Here is a look at the first week of the 2022 NFL preseason, including scores and highlights. Browns QB Deshaun Watson struggles, rookie QBs around the league impress, "Punt God" Araiza's monster boot, and more NFL news.
NFL preseason Week 1 highlights
Here are the highlights around the NFL and top stories from the first preseason week of 2022:
Steelers Pickett top rookie QB of the week
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, a first-round draft pick and No. 20 overall, made an impressive debut finishing 13 of 15 for 95 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions, CBSSports reported. He tossed a game-winning touchdown pass to Tyler Vaughns with three seconds left to give Pittsburgh a 32-25 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Bills rookie Matt Araiza boots 82-yard punt
Bills rookie punter Matt Araiza carries the nickname "Punt God," and he showed why during Buffalo's preseason win over the on Saturday as he booted an 82-yard punt that traveled more than 75 yards in the air, CBSSports reported. You can see the punt here on Twitter.
Deshaun Watson struggles in first preseason game
Taking the field for the first time in 19 months, $230 million quarterback for the Cleveland Browns Deshaun Watson was noticeably rusty, completing just 1-of-5 passing for seven yards.
Jets: QB Zach Wilson injured
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson suffered a bone bruise and meniscus tear in Friday's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Wilson's ligaments in his right knee are reportedly fine, and he is expected to miss 2-4 weeks while recovering, per CBSSports.
Titans rookie QB Malik Willis makes impressive debut
Malik Willis, Titans rookie quarterback and a third-round pick, made an impressive debut this week, completing six of his 11 passes for 107 yards while rushing for 38 yards and a touchdown.
Vikings test backup QBs Sean Mannion and Kellen Mond with Kirk Cousins out
With Vikings starting quarterback Kirk Cousins out after testing positive for the virus, Minnesota put their backup quarterbacks Sean Mannion and Kellen Mond to the test, splitting the plays evenly, ESPN reported. Mond completed 9/14 for 119 passing yards and two touchdowns. Mannion completed eight of 12 passes for 79 yards.
NFL preseason Week 1 scores
Here are the scores from the first week of the 2022 NFL preseason:
Thursday, August 11
Giants 23, Patriots 21
Ravens 23, Titans 10
Friday, August 12
Falcons 27, Lions 23
Browns 24, Jaguars 13
Cardinals 36, Bengals 23
Jets 24, Eagles 21
49ers 28, Packers 21
Saturday, August 13
Panthers 23, Commanders 21
Bears 19, Chiefs 14
Bills 27, Colts 24
Steelers 32, Seahawks 25
Dolphins 26, Buccaneers 24,
Texans 17, Saints 13
Broncos 17, Cowboys 7
Rams 29, Chargers 23
Sunday, August 14
Raiders 26, Vikings 20