Week 1 of the 2013 NFL preseason has now concluded, and through 16 games we’ve been able to get a glimpse of NFL starters and rookies in action.
How did everyone perform after seven months of no NFL action? Keep reading to find out who won and lost in week 1 of the preseason.
Winners
Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians
The first-year head coach was rewarded by his offseason moves with a good performance from quarterback Carson Palmer (77 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions) and the ‘Honey Badger’ Tyrann Mathieu, who produced a sack and two good punt returns.
Baltimore Ravens defence
The current Superbowl champions had four turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble recovery) against the Buccaneers, giving credence to reports that there won’t be a big dropoff in the quality of defence in Baltimore after the team lost Ray Lewis to retirement and Ed Reed to the Texans.
The team gave up only one touchdown in the game.
Washington Redskins quarterbacks
Robert Griffin III didn’t start the game, but he did warm up for the cameras and looked as agile as ever.
Kirk Cousins opened in relief and went 6-for-7 with a touchdown, finishing with a 137.2 QB rating.
Experimental quarterback Pat White also scored later in the game for the Redskins.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady
The 36-year-old Brady was on the field for two drives against the Eagles, and both went for 80 yards and touchdowns.
There was no sign of the 2012 season’s top point-scoring unit slowing down without Welker, Gronk or Hernandez on the field.
Brady’s final numbers: 7-of-8 for 65 yards and a touchdown.
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz
The man famous for his salsa touchdown dance looks in midseason form as he takes a pass down the seam from Eli Manning for a 57-yard score, outrunning All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu in the process.
After a big extension this offseason, Cruz will be counted on as a big part of the Giant’s offense.
Losers
Atlanta Falcons running-back Steven Jackson
After nine seasons in St Louis, Jackson signed this year with Atlanta as their lead back.
His first appearance was nowhere near as impressive as his years as a Ram, managing only eight yards off five carries (and one catch for no gain).
The other running-backs on the team averaged approximately four yards a carry (albeit against backups).
San Francisco 49ers backup quarterbacks
After starter Colin Kaepernick led an early field goal drive with a 100 percent completion rate, the 49ers reserves Colt McCoy and Scott Tolzein combined for a 55 percent completion rate, with no touchdowns and two interceptions.
Perhaps coach Jim Harbaugh will come to regret trading away Alex Smith earlier in the offseason.
San Diego Charger Manti Te’o
One of the biggest names in the 2013 draft, Te’o is expected to bring big plays and stability to the Bolts’ defence.
However, in two series at middle linebacker, Te’o didn’t register a tackle against the Seahawks.
One positive – the Chargers didn’t give up points on either series.
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan
Ryan had to bear his starter Mark Sanchez throw a pick-six in his first drive, and then second-round pick Geno Smith injured his ankle on a regular rollout, further adding to Ryan’s problems.
The running game (not featuring likely starter Chris Ivory) didn’t impress either.
Hopefully for Jets fans this game won’t be a precursor for the season.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert
After two disappointing seasons, a lot is expected of Gabbert this year.
In his opening action, Gabbert went 5-of-10 with the starters for only 19 yards and an interception.
The third-year former first-round pick needs to show a lot more during the preseason or he might find himself benched behind Chad Henne.
Preseason week two will start with four games on Thursday night, and then every night until Monday. Starters are expected to play at least the first quarter.
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