The NFL is racing towards one of its most pivotal dates of the preseason: Cut Day. By next Tuesday, every team must whittle down its active roster from 90 to 53 players.
In the countdown to this crucial date, two legendary quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, shared their thoughts on the league's top quarterbacks at Fanatics Fest. Both placed Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes at the pinnacle. The duo also agreed on the elite statuses of Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, and Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen. Manning added Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert to his top picks, while Brady singled out veteran Aaron Rodgers, now pioneering the New York Jets' offense.
Preseason Standouts
This preseason has been a proving ground for many players. Buffalo Bills' defensive end Greg Rousseau showcased his prowess with an impressive 2.5 sacks over just 11 snaps in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, Kansas City receiver Xavier Worthy made an impactful performance by catching three out of six targets, amassing 62 yards and a touchdown in a matchup against the Detroit Lions.
On the flip side, not all quarterbacks shone brightly. New York Giants' Daniel Jones had a challenging game, completing 11 of 18 passes for 138 yards but throwing two interceptions against the Houston Texans. San Francisco 49ers' Brock Purdy also struggled, completing only two of six passes for 11 yards and suffering a sack in a game against the New Orleans Saints.
Emerging Quarterbacks and Player Movements
The Washington Commanders named Jayden Daniels as their starting quarterback following a 13-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Additionally, Malik Nabers made notable receptions for the Giants in their game against the Texans, signaling his potential impact for the season ahead. Elsewhere, Dallas Turner played 13 snaps for the Minnesota Vikings in their win over the Cleveland Browns, though his productivity was minimal.
Matthew Judon made headlines by opting for a trade to the Atlanta Falcons rather than the Chicago Bears, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory.
Injury Updates and Contract Signings
Keeping track of injuries, Justin Herbert has returned to practice for the Los Angeles Chargers after dealing with plantar fascia in his right foot since July 31. This is promising news for the Chargers as they look to solidify their roster for the upcoming season.
Geno Smith secured his future with the Seattle Seahawks by signing a three-year, $75 million extension, which includes $40 million in guaranteed money. This deal underscores the team's faith in Smith and provides him with a stable platform to continue building on his career.
Predictions and Veteran Insights
As the regular season approaches, analysts are making their predictions. Will Brinson has touted Buffalo's Josh Allen as a prime MVP candidate with +850 odds, while positioning Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford as a mid-tier contender with 30-to-1 odds.
The backdrop to these happenings is a league where mental fortitude can make all the difference. Tua Tagovailoa offered a candid reflection on the relentless pressure NFL players face: "To put it in the simplest terms, if you woke up every morning and I told you that you suck at what you did, that you don't belong doing what you do, that you shouldn't be here, that this guy should be here, that you haven't earned this." His words echo a sentiment many athletes contend with, as he continues, "You hear it and you hear it — regardless of what it is, the good or the bad — and you hear it more and more and you start to actually believe that... it's basically been two years of training that out."
In another perspective, Kevin O'Connell, reflecting on the relationships built within teams, said, "I don't particularly have a comment on something that took place with another team or I don't like to comment on comments of other players on other teams, but I can just tell you I know that the players Flo works with, he's got great relationships here."
As teams finalize their rosters, the blend of emerging talent, veteran insight, and the ever-present mental challenge underscores the fascinating complexity of preparing for an NFL season.