First impressions of the rookie class in preseason action

Summary of First impressions of the rookie class in preseason action

by The Athletic

1h 3m•August 17, 2026
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Overview of The Athletic Football Show: First impressions of the rookie class in preseason action

Robert Mays and Dave Helman used Week 1 of the NFL preseason to take stock of the rookie class across the league, focusing on how young players are translating training-camp buzz into real game action. The big-picture takeaway: the preseason was sloppy as expected, but a number of rookies — especially quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends, and offensive linemen — flashed enough to make their teams’ early plans more interesting. The episode also spent time on a few notable injuries and on how certain coaching staffs are using preseason snaps to accelerate development.

Biggest Themes from Week 1

  • Preseason football was messy, but still informative.

    • The hosts repeatedly emphasized that the quality of play was uneven, with lots of penalties and sloppy execution.
    • Still, they argued that game action revealed things training camp cannot, especially for players at positions where live reps matter most.

  • Rookie quarterbacks generally held up well.

    • The overall feeling was that the rookie QB class “acquitted itself nicely.”
    • The bar was not “look like a star,” but rather “show command, avoid disaster, and make some real NFL-level throws.”

  • Young offensive playmakers stood out because of opportunity and fit.

    • Several rookie receivers and tight ends who had been strong in camp continued that momentum into preseason games.
    • The conversation highlighted how some players clearly fit the role their teams envision for them, while others benefited from thin depth charts and open competition.

  • Offensive line development mattered more than usual.

    • A handful of rookies along the offensive line got extended looks, and their early performance could shape starting jobs sooner than expected.

Notable Rookie Performances and Team Takeaways

Cardinals and Raiders

  • The Cardinals’ rookie running back looked explosive and physical, not just as a big-play threat but as someone who could handle contact and create extra yards.
  • His heavy early usage raised eyebrows, especially after he was banged up; the hosts discussed whether the workload was too aggressive.
  • The rookie quarterback in that game showed encouraging progression work — moving through reads, staying composed, and making tighter-window throws — while still displaying some of the pressure-related issues that showed up in college.

Rams

  • A rookie quarterback’s debut was viewed as a strong first step: efficient, composed, and aided by a scheme that gave him easy completions and play-action rhythm.
  • That performance opened the door to a real backup-quarterback conversation, especially since the incumbent behind the starter did not separate himself.

Packers-Steelers

  • One rookie offensive lineman made a strong case to force a decision at left guard.
  • Matt LaFleur’s postgame comments about the veteran starter were interpreted as a sign that the coaching staff may not be thrilled with the current state of the position.
  • The takeaway: if the rookie keeps playing well, Green Bay may end up making a very real lineup change.

Dolphins / Commanders

  • Miami’s rookie offensive lineman impressed in the run game, repeatedly moving defenders and helping the offense function smoothly.
  • The broader Dolphins takeaway was that a young, competent offensive line could make the whole unit much more watchable, especially with their skill-position talent.

Ravens / Colts / Tight End Group

  • The hosts were encouraged by a rookie tight end’s athleticism and versatility, especially on seams, screens, and explosive opportunities.
  • Their broader point: the modern tight end class may produce multiple players who earn roles quickly because teams can use them in specialized ways.

Bengals

  • Cincinnati’s under-center experiment had some good and bad.
  • The first big play looked promising, but there were also signs that the quarterback/run-game timing is still a work in progress.
  • The hosts framed it as a worthwhile adjustment, even if it costs some early-season precision.

Browns

  • This was one of the most important games of the weekend because the quarterback competition is still unresolved.
  • The veteran QB was uneven under pressure, including a bad strip-sack, and the rookie passer had both a beautiful throw and an egregious miss.
  • The hosts were clear that they’d rather see the more accurate young quarterback get a real chance, rather than letting money or sunk cost dictate the decision.
  • They also liked what they saw from several Browns rookies at receiver and on the edge.

Panthers / Bills

  • Carolina used its rookie receiver in the slot more than expected, hinting at a broader role than he had last year.
  • Buffalo’s defense looked solid in its limited snaps, and their rookie defensive lineman gave them a useful presence in run defense.

Seahawks / Cowboys

  • A rookie safety competition in Seattle appeared to have one player clearly ahead after the first preseason look.
  • Dallas also got a standout showing from an undrafted rookie receiver who made a strong push for a roster spot with big contested catches, including a one-handed touchdown.

Titans

  • Cam Ward’s first preseason action was rough enough to be concerning.
  • The hosts stressed that one bad preseason game is not destiny, but they definitely did not love the decision-making or accuracy on display.
  • There was a small bright spot in the offensive line play, particularly from J.C. Latham.

Injuries and Situations to Monitor

Jeremiah Love

  • His early preseason usage ended with an injury, which made the heavy-touch debate even more pointed.
  • The hosts explained the team’s reasoning: rookie backs often need live reps to get acclimated to NFL speed, since camp practices don’t provide enough true-contact work.

Cardinals guard injury

  • One rookie offensive lineman suffered a serious knee injury that appears likely to cost him most or all of the season, which is a real setback for a player the team liked long-term.

Jamal Adams

  • A non-contact injury appeared potentially season-ending.
  • The hosts were disappointed because he looked like he could have had a useful, flexible role in Brian Flores’ defense.

What to Watch Next

  • How much preseason action rookie quarterbacks keep getting

    • The next week of snaps should clarify backup competitions and development plans.

  • Whether teams continue to feature rookies in specialized roles

    • Especially at tight end, slot receiver, and along the offensive line.

  • Packers left guard competition

    • The veteran starter’s status and the rookie challenger’s continued performance could become a real storyline.

  • Browns quarterback battle

    • This is the most consequential competition discussed, and the hosts clearly want to see the more promising young passer get a legitimate shot.

  • Cam Ward’s next outing

    • The Titans’ offense needs a bounce-back performance to calm early concerns.

Bottom Line

The episode’s main message was that preseason Week 1 is not for overreaction, but it is useful for identifying which rookies are already looking playable. The biggest winners were generally the young quarterbacks who looked calm and functional, the rookie receivers/tight ends who turned camp momentum into game production, and a few linemen who may force early lineup decisions. The biggest caution flags were injuries and a couple of rough quarterback performances that could affect real competitions.