No preseason filled with star players to talk about weren’t what the National Football League experienced through most of the last decade. As time passed, there has been a comprehensive calendar change which makes NFL practices vacant and games slow because of the lack of intensity. Moreover, Thursday Night Football has often been greeted by criticisms on its “unproductive quality.” In response to these concerns, the NFL announced in 2020 that every team would play one game apiece on Saturday and Sunday. This new practice is largely considered as a step forward for more competitive Week 1 games and for giving more teams a chance to win each week.
When are the NFL’s 2022 preseason games?
The Seahawks take on the Bears at Chicago’s Rose Bowl on Thursday night in the first preseason game. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. PT and will be televised by Fox. Below are five things to watch for in this contest:
1) Russell Wilson’s fitness level: With a full offseason to prepare, Seattle hopes that their third-year quarterback can show a more consistent performance than he did last year when he struggled through an inconsistent season as the starter. Wilson is expected to play most of the first half barring any major injuries, so it will be interesting to see how he looks early on and whether or not he takes advantage of his new receivers (Paul Richardson and Tyler Lockett).
2) Tarvarus McFadden vs. Khalil Mack: The battle of the rookies should be one of the highlights of this game. Both players are expected to start and could see extensive playing time against each other. McFadden, who was drafted second overall in 2018, has shown flashes of brilliance during his short career while Mack was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 after dazzling observers withhis pass-rush ability.
3) Jordan Howard vs. Earl Thomas: Howard had a rough season last year but is still one of the best running backs in the league if he can rein in his temper and stay healthy. Thomas is recovering from surgery to repair a fractured tibia but should still provide good coverage downfield for Seattle’s
Brett Hundley’s interception return for a touchdown Week 6 highlights
The Seattle Seahawks host the Chicago Bears on Thursday night in the 2016 NFL season opener. Here are three things we learned from Thursday night’s game:
1. The Seahawks defense is among the best in the league. While they allowed 554 yards of total offense, 242 of which came on a touchdown pass to Cam Newton, Seattle’s defense was able to force two turnovers and hold Carolina to only three points in the fourth quarter. This unit ranks first in both yards allowed (317.3) and points allowed (16.7) this preseason and should continue to be one of the strongest units in the League this year.
2. Rookie quarterback Brett Hundley had an impressive debut for the Bears against a tough Seahawks defense. Hundley completed 14 of 22 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. He displayed poise under pressure and showed flashes of brilliance, such as his fourth-quarter interception return for a touchdown which set up Marion Barber’s go-ahead score early in the fourth quarter. With Jay Cutler expected to miss at least eight weeks with a broken thumb, Hundley will have plenty of opportunity to show his stuff this season and may eventually supplant Cutler as Chicago’s starting QB moving forward.
3. Rookie running back Jordan Howard showed why he was drafted by Chicago with 183 yards on 44 carries (5 rush touchdowns). Howard outpowered Tevin Coleman, who ran for 89 yards on 26 carries
Seahawks beat Bears 24-17 with a defensive firework
The Seattle Seahawks pulled out a 24-17 victory over the Chicago Bears on Thursday night, thanks in part to some defensive fireworks.
The Seahawks forced three turnovers, including a strip sack and fumble recovery by linebacker K.J. Wright that led to a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Defensive back Richard Sherman added an interception later in the game that set up another scoring opportunity.
“It was just one of those things where we were able to capitalize on our opportunities,” Wright said after the game. “We stuck together as a unit and did what we had to do.”
Running back Thomas Rawls made his presence felt with 130 yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns. Tight end Jimmy Graham added 54 yards on four catches and caught two touchdowns for Seattle (4-1).
While the Seahawks defense was dominant, quarterback Russell Wilson was efficient despite being sacked six times. He finished 23-of-34 for 283 yards and two touchdowns, adding 58 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown. Chicago’s Mitchell Trubisky struggled, completing just 14 of 37 passes for 172 yards with one interception.
NFL Season 2022 Outlook: Packers, Cardinals, Bears
The Packers are coming off of a playoff appearance in 2021 and look to be one of the favorites to make it back again in 2022. Losing key offensive players like quarterback Aaron Rodgers, running back Jamaal Williams, and receiver Davante Adams will definitely test their depth, but they should still be a top contender. The Cardinals should also be among the most improved teams in the NFL this season. Quarterback Kyler Murray is coming off of a record-breaking rookie campaign, while wide receiver Christian Kirk (assuming he recovers from his injury) is one of the league’s most exciting young talents. On the defensive side of the ball, coordinator Steve Wilks’ unit looks promising. This may not be as dominant as last season’s unit, but they’re better overall and should still cause problems for opposing offenses. In Chicago, new head coach Matt Nagy looks to have assembled a talented roster that is full of potential. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky showed flashes of brilliance last season and has plenty of other offensive weapons at his disposal. However, it will be up to Nagy to get them all on track and produce consistent results for Chicago.
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