The NFL is again. Whereas final week’s Corridor of Fame Recreation type of, type of marked the return of soccer, we now have a complete slate of preseason motion to assist carry us over till the common season schedule. Thursday has come and gone, and the 2 video games already performed gave us a glimmer into what a number of the rookies drafted may accomplish in 2023.
Friday’s preseason slate encompasses a whopping SIX NFL video games with groups just like the Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, and extra all in motion.
Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals: Defensive Traces Dominate within the Desert
FINAL SCORE: Cardinals 18, Broncos 17
Winner | Broncos Defensive Line
The Broncos’ defensive position put fixed strain on whoever was underneath middle for the Cardinals. Arizona’s QBs have been flustered from the onset.
Winner | Cardinals Defensive Line
I hope you’re a fan of protection. The Cardinals’ defensive position continued to realize a bonus over the Broncos’ offensive line. Denver was unable to get something happening the bottom in opposition to Arizona’s stout unit.
Loser | Broncos QB Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson had an up-and-down efficiency on this one. Sure, Wilson did throw a TD go in opposition to zero protection. The issue is there isn’t a approach he’ll make it by a 17-game schedule the way in which the Broncos have been blocking for him up entrance.
The Broncos want to repair their offensive line woes, or Wilson shall be working for his life all season lengthy.
Loser | Cardinals QB Clayton Tune
There was hypothesis that we may even see lots of Clayton Tune, and we did. Tune struggled all through and performed like a fifth-round rookie, sadly. Tune was considered a darkish horse candidate to grow to be the Cardinals’ beginning QB early within the 2023 season, however except we see enchancment, Tune gained’t final lengthy.
Winner | Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy
There was some good and dangerous with Jerry Jeudy; what else is new? Jeudy had a horrendous drop that no NFL-caliber WR ought to make. Jeudy atoned for his mistake by catching a TD go on the identical drive.
The Sean Payton impact already occurring for the #Broncos❓
pic.twitter.com/udBWkNy2ol
— Professional Soccer Community (@PFN365) August 12, 2023
Jeudy is clearly probably the most gifted go catcher for Denver, however he should develop extra consistency if he’s to achieve his ceiling.
Winner | Cardinals QB David Blough
It could have been the final preseason recreation of the night time with few viewers awake to witness it, however Cardinals backup QB David Blough led his workforce on a 10-play, 75-yard TD drive with underneath two minutes remaining to in the end win the sport.
wow David Blough ‼️
📺: #DENvsAZ on @NFLNetwork📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/4jESkudxB4
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2023
Blough completed the night time 8 of 14 for 86 yards and the ultimate rating of the night time — a strike to Brian Cobbs on the fringe of the top zone.
Winner | Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon
Whereas Blough set his workforce up for a game-tying additional level with two seconds left in regulation, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon wasn’t glad. As a substitute of kicking the additional level and heading house with a tie, Gannon went for 2, which RB Emari Demercado punched in with an additional effort.
.@EmariDem2 wins the sport 😤 pic.twitter.com/f0una7APy1
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2023
Positive, going for 2 doesn’t seem to be a daring choice in a preseason recreation when the opposite choice is to kick for a tie, however Gannon nonetheless confirmed his workforce and Cardinals followers that he needs to win. Even QB Kyler Murray accredited.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenny Pickett, Baker Mayfield Step Up
The Pittsburgh Steelers performed their starters and in midseason type. The Steelers’ passing recreation was rolling on all cylinders and received a number of playmakers concerned all through. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ beginning QB battle didn’t look like a lot of a battle as one signal-caller took management.
FINAL SCORE: Steelers 27, Buccaneers 17
Winner | Steelers QB Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett wasn’t within the recreation lengthy, however he didn’t must be. We noticed Pickett take a giant step ahead in direction of the top of his rookie season final 12 months, and he continued to progress properly on this one. Pickett accomplished 6 of seven passes for 70 yards and a TD. This was precisely what Steeler followers wished to see from their second-year chief within the opener.
Winner | Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield
The Buccaneers’ QB competitors could also be over earlier than it started. Baker Mayfield in full management on this one as he accomplished 8 of 9 passes for 63 yards and a good looking TD go within the nook of the top zone.
Excellent placement by @bakermayfield and rookie Trey Palmer will get the ft down 👏
📱: Stream #PITvsTB on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/s4uYp3Khqg
— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2023
Mayfield may win the beginning job sooner somewhat than later.
Loser | Steelers RB Najee Harris
On an evening the place nearly every little thing appeared to go proper for the Steelers, I could also be nitpicking right here a bit. Najee Harris didn’t even play on this one, so this isn’t essentially a shot at him, however the Steelers have been getting a number of playmakers concerned as runners.
Jaylen Warren and Calvin Austin III regarded fast and elusive with the ball of their fingers. Historically, the Steelers have been a bell-cow offense, however with how they regarded on Friday night time, head coach Mike Tomlin may change his tune.
Mason Rudolph going DEEP to Calvin Austin! 🚀
📱: Stream #PITvsTB on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/t1iEDecvoh
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2023
Loser | Buccaneers QB Kyle Trask
As sharp as Baker Mayfield regarded, Kyle Trask regarded a bit misplaced. Trask held onto the soccer too lengthy, taking three sacks. Trask additionally threw an interception, which actually gained’t assist his trigger.
I don’t see how the Buccaneers alternate beginning QBs, even within the preseason — wouldn’t ship the most effective message to the remainder of the workforce. That is Baker Mayfield’s job.
Winner | Steelers WR George Pickens
George Pickens solely had one catch, however he made probably the most of it, turning the reception right into a 33-yard TD catch.
Pickett to Pickens TD #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/WOivsmdiby
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 11, 2023
George Pickens is usually referred to as a contested-catch artist, however on this one, he confirmed elusiveness within the open area and regarded faster with the ball in his fingers than he did in 2022.
Pickens might be on his approach to a breakout marketing campaign.
Winner | Buccaneers WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sat this one out however are nonetheless winners. Many NFL analysts have counted out the Buccaneers’ passing recreation heading into the 2023 season. My pushback has been that Tom Brady wasn’t precisely nice a season in the past.
If Baker Mayfield continues to carry out like he did on Friday night time, he ought to be capable of elevate the manufacturing for the 2 alpha receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, in 2023.
Loser | Steelers QB Mitch Trubisky
It may be over for Mitch Trubisky within the NFL. Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph regarded clearly higher than Trubisky, who’s extra on par with Tanner Morgan than Pickett or Rudolph.
It’s doable Mitch Trubisky’s NFL profession is coming to an in depth.
Loser | Buccaneers Defensive Backs
The Steelers’ passing recreation TORCHED the Tampa Bay secondary all recreation lengthy. Calvin Austin III capped off the night time roasting the Buccaneers’ defensive backs by 5 yards on a go route.
The Buccaneers have some work to do on the defensive aspect of the ball.
New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs Offers Us a Glimpse, Sam LaPorta Falls Flat
FINAL SCORE: Lions 21, Giants 16
Winner | Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Critics who really feel that Jahmyr Gibbs is overhyped will level to the rookie’s relative battle within the working recreation. Nineteen yards on six carries isn’t something to write down house about. Nonetheless, I come away inspired as a result of we noticed what Gibbs can do within the receiving recreation.
18 yard reception for Jahmyr Gibbs on a checkdown pic.twitter.com/oCigHDxsTR
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 11, 2023
Gibbs solely had one catch, however he regarded fast as a hiccup as he gained 18 yards on the reception. Gibbs is on tempo to grow to be one of many extra versatile weapons out of the backfield within the NFL.
Winner | Giants WR Cole Beasley
Cole Beasley is discovering his ft in New York, however you wouldn’t comprehend it. The slot machine led the Giants in targets on Friday night time. Beasley used his quickness to get open, which was a typical prevalence throughout his Buffalo profession.
It will not shock me to see Beasley as a bigger a part of the Giants’ offense than we initially thought.
Loser | Lions TE Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta has been probably the most hyped-up participant on the Lions roster this offseason. LaPorta was not an element on this one, going and not using a catch and solely garnering one goal in his preseason debut.
There shall be higher days for the rookie TE, however maybe tonight was a reminder to mood our expectations for rookie tight ends.
Loser | Giants Leverage in Negotiations With Saquon
The Giants couldn’t get something happening the bottom with out Saquon Barkley. I do know that Barkley signed a contract with New York, however his future within the Huge Apple stays year-to-year.
The Giants have been reminded of what the working recreation seems like when Barkley is absent, and it actually wasn’t fairly.
Winner | Lions WR Jameson Williams
The dangerous information: Jameson Williams had an enormous drop on what would have been a giant play for the Lions. He solely caught two passes for 18 yards.
Some could take a look at this as a tough night time for the second-year receiver, however I see constructive indicators right here. Williams was probably the most focused receiver with seven.
The Lions appear totally dedicated to him, and he affords that game-breaking skill. It actually seems that Williams is a giant a part of the Lions’ offense shifting ahead.
Winner | Giants QB Daniel Jones
Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito didn’t supply up a lot on Friday night time. The Giants’ offense as a complete struggled to get a lot going, settling for 3 area targets and discovering the top zone simply as soon as.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins
See who PFN Miami Dolphins Reporter Adam Beasley deemed because the winners and losers from Falcons vs. Dolphins right here!
Washington Commanders vs. Cleveland Browns: Sam Howell Strengthens Lead, Elijah Moore Appears Electrical
FINAL SCORE: Commanders 17, Browns 15
Winner | Commanders QB Sam Howell
In one of many few QB competitions across the NFL, Sam Howell could have gained a stronger grip on QB1. Howell was the chief within the clubhouse getting into Friday night time, and he did nothing to dissuade that notion.
Howell regarded poised, finishing 9 of 12 passes for 77 yards and a TD. He must fall on his face the remainder of the way in which to lose the beginning gig.
Winner | Browns WR Elijah Moore
The Browns appear set on shifting Elijah Moore across the offensive formation and getting the ball into his fingers, a far cry from how he was used with the New York Jets.
The Browns lined Moore up within the backfield, an attention-grabbing twist that nobody noticed coming. He did go away this contest with an harm, however early reviews counsel that the X-rays on his ribs have been detrimental.
Loser | Commanders QB Jacoby Brissett
To be clear, Jacoby Brissett didn’t carry out poorly on Friday night time. Brissett went 6 of 10 passes for 75 yards and located the top zone as a runner. Though, the veteran QB did commit a expensive turnover as he threw an interception.
Brissett must clearly outperform Howell to win the beginning job, and Friday night time gave us no indication this would be the case.
Loser | Browns WR Cedric Tillman
With Amari Cooper sitting out, there was a possibility for rookie receiver Cedric Tillman to point out out. He caught solely two passes for seven yards — an inauspicious outing for the rookie.
If Tillman needs to carve out a task within the Browns’ offense, he might want to string collectively stronger performances than this.
Winner | Commanders WR Jahan Dotson
Jahan Dotson regarded sensational early in his rookie season in 2022 earlier than accidents hampered the rest of the 12 months. However on this one, he regarded just like the participant we noticed within the early portion of 2022.
The explosiveness is clearly again as Dotson hauled in two receptions for 30 yards and a rating. He’ll push veteran Terry McLaurin for the highest receiver spot on the Commanders in 2023.
Winner | Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Dorian Thompson-Robinson regarded incredible throughout his second preseason contest. DTR had full management of the offense, finishing 9 of 10 passes for 102 yards and a TD go.
DTR throwing TDs 🙌
📱: Stream #WASvsCLE on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/o9CG9ONVch
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2023
If Thompson-Robinson continues to play with poise, he has a shot on the backup position to Deshaun Watson.
Inexperienced Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
See who PFN Cincinnati Bengals Reporter Jay Morrison selected because the winners and losers from Packers vs. Bengals right here!
Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: Tank Dell, Keion White Steal the Present Whereas C.J. Stroud Struggles
Whereas neither the Texans nor the Patriots performed lots of their starters, we may nonetheless acquire some intel on how each groups view their present depth charts. A number of gamers made an affect on Thursday night time, together with one Day 2 rookie from every membership.
FINAL SCORE: Texans 20, Patriots 9
Winner | Texans WR Tank Dell
Tank Dell led the NCAA in receiving yards and touchdowns final season and totaled 228 catches over three seasons on the College of Houston earlier than the Texans chosen him within the third spherical of April’s draft. So possibly it shouldn’t have been all that stunning that Dell was able to contribute in his first NFL motion.
Dell proved electrical from the slot, the place he was free to govern defenders with out worrying about press protection. His short-area burst was constantly on show as he gained yards after the catch on a number of slant routes. However Dell’s greatest second was a Jermaine Kearse-esque catch that required intense focus as he held on after a bobble to attain a landing.
Tank Dell caught it on the second attempt!
📺: #HOUvsNE on @NFLNetwork📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/wgaQlU4L3V
— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2023
Dell, who completed with a 5-65-1 line, confirmed playmaking skill that shall be sorely wanted amongst Houston’s receiving corps. The Texans don’t have a transparent No. 1 receiver — whereas Dell might want to compete with Nico Collins, Robert Woods, John Metchie, and others for snaps, his efficiency in Houston’s first preseason recreation ought to be eye-opening for the membership’s teaching employees.
Winner | Patriots EDGE Keion White
If any participant was on Dell’s stage throughout Thursday night time’s recreation, it was Keion White, the Patriots’ second-round choose who dominated Houston’s offensive line in Week 1. Whereas White didn’t register a sack, he brought about persistent strain, performed with excessive vitality, and routinely destroyed the blockers in entrance of him.
99.9% of NFL gamers solely see the ball… Keion White then again sees one other sufferer. We completely LOVE it. pic.twitter.com/49tXz8yIXQ
— Daniel (@TheDTSB) August 11, 2023
New England already has a strong tandem of pass-rushing specialists in Matthew Judon and Josh Uche, however they’ll should discover a approach to get White on the sphere early and infrequently. He confirmed the flexibility to line up from varied alignments in opposition to the Texans and constantly gained his one-on-one matchups, no matter who was making an attempt to cease him.
Keion White vs the RG pic.twitter.com/dTQJkUFw4z
— FTB VIDS (@anotherFTBacct) August 11, 2023
Loser | Texans QB C.J. Stroud
Take this with an enormous grain of salt. C.J. Stroud performed two collection, which amounted to 12 offensive snaps. He threw 4 whole passes.
Positive, Stroud’s second NFL go was intercepted by Patriots defensive again Jalen Mills, whom Stroud clearly didn’t see was roaming in quarters protection.
Ball has to return out sooner. Additionally gotta look off that security. pic.twitter.com/OLI6LLvhDm
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) August 10, 2023
However Stroud was taking part in behind a Texans offensive line with out a number of starters — and it confirmed. Stroud, who was not often underneath strain at Ohio State, confronted fixed duress in opposition to the Patriots.
He took a sack and held onto the ball for too lengthy at occasions, however he additionally confirmed a capability to navigate the pocket and use his mobility.
It’s practically not possible to guage Stroud based mostly on his Thursday night time effort.
For now, it’s a constructive signal that Houston opted to begin the rookie of their first preseason recreation, a transparent indication that Stroud is on monitor to begin in Week 1.
Overreactions on a Thursday. Let the younger QBs get used to precise NFL recreation speeds and their new offenses. Most likely somewhat early to proclaim concern based mostly upon a few collection. Lots of ball to nonetheless expertise and study.
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) August 11, 2023
After the sport, Stroud recommended that he wished to play longer than he did.
“It’s powerful,” Stroud mentioned. “I imply, the competitor in me was like, ‘Coach, let me return on the market. Let me repair my wrongdoings.’ However such as you mentioned, it’s simply preseason. It’s a studying alternative for myself and actually this entire soccer workforce, and it was good to type of see the second group in there.”
Winner | Patriots DB Jalen Mills
Jalen Mills has appeared in 89 NFL video games, made 75 begins, and performed practically 5,000 defensive snaps in his seven-year professional profession. However you wouldn’t have guessed he was a veteran based mostly on the vitality he dropped at New England’s first preseason contest of the season.
Mills picked off Stroud (as seen within the clip above), however that wasn’t the one play he made. He was impactful within the run recreation and usually performed with the type of perspective that we’d count on from an undrafted rookie making an attempt to make the squad.
Good 1st quarter for Jalen Mills, he has an INT and now a TFL #Patriots pic.twitter.com/DBEqMnpnFI
— FTB VIDS (@anotherFTBacct) August 10, 2023
Mills has performed all around the area for the Patriots over the previous two seasons.
He lined up in a number of locations once more tonight, together with security and the star/nickel nook position.
Loser | Offensive Line Play
It was a tough night time for those who like offensive line play. Each Houston’s and New England’s offenses struggled to get something going, and a big a part of each golf equipment’ downside was the blocking up entrance.
On one hand, we’d have seen the OL points coming. Three of the Texans’ starters — left deal with Laremy Tunsil, proper guard Shaq Mason, and proper deal with Tytus Howard — didn’t play. And the Patriots didn’t play a single beginning offensive lineman.
Invoice O’Brien requested BB to blitz the hell out of the Texans, preseason be damned
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) August 10, 2023
However NFL groups usually want fairly a little bit of OL depth over the course of an extended season, and neither Houston nor New England will be happy by what they noticed on Thursday night time. Texans proper deal with Austin Deculus performed notably poorly in opposition to the Pats’ go rush — if Howard (damaged hand) isn’t prepared for Week 1, search for veteran George Fant to fill in at RT.
Winner | Patriots WR Tyquan Thornton
Tyquan Thorton made arguably made the play of the night time when he hauled in a 27-yard first-quarter go from Bailey Zappe. Thornton, New England’s second-round choose in 2022, fought by press protection and speak to earlier than high-pointing the ball and making an impressive seize.
A DIME from #Patriots QB Bailey Zappe to Tyquan Thornton 👀pic.twitter.com/zYQvu8gyW4
— Professional Soccer Community (@PFN365) August 10, 2023
Nonetheless, we’d nearly desire to present Thornton an incomplete grade for the night time. The truth that he was even taking part in on Thursday night time — whereas different receivers like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, and DeVante Parker sat — probably means Thornton is, at greatest, fourth on the Patriots’ WR depth chart.
Plus, Thornton didn’t even begin tonight’s recreation. That honor went to sixth-round rookies Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas, whereas Thornton solely noticed time in “11” personnel packages with three large receivers on the sphere.
Winner | Patriots QB Malik Cunningham
Malik Cunningham was the third quarterback to enter tonight’s recreation for New England on an evening when Mac Jones didn’t begin, which speaks to Cunningham’s slot on the depth chart.
However Cunningham was extremely spectacular on Thursday night time, particularly when you think about that he’s spent most of coaching camp working as a large receiver. Cunningham, who threw for practically 3,000 yards and rushed for 1,000+ extra for Louisville in 2021, began seeing QB reps at latest follow classes.
It’s tremendous spectacular how Malik Cunningham is taking part in. Folks don’t perceive how onerous it’s to solely get reps are the WR place, examine the playbook for the WRs, examine the playbook for the QB place and the checks THEN exit and play the QB place in a GAME! #Patriots #wow
— Bernard Pollard Jr (@Crushboy31) August 11, 2023
Cunningham accomplished three of his 4 makes an attempt, however his greatest throw got here on his sole incompletion, when Pats WR Tre Nixon dropped what would have been a particular landing go. However Cunningham confirmed his speeding prowess by scoring on a nine-yard run.
Get to know Malik Cunningham ⬇️
📺: #HOUvsNE on @NFLNetwork📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/7TXlyREFdX
— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2023
Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks: Sure, Jordan Addison Made That Catch
Vikings-Seahawks closed out Thursday’s preseason motion with a matchup that featured a number of winners however few losers.
FINAL SCORE: Seahawks 24, Vikings 13
Winner | The Backup QBs
Geno Smith and Kirk Cousins each sat out of tonight’s recreation, permitting Drew Lock and Nick Mullens to take middle stage through the first week of the preseason.
Lock couldn’t get a lot going till Seattle’s fourth drive, when he went three-for-three for 47 yards, together with a 12-yard TD go to Easop Winston Jr.
Drew Lock with a good window TD throw to Easop Winston Jr. Good drive by Seattle pic.twitter.com/b8JSWLX0K0
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 11, 2023
Lock, who didn’t play a single snap for the Seahawks after coming over within the Russell Wilson commerce, will as soon as once more function Smith’s backup in 2023. He completed Thursday 17-of-24 for 121 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception and even rushed for a primary down on a zone-read play.
On the opposite aspect of the sphere, Nick Mullens didn’t have the arm power to tear throws like Lock, however he was nonetheless able to shifting the ball. The Vikings hope that Mullens by no means has to see the sphere subsequent season, however he’s a a lot better choice than the backup QBs Minnesota had on the roster earlier than they acquired Mullens final August.
Nick Mullens hoopin pic.twitter.com/vEicplUZdy
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) August 11, 2023
Winner | Vikings RB Ty Chandler
The Vikings’ RB2 competitors seems to be all however over — if it was ever an actual battle to start with.
Ty Chandler dealt with the lion’s share of Minnesota’s backfield touches within the first half and performed like a workhorse. He in the end took 11 touches for 41 yards, however that stat line doesn’t do him justice. Chandler constantly made defenders miss, broke tackles, and served as a viable checkdown choice within the passing recreation.
Ty Chandler seems nice
Began the sport. Enjoying a ton of snaps. Staying in on apparent passing downs.
Again to again performs. Again to again checkdowns. pic.twitter.com/NiQB2grBCB
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 11, 2023
Chandler dealt with 22 of the Vikings’ 29 RB snaps whereas the first-team offense was nonetheless on the sphere. His skill in go safety ought to assist him get on the sphere behind Alexander Mattison as soon as the common season begins, as Chandler is comfortably forward of DeWayne McBride and Kene Nwangwu in Minnesota’s working again pecking order.
Winner | Jordan Addison’s Toe Faucet
NFL referees are in preseason mode too. This catch by Jordan Addison was dominated incomplete although he clearly received each ft down. The Vikings didn’t problem the play as a result of, properly, it’s the preseason.
Seemed like Jordan Addison could have gotten each ft down right here. Dominated incomplete pic.twitter.com/4wEPX7Zhkr
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 11, 2023
Addison wasn’t credited with that reception, however he proved himself an amazing route runner. He solely completed with one catch for 22 yards, however he in all probability may have taken that reception additional had Mullens not thrown the ball behind him.
The primary-round choose from USC is in line to switch Adam Thielen, who completed with the second-most routes run within the NFL (behind solely his teammate Justin Jefferson). If Addison can get open as he did on Thursday, he ought to be capable of profit from his alternative.
Winner | Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet
Zach Charbonnet noticed lots of motion in Seattle’s first preseason recreation, which might usually point out he’s properly behind Kenneth Walker III on the Seahawks’ RB depth chart. However provided that Charbonnet simply returned to follow after coping with a shoulder harm, Pete Carroll and Co. have been probably making an attempt to make sure the second-round rookie had loads of reps.
Zach Charbonnet is WORKING that truck stick tonight 🕹️ pic.twitter.com/zVlfPVDJvB
— Yahoo Sports activities (@YahooSports) August 11, 2023
Charbonnet exuded physicality in opposition to the Vikings, which is certain to endear him to Caroll and Seattle’s teaching employees. He additionally caught two passes out of the backfield — he’s prone to be requested to deal with a pass-catching position behind Walker throughout his rookie marketing campaign.
Loser | Vikings S Lewis Cine
Lewis Cine missed most of his rookie season in 2022 after struggling a severe leg harm in Week 4. He’s now wholesome, however his first motion of the season didn’t essentially go as deliberate.
Cine, the ultimate choose of the primary spherical in final 12 months’s draft, received blown up on a number of collisions with Charbonnet and in addition appeared to take the unsuitable angle in protection on a number of performs.
Zach Charbonnet and Lewis Cine meet within the lane pic.twitter.com/m65VXhF8aQ
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 11, 2023
Cine made a number of good performs and confirmed distinctive closing velocity whereas tackling Jaxon Smith-Njigba. However Cine, who will not be in line to begin at security, made sufficient errors to get observed.
Winner | Vikings ST NaJee Thompson
Need to earn a spot on an NFL roster as an undrafted rookie free agent? Make performs on particular groups like Vikings defensive again NaJee Thompson did on Thursday.
What a play by NaJee Thompson 🔥 pic.twitter.com/w6WktYSYkx
— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) August 11, 2023
Thompson executed the hit above to perfection, timing it completely to keep away from a penalty. However that wasn’t all he did. Thompson later downed a punt on the 2-yard line and repeatedly beat tried jams as a gunner.
A Georgia Southern product, Thompson remains to be an extended shot to make the Vikings’ 53-man roster, however he put strong play on tape on Thursday.
Loser | Preseason Accidents
There was a scary scene at Lumen Subject on Thursday night time when Seahawks receiver Cade Johnson was immobilized and brought off the sphere on a stretcher at halftime. Seattle later introduced that Johnson was being transported to Harborview Medical Heart “as a precaution” to be evaluated for head and neck accidents.
As detailed by The Athletic’s Michael Shawn-Dugar, Johnson took a tough fall whereas returning a kickoff within the second quarter however continued to play. He was taken to the blue medical tent with 4 minutes remaining within the quarter and evaluated for the rest of the half — roughly 20 minutes in actual time — earlier than being carted off the sphere.
Johnson, 25, signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2021 after taking part in school soccer at South Dakota State. He appeared in three video games final season, posting two catches for 21 yards.
