Pokes in the NFL: Preseason Week 1
Saturday and Sunday gave the Oklahoma State rookies in the NFL their first real taste of professional football as they played in their first NFL preseason games.
There were multiple guys who had solid performances over the weekend, but there were two guys who posted breakout performances, turning quite a few heads in the process.
Let’s start with the guy who’s been turning heads since he arrived at the facility: Rodarius Williams.
Rodarius Williams: New York Giants
The sixth-round pick led the Giants in tackles on Saturday in the 12-7 loss to the Jets, with eight total tackles, six of which were solo stops. He also recovered a fumble, which he returned for 29 yards, leading to the Giants only score of the day.
The Giants are back in action this coming Sunday as they travel to Cleveland to face Rodarius’ brother Greedy and the Browns. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT on the NFL Network.
Chuba Hubbard: Carolina Panthers
The other standout on the day was running back Chuba Hubbard. The fourth-round pick led the Panthers in rushing yards with seven carries for 80 yards, an average of 11.4 yards per carry. However, the highlight of his afternoon came on a 59-yard run where he was stuffed at the line of scrimmage, then broke free for a big gain, something Oklahoma State fans are used to seeing.
The Panthers will host the Baltimore Ravens this coming Saturday, which will give us a nice Oklahoma State reunion with Hubbard, Tylan Wallace and Justice Hill. There are no TV details, but kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
Amen Ogbongbemiga, Tyron Johnson: Los Angeles Chargers
Another solid performance came from rookie free agent linebacker, Amen Ogbongbemiga. Amen was one of the top defenders for the Chargers in the 13-6 win over the Rams as he recorded four total tackles, two of which were solo stops.
On the other side of the ball, receiver Tyron Johnson had a slow day at the office as he hauled in one catch for two yards.
The Bolts will host the 49ers this coming Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on the NFL Network.
Justin Phillips: Washington Football Team
Phillips led WFT in tackles on Thursday in the 22-13 loss to the New England Patriots. He recorded five total tackles, four of which were solo stops. Phillips turned some heads during his time with the Raiders, but he’s starting to make a name for himself in Washington.
The Football Team hosts the Bengals this coming Friday, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on the NFL Network.
Mason Rudolph, James Washington and Calvin Bundage: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers took care of business against the Eagles, 24-16, to move to 2-0 during the preseason. Mason Rudolph completed 8-of-9 passes for 77 yards, while Washington or Bundage didn’t record any stats.
The Steelers host the Detroit Lions this coming Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on the NFL Network.
Blake Jarwin: Dallas Cowboys, Cam Murray: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals beat the Cowboys 19-16 on Friday, dropping the Cowboys to 0-2 this preseason. Blake Jarwin took his first game snaps since the first game of the 2020 season. He was targeted once but didn’t record any stats. Murray plugged up some holes on the d-line for the Cardinals and recorded one tackle.
The Cardinals will host the Chiefs this Friday at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN, while the Cowboys will host the Texans on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT. No TV details have been announced for the Cowboys.
Bears 20 – Dolphins 13
Neither Emmanuel Ogbah nor Teven Jenkins played in the game on Saturday. Jenkins has been out since the first week of Training Camp with a back injury. The Dolphins host the Falcons this Saturday at 6 p.m. CT (no TV) and the Bears host the Bills on Saturday at noon CT on the NFL Network.
A.J. Green: Cleveland Browns
A.J. had a decent day in the 23-13 win over Jacksonville as he recorded one tackle, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery.
The Browns travel to New York for a noon kick on Sunday on the NFL Network. It’ll also be a nice reunion to see the former Cowboy corners back together.
Tylan Wallace and Justice Hill: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens squeaked past the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, 17-14. Justice Hill carried the ball five times for eight yards and hauled in one catch for four years. As for Tylan, he was targeted twice, but didn’t record any stats in his first NFL game.
The Ravens will face the Panthers on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT.
Tre Flowers: Seattle Seahawks, Dillon Stoner and Marcell Ateman: Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders crushed the Seahawks 20-7 on Saturday, with Flowers, Ateman and Stoner having decent outings. Flowers recorded four total tackles, three of which were solo stops, while Stoner hauled in one catch for 15 yards and Ateman two catches for 14 yards.
The Raiders will face the Rams on the road on Saturday with a 9 p.m. CT kick on the NFL Network, while the Seahawks will host the Broncos at the same time on Saturday. No TV details have been announced for that game.