Here's a rundown of the most intriguing storylines ahead of Week 2 of the preseason.
The top two picks of the 2023 NFL Draft struggled in their debuts and look to rebound in Week 2.
Carolina head coach Frank Reich said his team was intentionally vanilla in its approach with Young in Week 1. Still, it would be nice to see him (and, for Houston's sake, Stroud) orchestrate at least one long drive before the regular season begins.
Who's ready for the quarterback duel of the century preseason?
Clifford (Green Bay) was drafted in the fifth round (149th overall) while Cunningham (New England) somehow went undrafted in 2023. Yet both were among the most impressive rookie quarterbacks in Week 1 and their teams face off in Week 2 at Lambeau Field.
Clifford needs to clean up on turnovers, but he made several impressive throws against the Bengals.
.@seancliff14 @samori_toure#GBvsCIN | #GoPackGo
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 12, 2023
: Packers TV Network + NFL Network pic.twitter.com/2m6QyOGyYN
Packers rookie QB Sean Clifford has had his ups and downs tonight, but this is a great strike to fellow 5th-round rookie Dontayvion Wicks.
— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) August 12, 2023
Wicks gets out in space and rumbles for a nice gain after the catch. pic.twitter.com/jAJH9035iM
Cunningham was the offensive star of the week for the Patriots against the Texans and could be a major weapon in the red zone this season as a wildcat quarterback.
Get to know Malik Cunningham ⬇️
— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2023
: #HOUvsNE on @NFLNetwork
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/7TXlyREFdX
Russell Wilson and Trey Lance started slow in Week 1, with both quarterbacks playing well into the second quarter before leading touchdown drives. Head coaches Sean Payton and Kyle Shanahan are likely hoping for faster starts when the teams play on Saturday.
Cincinnati should be concerned about its chances without Joe Burrow (calf). Backups Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian didn't inspire much confidence against the Packers. The Bengals need to see more from one, or both, against Atlanta to feel comfortable in a crowded AFC while Burrow is sidelined.
Texans wide receiver Tank Dell made arguably the catch of the week against New England.
If at first you don't succeed... @TankDell4
— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2023
: #HOUvsNE on @NFLNetwork
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/BNUJYeqrX7
With plays like that, the third-round pick will receive plenty of playing time during the regular season. He could be joined by Saints' sixth-round pick A.T. Perry, who hauled in a nice 29-yard touchdown against the Chiefs.
A.T Perry is going off. Catches the TD from Jameis pic.twitter.com/AQNWTsErGu
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 13, 2023
Third-round running backs Tyjae Spears (Tennessee), and Devon Achane (Miami) also showed flashes in Week 1 and could be in line for backup roles. Spears had six carries for 32 yards. Achane, meanwhile, was held in check on the ground but had four receptions for 41 yards against Atlanta.
The Cowboys are talented in a lot of areas. Kicking isn't one of them. Brandon Aubrey missed an extra point against Jacksonville, the team's fourth consecutive game with a missed extra point dating back to last season. Will the streak continue against the Seahawks? Fat chance. It isn't like Dallas ever had problems kicking in Seattle before. On second thought...
16 years ago tonight...#Cowboys holder Tony Romo bungles the snap on a potential go-ahead 19-yard field goal attempt with 1:19 remaining in the 2006 NFC Wild Card Game.
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) January 6, 2023
The #Seahawks prevail in Seattle, 21-20. pic.twitter.com/pGperf1TpY
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