Preseason Week 1 is in the books, and it was great to see football once again on the field.
Here are some of my takeaways:
- It was great to see Trey Lance back on the field. I hope he continues to improve, as I think he might be an interesting trade commodity at some point down the road.
- The Colts have no chance of being successful without Jonathan Taylor. His presence will help Anthony Richardson immediately and allow the offense to run more smoothly. Hopefully, he returns ASAP and gets himself ready for Week 1.
- Zamir White should be climbing up draft boards. Even if Josh Jacobs returns, White has earned more touches.
- I’m not buying into Kenneth Gainwell as the Eagles’ RB1. I was the only expert who was really in on Gainwell as a rookie, so I know his abilities. I think there is definitely a role for him in Philadelphia, but this feels like a committee with D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny both ahead of Gainwell.
- I was incredibly happy to see Chiefs WR Justyn Ross back on the field and scoring a TD. He worked out with Patrick Mahomes in the off-season and has a good chance of sticking with the team as the WR5.
- Two teams that might be better than most people anticipate: Pittsburgh and Atlanta. Pittsburgh needs to see growth from Kenny Pickett to make the playoffs, and Atlanta needs to see their defense take a huge step forward. Week 1’s preseason games make me feel like both things are possible.
- I’m rooting for Sam Howell to win the QB job for Washington. Jacoby Brissett is the safer play, but Howell has terrific mobility and solid upside. If Washington can be patient with Howell, it might really pay off (and help the fantasy success of Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson).