Jul 25, 2025; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) looks on during a drill at training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn ImagesJul 25, 2025; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) looks on during a drill at training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Castoff players union boss Lloyd Howell was largely right in asserting “no one wants more preseason” when discussing the give-and-take imminent between the NFL and its players around an 18-game regular season.
But the Week 2 preseason party at Soldier Field was one to remember.
Caleb Williams was decisive, accurate and commanded an offense that showed glimmers of Ben Johnson’s last offense — the Detroit Lions’ juggernaut — with weapons inside, outside and a well-compensated, overhauled line capable of setting the tone.
Chicago’s defense again stood out, but we temper the Monsters of the Midway talk with an important footnote: Mitchell Trubisky and Mike White played quarterback for the Bills on Sunday.
For those in a fantasy football cram session, peep the opening two possessions of this game and discern for yourself how high the ceiling could be for rookie tight end Colston Loveland. He caught the first pass of the game, and tight ends were featured with a capital F.
Here are five other takeaways from the second week of the NFL preseason:
Houston, we have a tone-setter
Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) is introduced before the game between the Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesNov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) is introduced before the game between the Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Nick Chubb flashed vintage form behind the reconfigured Texans’ offensive line with five carries for 25 yards. Joe Mixon might be back in the lineup, which would give the Texans a formidable 1-2 punch and help preserve two higher-mileage backs with injury history.
Blocking has been a clear upgrade for Houston after struggling to generate a consistent surge and keep C.J. Stroud clean last season.
Colts TE Tyler Warren bringing the juice
Apr 26, 2025; University Park, PA, USA; Former Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren walks on the sideline prior to the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn ImagesApr 26, 2025; University Park, PA, USA; Former Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren walks on the sideline prior to the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Warren had a big play in Saturday’s game against the Packers and is standing out in all phases. He brings more physicality than advertised and hasn’t shown any drop-off when the Colts flip from Daniel Jones to Anthony Richardson in the ongoing quarterback battle.
Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson keeps piling up highlights
Yes, Ashton Jeanty is the rookie running back to know in this class and scored a touchdown against the 49ers on Saturday. And Buccaneers first-rounder Emeka Egbuka appears to be on a star track in Tampa.
But if there’s a rookie with a better preseason reel than Henderson, we’d love to see it. Henderson had another touchdown — an 8-yard run through, over and around the Vikings’ defense — and picked up 20 yards on five carries. His speed and playmaking instincts are too rich to ignore for the Patriots.
J-E-T-S and the QB conundrum
Will the Jets stick with Justin Fields if the passing game continues to be a series of misfires?
Fields did not look comfortable, and the Jets were punchless against the Giants with their starting offense on the field Saturday. There’s concern Fields is not on the same page with No. 1 wide receiver Garrett Wilson. He has been targeted four times and doesn’t have a catch in two exhibition games.
It’s too early to sound the alarm, but the slow start is ominous. Especially knowing the Week 1 assignment is Fields’ most recent team, the Steelers, and lockdown cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Did the Falcons finally solve their pass-rush problem?
Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) sacks UTEP quarterback JP Pickles (19) during a college football game between Tennessee and UTEP at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGESTennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. (27) sacks UTEP quarterback JP Pickles (19) during a college football game between Tennessee and UTEP at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES
Atlanta hasn’t had a pass rush for years, but rookie James Pearce Jr. might be part of the solution. One of two edge defenders targeted by Atlanta early in the 2025 draft — the Falcons also drafted Jalon Walker — Pearce’s speed has been a factor in each of the first two games. He had three quarterback pressures on Friday night against the Titans.
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