What we learned from NFL preseason openers
Week 1 of the NFL preseason kicked off with a robust slate of 11 games Thursday night.
The big focus of the evening was on the rookie quarterbacks. All three quarterbacks who were selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft made their NFL debuts.
Two of them were impressive.
One, not so much.
No. 1 overall pick — and 2018 Heisman Trophy winner — Kyler Murray went a perfect 6-for-6 passing and looked cool, calm and collected in his first game with the Arizona Cardinals.
Daniel Jones, the No. 6 overall pick by the New York Giants, also completed all of his passes, going 5-for-5 with a touchdown against the New York Jets.
Meanwhile in Cleveland, the Washington Redskins' Dwayne Haskins was inconsistent in more extensive action than the aforementioned rookie quarterbacks. Haskins completed eight of 14 passes for 117 yards, but had two interceptions.
But perhaps the best play of the opening slate wasn't made by a top draft pick. In fact, he wasn't drafted at all. Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi talked his way into an NFL tryout this offseason. He impressed the Browns enough to bring him to training camp. And when he returned a punt 86 yards for a touchdown on Thursday, nearly the entire Browns roster stormed the field in celebration.
- PHOTOS: Best of the preseason | Cheerleaders | Training camp
100 greatest teams in NFL history
Our experts ranked the 100 best teams in league history. From the 2007 New England Patriots to the undefeated 1972 Dolphins, this is the ultimate list of the NFL's greatest squads. It even includes the 1920 Akron Pros!
Here's a quick glance at the top 20 from the list.
Dispatches from NFL training camps
- Zeke who? Well, let's not get crazy, but a rookie running back has been impressive in camp as Ezekiel Elliott's holdout continues.
- What’s next for Peyton Manning? Coach? GM? Owner? TV analyst? Manning, a surefire first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer in 2021, is keeping his post-playing NFL career options open.
- Is it now or never for Derek Carr? The Raiders QB has a fortified offensive line and several new receiving targets to play with, including star WR Antonio Brown. So the time to shine is now.
- Rams aim to avoid dreaded Super Bowl hangover: Sean McVay is less concerned about how Super Bowl losers fare the following season and more focused on getting the Rams to a level of sustained success.
- It isn't 'playoffs or bust' yet for rebuilt 49ers: 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan remains confident entering Year 3 with a restocked roster and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo returning from injury.
- How Cowboys coach uses animation to teach unit: Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli likes to get creative to keep his teaching fresh for his players.
- Kenny Stills is the kind of player every team needs: Calling out Dolphins owner Stephen Ross for hosting a fundraiser for President Donald Trump reinforced that Kenny Stills is the conscience of a team, writes Jarrett Bell.
Dominate your fantasy football draft
- Top 200 overall players for 2019: Your fantasy football draft will be here before you know it (unless you've already had it, and if so, that's just crazy!).
- Position-by-position rankings: Here's more vital information for your fantasy draft prep. Take a look at the top players at each position.
- 5 players to avoid: As you prepare your fantasy draft board, here are five players you might want to reconsider where you select them.
- Follow these tips to win your league: Listen closely to this valuable (and free) fantasy football advice.
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