NFL Preseason 2024: Biggest Takeaways from Week 1 Games

Week 1 of the NFL preseason is an appetizer for the regular season.

Everyone wants a big bite of football goodness. But the preseason isn't without merit. Young players get their initial professional reps, while veterans battle for jobs before roster cuts begin en masse.

Numerous first-round draft picks—including Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams, New England Patriots' Drake Maye, Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels and Atlanta Falcons' Michael Penix Jr.—dressed for the occasion. New head coaches Dave Canales (Carolina Panthers), Jarod Mayo (New England Patriots), Raheem Morris (Atlanta Falcons), Dan Quinn (Commanders), Brian Callahan (Tennessee Titans) and Jim Harbaugh (Los Angeles Chargers) led their teams for the first time, too.

Also, the league's new kickoff rule is now in full force.

The preseason means a new campaign, new faces and new rules. All in all, football is back, which is the most important thing.

Follow along throughout the weekend as Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski provides insight into the biggest storylines from the Week 1 preseason action.

New England Patriots Set Stage for Quarterback Expectations

The New England Patriots' plan at quarterback is obvious. Jacoby Brissett is the starting quarterback until Drake Maye develops and takes over. Will it really matter, though?

Many teams decide not to play their starters during preseason, particularly in the opening contest. New Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo took a different approach. The Patriots' top units took the field to open Thursday's contest against the Carolina Panthers.

Brissett played one series, in which he overthrew his first target and underthrew a streaking Tyquan Thornton later in the drive. (The rain at Foxborough didn't help.)

Maye, whom the Patriots chose with this year's third overall pick, played the second series. He sandwiched an overthrow when targeting the middle of the field with a couple of checkdown completions.

Two things to keep in mind: First, New England's top unit remained on the field when Maye took the reins. Second, the Panthers weren't playing their projected starters, yet neither Maye nor Brissett was able to lead a scoring drive against a bunch of backups.

The final point is important regarding the Panthers.

Carolina Panthers Fail to Take Advantage of First Preseason Contest

Carolina was the NFL's worst team last season. The franchise hired a new brain trust in general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales after six straight losing seasons. However, the team did little to get better Thursday.

While New England played its starters for a couple of series, the Panthers made over 30 of their players inactive, including nearly all of their starters.

Three days earlier, Canales admitted the team's offense remains a work in progress, per Anthony Rizzuti of the Panthers Wire, "...we're not quite there right now in that regard."

To no one's surprise, the Panthers struggled. Carolina needed more work Thursday. Instead, Canales and Co. punted on the opportunity.

Hendon Hooker's Debut for Detroit Lions Provides Promise

The Detroit Lions drafted quarterback Hendon Hooker with a third-round pick last year knowing that he needed a redshirt season after suffering a devastating knee injury late in the 2022 campaign.

Hooker is now fully healthy and staking his claim to be Detroit's QB2. He didn't seem hesitant whatsoever during Thursday's debut against the New York Giants.

This preseason is important for Hooker to get his feet under him after missing an entire season.

"He just needs reps," head coach Dan Campbell told reporters earlier in the week. "And it doesn't matter if it's us or it's them or it's a game, he just needs reps and reps and reps."

Physically, Hendon is in a much better place. His ability to throw the ball has never been in question. But playing time is critical.

Even before Hooker's injury, he played in a simplistic collegiate system that didn't necessarily translate to the NFL. Hooker can build upon what he did in Week 1 of the preseason, continue to develop and possibly become the quarterback whom the Lions expected when they took a flier on him during Day 2 of last year's draft.

Exciting Potential Can be Found in New York Giants' Ground Attack

Whereas the Giants may be able to build around their run game, even after Saquon Barkley's departure.

The running back rotation will look drastically different. However, New York may have a promising trio of ball-carriers.

Devin Singletary signed a three-year, $16.5 million contract to join Big Blue this offseason. Singletary has run for more than 800 yards in each of the last three seasons.

The options behind Singletary can provide an extra boost.

Both Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Eric Gray performed well in the Giants' preseason debut. The two combined to carry the ball nine times for 78 yards. Gray provided two scores, including a 48-yard scoring romp.

Gray and Tracy were fifth-round draft picks in back-to-back classes. The two add some juice, as evidenced by their combined 8.7 yards per carry.

Wide Receiver Tank Dell Completes Houston Texans Offense

Tank Dell was on a tear as a rookie for the Houston Texans. Unfortunately, a fractured fibula in Week 13 ended a promising campaign. Still, Dell finished seventh among first-year wide receivers with 709 yards. He's clearly a favorite target for Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, which became evident during Houston's first preseason contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stroud connected with his draft classmate for a 34-yard score. The explosive target took advantage of his inside leverage, then forced a missed tackle, on his way to the end zone.

Yes, the Texans added Stefon Diggs via trade from the Buffalo Bills. Nico Collins is also coming off a 1,297-yard campaign. But Dell's ability to separate and turn quick-hitters into big plays maximizes Houston's offense.

Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Linebacker Payton Wilson Is Ball Magnet

Across the line of scrimmage, the Steelers also have a young, promising tackling machine in linebacker Payton Wilson.

Wilson, whom Pittsburgh drafted with this year's 98th overall pick, is the reigning Butkus Trophy winner. He's a highly productive and athletic defender. However, an extensive injury history affected the Wilson's draft status.

The linebacker opened Friday's contest with a tackle for loss. He could be found near the ball on almost every play. He's an instinctive defender, who has a chance to play a big role in a rotation with veterans Patrick Quinn and Elandon Roberts.

Rookie Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Leads the Way for Atlanta Falcons

A pair of rookies were on display in Miami as the Dolphins hosted the Atlanta Falcons in their preseason debuts.

Michael Penix Jr. may have been the most controversial selection in the 2024 draft class, but the Falcons' brain trust is lockstep in wanting to have a quarterback succession plan in place after flailing at the game's most important position during the previous two seasons.

With veteran Kirk Cousins inactive for the contest—though he stated he'll be good to go for Week 1 despite last season's ruptured Achilles tendon—Penix played the entire first quarter. The rookie completed 9-of-16 passes for 104 yards, including a 41-connection with Chris Blair long before the single-high safety could work his way over the top.

Atlanta doesn't expect this year's eighth overall pick to play much this season. That's OK. Cousins is the starter. But extended playing time during preseason provides vital reps and looks at what Penix can eventually be.

Miami Dolphins Find Yet Another Weapon in Rookie Running Back Jaylen Wright
While Atlanta is content with a talented rookie not playing, the Dolphins may be forced to find ways to get running back Jaylen Wright onto the field.

Wright is an explosive back who adds even more speed and dynamism to Miami's top-ranked offense. The fourth-round draftee brings legit 4.38-second 40-yard-dash speed to an already potent backfield. Wright is a slashing runner, who can thrive in the zone-based scheme.

Wright carried the ball 10 times for 55 yards and score in his debut. Considering the injury histories of Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane, the rookie can be a big contributor in Miami.

Defensive Backs Take Center Stage for Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens felt the need to invest heavily in their secondaries this offseason. Both should feel better about those situations coming out of Week 1 of the preseason.

Quinyon Mitchell was the first cornerback chosen in this year's draft class. He paid immediate dividends for the Eagles, with a near-interception when being tested on third down for the very first time. Mitchell has exceptional ball skills, and they're obvious.

Though Philadelphia should be as excited, if not more so, by Kelee Ringo's performance.

The early draft investments in Mitchell and Cooper DeJean showed the Eagles wanted to get younger and more talented among their defensive backs. Ringo didn't play much as a rookie after being a fourth-round draft pick. But he showed good tenacity and coverage skills against the Ravens, with a pair of pass breakups.

Baltimore Ravens Rookie Cornerback Nate Wiggins Denies His Opponents

Nate Wiggins also heard his name called in this year's first round. The Ravens chose the Clemson product with the 30th overall pick. Wiggins was ready to be challenged and thrived with three defended passes.

Cornerback depth is always a good thing.

In the case of the Ravens, three-time Pro Bowl Marlon Humphrey has dealt with significant injuries in two of the last three seasons (torn pectoral and foot surgery). Wiggins looks ready to slot into the lineup if something else were to occur. Otherwise, he's going to be an excellent third option alongside Humphrey and Brandon Stephens.

Jayden Daniels Provides Glimpse Into Future of Washington Commanders Offense

To paraphrase the late, great Dennis Green, "Jayden Daniels is exactly who we thought he was. He didn't let the New York Jets off the hook."

The best possible outcome for any team in preseason, particularly Week 1, is to have the starters go in, execute and quickly get off the field. That's exactly what happened when Daniels took the field with the Washington Commanders for the first time.

After airmailing his first throw, this year's third overall pick completed his first pass 42 yards down the field to a streaking Dyami Brown. The Jets dropped eight into coverage on 3rd-and-6. Daniels dropped back, used a quick hitch to avoid slight pressure off his right side and delivered a perfect downfield strike.

While the rookie finished the drive with a three-yard score, Daniels' deep connection says a lot about his potential.

"He made a check mid-play," offensive lineman Samuel Cosmi said during an in-game interview (h/t Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala). "It turned out to be a big gain.

"...So, I think everyone 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."

Rookie RB Braelon Allen Shows Punishing Potential for New York Jet's Ground Game

The New York Jets couldn't resist selecting Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen with the 134th overall pick in this year's NFL draft. Allen has the potential to be a big-time steal.

Despite being a phenom at the collegiate level. Allen was the 10th running back selected in April's event. Part of the reason behind his slide was due to the fact he couldn't put a full predraft workout together because of a lingering high-ankle sprain.

Allen looked unphased against the Commanders, with six carries for 54 yards.

Breece Hall is the clear RB1 for Gang Green. But the 235-pound Allen can be a punishing alternative to the speedier options already found in New York's backfield.

Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams Generates Excitement with Near-Perfect Performance in Debut

Preseason isn't the time to get overly excited about individual performances. Yet it's difficult not to be impressed with what this year's No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams, did Saturday in his debut against the Buffalo Bills.

Generally, excitement should be tempered knowing that schemes are simplified and teams aren't necessarily playing all of their starters. Williams displayed some of the traits that made him a special talent, though.

Creativity was the name of Williams' game while in college. It translates.

An off-balance laser, while rolling to his right with a defender chasing, isn't normal. It's an exceptional throw.

But everyone knew Williams can make those wild passes and do so with regularity. Keep in mind, he was nearly perfect through two drives. He would have completed his first six passes before an outright miss if not for back-to-back drops by tight end Cole Kmet and D.J. Moore.

Everyone should understand the setup. Still, the Chicago Bears have never featured a quarterback this talented.

Buffalo Bills Rookie Wide Receiver Keon Coleman Has Plenty of Room for Growth

Not every rookie debut is sterling. The Buffalo Bills have placed a lot on wide receiver Keon Coleman.

The organization chose to trade its leading receiver Stefon Diggs, who posted four-straight 1,100-yards for the Bills, to the Houston Texans this offseason. The team wanted to get bigger at the position and chose Coleman with its top draft pick (33rd overall).

Coleman has excellent ball skills and body control. They weren't on display on Saturday.

The rookie caught one pass against soft zone coverage to start his professional career. But the Bills offense also targeted him twice in the end zone, which didn't result in a score.

The situation is going to develop over time, with veterans Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins providing more immediate targets for quarterback Josh Allen.

"At the end of the day, I think he'll be a huge contributor this year," Shakir said of Coleman during an in-game interview. "... He's a big body. He knows how to use it."

No Clarity in the Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback Competition

The Las Vegas Raiders are the only franchise in the NFL this preseason to have a true quarterback competition. Other organizations have some uncertainty, but a plan seems to be in place. Whereas the Raiders must decide whether Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew II will open the regular season behind center.

O'Connell opened the Raiders' Saturday's preseason contest against the Minnesota Vikings as the Raiders' "starting" quarterback. Everyone will see if it's any indication which way head coach Antonio Pierce is leaning or if he just gets the benefit of the doubt having been with the squad last season. Minshew could easily easily be the first Raiders quarterback onto the field next weekend.

Neither pulled away nor really hurt themselves with their initial performance.

O'Connell was efficient by completing seven-of-nine passes for 76 yards, though he was sacked once and still presents mobility issue. Minshew was far more aggressive, as a veteran should be against backup defenders. He has playmaking ability, which showed up with a 20-yard touchdown pass to DJ Turner.

But questions remain about Minshew's decision-making at times and arm limitations.

The Raiders will move a week closer to the regular season without an answer who will be leading the team this fall.

Dallas Turner Is the Minnesota Vikings Rookie to Watch

Technically, the Vikings aren't entirely settled at quarterback, either. However, the coaching staff seems content going into the regular season with Sam Darnold as the team's starting quarterback, while giving J.J. McCarthy time to develop.

As exciting as it may have been to see McCarthy play for the first time, Minnesota's other first-round pick, Dallas Turner, had more of an immediate impact.

Turner is a speed merchant off the edge. The rookie took full advantage of Kolton Miller not being in the lineup. He exposed Andrus Peat when working on an island, with two quarterback hits and a sack.

Minnesota made a significant transition away from veterans Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum this offseason. Now, the trio of Turner, Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel will provide the Vikings' primary pass rush.

Green Bay Packers' Lukas Van Ness Emerging as Impact Defender

The Green Bay Packers chose Lukas Van Ness with the 13th overall pick in last year's draft knowing full well that he was a developmental prospect. The team should be rewarded for its foresight based on how Van Ness has looked through training camp and the first preseason contest against the Cleveland Browns.

Van Ness had one defining trait coming out of the Iowa Hawkeyes program: His play-strength was as good as any edge prospect in recent memory. His bull-rush proved to be deadly at the collegiate level.

The Browns didn't have their entire starting offensive line on the field, with backup quarterback Jameis Winston leading the way. As a result, Van Ness was too much to handle, with three tackles for loss and a sack. The sophomore edge-defender could have had a second sack but failed to secure it, though Colby Wooden cleaned up the negative play.

Preston Smith turns 32 later this year. Positive returns from Van Ness portend an expanded role this fall.

Cleveland Browns Fail to Remain Unscathed Coming Out of First Preseason Contest

The NFL and its teams scaled back on the preseason and player usage for safety purposes. The main thing every coach wants with each of these exhibition contests is to avoid injuries. Unfortunately, the Browns endured multiple maladies Saturday.

Ronnie Hickman proved to be a standout rookie safety last season, even after going undrafted. He was beat for a 65-yard touchdown by Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks during the Packers' opening drive. Hickman pulled up slightly during the play, which turned out to be a back injury.

Backup center Luke Wypler suffered a leg injury that required an air cast and cart to be taken off the field. The Browns signed veteran pivot Brian Allen earlier in the year, but he was released on Aug. 3 with an injury settlement. Michael Dunn can play some center, though he's not entirely comfortable there.

David Bell may be facing a make-or-break preseason to be on the Browns' final roster, with Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman ahead of him on the depth chart. The former third-round draft pick hasn't provided much through two seasons. He may not add much through the rest of preseason after leaving Saturday's game with a quad injury.

Sixth-round rookie linebacker Nathaniel Watson also pulled a quad.

The Browns are one of the league's most talented squads. The severity of these injuries will vary, but the team's depth certainly took a hit.

Undrafted Free Agent Steals Show for Kansas City Chiefs

The preseason is more beneficial to undrafted players trying to make the roster than any other group. Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele is the latest darling based on his initial appearance.

The Chiefs already feature arguably the league's angriest runner in Isiah Pacheco. He'll have competition from his newest backfield-mate, Carson Steele.

Steele has been a productive runner over the past two seasons, whether playing for the Ball State Cardinals or UCLA Bruins. During that stretch, the 21-year-old gained 2,403 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.

But Steele didn't test well during the predraft process, with a 4.75-second 40-yard dash and marginal change-of-direction numbers.

The Chiefs don't need a workhorse, but a plow horse will work just fine. Pacheco is the lead back. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a third-down options. Deneric Prince brings some juice to the backfield. Steele can be the groups thumper, while providing some positional flexibility as a 228-pound back.

Brian Thomas Jr. Shows Exactly Why Jacksonville Jaguars Made Him A First-Round Draft Pick

The Jacksonville Jaguars failed to retain Calvin Ridley this offseason, then saw their top receiver leave and join an AFC South rival. Adjustments had to be made, and this year's selection of Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall draft pick is a big piece of the puzzle.

Thomas was college football's best downfield threat last season. He averaged 17.3 yards per catch in 2023. So, it comes as no surprise that his first NFL catch was courtesy of a vertical route.

Thomas' 41-yard snag showed how he can stack a cornerback, adjust to the ball and still have the body control to make a contorted catch. He'll help open up the offense after Trevor Lawrence finished 15th in average yards per attempt among quarterbacks who played in 10 or more games last season.

Seattle Seahawks Rookie Byron Murphy II Establishes Himself as Disruptive Force

The Seattle Seahawks' Byron Murphy II became the second defensive prospect off the board during April's NFL draft and the first interior defender selected. He drew the type of attention from the Los Angeles Chargers that a talented defensive lineman demands.

Murphy proved up to the task when facing double-teams and controlling the Chargers' offensive linemen.

Murphy's upfield explosiveness and pass-rush potential is what placed him atop this year's defensive tackle prospects. It's translating, which will give the Seahawks someone who can consistently win matches as opponents concentrate on Leonard Williams or try to double-team Jarran Reed.

A Healthy Justin Herbert May Be All That Can Save the Los Angeles Chargers Offense

It's only the first game of preseason. There's no reason to overreact. But the Chargers' depth chart at the skill positions is scary based on those who took the field Saturday.

Currently, franchise quarterback Justin Herbert is dealing with plantar fascia in his right foot. He could be affected for some or most of the regular season. Yet Los Angeles doesn't have the talent at quarterback to be competitive if Herbert is forced to miss any time and the wide receivers may struggle to elevate anyone else.

To be fair, Los Angeles was one of the teams who didn't play their starters. Backup quarterback Easton Stick wasn't dropping back and targeting Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. The rest of the wide receiver group did nothing to impress.

New head coach Jim Harbaugh loves to take a ground-and-pound approach. It may be the only saving grace to the Chargers offense early in the regular season.

So Far, So Good for Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow

At this point last year, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had to fight through a calf strain that ultimately affected him during the early portions of the regular season.

By Week 11, Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury.

So, the Bengals have to hold their breath a little bit every time their franchise signal-caller faces live action against an actual opponent. Saturday's test against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went smoothly, though.

Burrow completed five-of-seven passes for 51 yards and a score. After that, his night was done.

The Bengals have an elite quarterback behind center. Burrow did exactly what everyone should expect from a veteran of his caliber: He immediately led his offense on a scoring drive, while taking apart a simplified defensive approach.

Now, Burrow and Co. must build upon this effort and keep the quarterback healthy.

Buccaneers' Center of Attention Doesn't Look Out of Place

Robert Hainsey opened the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' initial preseason game as the first-team center despite the organization drafting Graham Barton with this year's 26th overall pick.

The setup may not last long.

Hainsey and Barton did take turns throughout the first few series. But the team invested in Barton for a reason and it began to show with how well the rookie performed in his first game experience.

The Buccaneers have eased their first rounder into the lineup, because he's making the transition back to center after playing left tackle for the last three seasons. Truth is, Barton needs all the reps he can get with the first team so he can gel with his guards, get used to making all of the line calls and form a full-time relationship with quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Hainsey isn't the solution so he needs to move to the side.

Will Levis, Tennessee Titans Already Look To Be In a Much Better Place Offensively

The Tennessee Titans offense couldn't have asked for a better start under the direction of new head coach/play-caller Brian Callahan.

Tennessee's first two offensive possessions ended in touchdowns.

Granted, the initial drive began at the San Francisco 49ers' 15-yard line, but the Titans still needed to punch the ball in the end zone and did.

Levis completed five of his seven attempts, with a one-yard touchdown plunge to open Tennessee's scoring.

More importantly, the previously maligned offensive line held up. First-round rookie JC Latham didn't look out of place at left tackle after transitioning from the right side, and the group opened some big holes for running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears.

Considering how much talent can be found at wide receiver as well, Tennessee shouldn't be a bottom five offense this season.

Unheralded Defensive Tackle Makes Push for Roster Spot In San Francisco 49ers Lineup

Kalia Davis took advantage of the fact the 49ers didn't play their starters.

San Francisco originally drafted the 6'2", 310-pound defender in the sixth round of the 2022 class. Davis played very little during his first two seasons. But he looks ready for an expanded role based on the improved play seen Saturday against the Titans.

The 25-year-old defensive tackle registered two tackles for loss and a sack. Davis worked his way through multiple blockers, split double-teams and found ways into the backfield.

Obviously, San Francisco has one of the league's best defensive fronts. Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins are proven starters. Jordan Elliott joined the team as a free agent this offseason. Kevin Givens played extensively last season.

Davis will need continued efforts like the one he just provided to make the active roster, but he certainly looks capable of helping some squad.

First-Round Arizona Cardinals Rookie Excites, But Not That One

Marvin Harrison Jr. is the future of Arizona Cardinals football. He provided nothing in the present. On the other hand, fellow first-round Darius Robinson looked like a future difference-maker for the defense.

Harrison played one series, which lasted only three plays, and wasn't targeted. His impact won't be felt until later, it seems.

Whereas Robinson, whom the organization chose with this year's 27th overall pick, showed in his lone series that he can be an effective chess piece by lining up inside over guard to take full advantage of his 6'5", 286-pound frame.

Technically, Robinson is a defensive end. He can play the role on early downs. He should be most effective taking advantage of interior blockers as part of Arizona's pressure packages. Everyone saw the first glimpse of the approach Saturday against the New Orleans Saints.

There's far more to come from both of the Cardinals first-round rookies.

New Orleans Saints Have A Viable Downfield Target in AT Perry

After the 15 seasons as the New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator, head coach Dennis Allen dismissed Pete Carmichael. Enter Klint Kubiak.

Klint Kubiak is the son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak. Changes will be felt throughout the Saints scheme.

To start, Klint Kubiak is likely to employ more two-back and/or tight-end sets. Those are staples of the Shanahan coaching tree. The Saints are talented enough to do so with Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams at running back, as well as Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau at tight end.

These personnel packages will limit some opportunities for the wide receivers. In order to demand significant playing time, those outside targets need to bring a specific skill set.

Chris Olave is the squad's clear WR1. A.T. Perry has the makings of an ideal complement. The 2023 sixth-round draft pick is a big-bodied (6'5", 205 lbs), downfield target.

Perry finished Saturday's contest with four catches for 85 yards. His size on the outside is exactly what the Saints needs as the offense transitions under a new play-caller.