The NFL preseason offers a critical chance for teams to develop and fine-tune their rosters, evaluating both young talent and those players on the roster bubble. For many teams, it's an opportunity to assess key performances, such as that of Clayton Tune for the Arizona Cardinals in their recent matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Tune's Standout Performance
Second-year backup quarterback Clayton Tune delivered a notable performance for the Cardinals. Head coach Jonathan Gannon opted to rest many starters, giving Tune a chance to shine. He completed four of his five passes during an impressive nine-play, 70-yard drive, which he capped off with a touchdown orchestrated by Michael Carter's 11-yard run. Tune's final drive included a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Jones Jr., and he finished with 163 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 24 passing.
Despite Tune's efforts, the Cardinals fell to the Saints 16-14. Desmond Ridder started for the Cardinals and played the entire first half, completing four of nine passes for 43 yards. Adding to the mix, rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed nine of 16 throws for 104 yards. However, the Cardinals couldn't close the gap, also losing to the Miami Dolphins 20-13.
Challenges and Injuries
Injuries are always a concern during the preseason. DeMarcco Hellams was carted off the field due to a left leg injury, presenting an early setback for the Cardinals. Taylor Heinicke completed just four of 11 passes for 11 yards in a game that saw many young players trying to prove their worth.
First-round rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins provided a glimmer of hope, allowing only two completions for a mere eight yards, showcasing his defensive prowess. Still, the team's mixed results indicate there’s work to be done before the start of the regular season.
Other Preseason Highlights
A cross-section of other teams also had significant moments in their preseason games. The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 16-13, with head coach John Harbaugh opting for a 21-yard field goal on fourth-and-goal.
The Buffalo Bills faced a tough game, losing to the Chicago Bears 33-6. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had a solid showing for the Bears, completing four of seven passes for 95 yards. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots triumphed over the Carolina Panthers 17-3.
Returning stars Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins couldn't secure a win for the Cincinnati Bengals, who narrowly lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14. Jamari Thrash managed three catches for 43 yards but couldn’t clinch the victory for the Browns, who suffered defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers.
On a brighter note, the Denver Broncos edged out the Indianapolis Colts 34-30, with Bo Nix stepping up to throw for 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 21 passing. The New York Giants secured a win over the Detroit Lions 14-3.
Big Contracts and Unexpected Wins
In contract news, Jordan Love secured a four-year, $220 million deal with the Packers, including a $75 million signing bonus. This substantial commitment underscores the Packers' confidence in their young quarterback's potential to lead the team in the coming seasons.
The Houston Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-12, while the Jacksonville Jaguars triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs with a score of 26-13. The Las Vegas Raiders lost a close contest to the Minnesota Vikings, finishing 24-23, and the Seattle Seahawks won against the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3.
In another close game, the Los Angeles Rams secured a win over the Dallas Cowboys with a final score of 13-12, emphasizing the highly competitive nature of the preseason as teams fine-tune their strategies and rosters.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL preseason progresses, these games and performances offer a glimpse into the potential of new and returning players alike. With each game, coaches and staff gather crucial insights to shape their final 53-man rosters, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting regular season.