“NFL-WEEKEND ONE-FLASHBACK”

by | Aug 17, 2026 |

Flashback thoughts from the 1st weekend of NFL preseason games.

CHARGERS-HOUSTON…That was impressive on offense, starting with QB-Trey Lance and the emergence of WR-KeAndre Lambert Smith.  Most amazing was the full game work of Jake Slaughter, who started the first half at center, then played the entire second half at guard.  Now granted, all this was against backups and guys the Texans are going to cut, but Mike McDaniel’s offense created mismatches, the defensive athleticism was outstanding, and Slaughter really stood out.

RAIDERS-ARIZONA..Quite the debut for #1 pick-QB-Fernando Mendoza (10-16) 97Y-TD and RB-Mike Washington, who ran with power-explosiveness and shifty style.  The downside, he defense (368Y) was poor.

RAMS-CHIEFS..That was quite a first outing too for LA’s #1 pick-QB-Tyler Simpson to go (21-25) 190-2TD in stomping Kansas City.  Xavier Smith-Ben Pressley combined for 8-receptions in a fight for the third WR job.

BENGALS-LIONS..Cincinnati spent a ton of money in the off season to fix a bad defense.  End result 2-interceptions, 2-sacks, and a win…Joe Burrow took 2-wicked hits before being pulled.

STEELERS-PACKERS..Looking for a QB for the future, rookie Drew Allar made a statement, (153P-2TD).  And Mike McCarthy unveiled a playbook that saw his offense pile up (483Y) in a lopsided win…His other 2-QBs went (17-19) passing-Mason Rudolph-Will Howard.

PATRIOTS-COLTS..Wound up in a tie, but it was a win for troubled QB-Anthony Richardson (158APY) in trying to make himself marketable on the trade market.  See if he duplicates it next weekend.

TITANS-49ERS…No one was impressive here.  Cam Ward (5-12) looked out of sync.  The injury prone Niners lost their young starting QB-Kurtis Rourke with a chest injury.

JAGUARS-SAINTS..Jacksonville’s defense was everywhere-4-sacks-fumble recovery…Journeyman QB-Zach Wilson (145P) trying to salvage his career did well for the Saints.

BILLS-CAROLINA..Josh Allen to newcomer veteran WR-DJ Moore looked good.  Kenny Pickett started at QB for 2nd preseason game in a row for the banged up Panthers.

BEARS-BROWNS..Da Bears defense 3-sacks, 3-takeaways and the offense had (430Y)…Deshaun Watson (11-15)-126Y but fumbled-but he should do that playing against scrubs…Shedeur Sanders-an interception.

VIKINGS-GIANTS..That Vikes defense was solid 4-sacks-2 picks-2 forced fumbles…John Harbaugh has alot of work to do in NY-Jaxson Dart took 2-big time sacks too.

RAVENS-EAGLES..Not sure what was the most stunning stat…Baltimore’s (440Y) offense or the newly minted Sean Mannion-Philly offense (83Y) passing.

DALLAS-SEATTLE..Rebuilt Cowboys defense-3-sacks…Seattle looked awful on offense (49Y) passing.

DENVER-ATLANTA…CB-Jahdee Barron had a 97Y-pick six-TD..At one point in the first half the Broncos had a (218-34) yard edge in offense…Tua Tagovailoa (3-5) 22Y-in a substandard debut for the Falcons.

TAMPA BAY-JETS..The Bucs defense had 2-picks off Bailey Zappe

WASHINGTON-MIAMI…The Commanders spoiled the debut of Dolphins QB-Malik Willis..with a 3-interception day in win.

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