The focus remained on quarterbacks during the Week 2 NFL preseason action. The second round of league-wide exhibition games in 2024 provided the usual ups and downs with veteran and rookie passers alike.
But there also were noticeable developments across positions and teams with their performances during the weekend’s action. Here’s going around the league to break down the key results starting with the Steelers’ still shaky QB situation.
MORE: NFL Preseason injury tracker | RB depth charts
NFL preseason Week 2 overreactions, takeaways
Russell Wilson keeps leaving a little doubt for Steelers vs. Justin Fields
Wilson, out hurting for Week 1, saw his first action wearing No. 3 for Pittsburgh against the Bills to limited results. Wilson (8-of-10 passing, 86.2 passer rating) was more efficient than Fields at least, but he averaged only 4.7 yards per attempt and took 3 sacks on his 13 dropbacks (23 percent).
Fields (11-of-17 passing, 92 yards, 5.4 yards per attempt, sack, 78.6 rating) didn’t wow either when throwing, but while Wilson didn’t take off to produce, Fields rumbled 8 times for a team-high 42 rushing yards. Wilson didn’t do enough to lose the job, but he needs to do more as the veteran for the Steelers to truly feel good about him keeping the job throughout the season.
Daniel Jones crashed more than he flashed for Giants
Jones, playing for the first time since November after tearing his ACL last season. The knee checked out OK against the Texans as he looked good on his lone rushing attempt for a 12-yard gain. Jones also averaged a solid 7.7 yards per attempt.
But Jones also was intercepted twice on 18 dropbacks with no sacks. They were ugly decisions and uglier throws. His first INT was all-ill fated pass while under pressure inside his own end zone, an easy pick six for Texans defensive back Jalen Pitre. On the second one in the next series, Jones’ flat pass outside toward top corner Darryl Stingley Jr. fell short of his receiver streaking down the perimeter in the red zone. Call it rust, call it a bust, but the Giants’ trust in their “franchise QB” is getting lost in a hurry.
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Trey Lance dances into the heads of eager Cowboys fans
Dak Prescott sat out again with his ankle injury while he waits for his contract extension and there also was no CeeDee Lamb for related reasons Saturday night at the Raiders. But it was the Trey Lance one-man show in Las Vegas, as the former 49ers No. 3 overall pick, still only 24, lit it up to steal the show from the other team’s heated QB battle.
Lance rushed 7 times for 34 yards and a TD to lead the team. He also was efficient with high volume in the short-to-intermediate passing game (16-of-23, 151 yards, 6.6 yards per attempt, TD). Lance is trying to prove he’s a much higher upside backup to seasoned No. 2 Cooper Rush, so let’s not jump to the Cowboys trying to become more comfortable with Lance should things really go south with Prescott negotiations that allow him to become a free agent next March.
Drake Maye may be starting for the Patriots after all?
After a quiet rookie debut in Week 1, the No. 3 overall pick led a couple of scoring drives and got more settled with more high-leverage reps. Maye (6-of11 passing, 47 yards, 4.3 yards per attempt, 65.3 passer rating) was accurate while reined in and added some athletic impact (4 rushes, 15 yards, TD).
At the same time, inconsistent rookie Joe Milton III cooled off with his deep arm and Jacoby Brissett didn’t stand out vs. the Eagles on Thursday night. The Matthew Judon trade signals the Patriots might be white-flagging but that could also mean rolling with Maye to learn on the fly vs. going the bridge route.
C.J. Stroud strong-arming any signs of a sophomore slump
Stroud (7-of-10 passing, 88 yards, 8.8 yards per attempt, 97.1 passer rating) got extended playing time for the Texans vs. the Giants and looked great spreading the ball around to even more weapons. Key targets Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Dalton Schultz all played, but with Tank Dell still on the mind, the ball was spread around well to more wide receivers backs and tight ends.
The skill position depth charts are overloaded with talent for Bobby Slowik and it was welcome to see young wideout John Metchie III look good again. This looks to be a lot more complete and explosive offense in 2024, giving Stroud sleeper MVP potential.
Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels keep up the OROY momentum
The rookie No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks at QB are getting a ton of preseason playing time despite being presumed starters. Williams faded a bit with his numbers but remain in playmaking command of the Bears. Daniels bore down with his downfield passing and running again. Both have proved they have high production ceilings right away.
MORE PRESEASON: Week 1 rookie QB grades | Week 1 overreactions
The Buccaneers’ pass rush can still crush for Todd Bowles
Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul are well in the rearview as key pass rushers from the pressure group that helped the Bucs win Super Bowl 55 over Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs. But Bowles can maintain a defensive strength with plenty behind YaYa Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Second-year player Jose Ramirez had 3 sacks vs. the Jaguars, reminding the Bucs they have good rejuvenated depth to complement the rest of the new-look back seven.
Get Kene Nwangwu on the field more, Vikings!
Nwangwu is the Marvin Mins of the NFC. The 2022 second-team All-Pro return man is screaming for more offensive touches. Nwangwu started with no Aaron Jones and rushed seven times for 45 yards against the Browns. In Week 1, he had 5 carries for 52 yards and a TD. The Vikings’ backup situation is iffy at best and Nwangwu can add a key young change of pace behind Jones.
