The much-anticipated NFL preseason for 2026 has kicked off, setting the stage for the teams and players vying for positions that could define their upcoming seasons. While the actual standings won't be impacted yet, the drama and intrigue of potential stars and position battles take center stage. Even though many games lack the star power normally associated with regular-season matchups, what unfolds can be pivotal for rosters and franchises across the league.
Drew Allar Shines for Steelers
Starting off with the most notable performance from Thursday's slate, rookie quarterback Drew Allar of the Pittsburgh Steelers made an impactful debut that bodes well for his future in the NFL. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy previously mentioned that Allar needed a complete overhaul in his fundamentals. However, the young talent put those adjustments to test, displaying a strong skill set against the Green Bay Packers.
Allar entered the game as the third quarterback but quickly changed the narrative by launching a 74-yard completion on his first pass attempt. He capped off that drive with a three-yard rushing touchdown, followed by another impressive drive of 10 plays, resulting in a five-yard touchdown pass. Overall, he finished the game with a 77% completion rate (10-of-13 passes for 153 yards), two passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown. His performance firmly placed him in contention for the No. 3 quarterback position, an exciting prospect for Steelers fans.
Ward Struggles Under Pressure for Titans
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tennessee Titans quarterback Ward faced challenges during his preseason outing against the San Francisco 49ers. This is a crucial year for Ward, especially after being the first overall pick in the 2025 draft, but it was evident that he struggled under live pressure. Despite an improved supporting cast featuring wide receivers Wan'Dale Robinson and Carnell Tate, Ward completed only five of his 12 attempts for a mere 57 yards and registered a disappointing passer rating of 56.6.
Head coach Robert Saleh addressed the performance by acknowledging that while Ward's decisions were generally correct, he seemed rushed—a common hurdle for quarterbacks in their second year. With hopes for improvement, the Titans are counting on Ward to overcome these early jitters and establish himself as the new leader for the franchise.
Mendoza's Solid NFL Debut
Amid the whirlwind of performances, the debut of Fernando Mendoza for the Las Vegas Raiders was minimally stellar but certainly encouraging. Faced against the Arizona Cardinals, Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and delivered a six-yard touchdown pass to Jack Bech. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza's composure despite the game's significance. His ability to execute as practiced reflects the readiness that often eludes rookies when the lights shine bright.
Bengals' Offensive Line Concerns
The Cincinnati Bengals displayed a mixed bag during their preseason opener against the Detroit Lions. While improvements were hoped for following significant offseason investments in the defense, it looks like the offensive line may be the Achilles' heel for the coming season. Despite rolling out their starters, quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked on his second pass attempt, leading to a startlingly high 28.6 percent pressure rate against the Lions' squad.
Head coach Zac Taylor attempted to underline the positive, suggesting the line had been under constant pressure during training. Still, figuring out how to shield Burrow better seems paramount if they hope to keep their franchise quarterback healthy, especially after his previous experiences with sacks.
Jeremiyah Love Leaves a Mark
Among the standout rookie performances, Jeremiyah Love of the Arizona Cardinals caught attention with his strong performance against the Raiders. Although his night began slowly, he pivoted with dynamic plays, tallying 72 yards and gaining the spotlight for his offensive potential. Coach Mike LaFleur indicated that Love's mix of skills makes him a formidable player in the Cardinals' backfield, and his involvement appears planned for the upcoming season.
Patriots’ Kicking Woes
In New England, kicker Andy Borregales may have unintentionally put his job security on the line during the preseason tie with the Indianapolis Colts. Missing field goals both within and beyond 50 yards indicates that his accuracy is a growing concern for the coaching staff. Head coach Mike Vrabel underscored the importance of proficiency in the kicking game, stating, "We're expected to make them. That's pro football." Given Borregales' less-than-stellar previous season, a challenge for his position may be imminent as roster decisions loom.
Rams' Ty Simpson Delivers
The Los Angeles Rams' decision to select quarterback Ty Simpson with a top-15 draft pick raised eyebrows, especially given Matthew Stafford's standing as the team's MVP. Nevertheless, Simpson rose to the occasion in his first playing stint, executing 21 completions on 25 attempts for 190 yards and two touchdowns, with a stellar passer rating of 125. His performance showed promise and raised the prospect of him being a future cornerstone for the franchise.
Conclusion: Preseason Stakes High for Teams, Players
The first week of the NFL preseason has unveiled a mixture of standout performances and concerns for several franchises as they approach the 2026 season. Teams must finalize rosters and determine which players will help propel them toward success, making this time of year crucial for development and strategy. With rising stars, underwhelming performances, and fierce competition, the landscape remains as intriguing as ever.
