2024 NFL preseason, Week 3: What We Learned from Thursday's doubleheader

FULL BOX SCORE

Christian Gonzales' takeaways:

1. Two rookies show potential to be key contributors. The first defender selected in the 2024 NFL Draft flashed in the Colts’ preseason finale. On Cincinnati’s first offensive series, Laiatu Latu displayed his quickness off the edge to sack Logan Woodside. Second-round pick Adonai Mitchell had some up-and-down moments on Thursday in Cincy. With Anthony Richardson starting under center, Mitchell showcased his ability to weave through defenders and find open space. On the opening drive, Mitchell appeared to be a veteran wideout with two catches for 18 yards and a touchdown to cap off Indy’s first series. It was just a glimpse, but Latu and Mitchell offered reason for optimism prior to their rookie seasons kicking off.
2. Bengals’ second-string defense hangs tough against Colts starters. After allowing an opening-drive touchdown to Richardson and Co., Cincinnati’s defense held its own the next four series versus Indianapolis' starters. On the Colts’ second drive, safety Jordan Battle cut off Richardson’s pass to tight end Kylen Granson for a pick-six. In the second quarter, it was Justin Blazek’s turn to disrupt Richardson as he forced a strip-sack, but the Colts recovered the ball. It led to the Colts punting, which they did on three consecutive series after Battle's INT score. Speaking at halftime, head coach Zac Taylor lauded his defense's showing against the Colts first-teamers. It was a half of football that could bode well for the Bengals' defensive depth this season.

FULL BOX SCORE

Grant Gordon's takeaways:

1. Bagent puts exclamation point on impressive preseason. Bears second-string quarterback Tyson Bagent has had an eventful summer, whether it be in preseason play or as a Hard Knocks favorite. Bagent put his stamp on an excellent preseason run Thursday with a two-series cameo in which he led Chicago down the field for an opening-drive score that he fittingly took in himself. However, the highlight was Bagent hooking up with Nsimba Webster for a 44-yard gain. Four plays later, Bagent ran it in for a 5-yard touchdown. Finishing his preseason having completed 17 of 25 passes for 207 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and adding the rushing score, Bagent has solidified his QB2 status behind No. 1 pick Caleb Williams. With the help of his time on Hard Knocks, his personality has shined through, as well. He filled in admirably as a rookie when Justin Fields was injured and has now provided ample reason to believe he can deliver in the case of a Bears emergency, and all along will be a personality who’s easy for Bears fans to root on. 
2. Steele makes highlight-filled case for roster spot. The alligator-having, long-locks-flowing, hard-charging Carson Steele could be more than a preseason darling. Steele made a resounding argument for a spot on the 53-man roster Thursday, doing everything he could to show his worth. Steele rumbled and stiff-armed his way to an almost-touchdown from 32 yards out that was reversed via replay into a 31-yard gain. A play later, he ran it in from a yard out. With a lack of running back depth, the Chiefs have a versatile option with Steele who has some burst, some goal-line power and versatility to line up at fullback or potentially elsewhere. He finished with 50 yards on four carries, but also had three tackles. Two were on special teams and one was on offense after an interception. There’s plenty of personality on the back-to-back Super Bowl champs’ roster, why not add another? Steele’s more than just a quirky summer story, he should be a 2024 Chief.