Kyler Murray, Cardinals quarterback, shares the team's goals for this season and explains how new signings will be implemented. (2:18).
The second week of preseason football is underway. There are three weeks left before the regular season opener so expect more players and names to play this week.
The New England Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, and Eagles quarterback Jalenhurts was forced to miss the game due to illness.
The meeting between the Kansas City Chiefs (AZ Cardinals) was a college reunion. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took on Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech's college coach. Mahomes and Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray didn't show much in quarters of work, and Mahomes was intercepted during his last pass.
Saturday was the main day with 10 games. Afternoon showdown between the Buffalo Bills & Chicago Bears began, with rookie quarterback Zach Wilson facing the New York Jets. The night slate featured a Texas-sized fight between the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders in Jerry World. They were taking on the Los Angeles Rams (who are aiming for that title).
On Sunday, the Odell Beckham Jr. bowl will be played between the New York Giants & Cleveland Browns. Trevor Lawrence and Trevor Lawrence will visit the New Orleans Saints Monday.
Here are some quick links
Full schedule | Depth charts | PickCenter
Saturday's games
Standout performer: Bills QB Mitchell Trubisky, 220 yards, TD
One could argue that the Bills' defense line was their best group in this offseason, going into Saturday's match. However, the Bills' win over the Bears might make it the quarterback room. Mitchell Trubisky smashed his old team by leading four touchdown drives and completing 20 of 28 passes for 220 yard and a touchdown in the opening half. The Bills' offense seems to be in good hands if Josh Allen is ever injured. Marcel Louis-Jacques
Next game: vs. Packers (1.pm. ET, August 28
Although there is no need to react in the preseason to the situation, Andy Dalton failed the task of silence the chants from Chicago for Justin Fields to be the starting quarterback when the regular season begins. The offense was terrible after going three-and-out last week in both Dalton's series. On Saturday, however, Dalton and Rodney Adams connected for a 73-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Dalton's numbers were okay (11-of-17 yards, 146 yards, and one touchdown), but the Bears offense was unproductive and pretty much out of control for the entirety of the first half. Dalton's second quarter interception, when the intended target clearly fell on his route, further upset a fan base that was calling for Fields' replacement. The Bears' offense won't have much to show for its preseason efforts, as starters are unlikely to be available. Jeff Dickerson
Next game: at Titans (7.30 p.m. ET, August 28
Jets QB Zach Wilson (128 passing yards, 2 touchdown) is a standout performer
Zach Wilson, a rookie quarterback, made another positive step towards his growth by playing a nearly flawless game against the Packers. Although his stats were impressive (9-for-11 with 128 yards and 2 touchdowns), it was the way he played that was most impressive. He was a good third down player, he made Corey Davis a great off-platform pass for 27 yards, and he looked off the safety to make Corey Davis a scoring 18-yard pass to Tyler Kroft. Wilson has not had a three-and-out possession in six preseason series -- which is impressive for a rookie. Wilson has not yet faced a starting defense in preseason. It's important to remember that. He may not see a starting defense until Week 1, at the Carolina Panthers. -- Rich Cimini
Next game: vs Bills (1 p.m. ET, August 28
Although Kurt Benkert's performance in Saturday's loss against the Jets was impressive, it wasn't enough for Jordan Love to replace him as Packers' No. 2 quarterback. Benkert's productivity couldn't have been more impressive. Coach Matt LaFleur said that Love will be Aaron Rodgers' primary back-up once he is fully healthy. Benkert was given the start because Love couldn't return from his shoulder strain. Two touchdown drives were led by him, including a 10-minute, 19-play drive in which Benkert actually tripped on right guard Royce Newman and fell on two consecutive plays. Benkert said that the drive could have gone to a halt, but it didn't. The questions at this stage are: a) Will Love be cleared by the NFL in time to play next week at Buffalo? b) If Benkert is still on the roster. Rob Demovsky
Next game: at Eagles (7:30 pm. ET, August 28
Dolphins LB Sam Eguavoen is a standout performer. He has 11 tackles and four sacks.
In the first half, the Dolphins had a lot of starters against the Falcons. The good: Miami was strong. The less-stellar? It was mostly against Atlanta's second team that the Dolphins pulled it off. However, Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins' quarterback, looked sharp, completing 16 out of 23 passes for 183 yard and a touchdown. He was quick to hit receivers and continued what he had done in joint practice, where he worked with Jaylen Waddle, Mike Gesicki and Jakeem Grant Sr.
Waddle was hurt in the first period, but the Dolphins were able to recover and win the series. The defensive pressure from Atlanta was also a problem for Miami, despite it being preseason. The Dolphins need to improve their understanding of who was on each side of the field. - Michael Rothstein
Next game: at Bengals (4 p.m. ET, August 29
The Atlanta Falcons sat the majority their expected starters. This was a positive sign for Atlanta's doubtable depth. The pressure to be defensive continued -- Jonathan Bullard was sacked, and Tua Tagovailoa was under pressure -- similar to what was seen in the joint practices.
What does this all mean? It's hard to say. However, Atlanta may have to create a quarterback depth chart on its own if A.J. McCarron's right knee injury has been very serious. The Falcons could either use Feleipe Franks, an undrafted rookie, or another player not yet on their roster. Atlanta would be in serious trouble if Matt Ryan, the starting quarterback, were to become incapacitated. However this only exacerbates the problem. --Michael Rothstein
Next game: vs Browns (8.30 p.m. ET, August 29
Standout performer: Ravens QB Tyler Huntley, 187 yards passing, 23 yards rushing
With a strong effort, Tyler Huntley has strengthened his hold on the Ravens' backup quarterback position. Huntley was 0-4 after starting with just one interception. He completed 24 of 30 passes for 187 yard. Huntley also displayed Lamar Jackson-like mobility, rushing 23 yards. Tylan Wallace dropped Huntley's 26-yard pass for a touchdown, and Huntley's numbers could have been even more impressive. Huntley was unable to play the last two minutes of this game as Trace McSorley has a back injury and Trace McSorley will be out the remainder of the preseason. The Ravens now have 19 consecutive preseason wins. This tie Vince Lombardi with the Green Bay Packers who won 19 consecutive preseason games from 1959 to 1962. --Jamison Hensley
Next game: Washington (7 p.m. ET, August 28
It remains to be seen if quarterback Sam Darnold can turn his career around. In his preseason debut, Darnold played in a series and was 1-for-2 for 16 yard. It is evident that the Panthers are still struggling with red-zone issues. After a Darnold first down on the Baltimore 6, they failed to score. Will Grier missed the field goal, his only trip within the 20. Matt Rhule gave them a talk. After finishing 28th in this category last season, they were now 1-for-7 in preseason touchdowns in red zone. Positively, Grier went 11-for-14 for 144 yard, closing the gap on PJ. --Todd Archer
Next game: vs Steelers (7:30 p.m. ET, August 27
Standout performer: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, 137 yards, 2 TD
Ben Roethlisberger delivered a stunning performance in his preseason debut. He completed 8 of 10 passes for total 137 yards and two touchdowns, leading to a perfect passer rating. The ball was thrown out by Roethlisberger at times. He completed a 43-yard pass with a pass of over 38 yards, his longest air pass since Week 13 of 2018. Next Gen Stats says that this is the longest air pass of its kind. Although the ball was a bit underthrown, he proved his arm strength to be more normal after a 2020 season of short throws. Roethlisberger had his first game with OC Matt Canada. It was a small test, but it seemed that the two played well together, which bodes well for the regular season. --Brooke Pryor
Next game: at Panthers (7:30 pm. ET, August 27
The Detroit Lions were without their Pro Bowl TE T.J. Hockenson, QB Jared Goff and RBs D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Wilkins. It was obvious from the beginning. The Lions were down 14-0 by the end of quarter one. The Lions were down 14-0 by the end of the third quarter. However, they showed some resilience with a 7-yard rushing touchdown from Godwin Igwebuike and a 10-yard TD pass by David Blough to Javon McCinley. In the final period, Detroit outscored Steelers by 20-3. Blough completed 12-of-17 passes for 143 yards. Preseason action has seen the Lions go 0-2. --Eric Woodyard
Next game: vs Colts (7.30 p.m. ET, August 27
Standout performer: Texans RB Mark Ingram, 24 yards, 7 carries, 1 TD
Lovie Smith, the new defensive coordinator, stressed to his team that they must take the ball away. Houston was last in the NFL, with nine takeaways. The Texans made four more mistakes in Saturday's victory over Dallas Cowboys (20-14). This brings their total to seven for the preseason. Safety Lonnie Johnson ran 53 yards for a touchdown after he intercepted a Cowboys fourth-string quarterback Ben DiNucci's pass in the third quarter.
Because of the struggles the offense has had during training camp, and the first two preseason matches, the defense's ability create takeaways may be more important this season. It's only the preseason. Houston was 0-for-10 in third downs against Dallas on Saturday. --Sarah Barshop
Next game: vs Buccaneers (8 p.m. ET, August 28
Although the Dallas Cowboys are aware that Dak Prescott is their starter they may have questions about his backup. Cooper Rush replaced Garrett Gilbert, who struggled in the first series against Houston. Rush threw two touchdown passes in the first half and completed 10 out of 12 passes for an impressive 97 yards. Prescott was absent from practice so Gilbert took over the starter's role. However, Gilbert tripped at the line of scrimmage and was sacked. He then lost a field goal on the third play. In 2017-19, Rush was Prescott's primary backup. He has only thrown three passes over his entire career. He has at the very minimum put himself in contention for Gilbert's job, having started just one game last year. --Todd Archer
Next game: at Jaguars (4.30 p.m. ET, August 29
Colts WR Dezmon Patrick, 4 receptions, at 60 yards, is a standout performer
Jacob Eason, Colts quarterback, waited until Saturday's game against Minnesota to possibly move back into the driver’s seat and be the starter if Carson Wentz isn’t available. Eason recovered from a bad start by entering the game in the second quarter. He led the Colts on a 12-play 69-yard drive that culminated with the winning field goal. Eason's performance was a sign that the Colts were serious about winning, as neither Sam Ehlinger nor Eason seemed to be trying to take control of the most important competition on the roster.
After coming off the Carolina bench, Ehlinger, a sixth-round rookie from Texas, began against the Vikings. Ehlinger failed to make the most of all the offensive skill positions players, including T.Y. Hilton, Jack Doyle, and Jonathan Taylor were running backs. Ehlinger led the Colts to Minnesota twice, scoring six points. He also threw two interceptions (one of which was returned by Troy Dye, Vikings linebacker).
Frank Reich, Colts coach, said that he would love to know who their starter is in Week 1, before the start of the preseason finale. Eason appears to be the leader, unless Wentz takes significant steps towards his foot recovery. Mike Wells
Next game: at Lions (7.30 p.m. ET, August 27
In eight quarters of preseason play, the Vikings offense haven't scored one touchdown. Kirk Cousins was 5-for-7 and gained 23 yards in three series. The series included checkdowns, running back screens, and a few passes to Brandon Dillon as backup tight end. Jake Browning, whose preseason performance was so poor that it seemed like he would be unable to make the QB2 playoffs, connected with a wide receiver after the second half. Mond replaced Browning in the second quarter after a struggle. Mond's night was equally forgettable.
The offense has been having a difficult time in recent weeks, beyond the preseason loss to Indianapolis. Cousins did not appear to see the field clearly and was inconsistent throughout practice. --Courtney Cronin
Next game: at Chiefs (8.30 p.m. ET, August 27
Standout performer: Titans DB Elijah Molden, 7 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended
The Titans finally saw their young defensive backs, Elijah Molden (nickname: Caleb Farley), in action. Molden, especially at the nickel position, was one of the most active defense players. He was sent to Tennessee on blitzes and found his way to the quarterback. Molden recorded two plays with negative yardage in one series, including a sack of Kyle Trask.
Molden appears to be a natural for the nickel position, and should see plenty of action against the Chicago Bears next week. Dillon Radunz was unable to tackle Tampa Bay's pass rusher Joe Tryon. Keep an eye out for where the Titans will use Radunz next Week. --Turron Davidnport
Next game: vs. Bears (7.30 p.m. ET, August 28
Bruce Arians has rested almost every starter after two days of intense work against the Titans with the exception O.J., tight end. Right guard Alex Cappa and Howard are both recovering from season-ending injuries. Howard lost the ball three times and was then beaten in pass protection by Ryan Griffin. Kyle Trask, a rookie quarterback, was 13-of-26 with 131 passing yards. He also had no touchdowns or interceptions. However, he did connect with Cyril Grayson on an amazing 35-yard pass play. Although Trask isn't in a hurry to get there, Griffin has not shown enough to be considered for the third quarterback position.
Pat O'Connor, a defensive lineman and core specialist teamer, had a great night with a sack and two tackles for loss. He also hit a QB. Mr. Mr. --Jenna Laine
Next game: Houston (8 p.m. ET, August 28
Standout performer: Teddy Bridgewater, 105 yards passing, 1 TD
The quarterbacks will be the focal point of attention in a preseason where the Broncos defense has yet to surrender a touchdown in just two games.
At least until Vic Fangio calls on a starter to start the regular season. As Drew Lock did the week before, Teddy Bridgewater was as successful with the starters in Saturday's victory over the Seattle Seahawks (30-3). Bridgewater was 9-of-11 passing for 95 yards and a touchdown on his two possessions.
Lock did not fare well against the Seahawks backups for the Broncos. He led three field-goal drives in five possessions.
Fangio answered a question about a decision by saying "it won’t be (Sunday)," but that the earliest it could happen would be next week. --Jeff Legwold
Next game: vs Rams (9.05 p.m. ET, August 28
K.J. is not coming back to Seattle so don't be surprised if it happens. Wright, even though the Seahawks sustained another injury at linebacker. Their depth has always been a problem. After injuring his knee during the first kickoff, Ben Burr-Kirven was taken off the field. This was a poor start to a night with very few positives for Seattle. Bobby Wagner, Jordyn Taylor and Darrell Taylor are all still healthy so Wright is not in the starting lineup. The Seahawks won't pay Wright starter money if he doesn't get a spot in the starting lineup. It's difficult to imagine Wright signing a contract to just be a backup, considering all he has accomplished and the way he played these past two seasons. Seahawks fans would love to see the return of one the greatest players in franchise history. However, it is unlikely that this will happen unless one their starters is injured. --Brady Henderson
Next game: vs Chargers (10.30 p.m. ET, August 28
Nate Hobbs is a standout performer. He has 4 tackles and 1 for loss.
After a pair of strong preseason matches, Nate Hobbs has almost secured the slot corner job. This includes Saturday's 17-16 win over the Rams. Hobbs was expected to start the first two games, Nevin Lawson being suspended for two games. However, he could keep the starting job once Lawson is back. A deep interception and diagnosis of a pass in flat to J.J. Koski gave Hobbs an impressive performance. He also finished with four tackles. Hobbs was also close to blocking the field goal. The fifth-rounder was everywhere on the field. --Paul Gutierrez
Next game: at 49ers (4.30 p.m. ET, August 29
The Rams' young running backs have made positive strides a week after Sean McVay, Rams coach, described the Rams' run game as "sloppy" during a loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jake Funk, a seventh-round rookie pick, rushed for 56 yards on seven carries. Xavier Jones, a second-year professional and undrafted-free agent, rushed 29 yards on seven carries. The development of Funk and Jones is crucial as the Rams attempt to improve their backfield depth after the passing of rising star Cam Akers, who suffered a torn Achilles. Funk and Jones will be competing for Darrell Henderson's backup. Henderson is not in the preseason. Funk and Jones will be given one more chance to show they are up to the challenge, or for the Rams to decide if they should shop the free agent market. --Lindsey Thiry
Next game: at Broncos (9.05 p.m. ET, August 28
Friday's games
Kansas City Chiefs 17, Arizona Cardinals 10.
Standout performer: Chiefs receiver Bryon Pringle: 4 receptions, 63 yards
Chris Jones looks like he's ready for a big season. Jones recorded a sack against Cardinals. This gives him two in just three quarters preseason. He also intercepted a pass, forced a fumble, and had one sack. Jarran Reed, his replacement at defensive tackle in the Chiefs' defense, had a sack as well. -- Adam Teicher
Next game: vs. Vikings (8.30 p.m. ET, August 27
While it's easy to tell the Cardinals that "it's preseason, so it doesn't matter", there were some plays on Friday night that could have been troubling. On one play, Kyler Murray was miscommunication with Rondale Moore (wide receiver) and A.J. Green (quarterback). Green on the other. It could have been a minor kink that needed to be addressed, but it is hard to ignore the fact that these types of errors are happening so close to the regular season. The Cardinals' first-team offense was shaky. Murray only completed 1 of 4 passes for 2 yard and one run for 8 yards. Although it might not be important, it was ugly. -- Josh Weinfuss
Next game: Saints (8 p.m. ET, August 28
Standout performer: Washington RB Jaret Patterson: 16 carries, 71 yards, TD
Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals rookie wide receiver, will remember the past 72 hours as a learning opportunity. During Wednesday's practice, Chidobe Awuzie, Bengals cornerback, defeated the 2021 fifth-round pick. Chase dropped three targets on Friday against Washington. All of them were third downs. Chase has had trouble with drops all through training camp. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Chase had just six drops on 124 targets in his breakout season at LSU in 2019. Chase's problems could be due to difficulty getting back into football after opting out for 2020, or just a few days. Chase will look to fix it before the regular season begins. -- Ben Baby
Next game: vs. Dolphins (4.pm. ET, August 29
Washington's offense could have been better, but it didn't show up against the Bengals consistently. Ryan Fitzpatrick was a passer for 96 yards, but only seven of his 13 passes were completed. Although Fitzpatrick did throw Dyami Brown 29 yards, his passing game was lacking rhythm. Antonio Gibson's run game was inconsistent. He is a big back, but is still learning how to use all his power to be more efficient in short-yardage situations. Jaret Patterson, a rookie undrafted back, was the star. He was able to work with the starters and returned one kickoff for 37 yard. Washington will need to prove that he can be a part of special teams if he keeps four running backs. He continues to demonstrate that he can run with patience, as well as some power, and he is able to catch the ball well out the backfield. They may have just found a true gem. John Keim
Next game: at Ravens (6 p.m. ET, August 28
Thursday's game
Patriots QB Cam Newton was a standout performer. He completed 8 of 9 passes for 103 yards and 1 touchdown.
Cam Newton made the most definitive statement of his career, going 8-of-9 for 101 yards and one touchdown. He also had no interceptions in three drives. Newton looked just as comfortable as he has been as a Patriot. However, Newton was facing Eagles' second-string defense. Newton's 28-yard TD to Jakobi Meyers came after Meyers gave him a signal to announce his intentions before the snap. This is a sign that a QB/WR are operating at their peak efficiency pre-snap communication. Mac Jones also had notable highlights, including his first drive, which covered 91 yards in 17 plays, and took up 9:04 of time. Jones was 13-of-19 and accumulated 146 yards in four drives. -- Mike Reiss
Next game: at Giants (6.30 p.m. ET, August 29
DeVonta Smith, a rookie receiver, made his preseason debut with two catches of 19 yards on four targets. The stat line is not important enough. Smith was able to move well and wasn't hampered by his left MCL injury that kept him from practice for two weeks. Smith's second catch of the evening was a 10 yard reception. He started inside, hit brakes and then cut back to beat Michael Jackson, showing signs of his Heisman Trophy-winning form. Although Smith had to work hard to get the rust off his legs, Smith was able to smoothen out the game and open the field fairly consistently. It was a good warm-up for the Atlanta Falcons regular-season opener on Sept. 12. Tim McManus
Next game: at Jets (7:30 p.m. ET, August 27
Sunday's games
New York Giants at Cleveland, 1. ET, NFL Network
San Francisco at Los Angeles Chargers, 7:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network
Monday's game
Jacksonville at New Orleans, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
