<
>

NFL preseason Week 1: All the best from Thursday's slate of games

play
Mayfield: I wouldn't say first NFL game was 'nerve-wracking' (1:39)

Baker Mayfield talks about his first NFL preseason game against the Giants, saying he's glad to have the experience under his belt. (1:39)

Football is back! While the games don't count in the standings, we're watching every game for rookie debuts, fantasy impact, injuries and more.

Off the field Thursday night, Dez Bryant told the Browns he's coming for a visit, Malcolm Jenkins explained why he raised his fist during the national anthem, and Colin Kaepernick drew attention to Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson protesting before the Dolphins-Bucs game.

Here's a roundup of the best from social media for each matchup Thursday night:


Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills


Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals


Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins

Seeing his first game action since December 11, 2016, quarterback Ryan Tannehill completed 4-of-6 passes for 32 yards. He only played one series, but he looked confident and functionally mobile. Most importantly, he came out healthy, and protection held up. A step in the right direction.

Jenna Laine, ESPN Staff Writer6y ago

In response to a pair of Dolphins players kneeling during the national anthem tonight, the NFL said there will be no discipline. Negotiations continue with the NFLPA about a potential new policy. From the league: "The NFL has been engaged in constructive discussions with the NFL Players Association regarding the anthem and issues of equality and social justice that are of concern to many Americans. While those discussions continue, the NFL has agreed to delay implementing or enforcing any club work rules that could result in players being disciplined for their conduct during the performance of the anthem. Meanwhile, there has been no change in the NFL's policy regarding the national anthem. The anthem will continue to be played before every game, and all player and non-player personnel on the field at that time are expected to stand during the presentation of the flag and performance of the anthem. Personnel who do not wish to do so can choose to remain in the locker room. We remain committed to working with the players to identify solutions and to continue making progress on important social issues affecting our communities."

Kevin Seifert, ESPN Staff Writer6y ago


Cleveland Browns at New York Giants

TD @david_njoku! #CLEvsNYG

A post shared by Cleveland Browns (@clevelandbrowns) on

OH MY! @saquon's first run πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯ #CLEvsNYG

A post shared by NFL (@nfl) on

@j_collins91's cleats! πŸ‘ŒπŸ”₯ #CLEvsNYG

A post shared by Cleveland Browns (@clevelandbrowns) on


Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles

The first time #Eagles fans have cheered for Dallas. #PITvsPHI

A post shared by Philadelphia Eagles (@philadelphiaeagles) on


New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars

That Teal tho... πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯

A post shared by Jacksonville Jaguars (@jaguars) on


Washington Redskins at New England Patriots


Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens


Tennessee Titans at Green Bay Packers

There wasn’t much that could be learned about the Packers’ new-look defense – not with seven potential starters sitting out and with new coordinator Mike Pettine rarely blitzing, so the biggest takeaway from the preseason-opening win over the Titans had to be the play of the backup quarterbacks. Brett Hundley showed heretofore unseen deep-ball accuracy, hitting Davante Adams in stride for a 48-yard play, and made quicker decisions on the way to a 9-of-14, 104-yard, one-touchdown, one-interception (that wasn’t completely his fault) night. Likewise, DeShone Kizer looked more comfortable in his two drives at the helm, giving the Packers hope that Aaron Rodgers’ backups have improved. Even undrafted rookie QB Tim Boyle threw a pair of TD passes.

Rob Demovsky, ESPN Staff Writer6y ago

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

Two catches. Two touchdowns. πŸ™ŒπŸ™Œ

A post shared by Houston Texans (@houstontexans) on


Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers

We have arrived. 😎 #DALvsSF

A post shared by Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) on

β€ͺShowtime ⭐️ #DALvsSF‬

A post shared by Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) on


Indianapolis Colts at Seattle Seahawks

@shaquem_griffin is making a statement. 😀 #AgainstAllOdds

A post shared by Seattle Seahawks (@seahawks) on

😁 #INDvsSEA

A post shared by Indianapolis Colts (@colts) on

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was sharp on his first drive against the Seahawks. Luck, who missed the entire 2017 season, completed 5-of-7 passes for 55 yards and led Indianapolis to a field goal on its opening possession.

John Pluym, ESPN6y ago