NFL Preseason Week 1 Roundup: Rookie QBs Ranked, Winners and Losers, and a Historic Field Goal

The first week of the NFL preseason is officially in the books, and it was one for the record books. From a 70-yard field goal to a 100-yard kickoff return, the weekend was packed with action. Here’s a look at the biggest headlines, the top rookie quarterbacks, and a breakdown of the winners and losers from a historic Week 1.

Winners and Losers of Preseason Week 1

• Winners:

  • Giants GM Joe Schoen: Schoen may have saved his job thanks to the impressive preseason debuts of his two first-round rookies, linebacker Abdul Carter and quarterback Jaxson Dart. Carter applied pressure on all three of his pass-rushing snaps, while Dart was just as impressive, completing 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown, with an additional 24 yards rushing.

  
  

  • TreVeyon Henderson: The Patriots' second-round rookie running back had a dream start to his NFL career, taking the game's opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown against the Commanders.

• Losers:

  • Kyler Murray: The Cardinals' quarterback had a moment to forget in the preseason opener, throwing a "lame duck" pass directly to a Chiefs defender for an interception in the first quarter.

  • Bengals Defense: The Bengals' starting defense was lit up by the Philadelphia Eagles' reserves, with backup quarterback Tanner McKee leading two scoring drives in the first two possessions and finishing the game with 252 yards and two touchdowns.

  
  
  
  

Ranking the Top Rookie Quarterbacks

Eleven different rookie quarterbacks made their debuts over the weekend, providing a glimpse into the future of the league. Here's what we learned from the performances of three of the most anticipated rookies:

• Shedeur Sanders (Browns): Ranking second among the rookies, Sanders played three quarters and showed a strong ability to roll out and make accurate throws. The Colorado product finished 14 of 23 for 128 yards and two touchdowns, with one of his scores being a dime threaded between multiple defenders.

• Cam Ward (Titans): The No. 1 overall pick, Ward, finished fifth in the rankings. After a slow first drive, he settled in on his second, leading an 11-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. He completed 5 of 8 passes for 67 yards and showed a budding chemistry with top wideout Calvin Ridley.

• Tyler Shough (Saints): Ranking seventh, Shough had an eventful debut. The second-round pick led the Saints on their first scoring drive of the day but later threw a pick-six. He showed resilience by bouncing back on the next possession with a 54-yard touchdown pass.

Cam Little Smashes a Historic 70-Yard Field Goal

Jaguars kicker Cam Little stole the show on Saturday night, smashing an improbable 70-yard field goal just before halftime in the team's loss to the Steelers.

• Unofficial Record: Little's kick will not be recorded in the NFL record book, as preseason kicks do not count. The official record for the longest field goal still belongs to Justin Tucker, who hit a 66-yard kick in 2021.

• First in Football History: Little's kick was the first 70-yard field goal in the history of American football. The previous record was a 69-yarder hit by Ove Johansson in 1976.

• Preseason Tendency: Three of the five longest field goals in NFL history have now come in the preseason, as coaches are more willing to attempt long kicks in these low-stakes games.

Other Key News and Notes

• Game Ended Early: The Lions and Falcons only played three quarters of football after Lions safety Morice Norris suffered a brutal injury. Both teams decided to end the game early and gathered in a circle at midfield to pray for Norris. He has since posted a positive update on social media, stating he is "all good."

• Titans' Collapse: A deep dive into the Tennessee Titans' recent history shows a rapid decline from being the No. 1 seed in the AFC in 2021 to landing the No. 1 overall pick just three years later. Key factors in the collapse include a playoff loss to the Bengals, the trade of star receiver A.J. Brown, and a string of bad draft picks.

• Eagles' Injury: Pro Bowl offensive lineman Landon Dickerson was carted off the field at practice with a possible leg injury.

• Colts' QB Plans: The Colts will start Daniel Jones this week, giving him a big chance to win the starting job over Anthony Richardson, who was injured in Week 1.

• Tomlin Knew Rodgers Would Sign: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin revealed that he knew before the draft that quarterback Aaron Rodgers would eventually sign with the team, despite the public speculation.

• Pete Carroll Backs Geno Smith: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll had no issue with Geno Smith flipping off a fan who was holding a sign that read, "BIGGER BUST -- GENO OR JAMARCUS RUSSELL?" Carroll simply responded, "Did you see what the sign said? Next question."