New York Giants-New York Jets: 24-32
First appearance in his new colors of an Aaron Rodgers (5/8, 47 yards, 1 TD) already developed. Two sets were enough for him to score a touchdown. His relationship with receiver Garrett Wilson (3 REC, 30 yards, 1 TD) is already optimal. This only requires confirmation in 2 weeks against the Bills. Subsequently, Zach Wilson (11/18, 107 yards) did not sparkle. Unlike the defense, where the defensive line totally dominated with 2 sacks for Bruce Hector. But, the stars of the evening are called Tim Boyle and Alex Erickson. The quarterback and receiver of the Jets found themselves twice in the end zone to give momentum to the victory.
At the Giants, the main incumbents were rested. Rookie Jalin Hyatt competed against Sauce Gardner, without success. Traded this week to the Giants, Isaiah Simmons managed to put pressure on the quarterback once. But above all, this match was an opportunity for Brian Daboll and his staff to take stock of the workforce. The goal is to be able to complete it. Among the players who scored points, we can note the rookie running back Eric Gray (7 races, 11 yards – 4 REC, 48 yards), interesting in reception.
Chicago Bears-Buffalo Bills: 21-24
If Buffalo won this match, it is paradoxically the poor performance of the special teams that will hold the attention, with a field goal missed by Tyelr Bass and a blocked punt. Fortunately for the Bills, Kyle Allen (18/34, 162 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) and Darrynton Evans (65 yards, 1 TD) responded.
Justin Fields (2/6, 51 yards) was discreet, but his connection with DJ Moore is still good with a pass of ten yards that the receiver turned into a reception of 40 yards. The duel for the position of quarterback number 2 turned in favor of PJ Walker (6/11, 71 yards, 1 TD), much more comfortable than Tyson Bagent, Shepherd’s rookie.
Green Bay Packers–Seattle Seahawks: 19-15
More than 600 yards, only 1 loss of ball but less than 35 points in this game. The defenses bent without breaking for most of the game. If Jordan Love (9/15, 63 yards, 1 TD) can be happy with his outing, the star of the evening is on the side of Seattle and is called Drew Lock (16/25, 150 yards, 1 TD), well helped by Easop Winston Jr (73 yards), the rookie receiver of Washington State. Jake Bobo (27 yards, 1 TD) had his touchdown, and is approaching a place in Seattle’s squad.
Minnesota Vikings–Arizona Cardinals: 17-18
A victory for Arizona is always good to take. The Cards defense was in the spotlight in this match, with 6 sacks including 3 from rookie Zach McCloud. Cameron Thomas and Dante Stills also distinguished themselves with a sack each. Among the Vikings also the star is defensive, with a gala Jay Ward, author of a sack, 8 tackles and a pass defended. No doubt the fourth-round draft pick will get regular season playing time.
In attack it was veterans who led the charge for Arizona, in the person of David Blough (11/22, 93 yards, 1 TD) and Corey Clement (84 yards). Jaren Hall blew hot and cold, but the understudy of Kirk Cousins generally disappeared after a touchdown on the first drive (16/27, 178 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT).
Kansas City Chiefs – Cleveland Browns: 33-32
Festival of points for this last preseason game between the Chiefs and the Browns.
For Cleveland, it was an opportunity to see a DeShaun Watson (5/10, 92 yards, 1 TD) who oscillated between hot and cold. The hot by leading 2 series for a touchdown, and the cold by committing 2 fumbles including 1 lost. If the Browns have scored so many points, it is also thanks to their defense with 2 pick sixes, including 1 by Juan Thornhill, former player of the… Chiefs.
Opposite, the holders had remained at rest. The opportunity for some to try to earn their place in the final squad. Among those who shone, we can find the runner La’Mical Perine (4 race, 3 REC, 76 yards, 1 TD) and receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (4 REC, 101 yards, 1 TD). We will also remember the beautiful reception for touchdown from Justyn Ross (2 REC, 12 yards, 1 TD). The latter could create the surprise to be in the final workforce.
Washington Commanders-Cincinnati Bengals: 21-19
Who to replace Joe Burrow if his calf is still bothering him at the start of the season? Apparently, Jake Browning (6/6, 42 yards, 1 TD) is now in pole position after a tenure and two clean series. Trevor Siemian (14/23, 133 yards, 1 int) continues to be an irregular player.
The Commanders left their incumbents to rest. Jacoby Brissett (10/15, 96 yards, 1 TD) started the game. He was helped by runner Chris Rodriguez (7 carries, 52 yards), who should appear in the rotation during the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Baltimore Ravens: 26-20
Perfect evening for Baker Mayfield (6/6, 43 yards, 1 TD) in two series. The first ended in a punt, but the second saw Mayfield find Chris Godwin for a touchdown. Kyle Trask (19/31, 192 yards, 1 TD) even capitalized on this momentum to follow up with another looped offensive in the end zone. Tampa bet big on the floor, with 33 carries for 158 yards in this game.
The Ravens have yet left their incumbents to rest. It was Josh Johnson (6/9, 95 yards, 1 TD) who started. He found Laquon Treadwell (!!!) for a touchdown from 24 yards. Enough to prove that the dream is still possible for the former receiver of Ole Miss, first round choice in 2016 and now 28 years old.
Jacksonville Jaguars-Miami Dolphins: 31-18
Jacksonville’s offense continues to look promising. The only thing that prevented the first offensive series led by Trevor Lawrence (8/10, 92 yards) from finishing in touchdown was a fumble from Tank Bigsby (6 races, 37 yards) one yard from the end zone. But the runner recovered on the following series with a lot of power to complement Travis Etienne (8 races, 39 yards, 1 TD). And it was the latter who scored. On their two possessions, the holders of the Jaguars showed their potential, including Calvin Ridley (3 rec, 50 yards).
A little less success for Tua Tagovailoa (4/6, 67 yards) with a punt and a field goal before going to the bench. Skylar Thompson (15/34, 135 yards, 2 int), intercepted on two of his first three passes, did not reassure him about his regularity for a possible understudy position.
The game was interrupted when Daewood Davis (WR, Dolphins) was taken out on a stretcher after a collision in the final quarter. He was taken to hospital, his team indicating that he had good feeling in all his limbs.
Dallas Cowboys–Las Vegas Raiders: 31-16
Aidan O’Connell (17/26, 178 yards) continued his interesting preseason, with the help of Kristian Wilkerson (10 rec, 122 yards).
On the Dallas side, it was Will Grier (29/35, 305 yards, 2 TDs) who was the hero of the evening, even though he knew he was going to be cut following the arrival of Trey Lance in an exchange. So Grier offered a nice audition for the other teams. It was Dak Prescott who was in his headphones since the incumbent was in street clothes and in charge of calling the games.
Denver Broncos-Los Angeles Rams: 41-0
In a duel of substitutes, the Broncos shone. Jarrett Stidham (17/28, 236 yards, 1 TD) led an attack that scored on his first five possessions! And Ben DiNucci (11/15, 117 yards, 1 TD) went to find the end zone twice more after the break.
Quite the opposite of the disaster proposed by the Rams, Stetson Bennett (4/9, 14 yards, 2 TDs) in the lead. The debutant supposed to be Matt Stafford’s understudy delivered a cataclysmic performance before being replaced in the second quarter.
Summaries: Victor Roullier, Nithinya Simuong and Alain Mattei
