As the NFL preseason approaches its final week, teams are grappling with tough decisions regarding their rosters. In recent years, the traditional approach of treating the second week of the preseason as a dress rehearsal for starters has shifted significantly. With joint practices becoming more common, many teams are opting not to expose their top players to exhibition games, leading to mixed results for both starters and backups.
This past week saw a mix of performances from key quarterbacks, prompting discussions about whether some disappointing outings should be considered alarm bells or simply part of the preseason landscape.
Take Daniel Jones of the New York Giants, who made his return from a torn ACL. His performance raised eyebrows, with two interceptions in his first three drives. Although he managed to complete 11 of 18 passes for 138 yards, the shaky start does leave fans wondering about his readiness for the regular season.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons made a bold choice by not playing quarterback Michael Penix this week. Coach Raheem Morris believes Penix has shown enough promise, but the decision not to give him live game reps raises questions about his development, particularly with regards to adapting to game situations.
On the other hand, the Carolina Panthers seem to be delaying Young‘s progress. With a disastrous rookie year behind him, many fans believe a few series could benefit his development. Having joint practices against the New York Jets might have been a solid alternative, but some are still baffled by the lack of game play.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line issues were highlighted during their recent game, where both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields struggled. With the offensive line failing to protect its quarterbacks, this could be a cause for concern as the regular season approaches.
Lastly, the Kansas City Chiefs are wrestling with what to do with Kadarius Toney. After a lackluster performance in which he was penalized multiple times and recorded minimal yardage, the Chiefs may be considering their options at wide receiver. With so much depth at the position, Toney’s future on the team could be in jeopardy.
As these teams gear up for the regular season, the performances and decisions made during these preseason games will undoubtedly affect future strategies and player confidence.
