Preseason Week 1 ‘Lights 🎥

08/15/2022 Preseason Week 1 ‘Lights 🎥

By: Jeff Yoder

Kenny Pickett & Desmond Ridder Shine, Zach Wilson Gets Injured & More

Week 1 of the NFL preseason is in the books. The NFL highlights and storylines are back for good, and football fans can celebrate once more. From injuries to quarterback battles and the must-see highlights, here are the notes from the beginning of the preseason:

 

NFL Preseason Week 1 Highlights

 

Kenny Pickett Shines: The Steelers ran three quarterbacks through the offense in a Week 1 blitz against the Seahawks (32-25). All three QBs combined for 4 TDs and 0 INTs, but rookie Kenny Pickett looked better than expected (13/15, 95 yards, 2 TDs).

 

Desmond Ridder Surprises: Another rookie quarterback in Atlanta looked great in his debut. Desmond Ridder (10/22, 103 yards, 2 TDs) was efficient in the pass game. He rushed for 60 yards and led the game-winning drive in the Falcons’ win over the Lions (27-23).

 

Panthers QB Battle: Both Baker Mayfield (4/7, 45 yards) and Sam Darnold (2/3, 16 yards, 1 TD) played limited snaps for the Panthers, but both looked solid. Mayfield got the start, but he hasn’t been named the starter for the regular season.

 

Zach Wilson Goes Down: Jets quarterback Zach Wilson suffered a bone bruise and meniscus tear in the Jets’ win over the Eagles. The initial diagnosis has Wilson out for 2-4 weeks, but he could miss the beginning of the regular season.

 

Play of the Week: Bills Rookie Punter Matt Araiza Bashes 82-Yard Punt

 

All Preseason Week 1 Highlights

Giants def. Patriots (23-21) | Ravens def. Titans (23-10) | Falcons def. Lions (27-23) | Browns def. Jaguars (24-13) | Cardinals def. Bengals (36-23) | Jets def. Eagles (24-21) | 49ers def. Packers (28-21) | Panthers def. Commanders (23-21) | Bears def. Chiefs (19-14) | Bills def. Colts (27-24) | Steelers def. Seahawks (32-25) | Dolphins def. Buccaneers (26-24) | Texans def. Saints (17-13) | Broncos def. Cowboys (17-7) | Rams def. Chargers (29-22) | Raiders def. Vikings (26-20)

 

Additional Storylines

CBS Sports: Ranking NFL Rookie QB Debuts From Week 1 of Preseason

B/R: Ranking the Most Surprising Performances From NFL Preseason Week 1 Slate

ESPN: Scouting Report & Expectations for All 6 Quarterbacks in 2021 NFL Draft

 

Photo: Justin Berl / Getty Images