NFL exhibition games can often feel underwhelming.

While some veteran players are still waiting for their first appearances this summer, others have had ample opportunities to shine. Week 2 of the 2024 preseason has proven to be an exciting turning point, particularly in the quarterback competitions, alongside several other key developments.

With one more game set to determine roster spots before a break, here’s a look at who stood out and who struggled in this past weekend’s games:

PATH TO SUCCESS

2024 First-Round Quarterbacks

Bo Nix, the final pick among the quarterbacks drafted in April, has been a pleasant surprise. In his first start with the Denver Broncos, he completed eight of nine passes for 80 yards and a touchdown, almost adding another score with a pass that was nearly out of bounds. Across seven drives this preseason, Nix has been in charge, leading his team to three touchdowns and three field goals. Unless something unexpected occurs, he seems set to be the starter for the upcoming season.

Additionally, the top overall pick Caleb Williams is generating excitement in Chicago; Drake Maye is stirring discussions in New England; Jayden Daniels is on track for the Washington Commanders’ starting role; and the Atlanta Falcons’ confidence in Michael Penix Jr. has led to him being sidelined for the rest of the preseason. It’s still early in the season, but these performances are encouraging, even following the setback of Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy due to injury.

2021 First-Round Quarterbacks

Out of the five quarterbacks drafted three years ago, only Trevor Lawrence remains with his original team in Jacksonville. Meanwhile, the others are making strides in their new roles. For instance, Mac Jones, now with the Jaguars, threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday, potentially cementing his place as QB2.

Some might argue that Justin Fields has already established himself as the leading candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting spot in 2024. Trey Lance is pushing hard to take over as Dak Prescott’s backup with the Dallas Cowboys, which could lead to more given Prescott’s ongoing contract negotiations. Zach Wilson has also shown some flashes in Denver, throwing a touchdown on Sunday, but he needs to do more to secure a spot on the Broncos’ final roster.

Sean McVay’s Leadership

The Los Angeles Rams secured a narrow 13-9 victory over the LA Chargers, but the bigger story was McVay entrusting his assistant Aubrey Pleasant with head coaching responsibilities for the evening. McVay aimed to give Pleasant some valuable experience in managing a game. “I had people that helped me when I was starting, and I want to do the same,” said McVay, reflecting on the importance of mentorship in coaching.

Mahomes and Kelce’s Chemistry

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to utilize their star players throughout the preseason. For the second week in a row, Mahomes participated, and although the game was not pivotal, he delivered what is likely the highlight of the month. Frustrated by his tight end Kelce’s lack of discipline, Mahomes threw a behind-the-back pass that went for an 8-yard gain. “Travis didn’t run the route correctly, and out of annoyance, I decided to throw it that way,” Mahomes explained after the game. This playful moment was a nice addition to an otherwise busy Saturday.

In a humorous twist, Kelce responded with mockery, saying, “Don’t let Patrick trick you into thinking I did something wrong.” The lighthearted banter was a delightful touch to the day’s events.

Xavier Worthy’s Impact

The newest member of the Chiefs, Xavier Worthy, made a standout impression. The first-round draft pick, recognized for his record 4.21-second 40-yard dash, accumulated 73 yards on four touches, including a 39-yard catch from Mahomes and a 22-yard touchdown reception from QB2 Carson Wentz. Quite impressive!

Caitlin Clark in the WNBA

The WNBA is back following the Olympics, and rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has led the Indiana Fever to victories at home, racking up a total of 52 points and 19 assists over the weekend. In between games, she enjoyed watching the Colts secure a win at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Brandon Aubrey

Yes, it’s just preseason, but that shouldn’t change how kickers perform. After an impressive rookie season where he successfully made his first 35 field-goal attempts in 2023, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey launched a 66-yarder in Las Vegas on Saturday — which would have equaled the NFL record if it had been in an official game. Without a doubt, Aubrey’s kick had plenty of distance and could have easily been good from 68 yards, surpassing Justin Tucker’s 66-yarder from 2021 that barely cleared the crossbar to set the official record.

Bears’ second-team offense

Chicago’s backup players have shown strong performance for several weeks, starting from the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. That trend continued Saturday afternoon when backup QB Tyson Bagent connected with WR Dante Pettis for two touchdowns in the third quarter during a decisive 27-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. It won’t be easy for Pettis to secure a roster spot considering DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and rookie Rome Odunze are already likely to make the team. However, players like Pettis and Collin Johnson have been proving they can make impactful plays, whether in Chicago or elsewhere.

Bears’ first team offense (final two drives)

Rookie QB Caleb Williams and his team started slow against Cincinnati, but they managed to score 10 points on their last two possessions before halftime. Odunze contributed with a 16-yard end-around and caught a great 45-yard pass from Williams, who also drew a 43-yard pass interference penalty on another deep attempt. The first overall pick of the draft capped off his day with an impressive 7-yard touchdown run. Keep that positivity alive, Chicago.

LOSERS

Bears’ first team offense (first three drives)

Things didn’t go well for Chicago’s starters on Saturday. Williams oversaw three straight three-and-out drives, resulting in only 16 yards and one intentional grounding penalty from the rookie. It’s a reminder to maintain realistic expectations, Chicago — the season is likely to be a rollercoaster ride.

San Francisco 49ers’ first-team offense

What can be called fool’s gold? The 49ers struggled, with Brock Purdy and the offense managing only 12 yards over three possessions, compiling 11 plays, and punting three times. This lack of rhythm is not surprising given that LT Trent Williams is holding out, WR Brandon Aiyuk is dealing with his own situation, and RB Christian McCaffrey is still getting ready for Week 1.

Younghoe Koo

It’s true, it’s preseason, but kickers should still perform consistently. Unfortunately for Koo, who has an impressive career field-goal percentage of 88.5% (ranking fourth in league history), he had a rough outing in Baltimore, missing three attempts from 40 to 49 yards, all of which went wide left.

Jacoby Brissett

Long seen as the likely starting quarterback for the New England Patriots this season, Brissett’s performance on Thursday night was underwhelming. He managed three drives, two of which ended in three-and-outs, and one that resulted in an interception in the end zone. His lackluster showing led rookie HC Jerod Mayo to indicate that the competition is still open, expressing the need for players to prove themselves to coaches and teammates. “The competition isn’t over,” Mayo stated Friday.

Davante Adams

Considering his frustrations from the previous season showcased in Netflix’s “Receiver,” you have to wonder how Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders felt watching Gardner Minshew II secure the QB1 job over Aidan O’Connell on Saturday night. Keep your chin up, Davante; there’s still time for the Silver and Black to trade you.

Daniel Jones

In his first game since a severe ACL injury sidelined him for the 2023 season, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones did not shine against the Houston Texans on Saturday. He threw two interceptions, including a particularly painful pick-six near his own end zone. While it is reasonable to give him some leeway to shake off the rust, especially without RB Saquon Barkley, the scrutiny on Jones will be significant this season, as this could be his last real shot to prove his worth as a QB1 in the NFL. Given his history of turnovers, this performance doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Raiders’ disregard for history

Last season, Las Vegas assigned O’Connell, who was then a rookie, the No. 4 jersey previously worn by franchise passing leader Derek Carr. Now, O’Connell has taken on the No. 12, a number associated with Hall of Famer Kenny “Snake” Stabler, the Silver and Black’s second all-time leading passer, and former league MVP Rich Gannon, who is third on the list. Perhaps the Raiders are hoping some of that historical magic rubs off on O’Connell, but so far, results have been lacking. Maybe that jersey number should be retired in Sin City.

Christian Jones

The rookie offensive lineman for the Arizona Cardinals, Christian Jones, had a rough day on Saturday in Indianapolis, drawing four holding penalties, including three in a row at one point. Not the kind of impression you want to create while vying for a spot on the team, especially as a fifth-round pick.

Mitch Trubisky

Once again serving as QB Josh Allen’s backup with the Buffalo Bills, Trubisky was met with boos during a preseason game at Acrisure Stadium, where he has spent the previous two seasons. It seems his return underscored why the Steelers went after Fields and Wilson in the offseason.

Simone Biles

The iconic and largely adored gymnast for Team USA faced criticism from Bears fans for donning Green Bay Packers attire at Soldier Field, even though it was in support of her husband, Chicago DB Jonathan Owens, who played with the Packers last season. Not a great way to win over Chicago fans, especially since they hold a strong dislike for the team from Wisconsin. “She hasn’t been around much, so she doesn’t have a lot of Bears gear and she was just supporting me,” said Owens. “We’ll need to get her some more Bears merchandise.”