32 Thoughts on the NFL's Biggest Talking Points Entering Preseason Week 2
Each Friday throughout the 2024 NFL season, we'll be performing somewhat of a leaguewide check-in, with quick-hit takes from all 32 NFL squads based on news, fodder, trends and/or results.
And with every team now having played at least one preseason tune-up, we're ready to take you around the country with thoughts on the latest happenings.
Let's jump into what's dominating the national football conversation this week.
AFC East
1 of 8
Buffalo Bills: The loss of Matt Milano to a torn biceps is automatically a major blow to a team that already took some hits this offseason, but now I'm concerned about Milano's future in general. It's not easy to come back and rediscover magic following two consecutive seasons derailed by injury. Brutal times for a great player.
Miami Dolphins: What the heck do they do if Jaylen Wright shines again this weekend and proves to be the real deal? Eventually, in a competitive division with weak spots elsewhere on the roster, and with Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane already on the running back depth chart, the Dolphins would have to consider a deal involving one of those two veterans. It's not a bad problem to have.
New England Patriots: They may very well miss Matthew Judon, but the man is 32 years old and the team is not on the verge of contending. These are realities, and moving on for a Day 2 draft pick makes a lot of sense.
New York Jets: I firmly believe that offseason/preseason distractions put a rain cloud over what's to come in the fall. Between Aaron Rodgers and Haason Reddick, the Jets have once again found multiple ways to take the focus away from the field this spring and summer. It's not great, Bob.
AFC North
2 of 8
Baltimore Ravens: You never want injuries, but they happen to everybody, and timing can be key. With that in mind, it might not be a bad thing that the Ravens are getting crushed in the secondary right now. It'll give the staff a good feel for their depth at a critical position, and it looks like everybody will recover without missing significant regular-season action. Namely, Kyle Hamilton and Nate Wiggins.
Cincinnati Bengals: They're dealing with a lot of shifts and changes, especially with Ja'Marr Chase selectively missing time as he lobbies for a new contract and first-round tackle Amarius Mims going down with a pec injury. That's after wholesale offensive line changes in the offseason and the departures of Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd. A little stability would be nice.
Cleveland Browns: It's hard not to love the trajectory shown thus far by linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, so I'm all for a three-year extension that keeps a high-ceiling and already steady player in town with added flexibility in the upcoming seasons. The downside is pretty minimal.
Pittsburgh Steelers: As I noted last week in this spot, if you can land Brandon Aiyuk from San Francisco, you damn well do it. He and George Pickens could make up a tremendous duo in an all-or-nothing scenario for Russell Wilson/Justin Fields, and the window is closing on that defense.
AFC South
3 of 8
Houston Texans: You don't want to make too much of a single preseason game, but I think Danielle Hunter is going to feast in this Houston defense. He and Will Anderson Jr. could be unstoppable, and the offense shouldn't miss a beat either. Is this a Super Bowl contender? I'm getting there.
Indianapolis Colts: Considering that Jonathan Taylor hasn't exactly been reliable of late, it's not ideal that the Colts are already down backup running back Trey Sermon. Combine that with the fact we've yet to really see Anthony Richardson make a statement and it's fair to consider the Colts to be No. 3 in the NFC South pecking order for now.
Jacksonville Jaguars: They ideally won't need more than one quarterback often if at all this season, but it's a damn nice sign that the three signal-callers who played in the preseason opener all posted triple-digit ratings. Doug Pederson knows a thing or two about his trade, and the Jags are in great hands with Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Beathard and Mac Jones.
Tennessee Titans: IF—and it's a big "if"—Will Levis does flourish in his second season, the Titans offense could do some serious damage. Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard look nice, and DeAndre Hopkins will be back. I don't trust this team yet, but it's not doom and gloom despite the reboot.
.jpg?w=256 "Chiefs Free Agency Football")
.jpg?w=256 "Lions Chiefs Football")
AFC West
4 of 8
Denver Broncos: My prediction based on what I'm seeing and hearing in the world of the Broncos? We see Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson all start games for the team this season. I really think Wilson still has a shot in this league, even if it's somewhat long.
Kansas City Chiefs: Huge test coming for the Chiefs receiving depth Saturday against Detroit. Hollywood Brown is out, and we obviously haven't seen much of first-rounder Xavier Worthy this summer. Both he and Justin Watson are coming off their own injuries. Big opportunities await those who want to earn significant reps with Patrick Mahomes.
Las Vegas Raiders: Those expecting an end to the Gardner Minshew-Aidan O'Connell battle Saturday against the Cowboys are likely to be disappointed. Neither quarterback is strong enough to consistently hold off the other, and we'll likely see somewhat of a back-and-forth between now and the heart of the regular season (if not the entire year).
Los Angeles Chargers: I know it's early for a team that has undergone a lot of change, but if the offense doesn't look a little less disjointed (regardless of Justin Herbert's absence) in the second week of the preseason, the stress level will already rise around a team that is starting to appear destined for pain in Harbaugh's inaugural campaign.
NFC East
5 of 8
Dallas Cowboys: Broadly, this just doesn't strike me as the type of environment you want entering a Super Bowl-or-bust season in the NFL. There's uncertainty, consternation and speculation surrounding three central Dallas figures—Mike McCarthy, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb—which has to be distracting if not a bad omen.
New York Giants: We'll finally get a glimpse of Daniel Jones this weekend, but without top pick Malik Nabers. There's a chance we don't see those two together against a live defense until the start of the regular season, which isn't ideal considering how short Jones' leash is presumably becoming.
Philadelphia Eagles: The rookie class shined in the preseason opener, which speaks to the talent and depth the Eagles could bring to the table this season. If Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni are on the same page and can bounce back together, this is the Super Bowl favorite in the NFC.
Washington Commanders: A solid preseason debut combined with an injury to Marcus Mariota pretty much locks up the starting quarterback job for rookie No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. I'd really like to see Daniels get plenty of work with fellow rookie Luke McCaffrey in the next couple weeks.
NFC North
6 of 8
Chicago Bears: At the very least, the Bears are living up to the hype as one of the most intriguing teams in the NFL. Following encouraging performances against the Bills last week, I frankly can't wait to see what Caleb Williams and Austin Booker bring to the table against Cincinnati this weekend. Plus, we'll want to see more from fellow rookie Rome Odunze following a quiet start to his preseason.
Detroit Lions: There's naturally going to be some panic surrounding Jahmyr Gibbs' hamstring injury, but it's important that the Lions remember they have depth and a long season ahead. No point in rushing back a potential X-factor later in the season, especially considering that rookie fourth-rounder Sione Vaki is off to a promising start.
Green Bay Packers: I understand Matt LaFleur's frustration over questions regarding the No. 1 receiver void in Green Bay, but his argument that the team has multiple No. 1 receivers is quite a reach. Based on what we've seen from each of the wideouts on that roster, there's a decent chance not a single one of them is No. 1-quality. It is a fair concern on behalf of fans and the media.
Minnesota Vikings: This is now officially a career-making opportunity for Sam Darnold, who has the ability and the right stuff between the ears to step up. The pressure will be turned up eventually, but it's also nice for him that he can take a breath with no real battle on his hands in the short-term.
NFC South
7 of 8
Atlanta Falcons: Considering that they're going all-in on this offensive core with high-priced veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, there's no doubt that Matthew Judon was worth a third-round pick as well as whatever it'll cost the Falcons financially in the next few seasons. A season removed from a 15.5-sack campaign, he addresses a glaring weakness. Smart gamble. Throw in Justin Simmons joining the fray Thursday and the Falcons aren't messing around.
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young remains under wraps in live action, which might be a good thing considering the pass protection the offensive line provided backup Jack Plummer. Young and the team have to hope that unit will improve before Young faces live defenses in September.
New Orleans Saints: I've been doing this long enough to know not to overreact to action from the second half of a Week 1 preseason game, but I at least want to see more of Spencer Rattler. If the rookie fifth-round pick can keep flashing, the Saints seriously need to consider a short leash on Derek Carr in what is likely a make-or-break season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: I expressed concern last week about new offensive coordinator Liam Coen's ability to get much out of a running game that was terrible in 2023. But at the very least, that unit looks deep following strong performances from Bucky Irving, Sean Tucker and DJ Williams in the preseason opener. Maybe they'll prove me wrong.
NFC West
8 of 8
Arizona Cardinals: I'm really not concerned about inconsistent play from the offense thus far in games, workouts and joint practices. That's to be expected with plenty of new. The important thing is Kyler Murray looks healthy and comfortable. Be patient.
Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford's hamstring injury doesn't look to be serious, but that combined with struggles from Stetson Bennett provides a reminder of the potential importance of Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy G could save this team's season if at some point it has to operate without its 36-year-old starting quarterback.
San Francisco 49ers: Each week, it looks less and less likely that Brandon Aiyuk will not be on this roster at the start of the regular season. With the margin for error small and Brock Purdy still trying to prove some things, that could be a huge mistake on San Francisco's part.
Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith already faces an uphill battle. Continually missing August reps due to multiple injuries is far from ideal. I fully expect Sam Howell to get plenty of action in 2024.
.jpg?w=480 "Chiefs Free Agency Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Lions Chiefs Football")
.png?w=480 "Steelers Rodgers Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Old Teams Eyeing Clowney")