Some NFL Preseason Week 1 Observations and notes from players and games around the league.
The Rookie 1st Round QBs Did Not Shine
Rookie QBs all not named Dorian Thompson Robinson or Stetson Bennett struggled in varying degrees in their debuts. Bryce Young was okay, but he got hit hard multiple times in limited action (something to monitor going forward). Stroud had an absolutely ugly interception in his first series where he did not see the DB read him like a book. Richardson threw an interception that was not quite as bad but still not great though he did shake it off. Others including Clayton Tune, Will Levis, were uninspiring. Again this is preseason but just worth mentioning.
Stetson Bennett has a strong debut
We did not understand the knocks on Bennet besides age. All he has done is win and looks to continue to do so in LA. He should be the immediate backup to Stafford and step up if needed. If his floor is to go on to have a 10 plus year career (like Colt McCoy for example) as a high end backup that can play when needed, and his ceiling is above this, then what was the issue?
Jordan Love and Sam Howell look good
Two young QBs with a microscope on them, Love and Howell showed promise in their first starts. We believe in both of them to be better than average so we hope this continues.
Dorian Thompson Robinson Continues Torrid Start
Who could have seen DTR having a great start like this? Oh yeah, us. It is just the preseason but in two starts you would be hard pressed to find a better player in the league right now of anyone that has played. DTR should get the backup job easily, and possibly push for playing time (one of our hot takes) if Watson struggles.
Seahawks Backup QBs Have Successful Day
Drew Lock looked very good, and Holton Ahlers may have been even better. Ahlers is looking to stick as a lefty QB for the Seahawks and we are rooting for him.
Ty Chandler could be a big factor for the Vikings
If we were betting people, which we are not, we would wager the running back to step up next to Mattison is Ty Chandler. He was better than where the Vikings drafted him, and now they may reap the benefits. Look for his contributions to be in the passing game early in the season and grow.
Emanuel Wilson and Elijah Dotson Look like UDFA Steals
Wilson exploded onto the scene out of D2 Fort Valley State University with 111 yards on 6 carries and 2 touchdowns. The RB3 is wide open for Green Bay so this is a story to watch. The Chargers may have hit the lottery again with udfa running backs in Elijah Dotson. He had 92 yards on 6 carries and 2 touchdowns and could be gunning for that rb2 job.
Julian Okwara Picks up 3 Sacks for Lions
Perhaps a forgotten man in this Detroit pass rush, if Julian takes a step forward, Detroit’s front will be scary.
Channing Tindall Fills the Stat Sheet for Miami Dolphins
Tindall had a forgettable rookie season, but is starting off this year strong. He had 10 total tackles and a sack and we hope he is on his way to taking a much needed leap in his second year.
Baker Mayfield Gets Leg Up on Kyle Trask
Mayfield played well enough, and Trask did not impress. While this is listed as an open competition, we do not feel as though Trask is too much of a threat to Baker getting first crack at the job.
Calvin Austin III looks explosive
A sleeper breakout candidate by many, Austin looks primed to be a bigger part of the Steeler offense this year.