Preseason gives early glimpses
For those begging for football to return, well, the first full week of the NFL preseason is over. And while games didn’t count and starters barely played, we did get a glimpse of what 2018 might hold.
Anthem issues: For all the posturing the owners did this offseason, their rushed attempt to solve the national anthem issue won’t go away. With talks between the league and the NFL Players Association not yielding an answer, players like Marshawn Lynch, Kenny Stills, Demaryius Thomas, Robert Quinn and Russell Okung showed they will continue to protest social injustice during the pre-game playing of the anthem.
Johnson returns: This time last year, David Johnson was the hottest name in fantasy football, but a wrist injury ended his season after Week 1. It’s like much of the NFL forgot about the Cardinals’ versatile running back. Though he had just two carries in the Cardinals’ preseason opener Saturday, each run went for 14 yards, and he showed the speed and burst that should make him a valuable weapon for the Cardinals’ offense.
Rosen looks good: Speaking of that quarterback race, Josh Rosen, arguably the most pro-ready rookie passer to come out of the draft didn’t put up the statistical performance (six of 13 for 41 yards) that popped on the box score. But he showed so much potential playing with a second-string offensive line that left him scrambling and constantly evading pressure.
Mayfield, Barkley debut: It’s rare to see the first two overall draft picks battle in the first weekend, but that’s what we got when Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield took on the Giants and No. 2 overall running back Saquon Barkley. Mayfield showed plenty of pocket awareness, accuracy, vision, and athleticism that may end years of Browns futility at QB.
Barkley burst onto the scene with a 39-yard scamper on his first career carry, but New York’s offensive line may be a work in progress. He gained only four more yards the rest of the game, on four carries.
Early injuries: We hate to see season-ending injuries this early, so we’re wishing speedy recoveries to Redskins RB Derrius Guice and Cardinals center A.Q. Shipley (practice), both of whom suffered
Darnold impresses: The Jets have to be thrilled with what they saw from rookie quarterback Sam Darnold as they continue their quest to find a franchise quarterback. In a 17-0 victory against the Falcons Friday, Darnold showed excellent pocket presence, extended plays and looked downfield, making his case to be the Week 1 starter with a 13-of-18 night with 96 yards and one touchdown.
Cousins, Diggs connect: Their time together on the field Saturday was brief, but the Vikings have to be happy with what they saw out of quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Stefon Diggs, both of whom received hefty new contracts this year. Cousins completed all four of his passing attempts, including three to Diggs — with a 1-yard touchdown pass on third down.
Luck finally returns: Andrew Luck played his first snaps of live action against opponents in 585 days. He had been dealing with a seemingly unceasing injury to his throwing shoulder, and in the Colts 19-17 victory against the Seahawks Thursday, Luck completed torn anterior cruciate ligaments. six of nine throws for 64 yards. Best of all, the Indy O-line kept him mostly upright.
Cowboys look for top WR: Hard to get a sense of what the Cowboys will do at No. 1 receiver, but position coach Sanjay Lal lauded rookie Michael Gallup for beating one-on-one coverage to pluck a 30-yard TD pass and complimented Allen Hurns (one catch, 13 yards) on his blocking.
Helmet rule: The first full weekend with the new rule prohibiting players from lowering the helmet to initiate contact, on offense or defense, came with mixed results, and needs more refining before the regular season. We saw a textbook application Thursday when Indianapolis safety Shamarko Thomas was ejected after diving headfirst at a Seattle receiver. (Thomas, whose roster spot was already tenuous, was released by the Colts on Sunday.) Saturday, Cardinals safety A.J. Howard was flagged for what upon every replay looked like a clean, shoulder-first, tackle on a Chargers tight end. Howard’s head was up and his helmet did not make contact.