NFL preseason winners and losers: Shedeur Sanders stands out, Joe Milton misfires

USA Today

18 hours ago

Anyone hoping to have their appetite for football whetted by the first week of NFL preseason games likely emerged from the action still experiencing some hunger pangs.
Swaths of starters sat throughout the league in Week 1 of the exhibition slate, and many of the key figures who did take the field only stayed in for a drive or two before giving way to backups and long-shot roster hopefuls. But viewers who properly scaled back any expectations still could scavenge some meaningful morsels from young players.
The week was not without its notable story lines, with top picks Cam Ward and Travis Hunter both making their unofficial professional debuts. Yet just as was the case in April, Shedeur Sanders seemingly eclipsed all of his peers when it came to commanding attention, and the passer delivered more than enough fodder for several days of discussion.
Here are the biggest winners and losers of Week 1 of the preseason:
NFL preseason Week 1 winners
The Cleveland Browns quarterback's performance should be accompanied by the proper caveats. Operating alongside other backups against the second-stringers for the NFL's worst scoring defense in 2024, Sanders still isn't a threat to burst from the back of the Browns' quarterback competition to the front as a potential Week 1 starter. But capitalizing on his most extensive action of the summer should be categorized as an unquestioned victory for the fifth-round signal-caller from Colorado, who flashed plenty of reminders of his accuracy, touch and overall command by leading three touchdown drives and completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers. Sanders gave himself a C+ for his outing afterward, acknowledging a continued need for improvement in the face of pressure by speeding up his process. But even though a starting spot any time early in the fall is likely out of reach, he has renewed relevance in the quarterback room and gave Cleveland strong incentive to keep giving him looks in both the rest of the summer and down the stretch of his rookie season.
The Colorado coach's 58th birthday on Saturday had to be a joyful one given the performances of sons Shedeur and Shilo, the latter an undrafted safety who made his mark for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his preseason debut by drilling Tennessee Titans backup quarterback Brandon Allen to force an incompletion. But the victories didn't stop there. Among the Prime products who made waves were Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner who took his ironman act to the pros by playing 10 snaps at receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars before moving over to cornerback for eight snaps; LaJohntay Wester, a sixth-round rookie who solidified his standing with the Baltimore Ravens by reeling off a 87-yard punt return touchdown; and Xavier Weaver, who stuck with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and hauled in a 1-yard touchdown on Saturday.
Regardless of how their careers pan out from here, for one moment, at least, the second-year Jaguars kicker managed to steal the spotlight from Hunter. Seconds before halftime in an eventual loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Little delivered arguably the signature moment of the first week of the preseason with a 70-yard field goal. The kick might eventually be lost to history given it won't eclipse the regular-season mark set by Justin Tucker in 2021 with a 66-yarder, but it sent his teammates – and plenty of observers on social media – into a frenzy. A sixth-round pick out of Arkansas in 2024, Little converted 27 of his 29 field goal attempts as a rookie, making clear he's no flash in the pan. Now, he enters the fall as one of the few kickers with some serious cachet – and probably an inflated draft positioning in fantasy leagues now, too.
Nothing little about Cam's leg 😮‍💨@cameronglittle | #PITvsJAX on NFL+pic.twitter.com/M3hfgSMOeM
The preseason hype train tends to build up to peak speed for quarterbacks, and particularly ones who prove to be somewhat of a revelation. After McKee last week completed 20 of 25 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns while leading five overall scoring drives against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Philadelphia Eagles' No. 2 option behind center might be outpacing the field in generating hoopla. Yet the story of the former sixth-round pick's steady ascension is one of a steady rise, with the 6-6, 230-pound signal-caller showing enough growth to move this offseason from developmental option to Jalen Hurts' primary backup. Any speculation that McKee could be ready for a starting gig elsewhere seems premature. Still, the 2023 sixth-round pick is trending toward becoming yet another evaluation success story for Howie Roseman, who saw past an uneven career at Stanford and mobility limitations to a rhythmic passer with promising tools.
The New England Patriots need explosive plays in whatever form they can get them in order to turn down the difficulty level for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Henderson, a second-round pick out of Ohio State, was brought in to rip off long gains as both a runner and receiver. On Friday, however, his greatest display of his breakaway speed came on a 100-yard kick return touchdown. The 5-10, 202-pounder turned the corner for an 18-yard gain on his lone carry and logged three catches for 12 catches before exiting the game before any of other ball carrier, including presumed starter Rhamondre Stevenson. Henderson won't be featured the way that first-round backs Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton figure to be, but things continue to trend for him to have a substantial role from Day 1.
TO. THE. HOUSE. @TreVeyonH4 💥#NEvsMIN 8/16 on WBZ pic.twitter.com/kZWb0TCdfV
Sometimes a streamlined approach just works for a player's introduction to the NFL. With Russell Wilson's place as the New York Giants' starting quarterback firmly established, Dart has enjoyed the luxury of reasonable expectations and a pared-down workload as the first-round pick prepares to begin his rookie season with clipboard in hand. And if Dart's preseason debut is any indication, that developmenal plan has put the Mississippi product on the right track. Coach Brian Daboll praised his new pupil for balancing efficiency with aggression in completing 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards with one touchdown against the Buffalo Bills, while general manager Joe Schoen said during the game broadcast that the stage "definitely didn't seem too big" for either Dart or fellow first-round pick Abdul Carter. There's still plenty that both the team and signal-caller have to build out in Dart's game given how much more challenging things will be once he's forced to read defenses intent on fooling him. But for a franchise seemingly desperate for hope behind center in any form, a sign of encouragement is welcome.
The No. 1 pick didn't match the buzz of Sanders or Dart in his first start, but there was plenty to like from the initial impression. Ward threw for 87 yards on 5-of-8 passing on two drives against the Buccaneers, largely looking comfortable and composed outside of a near-interception by cornerback Josh Hayes. The signal-caller fostered a strong connection with top target Calvin Ridley, who notched three receptions for 50 yards while working with his new quarterback. Ward will have to walk a tightrope as a rookie as he calibrates his playmaking streak with a directive to avoid back-breaking mistakes, but he struck a nice balance in his first showing.
The drumbeat is only growing louder for the fifth-round rookie to take on a key role in the Seattle Seahawks' passing game right away. After repeatedly turning heads in camp with his ability work downfield, Horton hauled in three catches for 31 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders, including a 10-yard score on a quick hit from Drew Lock. The 6-2, 196-pound target from Colorado State might not be ready just yet to leapfrog Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was given the night off with a number of other veteran starters, to become the offense's No. 3 receiver and designated deep threat. But he's placed himself squarely in the mix as the regular season approaches, and it could be difficult to keep him sidelined for long.
What is it about ex-Seattle sports stars becoming shutterbugs? Lynch followed in the footsteps of former Mariners legends Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey Jr. by toting a camera on the sideline for the meeting of two of his former teams in the Seahawks and Raiders. Still, the iconic running back might as well have been donning a jersey rather than the vest of a photographer, as Lynch protected his camera by putting his forearm into George Holani when the Seahawks running back came a little too close for comfort after a touchdown run. Even in retirement, Lynch's field awareness hasn't wavered.
.@MoneyLynch unnecessary roughness ? https://t.co/VlL9EUPot9 pic.twitter.com/S7gTUGJdqS
The first-round tight end's value to the Indianapolis Colts' offense as a much-needed steadying presence has been readily evident since his arrival in the spring. Warren caught three passes for 40 yards after playing the first four drives of the Colts' Thursday loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Regardless of whether Indianapolis starts Anthony Richardson Sr. or Daniel Jones at quarterback, Warren should size up as a major factor in the passing attack as someone who can hold down the middle of the field and bail out a passer under any duress.
The Denver Broncos' second-round rookie running back served up a strong reminder not to get too invested in August depth charts. Despite being listed fifth at his position, Harvey joined the rest of the starters against the San Francisco 49ers and was handed a fairly extensive workload of seven carries for 25 yards. Veteran J.K. Dobbins should remain in the picture, with his appearances Saturday on third downs reinforcing his value to Sean Payton as a proven pass protector. But any timeshare in the Broncos' backfield looks like it will afford Harvey plenty of opportunities.
The protection problems that plagued the Kansas City Chiefs from Week 1 all the way to Super Bowl 59 won't be resolved by one person, and a single preseason game is hardly sufficient for evaluating the player freshly tasked with safeguarding Patrick Mahomes' blind side. But Andy Reid and Co. have every reason to be encouraged about Simmons, the left tackle who kept all defenders at bay in his 11 snaps against the Arizona Cardinals. The first-rounder's play throughout the summer has indicated a much more rapid arrival than initially anticipated from a blocker who tore his patellar tendon last October, and Simmons looked fully in control in his first action against another team. If Kansas City can find stability next to Simmons at left guard, Mahomes might finally have enough time to rediscover the downfield passing element that has gone missing in recent years.
The New Orleans Saints' quarterback competition didn't seem to shift dramatically in the wake of Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, with Tyler Shough demonstrating more upside than Spencer Rattler while simultaneously showing on a pick-six how tumultuous his NFL acclimation period could be. Tipton, however, gave Shough his biggest highlight of the day by breaking free on a double move for an easy 54-yard touchdown bomb. The 2024 undrafted free agent from Yale has created a stir in the summer for the second consecutive year, but translating his explosive downfield speed to a game setting marked a nice win for the receiver, especially as he tries to prove himself to Kellen Moore and a new coaching staff. Given that the Saints' speedy tandem of Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed combined to play just 14 games last season, Tipton could be setting himself up to be a valuable depth piece for a receiving corps with a murky outlook beyond its starters.
Making special teams contributions is a natural way for backups to enhance their value. For running backs, that typically entails returning kicks rather than trying to boot the ball between the uprights. Nevertheless, Davis stepped to convert an extra-point attempt for the Bills in the second quarter against the Giants. Coach Sean McDermott acknowledged afterward that he the experiment was a one-off as prep for a potential emergency scenario. But it gave new meaning the title of all-purpose back.
.@Ray_Davis07 had to update the resume. 😂#BillsMafia | #GoBills pic.twitter.com/XxItaMHECW
NFL preseason Week 1 losers
Since his high school days, Milton's arm strength has sparked Paul Bunyan-esque tales rife with hyperbole. Brian Schottenheimer said last week that the only quarterback he has been around who could compare in the category is Brett Favre, yet he believed his new backup could still push the ball farther than the Hall of Famer. That singular raw ability might not amount to much, however, if Milton and the Dallas Cowboys don't figure out a way to harness it. A 17-of-29 performance for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Los Angeles Rams – a team that holds back its key players and invests little in preseason results – left plenty of unease about Milton's positioning behind Dak Prescott, with wildly errant throws and ill-advised tight-window attempts all too commonplace. It's easy to see understand the 6-5, 246-pound passer caught Jerry Jones' eye as a developmental prospect behind center, but entrusting him with the No. 2 job based on his upside and his Week 18 performance with the Patriots last season might be as big of a misfire as any one of Milton's incompletions Saturday.
The Detroit Lions exhibited an abundance of patience in their first two years with Hendon Hooker, with the third-round quarterback from Tennessee being granted the equivalent of a redshirt season as a rookie after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament late in his final college campaign. But after Hooker lost two fumbles in Friday's win against the Atlanta Falcons, time appears to be running out for the passer to make good on the investment Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes made in him in 2023. Journeyman Kyle Allen, who has been far from a world-beater through the summer so far, appears to have a decent lead in the competition for the No. 2 spot behind Jared Goff. If the 27-year-old Hooker can't lock down that responsibility heading into Year 3, how can Detroit reasonably expect any additional growth? Meanwhile, with Teddy Bridgewater off to Tampa Bay after rejoining Detroit last December to relegate Hooker to an emergency role, the Lions likely will have one of the shakier backup quarterback outlooks of any legitimate contender.
At least the Colts quarterback's pinkie injury didn't sideline him for long, as Richardson returned to practice Saturday after the dislocation he suffered in the first quarter Thursday sidelined him for the rest of the contest. Still, the third-year signal-caller admitted he didn't properly account for the Ravens' pressure, allowing David Ojabo to barrel down on him unblocked off the edge for a hit that could have been even more devastating than it initially looked. In all, it was a disappointing lapse in judgment after a summer in which coach Shane Steichen has touted the volatile passer's play as being cleaner. As the battle with Daniel Jones continues, Richardson can't afford to continue leaving uncertainty about whether he can stay on the field after playing in just 15 games the first two years of his career.
Lining up across from Ja'Marr Chase is an unenviable draw for any cornerback, and doubly so when there's little help afforded in the matchup. Still, at a time when he's pushing to secure the starting cornerback spot opposite second-year standout Quinyon Mitchell, Ringo had one of the more calamitous outings of the first week of action. The 2023 fourth-round pick out of Georgia found himself scrambling to catch up to Chase when the receiver broke open for an easy connection with Joe Burrow on an out route, and a poor pursuit angle by Ringo allowed the All-Pro to dash into the end zone for a 36-yard score. Ringo, who acknowledged after the game he "could have played a little better, for sure," also couldn't stick with Chase for a toe-tapping 23-yard connection on the sideline. Adoree' Jackson didn't fare well either, and Nick Sirianni said the team wouldn't let the performance obscure what Ringo has accomplished in practices. But with the team trading for Jakorian Bennett last week, the heat is on for a player yet to make proper use of his immense physical tools.
The easiest way to win in the preseason is not to play. Lamb had the night off as expected Saturday – the Cowboys and the four-time Pro Bowl receiver have about 136 million reasons to keep him under wraps – but not even the inactive label could keep him safe, apparently. Celebrating with his back to the play, Lamb got a little too close to the action on the sideline and was mowed down by side judge Anthony Jeffries. Both parties appeared to emerge unscathed, but Lamb earned a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Hardest hit that Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb took tonight was on the sidelines …. and from an official. pic.twitter.com/P2RoVUUyJU
Dave Canales spent much of the offseason explaining that his confidence in Legette hadn't wavered, even though the receiver largely struggled throughout his rookie campaign and the Panthers selected Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 overall pick in April. But after trying to set a new tone entering Year 2, the No. 32 overall pick in 2024 lost his composure when he and Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins exchanged punches after becoming entangled during a first-quarter run play, with both players being ejected for the fracas. Said Canales afterward, "We want to see better from X, for sure."