Week 1 of the NFL preseason kicked off on Thursday, seeing the New England Patriots prime the Carolina Panthers, 17-3, and the New York Giants get the higher of the Detroit Lions, 14-3.
Listed here are some takeaways from the motion.
Joe Milton shines for Patriots
All 4 Patriots quarterbacks noticed motion in opposition to the Panthers, however Milton, by far, shined the brightest. The 2024 sixth-round decide completed 4-of-6 for 54 yards (9.0 YPC) with a landing and rushed 5 occasions for 22 yards, together with a 13-yard scramble for a primary down within the third quarter.
Even with restricted snaps, Milton seemed arguably higher than Bailey Zappe, the participant he is in all probability battling with for a spot on the 53-man roster. Zappe did not play poorly, going 12-for-20 for 108 yards, however the former Tennessee standout showcased extra versatility and, maybe, the next ceiling.
Malik Nabers made extra impression defensively than offensively in NFL debut
Whereas many Giants followers have been excited to see Nabers go well with up for the primary time, other than a one-handed catch during pre-game warmups, the rookie wideout was a digital non-factor. In reality, he recorded extra tackles (one) than receptions (zero) on Thursday.
Nevertheless, Nabers’ efficiency is not more likely to have New York regretting the decide, because the 2024 No. 6 decide seemingly broke open a number of occasions in opposition to the Lions’ secondary. The actual downside could be quarterback depth, as neither Drew Lock nor Tommy DeVito despatched a move the promising rookie’s manner.
Offensive line depth could possibly be a priority for Lions
Unsurprisingly, the Lions rested most of their starters on Thursday. Nevertheless, the crew’s backups alongside the offensive line did not benefit from the highlight.
Rookie sort out Giovanni Manu seemed out-matched many of the night time, permitting a sack early on. In the meantime, second-year lineman Connor Galvin left the sphere on a cart after struggling a knee damage, which head coach Dan Campbell advised reporters could possibly be “long term.”
Panthers offense was a no-show
Certain, beginning quarterback and 2023 No. 1 decide Bryce Younger wasn’t the signal-caller, nor was backup Andy Dalton, Thursday in opposition to the Patriots. Nevertheless, the lackluster play of the Panthers wideouts was considerably alarming.
Starters Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr. mixed for zero catches off three targets, ending with a drop apiece. The Panthers hope that had extra to do with the struggles of backup QBs Jack Plummer (11-of-21, 86 yards) and Jake Luton (7-of-19, 38 yards), or it could be one other lengthy 12 months for a crew that completed 2-15 in 2023.
Giants operating again Eric Grey will get a measure of revenge
Throughout joint observe classes this week, Lions security Morice Norris laid a unclean hit on the Giants operating again, knocking his helmet off. On Thursday, Grey acquired the final snigger, juking Norris to the bottom en path to a 48-yard landing.
It was one in every of two scores on the night time for the second-year again, who had 4 carries for 52 yards (13.0 YPC). Grey is presently within the operating for the backup spot behind Devin Singletary, battling it out with fifth-round rookie Tyrone Tracy, who recorded 26 yards on 5 touches in opposition to the Lions.
Lions’ undrafted quarterback turned wideout impresses
Isaiah Williams, an undrafted rookie receiver, was one of many shock standouts on Thursday. The previous Illinois product caught 4 of 4 targets for 35 yards, averaging 8.8 yards per reception.
A quarterback to start his school profession, Williams transitioned to move catcher in 2021, posting 214 receptions for two,304 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons. He nonetheless has an uphill battle to win a roster spot, however his outing in opposition to the Giants was a fantastic first step.
