2023 NFL preseason Week 1 winners and losers: Justin Fields, Saints offense, young WRs among early standouts

rewrite this content material with complete period and stay HTML tags Preseason soccer is not just about as cut-and-dry because the common season on the subject of comparing performances. Context is doubly essential, with giant names frequently intermingled with fringe-of-the-roster hopefuls. But that does not imply we will be able to’t draw a couple of conclusions within the lead-up to the actual matchups. With per week of 2023 NFL preseason within the books, listed here are one of the most maximum notable winners and losers:Dorian Thompson-Robinson Getty Images One hundred and thirty-nine avid gamers went forward of the UCLA quarterback within the 2023 draft, however the fifth-round rookie has been a reputable twin danger in two intensive appearances for the Browns. Against two forged defensive groups within the Jets and Commanders, DTR has long past 17 of 21 (81%) whilst averaging 5 yards in line with rush. He will have to be in play to open as Deshaun Watson’s most sensible backup.The much-maligned Patriots starter did not swimsuit up towards the Texans, however as an alternative watched as 1) backup Bailey Zappe appropriately finished all however two of his 14 passes; 2) the retooled offensive line struggled to carry company; and 3) undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham jump-started the offense with electrical scrambling. Jones’ activity is protected for now, however the urgency for play-making is rising in New England.Winner: Saints enthusiastsMichael Thomas Getty Images New Orleans is banking so much at the availability of veterans who have struggled with simply that, however seeing Derek Carr dishing it to Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas towards the Chiefs, with Jameis Winston later dumping it to Jimmy Graham (!), will have to’ve been encouraging. The NFC South is not precisely loaded with surefire contenders, so if the ones giant names keep wholesome to pair with Dennis Allen’s protection, possibly a sneaky playoff run would not be loopy in spite of everything. The Buccaneers have refused each and every alternative to easily hand beginning QB tasks to Baker Mayfield, however Trask used to be obviously inferior towards the Steelers in his first audition for Tom Brady’s outdated activity. Whereas Mayfield went 8 of 9 with a landing force capped via an ideal scoring move, Trask used to be picked off and sacked thrice at the back of the similar line. He more than likely wishes a dominant appearing or two in the rest of the preseason to unseat Mayfield for the Week 1 gig.Justin Fields USATSI The young Bears QB in the end were given reinforcements this offseason, however his transient paintings towards the Titans, whole with the renovated offense, used to be much more promising than anticipated. Throwing simply 3 passes, Fields completed with 129 yards and two ratings due to sensible after-the-catch burst and imaginative and prescient from each D.J. Moore and Khalil Herbert. Obviously Fields will face other demanding situations in the actual video games, however speak about an encouraging first step into 2023. He did not have just about the lend a hand a 12 months in the past.Loser: Established backup QBsSome of them had been simply advantageous; Drew Lock, as an example, appeared sharp for Seattle, and Tyler Huntley cemented himself as Lamar Jackson’s No. 2 in Baltimore. But there have been simply as many, if now not extra, incumbent or presumptive backups who struggled to fend off down-the-depth-chart festival. Nate Sudfeld, who is drawn repeated endorsements from Lions brass, threw two choices within the wake of Teddy Bridgewater’s arrival. Marcus Mariota, who joined the Eagles to again up Jalen Hurts, used to be way more mercurial in the course of the air than rookie Tanner McKee. And Brian Hoyer, the Raiders’ new No. 2, become an afterthought as rookie Aidan O’Connell coasted in the course of the 49ers in what amounted to a complete get started. Winner: Young WRsTank Dell USATSI Richie James is probably not young via conventional requirements happening 28, however he is an emergent title and poised for a breakout in Kansas City, the place he hauled in a few key Blaine Gabbert throws towards the Saints. Meanwhile, newbies Jordan Addison and Tank Dell had highlight-reel performs for the Texans and Vikings, respectively, with Addison exhibiting All-Pro footwork at the sidelines and Dell flashing utility-weapon electrical energy. The Steelers may additionally have an underrated deep danger in 2022 fourth-rounder Calvin Austin III, who snuck previous the Buccaneers for a bomb of a landing.Loser: Instantly top first-round QB expectationsGrowing pains had been all the time inevitable, however lots of the highest-drafted signal-callers had a bit of of a impolite awakening of their first exhibition paintings. Bryce Young removed the ball temporarily for the Panthers however controlled simply 21 yards at the back of an iffy line. The Texans’ C.J. Stroud threw an unpleasant decide in two scoreless drives towards the Patriots. The Colts’ Anthony Richardson threw a fair uglier one towards the Bills and had a pleasant deep shot dropped. And Titans second-rounder Will Levis did not outperform 2022 third-rounder Malik Willis, who unexpectedly seems like a protected wager to again up Ryan Tannehill going into the 12 months.Robbie Gould Getty Images The 49ers had few solutions for the Raiders in Las Vegas’ Sunday rout, and it did not lend a hand they could not in finding reduction on particular groups. Third-round rookie Jake Moody entered with an obvious edge on industry acquisition Zane Gonzalez, most effective to omit box targets from each 40 and 57 yards. This passed off simply weeks after longtime 49ers leg Robbie Gould stated he would’ve favored to go back to San Francisco for a nineteenth NFL season. The 40-year-old Gould continues to be to be had, and possibly now the Niners can have explanation why to name. It’s more than likely extra correct to mention the previous first-rounder had blended ends up in his first sport motion since early within the 2022 season. If now not for a couple of overlooked box targets, he may’ve stored the 49ers aggressive with the Raiders. But in six sequence, he led only one ranking, which got here on a near-pick, and took 4 sacks whilst improvising at the back of middling coverage. His challenger for the group’s No. 2 activity, Sam Darnold, floated some prettier passes on a extra balanced script. But the truth each guys paled compared to Raiders rookie Aidan O’Connell way there is nonetheless paintings to be achieved at the back of Brock Purdy within the 49ers’ QB room. 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