Arizona Cardinals OLB JJ Watt was among starters who were bitten by the Covid-19 bug. (Courtesy photo)
The End Zone
It appears we are not clear of the pandemic as of yet. Covid-19 is still biting starters over the summer. A high-profile list of names such as Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, Seahawks QB Drew Lock, who is currently now returning to the lineup. In Arizona, the Cardinals are down two starters namely QB Kyler Murray and LB JJ Watt who tested positive for Covid-19. Watt is the most recent case who will need to quarantine for five days. All candidates should be ready for the regular season.
Not to speak to soon, but preseason injuries seem to be lighter this season than others. It is good news for teams when many are returning for the Player Unable to Perform or PUP list. Saints QB Jameis Winston returned from a foot injury. Broncos starters DE Randy Gregory and teammate OT Billy Turner are off the list as well. Packers LT David Bakhtiari returned from a torn ACL suffered back in December of 2020. However, Buccaneers Guard Aaron Stinnie is lost for the season with a torn ACL/MCL.
In Las Vegas, former Raiders number one draft pick WR Henry Ruggs was sentenced to 50 years in prison for Vehicular Manslaughter when he hit and killed a 23-year woman while driving in excess 150 mph on a Las Vegas street.
Former Patriot and Broncos CB Aquib Talib was involved in an altercation that led to the opposing coach being murdered at a North Dallas Youth Football League Game. Apparently, Talib who was a coach of the Youth Football League, was highly upset after a late hit was called on his team leading to a first down for the opposing team and a loss. Talib began to yell at the referees who made the call. Meanwhile the opposing coach came over to gather the football seeing Talib constantly moving it around. Even though six minutes remained, Talib punched the coach leading to his brother getting involved. His brother, in turn, pulled out a gun and shot the opposing coach five times. “It is upsetting to see adults behave in this fashion in front of children, “noted the Captain. Talib has never been noted for not promoting good sportsmanship.
As the preseason begins to wind down, it was the Chicago Bears who dominated the Seattle Seahawks, 27-11, on Thursday Night Football. However, it was Seahawks QB Jason Eason who netted 141 passing yards in the loss.
New England Patriots evened their preseason record at (1-1) with a 20-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Patriots starter QB Matt Jones appeared steady in a brief appearance. However, it was the passing of back up QB Bailey Zappe who zapped the Panthers defense for 173 passing yards of passing.
Packers QB Jordan Love tossed for 113 yards and a score for his first victory as the Packers downed the New Orleans Saints 20-10.
In Houston, it was Houston Texans QB David Mills making a statement for the starting positon rose as he 96 yards and a score to defeat the Los Angeles Rams, 24-20.
Buffalo Bills trampled the Denver Broncos, 45-15. Buffalo initially played their starting lineup. Bills QB Josh Allen and newly acquired LB Von Miller made brief appearances. Buffalo back up QB Case Keenum was on fire connecting on 192 yards of completions and a score to secure the win.
Detroit Lions evened their preseason record at (1-1) with an edging defeat of the Indianapolis Colts 27-26. Colts WR Dezmond Patmon gobbled 103 yards of receptions and a score in the loss.
In Kansas City, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes came out firing on all cylinders including two touchdown drives that help defeat the Washington Commanders 24-14. Mahomes would finish the afternoon with 162 yards and two scores.
Tennessee Titans QB Malik Willis is out to prove he could be a backup. Willis tossed for tossed for 80 yards and a score to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-3 in a defensive struggle.
In Miami, it was the Las Vegas Raiders who remain undefeated at (3-0) edging the Miami Dolphins 15-13. Leading ground gainer was Raiders RB Brittain Brown who mustered 70 yards on just nine carries netting almost 8 yards per carry.
Another team that remains undefeated in the preseason are the (3-0) San Francisco 49ers who defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 17-7. Niners QB Brock Purdy was the star connecting on 128 yards of passing.
“Pittsburgh Steelers may have landed their new starter in QB Kenny Pickett,” noted the Captain. Pickett has been raising eyebrows in preseason. However, it was QB Mason Rudolf who had a great day completing 127 yards of passing and a score. In turn, the Steelers who edge out the Jacksonville Jaguars, 16-15.
Dallas Cowboys returns to their winning ways, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers. Cowboys KR KaVontae Turpin may make the squad with his special teams performance by retuning a kickoff and punt return for touchdowns. This helped the Cowboys win over the Chargers, 32-18.
Another close contest as the Philadelphia Eagles edged the Cleveland Browns, 21-20. Eagles QB Garner Minshew was the star connecting on an incredible 14 of 17 passes for 142 yards for the win.
New York Giants grabbed their second win defeating the Cincinnati Bengals, 25-22. Giants WR Alex Bachman was on fire, lassoing 91 yards on just seven receptions helping his team win by a field goal.
Taking a page out of Lamar Jackson’s book was Ravens back up QB Tyler Huntley. Huntley was running and diving into the end zone making a case for securing a roster spot helping to defeat the Arizona Cardinals, 24-17. He would finish the afternoon with an astounding 13 of 14 passing completions for 129 yards and a score to secure the victory.
Even though the New York Jets lost their starting quarterback due to injury, they still managed an undefeated preseason with a 24-16 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Jets QB Chris Streveler both passed for 8 for 11 completions for 119 yards and a score while rushing for 6 carries and 33 yards for the win.
Contact Captain Kirk at salesmanager@nativesunnews.today
Leave a Reply