By admin 
Two weeks of intense preseason football have passed, and the NFL landscape is starting to take shape, offering glimpses of potential storylines and emerging talents. This past week’s slate of games, coupled with rigorous joint practices, has provided further insight into what fans can expect when the regular season kicks off. However, the preseason has also delivered its share of drama, most notably with the Cleveland Browns naming Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback, despite a lackluster performance and pointed remarks to fans following a disappointing showing. Adding to the intrigue is an unusual trend where players previously on NFL rosters are now exploring a return to college football. As we head into the final week of preseason action, here are the key takeaways from the latest games and developments.
1. Deshaun Watson’s Starting Job in Cleveland: A Controversial Decision Amidst Performance Concerns
Ralph Vacchiano, a seasoned NFL analyst, voiced strong reservations about Deshaun Watson being named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Vacchiano argued that Watson’s recent performance on the field, coupled with his off-field demeanor, did not warrant the starting position. The analyst pointed to Watson’s underwhelming statistics in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, where he completed only 5 of 12 passes for a mere 36 yards and threw an interception. This performance was met with boos from the home crowd, a reaction that Watson himself criticized, calling it "disrespectful" and suggesting it was "more personal than that."
Vacchiano found Watson’s comments to be "rich and outrageous," particularly in light of the quarterback’s controversial past. Watson was awarded the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history by the Browns in 2022, a five-year, $230 million deal, despite having not played for two years and facing 27 accusations of sexual misconduct. Over the last four seasons, he has played in only 19 games, with his performance not meeting expectations.
Despite these concerns, new Browns coach Todd Monken named Watson the starter. Vacchiano speculates this decision might stem from a lack of confidence in other quarterback options. However, he argues that Monken’s choice of a 30-year-old quarterback who may not be in Cleveland next season over a "somewhat promising young quarterback" like Shedeur Sanders is a misstep.
Team sources revealed to Vacchiano that Monken’s leanings towards Watson were partly influenced by the Browns’ challenging early schedule, which features numerous road games. Monken believed Watson’s veteran presence would benefit his young team. However, Watson’s preseason statistics—16 of 27 passes for 162 yards and an interception across two games, with a passer rating of 61.0—did not support this rationale. This rating was even lower than Sanders’ 65.2.
Vacchiano concludes that while there may not have been a "good option" available, starting Watson offers no upside and further alienates a significant portion of the Browns’ fanbase. He suggests that starting Sanders would have provided hope for future development, a prospect lacking with Watson. Instead, Monken appears to have "latched onto the anchor" that has held the Browns back. Vacchiano anticipates Sanders will eventually get an opportunity, but for now, "hope for the future is delayed" in Cleveland.
2. The College Football Pipeline: NFL Players Entering the Transfer Portal
Greg Auman highlighted a peculiar and backward trend emerging from the NFL preseason: marginal players participating in NFL preseason games only to then enter college football’s transfer portal. This phenomenon challenges traditional notions of amateurism and eligibility, facilitated by the NCAA’s five-year eligibility model and judicial rulings.
The NCAA’s expanded eligibility framework was not intended to retroactively apply to athletes who had already exhausted their eligibility window, signed professional contracts, and even played for NFL teams. However, this is precisely what is occurring, leaving NFL general managers concerned about losing roster players to the allure of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money from college programs.
Tight end Dae’Quan Wright, an undrafted rookie with the Browns, recently entered the transfer portal. Following his waiver by Cleveland, he is now positioned to play for LSU this fall. Browns coach Todd Monken expressed his bewilderment at this development, stating, "Man, ain’t this s— crazy? I mean, I don’t even know what to say… I wondered why Lane Kiffin reached out a week ago. Now I know. I didn’t call him back, guess I should have."
The article then focuses on Tampa Bay Buccaneers undrafted rookie linebacker Jack Pyburn, who showcased his talent with two sacks in Tampa Bay’s preseason opener. Pyburn is among the players who have been granted a temporary restraining order, potentially allowing him to return to college football. Having played at LSU last year, Pyburn represents the unusual scenario of an NFL player potentially leaving professional football for college.
With the fall semester at LSU commencing on Monday and NFL rosters set to be cut to 53 players by Sunday evening, the situation is becoming increasingly complex. While the Buccaneers are unlikely to retain Pyburn on their 53-man roster, he had a strong chance of making their practice squad, which offers a salary of $247,500 for a full season. Pyburn, however, could potentially earn three to four times that amount by returning to college football.
Pyburn acknowledged after a preseason game that his agents had informed the Buccaneers that college remained a potential "backup plan." When pressed about his decision-making process between an NFL practice squad and returning to college, he remained noncommittal, stating, "Ultimately, that’s a decision I’m going to have to make with my family, talk to my agents and see what’s the best business decision and what’s the best option for me and my future career."
The article frames this as "NFL ‘respect my decision’ season." Players would be required to repay their NFL employers to regain college eligibility. Pyburn received a $15,000 bonus and $100,000 in guaranteed salary from the Buccaneers. However, the possibility exists for college NIL payments to be covered by "offset" language typically found in such contracts, which usually subtracts any money earned from another NFL team from a guaranteed amount.
The NFL and NCAA face the challenge of navigating these ramifications. Questions arise about whether a player who has been overlooked in the draft can receive another opportunity, akin to baseball players. While this phenomenon was already observed with basketball players joining G League rosters, for NFL teams, it adds a layer of complexity to roster management, as players may find it more lucrative to play football at a lower level.
3. Stetson Bennett’s Ascent: Securing the Rams’ Backup Quarterback Role
Eric D. Williams reports on the Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback situation, where Stetson Bennett appears to have solidified his position as the backup to starter Matthew Stafford. With Jimmy Garoppolo no longer on the roster, the search for a reliable backup has seemingly concluded. In the competition between Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett, the former Georgia Bulldog has emerged as the frontrunner.
Bennett’s performance in a Week 1 preseason win against the Kansas City Chiefs was described as "sparkling." However, it was his subsequent showing in a dominant 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints that may have sealed his fate. Bennett scored two rushing touchdowns in the first half, leading the Rams to scoring drives on four of his five possessions. He finished the game with 19 completions on 31 attempts for 181 yards, without any touchdown passes or interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 77.5.
Ty Simpson also had a solid outing, completing 8 of 12 passes for 73 yards in the second half and leading the offense on one scoring drive. Nevertheless, Bennett’s ability to command the offense impressed head coach Sean McVay. While quarterbacks coach and associate offensive coordinator Dave Ragone called the plays, McVay noted Bennett’s effectiveness in using his legs. McVay, however, expressed disapproval of Bennett reaching for the pylon on his first rushing touchdown, emphasizing the risk of fumbling the ball out of the end zone for a touchback.
"I loved the fact that he used his legs," McVay stated. "We’ll learn from reaching the ball into the end zone, even though I challenged that and we were successful. We don’t want to leave ourselves susceptible to losing the ball out of the end zone where it goes for a touchback. But he did a great job. I thought he got an opportunity to really showcase a lot of his skills."
4. Daniel Jones’ Resilience: Primed for a Strong Season Despite Injury Concerns
Ben Arthur provides an optimistic outlook on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, highlighting his impressive recovery from an Achilles tear sustained just eight months prior. Arthur observed Jones during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons, noting his ability to perform all essential quarterback actions—dropping back, scrambling, throwing on the move, and evading pressure—without any apparent limitations. Furthermore, Jones was effectively dissecting the Falcons’ secondary during the practice session.
Despite the Colts’ struggling rushing attack, Jones demonstrated near-perfect execution in the passing game, distributing the ball to various receivers. While game performance remains the ultimate test, Arthur believes the early signs indicate Jones is poised to pick up where he left off last season. His previous campaign was considered his best, prior to a broken leg and the subsequent Achilles injury derailing his progress.
"I think with any major rehab process, you’re always kind of progressing and getting back and getting used to doing everything, building up the reps on it, building up just your conditioning level," Jones commented. "I feel really good and there’s nothing I don’t feel good doing."
The article acknowledges that the Colts’ pass-catching options are currently somewhat uncertain due to injuries to star tight end Tyler Warren (groin) and wide receiver Alec Pierce (offseason ankle surgery). However, upon their return, they will join a receiving corps that includes one of the league’s top slot receivers in Josh Downs and veteran Keenan Allen, who has proven to be a dominant force on third downs.
"I think it could be really special, to be honest," Colts coach Shane Steichen said of the pass-catching group. "Alec (Pierce) obviously is a hell of a football player, which you guys know. [Josh] Downs, Tyler [Warren], and then adding Keenan [Allen] to the fold. I think we can do a lot with those guys and move bodies around and find matchups." This suggests that Jones will have a capable group of receivers to work with, increasing his potential for success.
5. Cyrus Allen: A Chiefs’ Breakout Rookie Receiver to Watch
Henry McKenna brings attention to Cyrus Allen, a wide receiver who has generated significant buzz throughout Kansas City Chiefs training camp. Allen, a sixth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech, has been turning heads with his impressive camp highlights, with head coach Andy Reid adding to the hype by stating, "He’s done a nice job. The quarterback trusts him."
McKenna notes that Allen’s emergence is particularly significant given the injury history of Rashee Rice and the underwhelming performance of first-round pick Xavier Worthy. Since the initial hype, Allen has continued to perform well, steadily climbing the depth chart. He has even scored touchdowns while working with the first-team offense alongside Patrick Mahomes and has reportedly bested first-round cornerback Mansoor Delane in one-on-one and team drills.
However, McKenna cautions against overly optimistic projections, referencing an analysis from Arrowhead Pride that suggests a target of 60 receptions for Allen might be "perhaps even overly optimistic." The article points out that only six receivers in 2025 achieved over 500 receiving yards with 60 targets.
Before Allen can make a significant impact in the box score, he will need to secure the WR3 spot on the depth chart. Currently, he appears to be WR5, having played behind Tyquan Thornton and Jaylen Royals in the second preseason game. For context, Tyreek Hill, a comparable playmaker, recorded 83 targets, 61 receptions, 593 yards, and six touchdowns in his rookie season. McKenna suggests that such a season would be a "great year for Allen."
The advice for fantasy football enthusiasts and general fans is to "keep an eye on him." Allen is described as a "real playmaker," but McKenna urges for "reasonable expectations" for a rookie in a Chiefs’ offense with numerous mouths to feed.
6. De’Zhaun Stribling: Kyle Shanahan’s WR Evaluation Prowess on Display
Eric Williams highlights the impressive preseason performance of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, suggesting that the organization’s decision to select him in the second round was well-justified, despite initial doubts from some draft analysts. Stribling is currently tied for the league lead in preseason with 11 catches for 109 yards, including a long of 32 yards. In the 49ers’ recent win over the Los Angeles Chargers, he recorded four receptions for 46 yards.
Williams had the opportunity to observe Stribling during a joint practice with the Chargers. He describes the 6-foot-2, 210-pound receiver as an "easy mover" with "suction-cup hands" capable of making contested catches in traffic. Furthermore, Stribling possesses the "potential for explosive playmaking ability to do something after the catch," a crucial trait in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. With Ricky Pearsall out for the season and Brandon Aiyuk no longer on the roster, Stribling is projected to play a significant role in the 49ers’ offense this year.
"I love how he handles himself," Shanahan commented on Stribling. "He takes coaching well and never seems to take anything personally. He’s been a real fun guy to coach so far." This endorsement from the head coach further solidifies Stribling’s promising outlook.
7. Bills’ Thin Wide Receiver Corps: A Growing Concern
Ralph Vacchiano addresses a recurring issue for the Buffalo Bills: their persistent struggle to surround quarterback Josh Allen with elite receiving talent. As the team aims for a Super Bowl, this deficiency is becoming increasingly apparent. While D.J. Moore, acquired from the Chicago Bears, is providing solid performance as the veteran "No. 1" receiver, the rest of the corps is facing significant challenges.
Keon Coleman, who was the team’s second-best receiver last season with 38 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns, is dealing with a concerning sprained toe. Khalil Shakir, last season’s top wideout with 72 receptions for 719 yards and four touchdowns, missed joint practices and the preseason game against the Browns due to an undisclosed injury. Additionally, rookie Skyler Bell, a fourth-round pick, has been sidelined for two weeks with a groin injury.
This leaves Allen with Moore, who cost the Bills a second-round pick, Joshua Palmer (22 receptions for 303 yards and zero touchdowns last season), and "not much else."
Despite these concerns, a team source indicated to Vacchiano that the Bills believe Allen can elevate the performance of any receiver and that Moore, at age 29, can overcome his recent decline by playing with an elite quarterback. This approach represents a gamble, especially considering the other strengths of the Bills team: a potent running game led by James Cook, a top offensive line, and a top-10 defense bolstered by the addition of edge rusher Bradley Chubb. Allen’s individual brilliance also ensures they will always be competitive.
However, Vacchiano concludes by emphasizing the difficulty in imagining the team’s potential with the addition of just one elite receiver alongside Allen. Such a move would significantly ease their path to Buffalo’s first Super Bowl in 33 years, a journey that currently appears more challenging.
