The 2024 NFL preseason commenced with excitement on Thursday and continued into today (Friday), featuring key matchups that provided fans a glimpse into current rosters. Those rosters obviously will not look the same once finalized. Notable teams like the Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, and Atlanta Falcons all took the field today, with more action set for the remainder of the weekend.
Week 1 of the preseason generally serves as an initial evaluation period, allowing coaches and fans alike to observe the performance of new players—whether they are rookies or offseason acquisitions. Here’s a summary of how the players fared in their first game outings, highlighting the most notable debuts.
Friday’s Games
Houston Texans 20, Pittsburgh Steelers 12
For the Texans, the spotlight was on defensive end Danielle Hunter, a key free-agent signing who made an impact with a sack and quarterback pressure. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, another offseason addition, contributed solidly by helping to contain the Steelers’ running game, limiting Najee Harris to an average of three yards per carry. While All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs, acquired via trade from Buffalo, ended up with no targets, the offense found its rhythm when quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with rookie wide receiver Tank Dell for a touchdown during their second series, following a lackluster first drive that resulted in a three-and-out. Among the rookies, safety Calen Bullock shone with a near interception, showcasing his range despite stepping out of bounds.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Coach Mike Tomlin’s assertion that the preseason serves as an audition was evident as the Steelers struggled with execution. Quarterback Justin Fields had a tough night, going 5-of-6 for 67 yards but suffering two sacks and fumbling snaps twice. The first-team offense, missing a few veteran linemen, failed to score in three drives. However, Fields displayed his potential with impressive throws to offseason acquisition Van Jefferson. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu had a mixed performance, while rookie linebacker Payton Wilson made his presence felt with six tackles. The Steelers have a bit of work to do if they hope to find their footing before the regular season.
Thursday’s Games
New England Patriots 17, Carolina Panthers 3
The Patriots’ number three overall pick, quarterback Drake Maye, had a brief introduction to NFL action, playing only seven snaps. With limited opportunities, he managed two completions for 19 yards but also drew a false start penalty. Head coach Jerod Mayo’s decision to limit Maye’s exposure was likely strategic, as he played behind the starting offensive line. Fans expressed their dissatisfaction when Maye was not sent out for a third series, leading to Bailey Zappe taking over until rookie Joe Milton III entered and electrified the crowd with a 38-yard touchdown pass. Undrafted free agent punt returner David Wallis also made an impression, setting up the first touchdown.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers opted to rest their starting defense, leaving cornerback Dane Jackson as the only starter in action. Jackson’s presence might hint at ongoing roster evaluations. Quarterback Jack Plummer struggled to make an impact, hindered by a lackluster second-team offensive line and dropped passes from wide receivers Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr., both of whom need to improve as the season approaches. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young did not take the field. Anticipated backup Andy Dalton was unavailable due to a strained quadriceps.
New York Giants 14, Detroit Lions 3
The Giants provided an opportunity for all their rookies, including first-round pick Malik Nabers, who had an uneventful outing, failing to see any targets despite being open. With starting quarterback Daniel Jones and the first offensive line resting, the focus shifted to backup Drew Lock (no great plays to mention), who exited with a hip injury after an initial series. Although Lock’s injury didn’t seem severe, the Giants will monitor it closely, especially with a limited quarterback roster.
Second-year players Tommy DeVito and Eric Gray seized the opportunity to impress head coach Brian Daboll, leading the New York Giants to a 14-3 victory over the Detroit Lions. DeVito stepped in for the injured Drew Lock late in the first quarter and quickly made his mark, orchestrating two scoring drives in the first half. Gray played a pivotal role in those drives, scoring on runs of 48 and 1 yard, showcasing their potential to climb the depth chart.
“Every day is a step in the right direction,” DeVito remarked after the game. He completed 8 of 15 passes for 92 yards and emphasized his goal to build on every opportunity he gets on the field. DeVito, who made a name for himself last year as an undrafted free agent, noted that he feels much more confident in his second season, with reduced anxiety affecting his performance.
Entering training camp, DeVito was positioned as the third quarterback behind Daniel Jones and Lock, but he continues to deliver whenever called upon, reminiscent of his impressive rookie campaign.
Gray also capitalized on the opportunity, finishing with 52 rushing yards on four carries and adding four receptions for 46 yards. After struggling in his rookie season with limited chances due to the dominance of Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida, Gray found himself buried behind new additions like Devin Singletary and draft pick Tyrone Tracy early in camp. However, he has now earned a chance to showcase his skills.
“I was just being me,” Gray reflected. “Last year, I felt like I was overthinking things. I realized it’s just football at the end of the day. Today, I focused on just playing the game.”
Together, DeVito and Gray made a strong case for increased roles within the Giants, demonstrating their growth and readiness to contribute this season.
Detroit Lions: The Lions chose to sit many of their starters after an intense week of joint practices against the Giants. However, rookie cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. made notable contributions in their debuts. Second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker, returning from a torn ACL, showed promise by leading the offense effectively before leaving the game with a concussion, adding another layer of concern for the Lions.
As the preseason unfolds, teams will continue to assess their rosters, hoping to refine their lineups before the regular season kicks off. Each performance will serve as a building block for the players and coaching staff as they work toward a successful campaign.
Miami Dolphins 20, Atlanta Falcons 13 so far.
Atlanta Falcons pass rusher Bralen Trice, expected to be a contributor, sustained an injury in Friday night’s preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.
Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. Shines in Preseason Debut: Rookie QB Leads Atlanta to Scoring Drives Against Dolphins. In his first preseason appearance, rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. demonstrated his potential by guiding the Atlanta Falcons on two successful scoring drives against the Miami Dolphins. His performance showcased his ability to manage the game effectively and contribute to the team’s offensive efforts.
Philadelphia Eagles 16, Baltimore Ravens 13
That’s a wrap! Just finished…the Philadelphia Eagles opened their 2024 preseason with a thrilling victory over the Baltimore Ravens, winning 16-13 at M&T Bank Stadium. After a scoreless first quarter, rookie running back Will Shipley scored the Eagles’ first points with a touchdown catch. Both teams exchanged field goals before the Eagles took the lead with a two-yard touchdown run from Lew Nichols in the third quarter. The Ravens tied the game with a QB sneak from Devin Leary in the fourth. The Eagles had a chance to win with a late field goal, and despite an earlier miss, Jake Elliott kicked a 49-yard game-winner to secure the victory.