The Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears kicked off Week 2 of the preseason on Thursday in Seattle.
Second-year quarterback Justin Fields seemed sharp for the Bears in his lone drive to start the sport, whereas Seahawks starter Geno Smith and the offensive unit struggled to choose up first downs of their first couple of drives.
Within the early recreation Friday night time, New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones overcame a shaky begin and two three-and-outs to steer the offense on a second-quarter scoring drive towards the Carolina Panthers earlier than his night time was over.
The Inexperienced Bay Packers topped the New Orleans Saints behind a roller-coaster night time from rookie broad receiver Romeo Doubs, who had a landing catch but additionally a few drops. In the meantime, in Los Angeles, undrafted Rams broad receiver Lance McCutcheon had a standout efficiency for the second straight week.
Saturday introduced an eight-game sled that featured the Buffalo Payments rolling over the Denver Broncos early, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett impressing towards the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa getting his first live-game motion towards the Las Vegas Raiders.
Sunday’s first recreation featured the Philadelphia Eagles hanging on towards the Cleveland Browns. The Cincinnati Bengals go to the New York Giants and the Arizona Cardinals host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night time.
Week 2 wraps up on Monday Night time Soccer with the Atlanta Falcons on the New York Jets (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Listed below are the most important takeaways from the week’s video games to date, together with the remainder of the Week 2 preseason schedule:
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NFL preseason video games on Sunday, Aug. 21
Eagles: The plot thickens at broad receiver. Deon Cain — the 6-foot-2, 202-pound 26-year previous out of Clemson — had a game-high 5 catches for 66 yards, highlighted by an acrobatic 24-yard seize down the best sideline on a go from Gardner Minshew. He is supplied related splash performs on the follow subject this summer season. The Eagles have some powerful decisions to make at wideout, with former first-round choose Jalen Reagor, undrafted rookie Britain Covey and Cain all vying for spots in a crowded receiver room that includes A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins and Zach Pascal. As if the evaluators did not have sufficient to consider, Devon Allen, the world class hurdler/former Oregon receiver, turned on the jets and hauled in a 55-yard landing go Sunday. These gamers will current their closing arguments within the preseason finale in Miami. — Tim McManus
Subsequent recreation: at Dolphins (7 p.m. ET, Aug. 27)
Browns: The Browns rested the vast majority of their starters after the joint practices with the Eagles on Thursday and Friday. That allowed QB Josh Dobbs to steal the present Sunday. On the opening drive, he reeled off a nifty 36-yard run, tight-roping the sidelines with a ripped jersey. Dobbs has been terrific general in Cleveland’s two preseason video games, finishing a mixed 24 of 33 passes for 249 yards to go along with two TDs and no picks. Assuming the Browns do not add one other QB, Dobbs is certain to be Cleveland’s backup behind Jacoby Brissett whereas Deshaun Watson is serving an 11-game suspension with out pay after he was accused by greater than two dozen girls of sexual misconduct throughout therapeutic massage periods. — Jake Trotter
Subsequent recreation: vs. Bears (7 p.m. ET, Aug. 27)
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Giants: 7 p.m. ET, NFL Community
Baltimore Ravens at Arizona Cardinals: 8 p.m. ET, Fox
NFL preseason video games on Saturday, Aug. 20
Cowboys: KaVontae Turpin earned his spot on the roster on Saturday, returning a kickoff 98 yards for a landing within the first quarter and a punt 86 yards for a rating within the second quarter within the Dallas Cowboys‘ 32-18 win towards the Los Angeles Chargers. Not dangerous for a man who wasn’t with the group to begin coaching camp after incomes USFL MVP honors for the New Jersey Generals. How invaluable was his displaying? Turpin wasn’t in shoulder pads for the second half, which is an indication of how a lot the Cowboys need to preserve him contemporary. Final 12 months’s returners, CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard, will see bigger roles on offense this 12 months, which created the necessity for somebody like Turpin. The Cowboys averaged simply 6.6 yards per punt return a 12 months in the past and 24.8 yards per kick return, though Pollard did have a 100-yard return for a rating. If Turpin generally is a difference-maker within the return recreation, will probably be an enormous increase to an offense that can enter the season with some questions.
“I am an thrilling participant, and each time I get the ball, there is a large play ready to occur,” Turpin stated. “I am joyful to be right here and make the most of this chance.” — Todd Archer
Subsequent recreation: vs. Seahawks (8 p.m. ET, Aug. 26)
Chargers: The most important takeaway ought to have been the standout play of second-year wideout Joshua Palmer, who caught three passes for 75 yards and a landing towards the Cowboys. As an alternative, it is the abysmal efficiency by particular groups, which allowed Cowboys returner KaVontae Turpin to take a kickoff 98 yards for a landing and later rating on an 86-yard punt return. What’s most regarding, whereas most starters are sitting out of the preseason, is that the blokes on particular groups are competing for roster spots and ought to be placing forth most effort. — Lindsey Thiry
Subsequent recreation: at Saints (8 p.m. ET, Aug. 26)
Steelers: Kenny Pickett flourished in varsity motion towards the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing 6 of seven makes an attempt for 76 yards and main his unit on a five-play, 42-second landing drive earlier than halftime to take the lead. Pickett performed solely two sequence — lower than 10 snaps — nevertheless it was sufficient for Mike Tomlin. Pickett confirmed poise below stress and had completions of 18, 10, 24 and 11 yards on the scoring drive, and he had an exquisite 11-yard landing go to Diontae Johnson wiped off the board for a holding name towards James Daniels. By means of two preseason video games, Pickett has accomplished 17 of twenty-two makes an attempt for 171 yards with three touchdowns and a QBR of 138.6. Mitch Trubisky began the sport and performed three sequence, finishing 5 of 8 makes an attempt for 60 yards and a scramble of 10 yards. He was sacked as soon as, although, and always felt stress from a subpar efficiency by the offensive line. Mason Rudolph performed your entire second half and accomplished 17 of 21 makes an attempt for 127 yards and led the game-winning landing drive. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent recreation: vs. Detroit, 4:30 p.m. ET, Aug. 28
Jaguars: Extensive receiver Christian Kirk made his preseason debut and caught 5 passes for 54 yards towards the Steelers. Trevor Lawrence focused Kirk eight occasions, together with twice on third downs. Lawrence’s throws have been excessive and incomplete on these two third-down throws, nevertheless it’s clear that Kirk, who signed a four-year, $72 million contract in March, has settled in properly within the No. 1 receiver function. The Jaguars’ first-team offense did not discover the tip zone in two quarters of labor, nevertheless it did generate 189 yards and went 5-for-9 on third down. It was probably the most environment friendly the unit has seemed this preseason. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent recreation: at Atlanta, 3 p.m. ET, Aug. 27
Raiders: Derek Carr couldn’t have appreciated what he noticed Saturday night time. No, not UFC honcho Dana White saying he brokered a deal for Tom Brady to exchange him as Raiders QB in 2020. Relatively, the Raiders’ leaky offensive line persevering with to be, properly, leaky. Particularly projected beginning proper deal with Alex Leatherwood, who got here out of the sport early within the second quarter, solely to return within the second half. Las Vegas surrendered 4 extra sacks towards Miami, making it 13 sacks surrendered in three preseason video games to this point. Sure, the Raiders added the most effective wideout within the recreation in Davante Adams to Professional Bowlers Hunter Renfrow, Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs, and as former Raiders QB and NFL MVP Wealthy Gannon stated of Carr throughout the broadcast, “If he has time this 12 months, he’ll throw for five,000 yards. Mark my phrases.” That is an enormous “if” with this offensive line. — Paul Gutierrez
Subsequent recreation: vs. New England, 8:15 p.m. ET, Aug. 26
Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa received his first live-game motion since January, finishing 6 of 8 passes for 58 yards. Enjoying with out Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert and Terron Armstead, there was solely a lot to anticipate from Tagovailoa, who took what the Raiders gave him over two sequence and did not push the ball downfield. Miami’s struggles operating the ball and lack of dwell snaps with its projected first-team offense doubtless set the stage for a gown rehearsal subsequent week towards the Eagles, who will be a part of the Dolphins for 2 joint practices earlier than Saturday’s recreation. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent recreation: vs. Philadelphia, 7 p.m. ET, Aug. 27
Titans: Rookie quarterback Malik Willis received the beginning as soon as once more and seemed higher within the pocket. “I used to be a bit extra snug,” Willis stated. “However it’s extra about making it some extent to remain within the pocket once I can and never simply get out as a result of I am athletic.” Willis accomplished his first throw on a play-action go that was similar to his ultimate play in final week’s recreation towards the Ravens, when he received pulled for not throwing the soccer. The consolation degree actually confirmed on Willis’ first landing go, when he sensed the surface stress, climbed the pocket and went by means of his progressions earlier than discovering tight finish Chig Okonkwo for a landing. Willis completed 7-for-17 for 80 yards and a landing. He confirmed indicators of progress however nonetheless has a technique to go, and the Titans are going to be affected person with him. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent recreation: vs. Arizona, 7 p.m. ET, Aug. 27
Bucs: Is it time to hit the panic button for the Bucs’ offensive line? First there was the abrupt retirement of Professional Bowl guard Ali Marpet this spring. Then Professional Bowl middle Ryan Jensen suffered a major knee harm simply three days into coaching camp and can miss a big portion of the season, if not all of it. Then within the second half towards the Titans, Aaron Stinnie, who’s battling for the beginning left guard spot, received rolled up on and was carted off the sector with a left knee harm. Rookie Luke Goedeke, additionally battling for the job, had two holding calls and surrendered a sack. Along with that, Professional Bowl proper deal with Tristan Wirfs left Thursday’s joint follow with the Titans early attributable to an indirect harm. Maybe they should inform Tom Brady to remain away for one more week, though his precise return date is unknown at this level. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent recreation: at Indianapolis, 7:30 p.m. ET, Aug. 27
49ers: The 49ers rested 27 gamers, most of whom are anticipated to be starters or key contributors. However one of many few projected starters to play was defensive deal with Javon Kinlaw, who’s getting back from a torn proper ACL. Kinlaw not solely must knock off the rust however present that he is prepared for a bigger workload. It was a small pattern with Kinlaw taking part in for less than a lot of the first half, nevertheless it seemed to be a step in the best path. He was disruptive towards the run and got here up with a powerful sack towards Vikings rookie guard Ed Ingram on third down. This can be a pivotal season for Kinlaw, who was the No. 13 choose within the 2020 NFL draft. The Niners nonetheless have excessive hopes for him, and if he can keep wholesome and produce, it will go a good distance towards holding San Francisco’s protection among the many league’s finest. — Nick Wagoner
Subsequent recreation: at Houston, 8:15 p.m. ET, Aug. 25
Vikings: The Vikings will preserve their fingers crossed after shedding rookie cornerback Andrew Sales space Jr. to an ankle harm. Sales space suffered the harm halfway by means of the second quarter and was rapidly dominated out by the group’s medical employees. His longer-term prognosis was not instantly clear. A second-round choose from Clemson this spring, Sales space was a sophisticated prospect to evaluate. When wholesome, he was top-of-the-line and most bodily cornerbacks within the nation. However he handled a sequence of accidents, together with a core muscle ailment that required surgical procedure in 2021 and once more within the spring of 2022. The Vikings’ new teaching employees penciled him into a contest with incumbent starter Cameron Dantzler. With Dantzler sitting out Saturday night time together with a lot of the Vikings’ different starters, Sales space was set to get a future towards the Niners. He was concerned in three tackles earlier than the harm. In whole, the Vikings sat 27 gamers for the sport. Coach Kevin O’Connell had previewed that strategy after two days of joint practices final week with the 49ers. The one potential starters to be in uniform have been rookie proper guard Ed Ingram and defensive finish Armon Watts. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent recreation: at Denver, 9 p.m. ET, Aug. 27
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Mason Rudolph connects with Tyler Snead for the quick landing to present the Steelers the lead late within the fourth quarter.
Payments: Whereas it is laborious to make a lot of an announcement in a preseason recreation, the Payments’ offense left fairly the impression towards the Broncos’ backups, averaging over 9 yards per play and scoring touchdowns on all six of the group’s first six possessions. All three Payments quarterbacks discovered success, with Josh Allen taking part in solely the primary drive — 3-for-3 for 45 yards and one spot-on landing to Gabe Davis. The landing had a completion chance of 21.6%, in response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Allen accomplished simply six passes with a completion chance below 25% all of final season.
Whereas Allen’s preparedness for the common season was anticipated, backup quarterback Case Keenum had a key bounce-back day after a poor efficiency within the first preseason recreation. Keenum accomplished 16 of 18 passes for 192 yards and one landing to tight finish O.J. Howard.
“I assumed, actually when he got here within the day after the sport final week, you may simply inform,” coach Sean McDermott stated of Keenum’s enchancment. “… Not that it wasn’t earlier than, however you may simply inform he was dialed in on what he needed to get finished this week.”
McDermott additionally stated that operating again Zack Moss has had ” one of many extra constant coaching camps up to now,” scoring two of the Payments’ touchdowns and trending towards being one of many group’s high possibility in short-yardage conditions. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent recreation: at Carolina, 7 p.m. ET, Aug. 26
Broncos: This previous week Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett stated he did not just like the preseason. Saturday, his group echoed his sentiment. Within the large image, the Payments’ rout over the Broncos’ reserves, when lots of the Payments starters performed some within the first half, will imply little.
However within the second, the Broncos’ reserves within the defensive entrance seven proceed to get moved off the ball within the run recreation, and their reserve cornerbacks proceed to be too passive, whether or not it is difficult receivers on the line of scrimmage or on the high of the routes.
General, rookie security Delarrin Turner-Yell had the one hit within the recreation that may have made the Payments take discover.
Hackett has finished what many coaches within the league have lately — prioritize well being over all else within the preseason — and he has been open and sincere about doing that. And nobody will query any of it if September goes properly for the Broncos. However for one preseason Saturday, the Broncos did not look practically bodily sufficient, even when it was reserves towards reserves, to be a heavyweight. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent recreation: vs. Minnesota, 9 p.m. ET, Aug. 27
Lions: Regardless of taking part in with none offensive starters together with quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit gained its first preseason recreation since 2018. Though broad receiver Tom Kennedy is properly behind DJ Chark, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond on the unofficial depth chart, he continued to face out as he fights for a spot on the 53-man roster. Kennedy was spectacular once more with a pair of touchdowns in Indianapolis plus an onside kick restoration that secured the victory. He additionally completed with a team-high 104 receiving yards within the preseason opener versus Atlanta. It will be fascinating to see what resolution the Lions make on him earlier than the common season. — Eric Woodyard
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Josh Allen delivers a dime to Gabe Davis to present the Buffalo a 7-3 lead over the Broncos. (edited)
Subsequent recreation: at Pittsburgh, 4:30 p.m. ET, Aug. 28
Colts: The Colts sat virtually all their starters after two days of intense joint practices with Detroit, however they noticed some promising issues from their passing recreation. Amongst them: the performances of younger receivers Dezmon Patmon and Mike Strachan, each of whom are vying for the ultimate roster spots on the place. Patmon completed with 5 catches for 103 yards, together with a 50-yard landing go from Sam Ehlinger. Strachan caught three passes for 45 yards, together with a 15-yard landing from Ehlinger. Nick Foles — who began at quarterback and performed the primary quarter — and Ehlinger mixed to finish 14 of 17 makes an attempt for 192 yards. Ehlinger had one other robust efficiency, throwing precisely and displaying composure whereas eluding the go rush earlier than leaving within the third quarter. He has thrown 4 touchdowns in two preseason appearances. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent recreation: vs. Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. ET, Aug. 27
Chiefs: Backup tight finish Jody Fortson is rising as a purple zone risk. Fortson caught landing passes from Patrick Mahomes of 5 and seven yards within the win over the Commanders. Mahomes match the second into a good window, suggesting confidence in Fortson’s skill to make the catch, and Fortson certainly made a contested seize. Fortson was beginning to emerge final 12 months earlier than a torn Achilles tendon ended his season prematurely. — Adam Teicher
Subsequent recreation: vs. Inexperienced Bay, 8 p.m. ET, Aug. 25
Commanders: Washington’s third-down protection stays an enormous downside, one which have to be solved if the Commanders need to enhance. The beginning protection allowed Kansas Metropolis to transform all 5 of its third downs, one week after letting Carolina convert three of 5. It was an enormous situation final season as Washington ranked thirty first by permitting 48.5% to be transformed. A few of that may be attributed to Mahomes making particular performs. However the Commanders additionally should be extra disciplined of their rush lanes, shutting down areas to step by means of. Security Kamren Curl, certainly one of Washington’s higher defensive gamers, has allowed key grabs in each video games. It is solely the preseason, however this situation stays a priority due to what the Commanders did final season. The very fact they have not induced a turnover within the preseason, after rating twenty first in that space final 12 months, is price noting as properly. — John Keim
Subsequent recreation: at Baltimore, 7 p.m. ET, Aug. 27
NFL preseason video games on Friday, Aug. 19
Patriots: After a shaky begin with two three-and-out drives, quarterback Mac Jones (4-of-8 for 61 yards) ended on a excessive observe as he led an 81-yard landing drive. It was the kind of confidence increase — albeit towards the Panthers’ backups — that Jones & Co. wanted after a coaching camp stuffed with “rising pains” as they regulate to a “new offense.” Jones seemed uncomfortable early (his accuracy was off) earlier than settling down on his third and ultimate drive. A 7-yard completion to Nelson Agholor was crucial to transform the primary third down of the night time, after which Jones hit Agholor with a 45-yard bomb down the left sideline. That deep ball is what gamers say ought to present up extra within the revamped offense. Final season, 41% of Jones’ go makes an attempt thrown at the least 20 yards downfield have been overthrown or underthrown, an off-target mark that ranked twenty first within the NFL (league common: 36%). Additionally, Patriots receivers ranked twenty fifth with just one.6 yards of separation on deep balls, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. So the Jones-to-Agholor lengthy hookup sparks promise for the group. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent recreation: at Las Vegas, 8:15 p.m. ET, Aug. 26
Panthers: Left deal with Ikem Ekwonu was within the highlight with the Panthers resting quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. Carolina noticed each the great and the dangerous it might probably anticipate out of the sixth general choose from the 2022 draft. He gave up two sacks on the second possession, magnifying the issues over his readiness in go safety. He additionally had a number of key run blocks, reinforcing why offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo stated Ekwonu can “block out the solar.” The inconsistency is why the Panthers can be higher off holding Darnold in the event that they identify Mayfield the starter, as anticipated. They’re one hit from being right down to the their second quarterback, and Darnold is extra constant than PJ Walker or Matt Corral, who took all of the quarterback snaps Friday. Corral did present enchancment over his 1-for-9 efficiency final week, however left within the fourth quarter with a foot harm and is present process X-rays. — David Newton
Subsequent recreation: vs. Buffalo, 7 p.m. ET, Aug. 26
Packers: Aaron Rodgers would possibly simply must dwell with Romeo Doubs and his drops. The rookie receiver makes too many different performs. He did so once more Friday night time towards the Saints with three catches for twenty-four yards and a landing. His different two targets, nonetheless, have been drops — together with a deep ball on the opening drive by which he appeared to get turned out or misplayed.
Rodgers expressed his frustration with the younger receivers, though he lumped them into a bunch and did not point out anybody by identify. However Doubs, a fourth-round choose, additionally had two drops and a landing in final week’s preseason opener on the 49ers.
In all, the Packers had 4 drops by first- or second-year receivers (the 2 by Doubs, one by Samori Toure on a well-placed deep ball and one by Amari Rodgers down the seam). A number of drops would have been explosive performs, affecting Jordan Love‘s numbers (12-of-24 for 113 yards and one landing), however at the least they did not flip into interceptions like they did final week.
“It is not going to be good,” coach Matt LaFleur stated about Doubs. “There’s going to be some classes alongside the way in which. He is a man that’s fairly resilient. He would not get fazed by a unfavourable play. He simply retains on taking part in. That is what excites you about him. You see a man with actually good toes. He is gotten actually good in his transition. He is received a burst. He is been capable of separate, which is one thing that is powerful to educate. Guys can both do it or they can not. There’s stuff to wash up, for sure, however he is a man that we’re enthusiastic about it.”
Doubs makes performs that not each receiver on the Packers’ roster could make. He completely timed a 4-yard fade for a landing catch, outjumping Saints security Brian Allen. He caught a 17-yard deep out and had one other 17-yarder worn out by a penalty. At this level, Doubs might be the Packers’ fourth receiver behind Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins — none of whom have performed in preseason video games. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent recreation: at Kansas Metropolis, 8 p.m. ET, Aug. 25
Saints: With a lot of the Saints starters sitting on the sideline for the night, the specialists ended up being the celebrities of the present. Punter Blake Gillikin boomed an 81-yard punt and kicker Wil Lutz confirmed he was again from the harm that saved him out throughout the 2021 season, simply nailing a 59-yard subject aim.
Nothing else got here so simply to the Saints, with coach Dennis Allen declaring they spent plenty of time capturing themselves within the foot, because the Packers scored 10 factors after a key Saints penalty and a fumbled snap.
It was additionally an up-and-down night time for third-string quarterback Ian Ebook, who performed your entire recreation with each Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton sitting out. Ebook had a fumbled trade and was picked off when focusing on tight finish Taysom Hill, who slipped on his route. He threw one landing to rookie first-round choose Chris Olave and completed 16-of-28 for 113 yards. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent recreation: vs. L.A. Chargers, 8 p.m. ET, Aug. 26
Texans: It wasn’t a great displaying for the Texans’ first-team offense, which struggled all through the primary half. The offense had six possessions and solely scored seven factors. The run recreation was practically nonexistent as they ran for 34 yards on 10 carries. Quarterback Davis Mills went 10-for-17 for 96 yards with one landing, however 60 of these yards got here on the one scoring drive earlier than the tip of the primary half. Not one of the Rams’ influence defensive gamers have been on the sector both, so the Texans’ offensive struggles got here towards the Rams’ backups. The Texans’ two finest offensive gamers in wideout Brandin Cooks and left deal with Laremy Tunsil did not play, however that is no excuse to battle how they did towards the Rams. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent recreation: vs. San Francisco, 8:15 p.m. ET, Aug. 25
Rams: For the second week in a row, it is broad receiver Lance McCutcheon who’s the Rams’ high playmaker. Now, Los Angeles would not play its starters in preseason video games, however Friday night time, McCutcheon impressed anyway. The undrafted free agent completed with 5 catches for 96 yards. After McCutcheon’s efficiency within the Rams’ preseason opener (5 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns), head coach Sean McVay stated there’s “definitely” an opportunity that McCutcheon makes the Rams’ 53-man roster to begin the season. McVay stated after that first recreation that McCutcheon “shined in a very large manner.” It is unlikely McVay’s view of McCutcheon goes anyplace however up after his Week 2 efficiency. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent recreation: at Cincinnati, 6 p.m. ET, Aug. 27
NFL preseason recreation on Thursday, Aug. 18
Bears: The Bears’ beginning offense noticed restricted motion on a brief week and was finished after 10 performs in Seattle. Fields strung collectively a gap drive that culminated in a subject aim — the first-team unit’s first scoring drive of the preseason — after he went 5-for-7 for 39 yards. Fields did not have greater than three completions on any of his first offensive possessions in 2021 and threw for 39 (or extra) yards on a gap drive solely as soon as (Week 6 towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers), an indication that his execution and operation of the offense are coming alongside.
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Tom Kennedy hauls in his second landing of the sport to present the Lions a 20-13 lead within the third quarter.
Fields is being pressured at one of many highest charges within the NFL (44% of his dropbacks) whereas Chicago continues to be attempting to type out its offensive line, notably with Teven Jenkins now within the combine to begin at proper guard. However we will already see the tendencies of this new-look Bears scheme take form. The expectation of a heavy dose of play-action and bootlegs confirmed up Thursday with two of Discipline’s go makes an attempt approaching designed rollouts, together with his 19-yard completion to tight finish Cole Kmet. Final season, Fields had solely 18 makes an attempt on designed rollouts, and he accomplished 78% of these with two touchdowns. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent recreation: at Cleveland, 7 p.m. ET, Aug. 27
Seahawks: The Seahawks’ quarterback competitors appears no nearer to being determined after their ugly loss to the Bears. With COVID-19 sidelining Drew Lock for what would have been his first begin of the summer season, Smith had an opportunity to widen his lead however did not do something with it.
Seattle’s six full possessions (excluding the ultimate one within the closing seconds of the primary half) with Smith below middle ended with 5 punts (three of them after three-and-outs) and a missed 47-yard subject aim. Not that it was all Smith’s fault. He was victimized by three drops and several other penalties. He additionally had Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf on the sector for only one possession, then misplaced beginning left guard Damien Lewis to an ankle harm.
Smith then watched the second half with an ice wrap over his proper knee. Lock’s bout with COVID was a major setback in his quest to overhaul Smith, however Smith’s underwhelming night time retains the door open. Lock will want a powerful displaying in subsequent week’s preseason finale at Dallas to persuade coach Pete Carroll that he is the man — and he in all probability wants Smith to battle once more as properly. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent recreation: at Dallas, 8 p.m. ET, Aug. 26
NFL preseason recreation on Monday, Aug. 22
Atlanta Falcons at New York Jets: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
