NFL Preseason Week 1 Overreactions

The 2026 NFL preseason has kicked off, and with it, a plethora of storylines are emerging. While the preseason doesn’t count towards a team’s chances of making the playoffs, it does provide valuable insights into team dynamics, player performances, and coaching strategies.

In this article, we’ll delve into some of the biggest storylines from the first week of the preseason and determine whether they’re overreactions or legitimate concerns.

Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza: Overreaction or Reality?

Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders’ rookie quarterback, has been making waves with his impressive preseason debut. Completing 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, Mendoza showcased his elite precision with some tight window throws. However, the Raiders’ decision-makers have been steadfast in their belief that the best way to usher a young quarterback into the NFL is to have him begin the season behind an established veteran, Kirk Cousins.

While Mendoza’s performance was certainly encouraging, it’s premature to thrust him up to QB1 after just one preseason game. The slow, methodical build-up for Mendoza is likely the way to go, and it appears that head coach Klint Kubiak will slow-play this ascension even amid growing external clamoring for the future to start now.

49ers’ De’Zhaun Stribling: Reality

De’Zhaun Stribling, the 49ers’ second-round pick, has been putting together a strong camp, and his preseason debut against the Titans was no exception. Catching seven of his eight targets for 63 yards, Stribling flashed his potential as a breakout rookie wide receiver. With the injury history of Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, Stribling has a strong opportunity to put up stellar numbers and emerge as the top target for Brock Purdy in the receiver room.

When accounting for the situation, Stribling could rival being the most productive wideout in his rookie class in 2026. The 49ers’ high-powered offense has 196 targets up for grabs, and Stribling is well-positioned to make an immediate impact.

Titans’ Cam Ward: Reality

Cam Ward, the Titans’ quarterback, is entering a pivotal Year 2 in Tennessee, looking to rebound from a so-so rookie season. However, his preseason opener against the 49ers was a bit of a disappointment, as he completed just 5 of 12 passes for 57 yards. Accuracy issues reared their head in this matchup, which has people in Nashville a bit tense as they move forward with the preseason.

While Ward didn’t have the most encouraging night, it’s still early days for the second-year quarterback. He’s working in an entirely new system after the Titans cleaned house and brought in a new coaching staff, headlined by head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. There will be growing pains as he finds his way in this new offense, and that’s what the preseason is for.

Falcons and Browns QB Battles: No Clear Winner

The Falcons and Browns are the only teams still battling for their quarterback jobs, with Kyler Murray declared the Vikings’ starter. However, the preseason opener didn’t provide much clarity on who will emerge as the top quarterback. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders both had their moments, but neither put together a performance that instilled much confidence.

Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, but also fumbled after getting stripped by Chicago pass rusher Jamree Kromah. Sanders started OK, but then petered out, finishing his night completing 6 of 11 for 79 yards and a brutal interception at the start of the fourth quarter.

Similar to Watson, Tua Tagovailoa’s performance in the Falcons’ preseason opener was underwhelming. He played the entire first quarter but struggled to move the ball, punting twice and traveling a total of 19 yards. Tagovailoa also fumbled the snap on his second play of the game.

The preseason is still in its early stages, and it’s too soon to make any definitive judgments on the quarterback battles. However, the lack of clarity on who will emerge as the top quarterback is a concern for both teams.