Analysis

8/22/22

28 min read

NFL Preseason Week 2: Scores, News, Analysis and Highlights

By The 33rd Team

Desmond Ridder

Sunday, Aug. 21

Cards Attempting a Comeback Late

Trailing 24-3 as the fourth quarter began, back-to-back touchdowns have suddenly pulled Arizona within a touchdown of Baltimore, 24-17. After a Trace McSorley QB keeper scored the team's prior series, Jarrett Guarantano found Jontre Kirklin for a 15-yard score. It was Guarantano's first series at quarterback in the game. The Cardinals got the ball in the red zone to start the drive, off an interception from Chandler Wooten.

Second Time's the Charm for McSorley

Trace McSorley has Arizona in the end zone for the first time Sunday night, taking it himself from one yard out. McSorley had appeared to score the snap earlier, but a review wiped away the touchdown. It's a high moment for the Cardinals' backup, who had played the entire game to that point for the Cardinals against his former team. Arizona has not led at any point in the game.

Brown Keeping the Pedal Down

Anthony Brown entered the game with Baltimore leading Arizona 10-3, and he has done nothing but extend the Ravens' lead. Brown found Raleigh Webb for a 38-yard touchdown, and pushed the Raven lead to 24-3. It was the second offensive possession in a row to end in a touchdown for Baltimore and Brown, who found Tyler Badie for a three-yard score on the prior series.

Bachman Turning on Overdrive

Alex Bachman is doing everything in his power to will the Giants to a win over Cincinnati. For the second consecutive drive, Bachman took a pass to the end zone to re-take the lead for New York. His first attempt required a dive for the pylon, and his second touchdown involved shaking loose a tackle. Following the extra point from punter Jamie Gillan (kicker Graham Gano was injured earlier in the game), New York went up 25-22 with under a minute to play. Bachman is up to 11 catches for 122 yards and the pair of touchdowns, and quarterback Davis Webb was a perfect 7/7 on the drive, and is 22/27 in the game.

Ravens Pick Another Against Former Teammate

Damarion Williams came up with Baltimore's second interception of the game, playing against Arizona and former Ravens' quarterback Trace McSorley. Williams picked off McSorley and took it back 29 yards on the return. That play set up the Ravens at the Arizona 35, and Baltimore scored six plays later on a three-yard reception by rookie Tyler Badie to take a 17-3 lead.

Bachman Wills His Way In

Alex Bachman used a lot of determination and plenty of speed to give his Giants a late lead over Cincinnati. The third-year receiver, still searching for his first career regular season catch, took a short crossing route to the house for New York, making the edge and diving past a pair of Cincinnati defenders. The score tied the game, and Davis Webb ran in for a two-point conversion to give New York an 18-16 lead, its first since the early second quarter. The Giants did not attempt an extra point with kicker Graham Gano injured earlier in the game. Punter Jamie Gillan did connect on a field goal for New York earlier in the game.

A "Likely" Combination Extends Baltimore's Lead

The connection between quarterback Tyler Huntley and tight end Isaiah Likely has been captaining Baltimore's offense against Arizona tonight. After combining on a highlight earlier in the game, the duo connected five different times on a 10-play drive for the Ravens, including on an eight-yard touchdown to push the Ravens' lead to 10-0 before halftime against the Cardinals. That pairing was responsible for 67 of Baltimore's 80 yards on the drive.

Ravens Lose Rookie Tackle Faalele

The Baltimore Ravens lost rookie fourth-round pick Daniel Faalele to an injury during the first half of Sunday's preseason game against the Cardinals. Faalele was rolled up on during an inside run and suffered an injury to his right leg. The tackle was drafted in the fourth round of this year's draft, and was an intriguing prospect given his 6'8", 380-pound measurements.

Fuller Ends the First Quarter, and an Arizona Drive

A big play by Baltimore cornerback Kyle Fuller put an exclamation point on the first quarter for the Ravens. Fuller picked off Arizona quarterback Trace McSorley as time ran out in the first quarter, ending a Cardinals' drive that had moved into field goal range. The pick protects the Ravens' 3-0 lead.

Huntley Keeps up the Highlights for Baltimore

Tyler Huntley is continuing to put together an impressive preseason at quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens. After going 16/18 and throwing the team's only passing touchdown of a Week 1 win last week, Huntley is flashing again early in Week 2 against Arizona. The third-year QB showed off his mobility and drew some positive reactions from his coach and Lamar Jackson, connecting with rookie tight end Isaiah Likely and then scrambling and finding Makai Poke on the same drive. The plays set up Baltimore for a field goal, and an early 3-0 lead.

Giants' Kicker Injured on Return

There have been multiple exciting returns from the New York Giants vs. Cincinnati Bengals Week 2 preseason game, but one of them might cost New York its kicker. Graham Gano, who has been the Giants' kicker the last two seasons, is being evaluated for a concussion after trying to make a tackle early in Sunday night's contest.

Kayvon Thibodeaux Suffers Injury Scare Against Cincinnati

New York Giants' first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux has suffered an injury during the first half of Sunday's preseason Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Thibodeaux went down on a cut block during a rushing play by the Bengals, and was grabbing his right knee on the field. A cart was brought out for him, but he left the field under his own power and went to the locker room. Thibodeaux returned to the sideline shortly after being examined, smiling and appearing to be in good spirits, though New York ruled him out for the remainder of the game.

Corbin Gives New York the Game's first Touchdown

Jashaun Corbin capped off an 11-play drive for New York with the first touchdown of the game between his Giants and the Cincinnati Bengals. Corbin got in from two yards out to put New York up 6-3 (later 7-3). That run and his run on the play before were the only two rushing plays of the drive for the Giants.

One Rookie's Mistake is Another Rookie's Gain

Cincinnati rookie Dax Hill has come through with the first big play of Sunday night's preseason game between the Bengals and New York Giants. After a Daniel Jones pass went off the hands of rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger, Hill was in the right spot to track the ball down for an interception. The play was reviewed and the turnover was upheld for the first-round defensive back.

The Fastest Man in Football?

Trailing Cleveland 20-14 in the second half of Sunday's preseason game, Philadelphia wide receiver Devon Allen showed off his elite speed by burning the Browns' defense for a 55-yard touchdown catch. Those would go on to be the deciding points in a 21-20 Eagles win. Allen is well-known for representing the United States in the past two Summer Olympics, reaching the finals in the 110-meter hurdles both times.

Josh Dobbs Shouldering the Load for Browns

With Deshaun Watson suspended, quarterback Josh Dobbs is having a day for the Browns...10 of 15 for 112 yards with 4 rushes for 47 yards and a TD.

Boston Scott Runs the Eagles Down the Field for the First Score of the Day

Scott carried the ball 10 times on the Eagles' drive, which culminated in a touchdown run putting the away team ahead 7-0. It's a rainy day in Cleveland, so it might not be surprising to see Scott get even more carries and touchdowns before the day is done.

Buccaneers' Guard Officially Done for Season

Tampa Bay guard Aaron Stinnie has torn his ACL and MCL in his left knee after being carted off the field Saturday night's game against the Titans, Greg Auman reported. Stinnie was competing for a starting guard spot on an offensive line that has already suffered injuries this preseason. The team will already be missing center Ryan Jensen with an injury this season.

Saturday, Aug. 20

Cowboys' Turpin Doubles Up with Return Touchdowns

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin went 98 yards on a kick return for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. The TCU grad is fighting for a roster spot in Dallas after winning the MVP award for the USFL after spending the season with the New Jersey Generals.

Not long later, he scored a second time on a punt return.

 

Buccaneers Offensive Lineman Carted off

Guard Aaron Stinnie was carted off late in the Buccaneers' preseason game vs the Tennessee Titans. Stinnie's ankle was rolled up on during a play. He has since been ruled out for the remainder of the game. The Buccaneers offensive line has already had injuries up front with Ryan Jensen, and Stinnie was a factor in the competition to start at left guard. This story will be updated as more details emerge.

Kenny Pickett Looking Strong Again

Kenny Pickett has carried his strong preseason play into this week's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pickett has delivered some good throws under pressure, as the Steelers' offensive line has not been able to hold off the Jaguars pass rush for most of the game. Pickett is now 19 of 22 with 3 touchdowns in the preseason.

Malik Willis Making Magic

As a prospect, Malik Willis was billed as someone with all the tools to be an NFL quarterback and someone who could make plays happen when the original play broke down. So far, his arm and mobility have been on full display in the Titans preseason game versus the Buccaneers.

Trevor Lawrence Throwing Darts

There's been a lot of buzz over Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence going into his second season. So far through two preseason games under Doug Pederson, Lawrence has been making plenty of plays with his arm and legs. An encouraging sign moving forward for the young signal-caller.

Chase Claypool Makes Circus Catch vs Jaguars

Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool wasted no time making the highlight reel, posting a spectacular grab on a slot fade over Jaguars cornerback Tre Herndon. The Steelers' drive ended with a Trubisky interception, but the talent in the wide receiver room for Pittsburgh is evident so far this preseason.

Tua, Tyreek to Start Against the Raiders

The Miami Dolphins will be starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill in their Week 2 preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. This will be their debut under new head coach Mike McDaniel.

Malik Willis to Start for Titans this Week

Rookie quarterback Malik Willis will start at quarterback for the Tennessee Titans in their Week 2 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After the fireworks he produced last week, Willis earned more time over backup Logan Woodside in camp and could ensure he locks up the backup job behind Ryan Tannehill with a good showing this week.

Mahomes Starts off Red Hot

The Chiefs' offense doesn't show any signs of slowing down. The team pulled out a number of different plays, including a handoff to the fullback on third and short, but it was the play of Patrick Mahomes that had fans buzzing on their first drive. Mahomes made a handful of top throws on the drive and capped it off with this strike to tight end Jody Fortson to score.

Panthers Activate LB Shaq Thompson off of PUP

The Panthers activated linebacker Shaq Thompson off the Physically Unable to Perform list Saturday afternoon. Thompson had a minor surgery on his knee over the summer. It's unknown if he will play in the Panthers' final preseason game, but a good sign for his availability for the Panthers Week 1 game against the Cleveland Browns.

Rams Third-Round Pick out for Season

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay announced that the Rams third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, guard Logan Bruss, tore his ACL and MCL in Friday night's preseason game versus the Houston Texans. Bruss will miss the whole season. Bruss was in line to compete and potentially start at right guard for the team this season.

Bills Connect on Six-Straight Touchdown Drives

Both the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos are preseason darlings, but the Bills have gotten the better of their opponents in the second week of the preseason. Regardless of what group of players is in, the Bills have scored in bunches, with six-straight touchdown drives.

David Blough Throws TD in the Final Play of the 1st Half

In the waning seconds of the first half, the Detroit Lions eschewed a field goal attempt and allowed quarterback David Blough to attempt one final throw. He found Tom Kennedy for the touchdown to bring the Lions even at halftime. Blough and his late-game fumble in the Lions first preseason game were featured prominently in the second episode of HBO's Hard Knocks.

Blough started the game and went 16 of 22 for 76 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Josh Allen in Mid-Season Form

It appears as if Bills QB Josh Allen is done shaking off any offseason rust. In a 6-play, 70-yard opening drive, Allen was 3-for-3 45 yards 1 TD with a 158.3 passer rating

Colts Moving Ball at Will Against Lions Defense

Through the 1st half, the Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks are 10 or 13 passing for 124 yards and a touchdown.

Bills Von Miller Sitting Out Week 2

Buffalo Bills pass rusher Von Miller is not playing in Week 2, according to a report from NFL Media's James Palmer. The eight-time Pro Bowler joined the Bills this offseason.

 

Previous updates from this weekend's action are found on Page 2

Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers See More

The 33rd Team

The 33rd Team is a Football Think Tank created by Mike Tannenbaum and Joe Banner.

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