NFL Preseason Week 1 Recap: Ranking Rookie QBs, Winners, and Losers

The first week of the NFL preseason is officially in the books, and with it comes a plethora of exciting storylines and performances from the league’s top rookies. In this article, we’ll delve into the standout performances from rookie quarterbacks, as well as highlight the winners and losers from the first week of the preseason.

Source: sportshub.cbsistatic.com

Ranking the Preseason Debut of Every Rookie Quarterback

The first week of the preseason can sometimes be a snooze-fest, but this year’s action-packed weekend was anything but. With 15 rookie quarterbacks making their NFL debut, we’ve got a plethora of talent to sift through. To help you get up to speed, we’ve compiled a list of the top three rookie quarterbacks from Week 1, based on their performance.

Source: sportshub.cbsistatic.com

• Drew Allar (Steelers)

Allar’s impressive 10-for-13 performance, with two touchdowns and no interceptions, earned him the top spot on our list. His easy arm strength and zip on intermediate throws made him a standout performer, even against backup defenders.


Source: sportshub.cbsistatic.com
• Fernando Mendoza (Raiders)

Mendoza’s 10-for-16 performance, with one touchdown and no interceptions, was impressive, especially considering he led four drives against the Cardinals’ starting defense. While he had some misses, he also showcased his ability to get through progressions and connect with second- or third-read options.

• Ty Simpson (Rams)

Simpson’s 21-for-25 performance, with two touchdowns and no interceptions, was a highlight reel for the young quarterback. His rapport with running back Dean Connors was undeniable, and he’ll be looking to unseat Stetson Bennett as the QB2 behind Matthew Stafford.

NFL Preseason: Winners and Losers of Week 1

With the first week of the preseason in the books, we’ve got our eyes on the winners and losers. From standout performances to underwhelming showings, we’ve got the lowdown on who’s on the rise and who’s struggling. Here are two winners and two losers from the first week of the preseason:

• De’Zhaun Stribling (49ers)

Stribling’s impressive seven-catch, 63-yard performance against the Titans was a highlight of the weekend. His ability to make plays in the passing game will be crucial for the 49ers moving forward.

• Trey Smack (Packers)

Smack’s 3-for-3 performance on field goal attempts, including a 58-yarder, was a standout performance for the rookie kicker. His ability to make big kicks will be crucial for the Packers’ success this season.

• Andy Borregales (Patriots)

Borregales’ 0-for-3 performance on field goal attempts was a major letdown for the Patriots. His struggles will need to be addressed if the team wants to make a deep playoff run.

• Riley Leonard (Colts)

Leonard’s underwhelming performance against the Patriots’ defensive backups was a major concern for the Colts. His inability to complete more than 50% of his passes and throw an ugly interception will need to be addressed moving forward.

NFL Preseason Overreactions: Do the Titans Have a Cam Ward Problem?

With the first week of the preseason in the books, we’re already seeing overreactions from fans and pundits alike. From Cam Ward’s struggles to DJ Moore’s potential impact on the Bills’ offense, we’re here to separate fact from fiction. Here are some of the most notable overreactions from the first week of the preseason:

• Cam Ward Problem

While Ward’s 5-for-12 performance against the 49ers was underwhelming, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern. The Titans’ struggles on offense were a team-wide issue, not just Ward’s fault.

• DJ Moore Super Charging the Bills’ Offense

Moore’s three-catch, 61-yard performance against the Panthers was a highlight reel for the young wideout. His ability to make plays in the passing game will be crucial for the Bills’ success this season.