NFL Week 1 Preseason in Review

IND-NE

The much-rumored demise of Anthony Richardson appears to have been exaggerated. He showed big against NE and if nothing else, he proved that he is still a true NFL quarterback prospect. His turn under center probably won’t happen in IND, but after watching how he played, his command of the offense, his drive and sheer athleticism … I’m convinced he still has a chance to be a really good NFL quarterback. Anyone can fall; it takes a different kind of strength to get up. This week, I saw Anthony Richardson get back up, here’s hoping he stays standing.

What Stood Out: The Patriots have that look again. Yes, it was only a preseason game, but if you took even a passing glance at the field, you saw a team that's primed and ready to make another of those patented Patriot decades long run at championships.

DALL-SEA

I liked a lot of what I saw from the Cowboys in SEA. The defense looked out of place at times which is to be expected this time of the year. But even during those moments when they were, the aggressive nature and speed of the defense jumped off the screen. Caleb Downs was only on the field for a handful of plays, but you could tell he’s the real deal. The biggest question I have coming out of last night was who’s going to win that backup quarterback job: Milton or Howell. Staying in the backfield, call me crazy, but I think Jayden Blue is the next Tony Pollard … and that’s a good thing for Cowboy fans.

What Stood Out: The Cowboy receiver room is stacked, so stacked that Camden Brown scored a touchdown and still had to report to special teams because his position, even after the spectacular catch he made with guys hanging all over him, isn't secured. I have him making the team, he's too much of a talent to turn loose on the market.

CLE-CHI

Neither of their three quarterbacks gave fans, coaches, or critics a reason to stop looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft. Watson had decent numbers, but they were misleading. Sanders made a few throws, but he also threw a pick as did Gabriel (who I think should be traded). The quarterback situation is concerning, but more concerning is the fact that the Browns, outside of that position, have a fairly solid roster. With Grant Delpit, Denzel Ward, Jared Verse, and Carson Schwesinger on defense … if CLE had a quarterback…

What Stood Out: The importance of a quarterback came jumping off the screen Saturday as I watched this one. CLE has talent everywhere else and when I began thinking back to years past, they've always had some really good players, capable of taking them to the next level ... they just can't seem to land on a quarterback.

PITT-GB

I know, tap the brakes; it’s only preseason, but Drew Allar looked like the quarterback prospect everyone thought he was going into the 2025 season at Penn State. True, he was going up against some vanilla defensive schemes and a few guys who might be getting their last taste of football before real life comes calling, but the kid looked the part for sure.

What Stood Out: The friendly version of Aaron Rodgers has emerged. He was light and easy and is reported to being willing to mentor the young players. This is a stark contrast to the Rodgers we've come to know and love for the duration of his career. If this is true, it's a great thank you to the game as he heads into what he says is his final season.

BUFF-CAR

DJ Moore looks like the receiver Josh Allen has been looking for since day 1. Moore ran crisp patterns, caught the ball in traffic, and the part I liked the most was seeing him make a catch, turn the ball up and then invite the CAR defensive back to come his way for contact. A lot to love about the way the Bills looked but if this combination is any indication of what BUFF will be putting out weekly, Western New York could be jumping this season. And before moving on, big props to Joe Brady, the offensive whiz who took over for Sean Mc Dermott this year.

What Stood Out: The speed and explosiveness of that BUFF offense. It's only the second week of preseason but they looked to be running on all cylinders. If what we saw is what we'll see week in and week out, this could be the year the Bills put all those demons to bed.