Preseason Primer: Rookie Rollout

08/13/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

QB CJ Stroud Struggles in Texans Opener, WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba Shines for Seahawks & More for NFL Preseason Week 1

The first official week of the NFL preseason is upon us, and we have questions. Before you jump ship and write off the preseason, these games still matter. A shortened schedule (3 games) means teams have a short window to get regular-season ready. We already saw two games last night that gave us a taste of rookies we’ve been waiting to see. The Texans beat the Patriots (20-9) in QB C.J. Stroud’s first NFL action. Stroud was just 2-for-4 with 13 yards, one sack and one interception in his first two series. The game looked a little fast for Houston’s new franchise quarterback. Patriots rookie DE Keion White shined with three tackles and plenty of pressure. He was all over the field and looks to be the perfect fit for Bill Belichick. In the nightcap, the Seahawks rallied to beat the Vikings (24-13). Seattle rookie WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba looked solid in his first action (3 catches, 25 yards). Two games down with 14 more in the next 72 hours, and we have plenty of rookies to keep an eye on.

Thursday Night Highlights

Texans def. Patriots (20-9)

Seahawks def. Vikings (24-13)

Rookie Rollout (Rookies to Watch This Weekend)

QB Bryce Young: Starting for Panthers (Sat. 4:00 pm ET)

RB Bijan Robinson: Starting for Falcons (Fri. 7:00 pm ET)

WR Jalin Hyatt: Starting for Giants (Fri. 7:00 pm ET)

QB Anthony Richardson: Playing for Colts (Sat. 1:00 pm ET)

DT Jalen Carter: Starting for Eagles (Sat. 7:00 pm ET)

WR Zay Flowers: Starting for Ravens (Sat. 7:00 pm ET)

Can the Ravens Keep the Streak?

With the preseason ramping up, one ongoing storyline is still alive in 2023. The Ravens are still riding their NFL record 23-game preseason win streak dating back to 2015. They haven’t lost a preseason game since three years before we launched The Sportsletter. In that time, Baltimore has produced six winning seasons in eight years, but zero Super Bowl trips. At least they have this mark to hang their hats on. Will it continue?

Longest NFL Preseason Win Streaks

Ravens: 23 Games (2015-Present)

Packers: 19 Games (1959-1963)

Bears: 14 Games (1957-1959)

Chargers: 14 Games (1960-1963)

Colts: 13 Games (1964-1967)

49ers: 13 Games (1991-1993)

ESPN: Texans’ C.J. Stroud Pledges to Learn From Mistakes in Preseason Debut

Yahoo! Sports: Preseason Football Matters: Here Are 4 Reasons Why

FiveThirtyEight: The NFL Preseason is Not Predictive — But It Can Often Seem That Way

CBS Sports: 1 Thing to Watch in Each NFL Preseason Week 1 Game; Bryce Young, Calvin Ridley & More