Safety Damar Hamlin made a triumphant return to the game after suffering a cardiac arrest earlier this year, helping the Buffalo Bills secure a thrilling 23-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in a preseason matchup on Saturday. Hamlin’s comeback was a moment of joy for both his team and the viewers who had feared they might never see him play again after witnessing his collapse and subsequent revival by medical staff in January.
Entering the game during the second defensive series, Hamlin wasted no time making an impact. One of his standout plays came in the second quarter when he prevented rookie running back Evan Hull from converting a fourth-and-1 play, stopping him at the Buffalo 40 for no gain. This crucial defensive play resulted in a turnover on downs, giving the Bills a momentum boost.
The Colts also showcased their young talent during the game. Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, completed 7 of 12 passes for 67 yards but threw an interception. Meanwhile, Gardner Minshew displayed his accuracy by connecting on all six of his pass attempts for 72 yards.
Despite missing star quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs, the Bills managed to find success on offense. Quarterback Matt Barkley threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Tyrell Shavers, contributing to the team’s victory.
In another preseason matchup, the New York Jets dominated the Carolina Panthers, securing a 27-0 win in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Jets’ defense stifled the Panthers’ offense, allowing only 165 yards of total offense and preventing them from entering the red zone throughout the game. Jimmy Moreland intercepted a pass, while the Jets’ defense recorded four sacks on Carolina quarterback Matt Corral and one on Bryce Young.
On the offensive side, Jets quarterback Zach Wilson showcased his skills by completing 14 of 20 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. Tim Boyle, serving as the backup quarterback, added to the Jets’ success with 84 yards passing and two touchdowns on 9-of-10 passing. Additionally, Israel Abanikanda led the Jets’ rushing attack with 56 yards on 12 carries.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat the Dallas Cowboys 28-23. Third-string rookie quarterback Nathan Rourke played a pivotal role by throwing a touchdown pass and running for another to secure the victory. Jaguars’ starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence played three series, completing 5 of 6 passes for 36 yards, including a touchdown pass but also throwing an interception. The Cowboys’ Will Grier had a solid performance, going 22-of-31 for 199 yards and two touchdowns, although he did throw an interception. The running game was led by the Cowboys’ Vaughn, who rushed for 50 yards.
Lastly, the Chicago Bears overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the Tennessee Titans 23-17. Quarterback Justin Fields impressed with a perfect 3-of-3 passing for 129 yards in limited action, while running back Roschon Johnson rushed for 44 yards on 12 carries. The Bears’ defense shut out the Titans in the second half, while kicker Cairo Santos contributed three field goals to secure the victory. For the Titans, Malik Willis threw for 189 yards but also had an interception and lost a fumble. Julius Chestnut led the Titans’ rushing attack with 46 yards on seven carries.
Overall, these preseason games provided a platform for teams to evaluate their players and build chemistry ahead of the regular season. While victories are always welcomed, the focus remains on player development and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming NFL season.
