The 2021 NFL Preseason was opened by the Dallas Cowboys & Pittsburgh Steelers with their Hall of Fame matchup. But preseason really starts this week as all 32 NFL teams will be on the field for Week 1.
It began Thursday night with two games. First-round quarterback Mac Jones led the New England Patriots past Washington Football Team in his NFL debut, while Dwayne Hakins, a former first-rounder, was impressive as Pittsburgh Steelers defeated Philadelphia Eagles.
Friday saw three more games, including Jared Goff's debut in the Detroit Lions' starting quarterback role. He came to Detroit from the Los Angeles Rams as part of a trade that included two first-round draft picks.
Saturday will host 10 games. The Denver Broncos will play the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday afternoon in a homecoming game for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater was the Vikings' 2014 first-round pick and is currently competing with Drew Lock for the role of Broncos starting quarterback. Two of the NFL's newest stadiums will host their first games for fans. The Las Vegas Raiders will take on the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium, while the Los Angeles Chargers will play the Rams in SoFi Stadium.
Sunday's slate ends in Indianapolis when the Colts host Carolina Panthers. We will see how the Colts plan on replacing injured quarterback Carson Wentz, and what Sam Darnold looks in a Panthers uniform.
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NFL preseason Week 1 schedule
Saturday's games
Bears quarterback Justin Fields is a standout performer with 142 passing yards and one touchdown. He also has 33 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
In Saturday's first quarter, the Chicago Bears offense was so bad that Miami beat Chicago 215-79. Justin Fields, a rookie quarterback, brought life to Soldier Field. Fields was 14-of-20 for 142 yard, one touchdown, 33 rush yards, and one rushing touchdown. Andy Dalton was outnumbered 215-79 by Chicago Bears' offense in the first quarter. But Fields, the rookie pick, settled down quickly and started to shine after the half. Fields displayed great command of his pocket and was often frozen by Miami defenders when he tried to scramble. They were not sure if he would throw or takeoff. Fields' lightning speed will be an asset when he is the starting quarterback. Fields' eight yard touchdown run in quarter three also showed his strength. Fields avoided an aggressive Miami defender before he ran for the score. It's just preseason. Yes. Did Fields prove more than enough promise to make an NFL debut? Yes. Jeff Dickerson
Next game: vs. Bills (1 p.m. ET, Aug. 21
Tua Tagovailoa made only one mistake but it was costly. After a productive preseason, the Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback attempted to pass a ball to Adam Shaheen in the end zone. Chicago Bears safety DeAndre Harvey-Carson intervened and intercepted the ball. This was Tagovailoa’s only negative play in an otherwise positive performance. After the half-time break, Tagovailoa was 8-of-11 and gained 99 yards. Miami's offense outperformed Chicago (215-79 to Miami in the first half). Justin Fields became hot as the rookie quarterback. Tagovailoa's greatest moment was a perfect throw to Mike Gesicki downfield, which gained 50 yards. Although the Dolphins still have questions about their quarterback, Tagovailoa made a significant step forward on Saturday. Jeff Dickerson
Next game: vs. Falcons (7:05 p.m. ET, 21 Aug.
Denver at Minnesota, 4 p.m. ET, NFL Network
Jacksonville at Cleveland, 7 p.m. ET, NFL Network
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New Orleans at Baltimore, 7:15 p.m. ET
New York Jets at New York Giants. 7:30 p.m. ET
Cincinnati at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. ET
Houston at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m. ET
San Francisco at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. ET
Seattle at Las Vegas 9 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams, 10 p.m. ET, NFL Network
Sunday's match
Carolina at Indianapolis, 1. ET, NFL Network
Friday's games
Standout performer: Bills running back Devin Singletary, 48 total yards, TD
This season, the Bills are going to be creative with their defensive lines personnel. Mario Addison and Jerry Hughes, both veteran defensive ends, did not play. This allowed rookies Greg Rousseau (and Carlos Basham) to have plenty of running. The most dynamic lineup in Buffalo was the Rousseau, 2020 second-round draft pick AJ Epenesa, on the edge with Basham playing defensive tackle and Efe Obada playing defensive backfield -- a combination that quickly wreaked havoc for Detroit's backfield. The Bills' biggest focus this offseason was their defensive line, and the early returns are thrilling. Marcel Louis-Jacques
Next game: at Bears (1.pm. ET, Aug. 21
Although Jared Goff was not able to complete the first quarter, despite a difficult opening drive, he managed to make it through. Goff was limited to only 7 of 9 passes, gaining 56 yards. Tyrell Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown were his primary targets. Both he caught two passes in the first quarter. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Goff orchestrated an 18-play drive that reached five receivers. This is something he has never done with the Los Angeles Rams in either his regular-season or playoff careers. Goff completed 7 of the 8 passes to five receivers on that drive, which was capped with a Lions field goal. Eric Woodyard
Next game: Steelers at 7:30 p.m. ET, August 21
Cardinals kicker Matt Prter was a standout performer. He made 4-of-4 field goals, including the game-winning shot from 47 yards.
Connor Williams was not able to help himself against the Cardinals, even though the Cowboys might be having a center competition. He was positioned at center, over Tyler Biadasz. However, he had two bad shotgun snaps that might have caused a delay in game penalties on the first two drives. Williams had issues earlier in camp with his snaps, but he was able to fix them with more experience. Stephen Jones, executive vice president, acknowledged that the Cowboys could choose to go with their "best five" front. The assumption is that it will be Williams or Biadasz. Perhaps it's Williams or Connor McGovern at the left guard. -- Todd Archer
Next game: vs. Texans (8 p.m. ET, 21 August
The Cardinals' second-round selection Rondale Moore performed well in spite of it being against a boring defense. Throughout his 21 snaps, he displayed his speed and quickness as well as his ability to catch and run. Moore was utilized in many ways, including on jet sweeps and short passes, as well as deep balls. Moore produced no matter what the situation. He could be one of the Cardinals most dynamic offensive players, even if it is a preview of what lies ahead. -- Josh Weinfuss
Next game: vs. Chiefs (8.30 p.m. ET, August 20
Standout performer: Titans linebacker Rashad Weaver: 1.5 sacks, 3 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 QB hits, 1 PD
The Titans had only 19 sacks last year, so it was crucial for them to make improvements. Rashad Weaver, a rookie outside linebacker, was one of those players that the team added. Mike Vrabel stated that Weaver was the player he most looked forward to seeing. Weaver had a tackle for loss and a half-sack during limited preseason play. The Titans' pass rush was consistent in the Falcons' backfield, and ended with four sacks. Next week, the pass rush will be put to the test by a better unit during joint practice with the Buccaneers. The second preseason game is on Saturday. Turron Davenport
Next game: at Buccaneers (7:30 pm. ET, 21 Aug.
Since before training camp, the left guard has been a major question for the Falcons. Josh Andrews signed with the Falcons in the offseason as a Jets player. He seemed to have the advantage for most of camp. The Falcons must now find a solution at this position. Andrews was not able to play and Atlanta must continue the competition for Andrews' playing time. Drew Dalman, who was a guard but played against Tennessee at the center, might re-enter the contest. Jalen Mayfield may also be considered. Jalen Mayfield has been at right tackle camp. Left guard will always look better next to Jake Matthews (left tackle) and Matt Hennessy, center (neither of whom played Friday). -- Michael Rothstein
Next game: at Dolphins (7.30 p.m. ET, 21 August
Thursday's games
Standout performer: Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins: 16-of-22 passing, 161 yards, 1 TD
This round of the preseason backup football competition was won by Dwayne Hakins and Mason Rudolph during the Steelers' victory against the Eagles. Haskins completed 16 out of 22 passes for 161 yard and a touchdown. He also orchestrated two touchdown drives and a field-goal drive. There were moments when Haskins looked like the Washington Football Team's first-round quarterback, as when he passed the needle to Cody White for an 18.-yard gain right before the two minute warning. But there were also instances when Haskins threw wobbly passes or sailed throws, and he was slow in his decision making. Rudolph was successful in 8 of 9 attempts, gaining 77 yards. However, promising drives were stalled by two holding penalties against Trai Turner (Pat Freiermuth) and a 10-yard sack. Although the backup quarterback battle for Rudolph is far from over, Haskins was able to get the ball in the end zone on Thursday. -- Brooke Pryor
Next game: vs. Lions (7:30 p.m. ET, 21 August
Jalen Hurts was a part of two series, and he ended up going 3-of-7 for 54 yards (7.7 yards each attempt), with a 69.9 quarterback rating. Coach Nick Sirianni was most interested in seeing improvement in Hurts' timing throws. Hurts made significant progress on this front, getting the ball out on-time and with accuracy on his first series. Although he was the victim to a few drops and missed a deep throw from Quez Watkins, it was a good preseason debut for Hurts. He will be looking to improve on that performance next Thursday when the Eagles host New England. Watkins is pushing for a bigger role in the offense. On a Joe Flacco pass, he gave Watkins a show of his skills with a 79-yard catch and run. Watkins has been an offensive star for the Eagles this summer, and he might be the next starter if he continues to do so. Tim McManus
Next game: vs. Patriots (7:30 pm. ET, August 19
Patriots K Quinn Nordin is a standout performer. He went 3-for-3 in FG with a long score of 50
Cam Newton played the first two series, leading one field goal drive. Mac Jones took over and played five series (two field goal drives). Newton was 4-of-7 for 49 yard. Newton was also hurt on the first drive when LT Isaiah Wynn whiffed at DE Chase Young on third down, putting Newton in danger. Jones' best throw was an incompletion. A beautiful deep pass to WR Kristian Wilkerson at the end zone went unnoticed by Wilkerson. Jones was 13-of-19 for the 87 yard, and he showed a lot of command at the line. Bill Belichick said Newton was the starter while leaving the door open for Jones to apply for the job if he proves himself ready. Belichick might not have anticipated that the gap between them would be closing quicker than he expected. -- Mike Reiss
Next game: at Eagles (7:30 pm. ET, August 19
Chase Young, a defensive end, finished 2020 strong and started the year in the same manner. Cam Newton was initially regarded as a sack when he turned the corner. He was forced to incompletion. Young was also penalized for holding on a run, and was able to quickly identify the issue. Young made a great stop on a second and 20 run using his speed. He was blocked by the tight end on the play but Young quickly got around him. Young was able to drop him for a three-yard gain after the back split up. His skill was evident: his ability to grab the edge, his awareness of the screen, and the hustle to keep it short. He has flash plays but also many small ones that make a difference. John Keim
Next game: vs. Bengals (8 p.m. ET, Friday
