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After three weeks of NFL preseason flew by, there are only 10 days until the NFL regular season kicks off with the Ravens and Chiefs. It can’t come soon enough. A lot to unpack today:
- 📈 Preseason trends
- 🎙 Dianna on Ja’Marr Chase
- 📊 30 NFL QBs, ranked
Checking in after preseason Week 3
Unless you watched all 14 preseason games since Friday, you might have missed some notable performances — both good and bad. A quick look at risers and fallers after the final preseason weekend, plus other emoji situations:
📈 Bryce Young in the Panthers offense. In his first preseason action, he looked confident and composed, more like the Heisman-winning Alabama product than the struggling rookie we saw last year. In what Joe Person described as a picture-perfect drive, Young completed six of eight passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.
📉 Trey Lance in an NFL offense. Eyeballs will always follow a disappointing, young quarterback taken third overall (just ask Sam Darnold). To date, Dallas’ 24-year-old has provided nothing but questions, especially after throwing five interceptions on Saturday. A stark change, as Cowboys beat reporter Jon Machota explained that Lance had been outstanding at taking care of the ball throughout the offseason.
⭐ Seattle receivers. The Seahawks played most of their starters, including both D.K. Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Ngiba. Each showcased talent on impressive deep receptions. It’s something I expect to see more of in new OC Ryan Grubb’s offense, as he looks to unlock big plays for Geno Smith.
🌪 Cam Akers should jump up the Texans depth chart after a preseason in which he took 24 rushing attempts for 112 yards (highlighted by Saturday’s incredible triple-spin move). I expect him to replace Dameon Pierce as Joe Mixon’s backup.
🔥 This catch by a Buccaneers rookie receiver. Jalen McMillan played every snap on the first drive with the starters and looks to be the team’s third wide receiver, behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. This catch caught my eye and could be a sign of things to come for the former Washington Husky:
🍿 New England’s starting QB. All offseason we were reminded that the Jacoby Brissett was to start Week 1 for the Patriots. As a member of the “more rookie quarterbacks should sit” camp, I applauded the decision. But Brissett injured his shoulder in yesterday’s game, a game in which he was outplayed by the No. 3 pick, 21-year-old Drake Maye. As Chad Graff explains, there are two reasons why Brissett may still be the starter. For now.
📈 49ers running backs. Jordan Mason took eight carries for 42 yards and a touchdown while dominating first-team snaps as Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell sat. Meanwhile, rookie RB Isaac Gueredo had the longest kick return of the preseason, taking it 93 yards for the near-score. All four are expected to make the roster.
💤 Fantasy football sleeper. Bengals rookie WR Jermaine Burton is lower on the depth chart than I’d like (behind WR3 Andrei Iosivas and WR4 Trenton Irwin), but caught 4 of 5 targets for 56 yards and an impressive touchdown grab. A potential first-round fantasy talent, Burton could be an improved version of Tee Higgins in this Bengals offense, long term.
📈 Cincy Super Bowl chances. Speaking of the Bengals, their odds on BetMGM remain stagnant (sixth-highest, just behind the Eagles), but I’m more optimistic with Ja’Marr Chase returning to practice yesterday amid contract negotiations. Chase has been sneaking in throwing sessions outside of practice time, but was his first practice of the season, noted Paul Dehner Jr.
Over to Dianna for more on the Chase situation.
What Dianna’s Hearing: Chase is back and here to stay
On the latest episode of the “Scoop City” podcast, we explained that time is just about up for players holding in or holding out over contract disputes if they plan on playing a full season in 2024. I’ve heard from many players and coaches over the years: Everyone, even the elite talents, needs at least a few practice reps with their team before opening weekend, mostly for health reasons.
With that in mind, and with two weeks to go until the season opener, the Bengals saw their favorite sight of the summer: Ja’Marr Chase, back on the practice field. I was told the organization had expected the three-time Pro Bowler back at practice this week. On Sunday, true to his word, Chase was on the field, taking part in a practice for the first time this training camp.
Chase has two years remaining on his rookie contract but was eligible to negotiate a new contract this offseason. The two sides had been communicating while the star wideout watched practices from the sideline. I was also told there is no deal in place right now, but the team expects him to practice all week.
Joe Burrow said he only needs one practice with Chase to pick up where they left off, but why not an extra two weeks?
Back to you, Jacob.
Ranking the top 30 quarterbacks
Each summer, we’re granted a look into the minds of NFL coaches and executives when The Athletic’s Mike Sando shares his Quarterback Tiers, complete with commentary from the league’s anonymous evaluators. Three notes after my first read:
Patrick Mahomes is No. 1, as he should be. Unlike the NFL’s Top 100 List, which saw Mahomes fall to No. 4 (and the No. 2 QB behind Lamar Jackson) when ranked by fellow players, cooler heads prevailed for the soon to be 29-year-old’s ranking among coaches and executives. One defensive coordinator: “He’s like Brady when Brady was in his prime. You can’t bet against that dude because he’s the best in the business.”
The two biggest risers are both under 26. Brock Purdy and Jordan Love entered Tier Two, ranking 12th and 14th, respectively. “I honestly could debate calling Brock a 1,” an offensive play caller said about Purdy, who had zero Tier One votes. Love had one, with the lone voter saying, “Watching him with my eyes, I’m like, holy s—, this guy is starting to figure it out in a big way.” Another jump could be in the cards for both in 2024. All the risers:
Where did the sophomore quarterbacks land? No. 1 pick Bryce Young finished 28th, just behind No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson and No. 33 pick Will Levis (tied for 26th) but miles behind C.J. Stroud, who had the highest debut in Tiers history (eighth).
You’ll want to read the full article.
Around the NFL
Nick Chubb is reportedly expected to start the season on Cleveland’s reserve/PUP list, missing the first four games.
The Rams are open to trading LB Ernest Jones, a captain who led the team in tackles in only 15 games played, after their extension discussions with Jones were unsuccessful. Jones is on the final year of his rookie deal.
Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler completed seven of 13 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown yesterday, a performance which should cement his status as Derek Carr’s direct backup. Get your popcorn ready.
Commanders owner Josh Harris addressed the changes in Washington, which won’t include a new stadium (whether in Washington, Maryland or Virginia) until 2030.
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