2023 Bama in the NFL Tracker: 5 Takeaways from NFL Preseason Week 2
The second week of the preseason saw the first snaps of 2023 for multiple Alabama players and others get increased roles:
The second week of the preseason saw the first snaps of 2023 for multiple Alabama players and others get increased roles. Note: This will be updated through Monday Night Football.
NFL Preseason Week 2 Takeaways
- Bryce Young still has yet to throw a touchdown pass in the NFL. Is it time to panic on the first-overall pick? Hardly, as preseason game statistics don't actually matter, and right now, Young is simply getting acclimated to the NFL and the speeds at which the defense plays. Young still remains calm and collected in the pocket, reading the defense and making correct decisions with the ball. One thing is evident though: The offensive line is struggling, and has to improve if the Panthers have any hope of being successful in 2023. Young was under duress on almost every drop back during the preseason game against the Giants, and he's going to need time for this wide receiver corps to get open.
- Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe have staked their claims in the Eagles defensive back room. In the second preseason game against the Browns, Jobe was the starting cornerback. He recorded no stats, as Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson avoided his side of the field all night. Eli Ricks had a pick-six in the first preseason game, and was effective Week 2, with one tackle and one pass defended. Jobe is making a strong bid to make the final roster and he see legitimate playing time during the season on special teams, and/or in the event of an injury to one of the starting corners.
- Speaking of players who is turning heads in preseason games, DeMarcco Hellams once again secured a pick. He was the second-leading tackler for the Falcons as well. Hellams has been playing great, and should he make the 53-man roster, could excel as a box safety that plays close to the line of scrimmage.
- Will Anderson Jr. is going to be a problem in the NFL. He totaled two tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit in limited snaps on Saturday. Interior linebacker Christian Harris also had two tackles in limited snaps. Offensively, John Metchie III had one catch as he continues his return to football after missing his entire rookie season. On the other side of the Texans vs. Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa had a rough start to his day, throwing a pick on his first pass. He rebounded well though, leading the Dolphins on a touchdown drive where he was 5 of 6 for 61 yards. One of the biggest positives from this game: Tua appears to have learned how to roll his body away from his head when he falls. If he can stay healthy, the Dolphins can be legitimate contenders in 2023.
- Mac Jones struggled during his first action in 2023. He was 6 of 9 for 52 yards and one fumble lost during his couple of series against the Packers, whose defensive line was in Jones's face all night. Jones should improve as he continues to build chemistry with his starting offense. Defensively, there were former Alabama players all over the field, with Christian Barmore making a tackle, Anfernee Jennings had a tackle, and Mack Wilson Sr. notching four total tackles on the night. The game was stopped early due to an unfortunate injury, but reports have been released that the player is alright.
Click on the following link for updated NFL preseason Week 1 statistics of former Crimson Tide players:
NFL Preseason Week 2 Preview
The NFL Preseason continues, and NFL teams are preparing for the upcoming season by participating in more joint practices, as well as getting ready to play their starters or let their starters play more than just a couple of series. What does this mean for former Alabama players?
- For the Eagles and the Browns, things got heated during joint practices, with a couple of scuffles happening between the two highly competitive teams. While neither has announced if starters will play yet, cornerback Eli Ricks will get reps during the second preseason game after a strong performance in the first. Ricks was an undrafted free agent signing for Philadelphia, but after allowing just one catch on four targets, as well as a pick-six, Ricks is off to a good start in trying to solidify a spot on the Eagles 53-man roster. Josh Jobe should also see some reps for the Eagles during Thursday's preseason game. Jobe has had a good preseason camp, and ended joint practice with a pick on Browns quarterback Joshua Dobbs, making Eagles starter Darius Slay feel like "a proud dad."
- Bryce Young did not have the preseason debut that many, including the Panthers, had hoped for last week. After getting a taste of the NFL action against the Jets, Young will face the other team from New York: the Giants. Young's offensive line took the blame for his rough debut, claiming, "He shouldn't get hit at all, that's on us." Young and the Panthers offensive line will face another test with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence II lining up on the other side. Young should get a better opportunity to shine this week, as he will more than likely play more than three series. On the opposite side, Young will have to navigate former Alabama defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson, as well as try not to throw a pick to Xavier McKinney.
- You'll be hard-pressed to find a matchup in the NFL with a bigger Alabama presence than the Dolphins and the Texans. Both teams participated in joint practice this week, and Alabama players were making plays all over the field. After practice, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said, "It was really good to see [John Metchie III], a lot of the other Bama guys as well ... It was a good alumni meeting." The Dolphins and the Texans will suit up for their second joint practice on Thursday before their game on Saturday. It's expected that many Dolphins starters, including Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, and Raekwon Davis, will make their preseason debut. Meanwhile, Henry To'oTo'o, Metchie, and Will Anderson Jr. all saw playing time during the Texans' matchup with the Patriots last week. Christian Harris also had a pick-six against Tagovailoa during Wednesday's team period.
- Mac Jones and the Patriots starters struggled in their first joint practice with the Packers on Wednesday. Jones and the Patriots starters could move the ball efficiently, even "winning" one of the team periods thanks to a "game-winning" field goal, but outside of that team period the Packers front seven stopped the ground game, plus the Packers secondary had the passing game struggling. The Patriots starters are expected to get some reps in the second preseason game, so the coaching staff will be looking for improvement. For the Patriots defense, Christian Barmore should also see some play during the second preseason game. Mack Wilson Jr. and Anfernee Jennings should get some playing time once the New England starters bow out for the night.
- For the Ravens, they'll have to dig deep into the secondary depth with the injury to cornerback Marlon Humphrey that is expected to have him miss the first couple of weeks of the season. This is where another Alabama alum will come into play: Jalyn Armour-Davis. He is currently listed as a backup on the Ravens depth chart but should see his role increase. For the Commanders, their defensive line led by Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne looks ready as ever to wreak havoc in opposing offensive backfields. Brian Robinson Jr. has had a solid preseason camp for the Commanders and should look to have an increased role in the offense heading into year two fully healthy. The Commanders starters should see playing time in the second preseason game, which could mean problems for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense.
How to Watch NFL Preseason Week 2
Thursday's Games
Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles, 6:30 p.m. CT, NFL Network
Friday's Games
Carolina Panthers at New York Giants, 6 p.m., NFL Network
Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday's Games
Jacksonville Jaguars at Detroit Lions, noon, NFL Network
Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans, 3 p.m., NFL Network
Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers, 5:30 p.m.
Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts, 6 p.m., NFL Network
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets, 6:30 p.m.
New England Patriots at Green Bay Packers, 7 p.m.
Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings, 7 p.m.
Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals, 7 p.m.
Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers, 7:30 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams, 8 p.m.
Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks, 9 p.m., NFL Network
Sunday's Game
New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers, 6:05 p.m., NFL Network
Monday's Game
Baltimore Ravens at Washington Commanders, 7 p.m., ESPN
See Also:
Active Alabama Crimson Players in the NFL
All-Time Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL
