2024 NFL preseason, Week 1: What We Learned from Sunday's doubleheader

FULL BOX SCORE

• READ: Nix leads four scoring drives in impressive debut
• READ: Broncos' Patrick notches long-awaited reception

Grant Gordon's takeaways:

1. Richardson looks healthy, poised in return. For the first time since Oct. 8, 2023, Anthony Richardson took the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for live reps against another team. There weren’t many highlights to note, but the 2023 NFL Draft’s No. 4 overall pick most importantly looked healthy and comfortable. Statistically, Richardson left plenty to be desired as he was 2 of 4 for 25 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions (though he did have one that should’ve been picked) and a 69.8 passer rating. He also scrambled once for a yard. Across two scoreless drives, Richardson played seven snaps. It was a very small sample size, but the Colts quarterback showed poise and patience; he wasn’t rushing to make hero plays, but taking whatever was given. An eye-popping touchdown throw or vintage run would’ve been glorious in front of the home crowd, but the reality was this was a promising and important step in Richardson returning to form as the future of the franchise.
2. McLaughlin makes case for more touches. As a rookie in 2023, Jaleel McLaughlin made an argument for more run. During Sunday’s preseason opener, he continued to debate his cause. In an RB room in which there’s optimism Javonte Williams will return to form as the lead back and some excitement around rookie Audric Estimé, McLaughlin put on the most promising performance against the Colts. He had a big 22-yard catch and run on a hookup with rookie quarterback Bo Nix and totaled 30 yards over seven carries. There wasn’t much beyond Nix to get excited about as it related to the Broncos’ offensive starters and frontline reserves. McLaughlin showed glimpses and has shown he can pop some big plays. Following a first year with 107 touches, McLaughlin is putting his best foot forward for more in 2024. 

FULL BOX SCORE

• READ: Rams' Bennett rolling with punches after 4-INT day

Bobby Kownack's takeaways:

1. Later-round rookies impress for Rams. Los Angeles sat its top three 2024 draft picks, including front-seven talents Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, but several rookies still debuted with vigor. Sixth-round wide receiver Jordan Whittington, who received an NFL.com shoutout as someone to watch this week, popped off the screen with six catches for 74 yards. He shed tackles and displayed burst, as seen on a 30-yard reception during the opening drive, and on a later possession he showed off sure hands despite considerable contact on third- and fourth-down conversions four plays apart. Fellow sixth-rounder, defensive tackle Tyler Davis, exploded into the backfield on multiple occasions, two of which -- a blown-up run play and a QB pressure to thwart another -- happened with Sean McVay commentating excitedly on the local broadcast. McVay likewise raved about third-round safety Kamren Kinchens, in the right spot consistently Sunday, as he became a missile to prevent a bobbled catch from becoming a collected one. It was a thoroughly promising beginning for some of the Rams’ lesser-heralded members of the draft class.
2. Trey Lance delivers uneven performance. This was the 24-year-old’s first preseason opportunity since the 49ers shipped him to Dallas last year. The results were mixed, and ultimately trended toward poor. Lance had all but the team’s first drive to work with, finishing 25 of 41 for 188 yards and no team touchdowns. He did make some impressive throws and riddled a few defenders on scrambles (six carries for 44 yards) to move the sticks. However, Lance too often missed passes badly, perhaps setting the tone for his day with a fourth-down fade placed well out of bounds to waste his first drive. He was antsy in the pocket throughout and rarely on time. It’s not ideal that he looked infinitely more dangerous running than he ever did throwing, nor is it that Cooper Rush showed more promise as QB2 in a rather short outing.