Washington Commanders – Carolina Panthers : 21-23
Have the Panthers finally found a solid quarterback? Baker Mayfield only played one series, but he was solid, going 4/7 for 45 yards. Trouble was, he fumbled the ball and covered his own fumble in the red zone, which limited his team to a field goal. Fishtail end, but hopes all the same. Sam Darnold (2/3, 16 yards, 1 TD), he found the end zone, even if his possession had started just 19 yards from the opposing end zone following a fumble from Antonio Gibson, who continues to have your hands slipping on Washington’s side. At this rate, he could see rookie Brian Robinson (6 carries, 26 yards, 1 TD) eat his playing time.
Faced with a biting Panthers defense, Carson Wentz (10/13, 74 yards) threw the ball a lot in just three series, and he was solid. Especially since Taylor Heinicke (4/9, 21 yards, 1 int) was much less sharp.
Chicago Bears – Kansas City Chiefs : 19-14
Maybe it was a taste of the Bears season. Receivers released balloons. The offensive line was porous. But Justin Fields (4/7, 48 yards, 2 sacks) showed progress. And that is already good news. The second-year quarterback handled the pressure better and found some great windows, including 26 yards on Darnell Moorney.
Patrick Mahomes (6/7, 60 yards, 1 TD) offered himself a little run-in. A series, a touchdown on a pass for Blake Bell. Back on the bench, good evening.
The satisfaction of the day is mainly defensive for Kansas City, with a George Karlaftis who has been everywhere against Chicago substitutes. The rookie produced 1 sack and 2 quarterback hits. Promising.
Buffalo Bills – Indianapolis Colts : 27-24
A veteran who plays four offensive series in preseason is rare, but Matt Ryan (6/10, 58 yards, 1 sack) arrives in a new team. And there is work. Four offensives for only 3 points, against the substitutes of Buffalo, it is little. Ryan hasn’t been helped by receivers struggling to create separation.
In defense, the Colts took advantage in particular of the fact that almost all the holders of Buffalo were at rest to snatch five balloons, including three interceptions.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Seattle Seahawks : 32-25
Drew Lock advantage? If Geno Smith (10/15, 101 yards) was established, he did not do much. It was Drew Lock (11/15, 102 yards, 2 TDs) who was the sharpest in the second half. The only downside? A fumble lost in the last minutes.
Surprises were on the menu in this meeting full of struggles for the position of quarterback. In Pittsburgh, Kenny Pickett went for the victory in the final moments with a 24-yard touchdown pass for Tyler Vaughns. Mobile in addition to being eye-catching, the rookie scored big points behind Mitchell Trubisky (4/7, 63 yards, 1 TD) and Mason Rudolph (9/15, 93 yards, 1 TD). Both veterans were strong enough to keep their lead over the rookie, but beware, Pickett is in ambush.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Miami Dolphins : 24-26
Substitutes and youth game in Florida. Blaine Gabbert (5/5, 56 yards, 1 TD) solidified his role as Tom Brady’s understudy while Kyle Trask (25/33, 258 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) lost two balls and showed that he has still progress to be made.
Rookie Skylar Thompson served as the Dolphins’ pitcher in the absence of Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater. He exploited the depth of Miami targets rather well, including Lynn Bowden (3 rec, 55 yards, 1 TD), Cedric Wilson (3 rec, 29 yards) and Mohamed Sanu (3 rec, 39 yards)
Houston Texans – New Orleans Saints : 17-13
The Texans played it cautiously on both sets of Davis Mills (3/3, 14 yards), calling mostly runs. Result, two punts. Things got livelier for Houston next. For better with rookie runner Dameon Pierce (5 carries, 49 yards), and for worse with Jeff Driskel (3 interceptions).
A bit the same pattern for New Orleans. A quick and even cleaner passage for Andy Dalton (5/5, 51 yards, 1 TD), who led his team to the end zone on his only offensive. Then a struggling quarterback with Ian Book (15/22, 121 yards, 1 int).
Denver Broncos – Dallas Cowboys : 17-7
Replacements everywhere, and the opportunity for Josh Johnson (16/23, 172 yards, 2 TDs) to shine. The one who has worn the jersey of more than a dozen NFL teams should, at 36, be an ideal lining for Russell Wilson this season.
The substitutes for Dallas were especially illustrated by accumulating 17 penalties for 129 yards. A performance in line with last season, where Dallas led the league in the field.
LA Chargers – LA Rams: 22-29
All holders of the defending champion were at rest. Even John Wolford, their replacement quarterback was preserved. It was therefore Bryce Perkins (10/17, 133 yards, 2 TDs) who led them to victory.
Opposite, same thing, all the important players watched the game from the bench.