The 2026 NFL Preseason Week 1 games provided a glimpse into the future of several franchises, with some players stepping up and others facing challenges. Here's a breakdown of what we learned from the action-packed weekend.
Keon Coleman's Redemption Arc
One of the most intriguing storylines to emerge was Keon Coleman's performance for the Buffalo Bills. After a rough second season, Coleman entered the 2026 campaign with questions about his future hanging over his head. However, he wasted no time in silencing the doubters. During the Bills' second drive of the game, Coleman showcased his red-zone prowess, catching a 9-yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen. This early success is a positive sign for Coleman, who has been working hard in training camp. With DJ Moore already in midseason form, Coleman's role as a red-zone target is set to be solidified. The question now is whether this performance will be a harbinger of a bounce-back season for the 6-foot-3, 213-pound receiver.
Panthers' Defense: A Bright Spot
The Carolina Panthers' defense offered a glimmer of hope in their preseason opener. Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd, both free-agent acquisitions, made an immediate impact against the Bills' starters. Phillips' red-zone sack of Josh Allen was a highlight, and he continued to pressure the quarterback throughout the game. Lloyd, on the other hand, showcased his tackling ability and run-stopping skills, recording three tackles and a run stuff in 12 plays. These performances bode well for the Panthers' defense, which has been a concern in recent seasons.
Deshaun Watson's Comfort in Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns' quarterback battle took an interesting turn as Deshaun Watson made his live debut in nearly two years. Watson appeared more comfortable operating under new head coach Todd Monken's offense compared to his previous stint with Kevin Stefanski. While he didn't light up the scoreboard (11-of-15 passing, 26 yards), Watson's performance was decent enough to keep the competition alive. The real star of the show was Shedeur Sanders, who threw a 35-yard strike to Luke Floriea in the third quarter. However, it's worth noting that Sanders and his understudy, Dillon Gabriel, had their fair share of misses, which could impact their starting roles.
Ben Johnson's Offensive Mastery
Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson showcased his schematic brilliance without playing any starters. Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum combined for 320 passing yards and three touchdowns. Once the backups entered, Johnson's offense went into overdrive, shredding the Browns' defense. Players like Ray-Ray McCloud, Salvon Ahmed, Maurice Alexander, and Scotty Miller had productive outings, highlighting the depth and talent within the Bears' offense.
Minnesota Vikings' QB Battle
The Vikings' quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy was a topic of interest. Murray, named the Week 1 starter, completed a few short passes and led a drive that ended with a field goal. However, McCarthy struggled to find success downfield, ending his day with 34 yards on 4-of-7 passing. The battle for the starting role is far from over, and both quarterbacks will need to step up their game as the season progresses.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The 2026 NFL Preseason Week 1 games provided a glimpse into the future of several franchises. While some players shone brightly, others faced challenges that will shape their seasons. As the regular season approaches, teams will need to build on these performances and address the areas that need improvement. The NFL landscape is ever-evolving, and these preseason games offer a valuable opportunity for teams to fine-tune their strategies and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
