley Leonard completed less than half of his attempts, allowing an interception, as the team evaluated its backup options. Chargers former first-round pick Trey Lance was outperformed by DJ Uiagalelei, raising questions about his future role.