NFL Week 2 preseason winners and losers: Running backs, rookie QBs among top performers

Week 2 of the NFL preseason is nearly wrapped up, with solely Monday evening’s Falcons-Jets contest nonetheless on the docket. That means we’re nicely over midway via the complete exhibition slate, and roughly every week away from closing roster cut-downs. The actual video games are simply across the nook. But which gamers and groups took clear steps in the suitable (or fallacious) path this week?

Here are our greatest winners and losers from the second week of 2022 preseason motion:

The Cowboys already had premium offensive weaponry in CeeDee Lamb, Dalton Schultz and Tony Pollard. But they may must discover a option to embrace Turpin as nicely, after the minor-league veteran and current USFL star logged not one however two return touchdowns in Dallas’ win over the Chargers. Even if simply as a kick or punt returner, he in all probability locked up a roster spot.

Speaking of offensive weapons within the NFC East, Gibson genuinely seems to be dropping his grasp on the Commanders‘ top working again job. The former rookie standout, now coming into Year 3, rotated with the second- and third-team items at apply just lately. Against the Chiefs, he stood on the sidelines whereas rookie Brian Robinson Jr. began within the backfield, then totaled simply two carries whereas being relegated to kick-return duties.

The Pittsburgh product was at all times gonna be the fan favourite within the Steelers‘ QB competitors, however he was decisive and unfazed in restricted motion towards the Jaguars, making the case with a seamless up-tempo scoring drive that he deserves real consideration because the Week 1 starter over Mitchell Trubisky, who’s extra skilled however perhaps no extra gifted.

Not all younger AFC North QBs had weekend, and Rosen would be the first to confess it after finishing simply seven of 20 throws towards the Eagles‘ third-stringers. Flopping in every of his profession stops, his shot at claiming No. 3 QB duties for the Browns behind Deshaun Watson and Jacoby Brissett is just about shot after Joshua Dobbs showcased each an environment friendly arm and play-extending mobility to maintain Cleveland aggressive.

Winner: The run sport

If you performed preseason fantasy soccer with second- and third-string working backs this week, congratulations. The Bills rolled everywhere in the Broncos by deploying each member of their deep backfield: Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, James Cook and Duke Johnson. The Eagles bought regular burst from Boston Scott and Kenny Gainwell with Miles Sanders absent. The Lions‘ trio of Justin Jackson, Craig Reynolds and Godwin Igwebuike mixed for over 100 yards towards the Colts. Who says the bottom sport is useless?

Getting harm is not essentially his fault, however the star Saints receiver is making an attempt to return to the sphere for the primary time since 2020, and two days after sitting out his second straight preseason sport, he missed apply with a hamstring problem. All whereas first-round rookie Chris Olave continues to stand up the ranks and method 2022 as New Orleans’ almost definitely No. 1 goal.

No one expects the third-round rookie to be a sophisticated passer at this level in his profession, so simply witnessing his electrical energy as a scrambler and occasional side-armed thrower ought to be sufficient to entice Titans followers rising impatient with Ryan Tannehill underneath middle. No, Willis is not about to take over at QB, however you may see, after his mobility and arm angles towards the Buccaneers, why Tennessee stopped his draft-day fall.

Loser: Kliff Kingsbury

Just kidding. Or are we? The Cardinals coach has jokingly allowed his QB, Kyler Murray, to experiment with play-calling this summer season ever since Murray gave him a tough time about working the offense. But as soon as Murray took over the headset late in Arizona’s preseason loss to the Ravens, the Cards’ offense was decidedly simpler, even threatening a comeback after an choice landing run by backup Trace McSorley. Now let’s examine if Kliff surrenders duty when it issues.

Winner: Isaiah Likely

Looking for a sleeper who’s Likely to have a much bigger influence on the Ravens’ offense this yr than anticipated? A man who’s Likely to warrant some red-zone targets from Lamar Jackson? And perhaps even Likely to share snaps with Mark Andrews? We cannot get sufficient Likely after the rookie fourth-rounder went off with eight catches for 100 yards and a landing towards the Cardinals, persistently discovering or creating area towards Arizona’s protection.