HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 13: Andy Dalton #14 of the New Orleans Saints scrambles with the ball in the first quarter during a preseason against the Houston Texans game at NRG Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Takeaways
I know it’s just preseason, and looks can be deceiving in the preseason, but I did notice some things that I think people need to keep an eye on this season. Check out the top
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1. The Browns are in trouble
It’s preseason, and he hasn’t played in a couple of years, but Deshaun Watson was just one for five and looked uncomfortable. However, what happened before kickoff was more important than anything Watson did on the field. He publicly apologized to the women who had accused him of inappropriate sexual conduct during massage sessions. He said on the Browns’ pregame program that he was truly sorry to those women. Watson and the Browns are still waiting to see if appeals officer Peter C. Harvey will extend Watson’s six-game suspension. It makes you wonder why he is only being suspended for six games if he is apologizing; he has said he did nothing wrong. If that is true, why is he apologizing and paying them off? The Browns look headed for disaster this season. Add on to all of that the Browns center was carted off, and you will realize the game was a win on the scoreboard, but not necessarily a win overall.
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The new-look offense and Quarterback Jared Goff played the first series, but they showed their potential with a touchdown. Goff was 3-of-4 with 47 yards passing and seemed more comfortable with his options, especially wide receiver Ra St. Brown who had two catches for 29 yards from a pair of targets. Goff is aware that he must prove himself in Detroit this season, and he started strong, even though it was only the preseason.
3. Daniel Jones looks good
The starting offense and quarterback Daniel Jones moved the ball well. They probably could have reached the end zone if it wasn’t for a terrible third-down drop by wide receiver Kenny Golladay close to the goal line. Jones finished 6-of-10 passing for just 69 yards. Jones also ran for another first down. Backup QB Tyrod Taylor played well also, but for now Jones should feel a little less pressure at least for the next week.
4. Tyler Huntley shines for the Ravens
Tyler Huntley again showed why he’s among the NFL’s top backup quarterbacks. Huntley was more accurate in the preseason opener than he has been all of training camp, completing 88.9% of his passes (16-of-18) and putting great touch on his 14-yard touchdown pass. He also converted a fourth down with a physical 14-yard run. Of course, this will probably always be Lamar Jackson’s team, but Huntley will start somewhere before his career ends.
5. Jalen Hurt shines
Jalen Hurts’ preseason debut could not have been better. In his one series, he was 6-of-6 for 80 yards. He finished his night with a touchdown pass to tight end Dallas Goedert. If Hurts can become a quality starter, the Eagles could be a big-time Super Bowl contender this season. Check out the best
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6. Jackson Carman is an issue in Cincinnati
Carman was the only starting offensive lineman that played in the game for the Bengals on Friday night, and much like last season, he was horrible. The Bengals added three free agents that will strengthen the offensive line, but if Carman is a starter on the unit, there could still be some issues. Backup quarterback Brandon Allen was knocked out of the game on the first series of the game. If you are a Bengals fan the thought of Jackson Carman starting should scare you to death!
7. Matt Ryan and the Colts offense struggles
The Colts gave us a long look at their new offense, and early returns were not positive. lack of dynamic play from the Colts’ young wide receivers, who struggled with consistently making contested catches. Ryan finished 6-of-10 for 58 yards, his longest connection being a 17-yard completion to Michael Pittman Jr. Jonathan Taylor did not play, but we already know what he gives the Colts. The question will not be can Matt Ryan get it done? It will be do the Colts have enough weapons to get it done?
8. Kenny Pickett impresses
Kenny Pickett was impressive in his first NFL game with his agility, poise, and ability to throw on the run. Pickett orchestrated the game-winning drive that culminated in a 24-yard touchdown pass from Pickett to receiver Tyler Vaughn. Pickett was able to redeem himself after rookie Mark Robinson’s strip-sack. Pickett responded quickly with a scoring drive that included an 8-yard scramble up the middle to set up his game-winning touchdown. Pickett completed his first NFL preseason game, completing 13 of 15 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns. He also made a two-point conversion pass from tight end Connor Heyward.
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9. Andy Dalton impresses
When he was called in to replace Jameis Winston, Quarterback Andy Dalton demonstrated why the Saints were so eager to sign him. Dalton only played one series, but he went 5-for-5 and completed a touchdown pass to running back Dwayne Washo. This was thanks to a well-set screen behind offensive linemen Erik McCoy & Andrus Peat. I think the Dalton/Winston competition is getting very interesting. Dalton is a solid leader and a good quarterback who has led teams to the playoffs on five different occasions.
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