NFL preseason roundup: Bridgewater, Darnold sharp for Jets

[August 11, 2018] 

The New York Jets' preseason home opener, a 17-0 home win over the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, spiced up the already intriguing quarterback situation, as rookie Sam Darnold and veteran Teddy Bridgewater each threw for almost 100 yards and a touchdown in limited playing time.

Darnold, the third overall pick who didn't sign with the team until late last month, is trying to show that he is ready to step in. He completed 13 of 18 passes for 96 yards.

Bridgewater, the former Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback, is trying to rebound after missing almost two seasons with a torn ACL and a dislocated kneecap. He connected on 7 of 8 passes for 85 yards.

Running back Isaiah Crowell caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Bridgewater with 4:38 left in the first quarter, and wide receiver Charles Johnson grabbed a 14-yard pass from Darnold with 46 seconds to go before halftime.

Falcons starting quarterback Matt Ryan played one series, but star wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman did not take the field.

Kurt Benkert, a rookie out of Virginia, completed 9 of 17 passes for 125 yards for the Falcons, and veteran Matt Schaub completed all nine of his passes for 54 yards.

Raiders 16, Lions 10

Quarterback Connor Cook threw for 141 yards and a 7-yard second-quarter touchdown to wide receiver Ryan Switzer as host Oakland defeated Detroit.

Rookie running back Chris Warren piled up 86 yards on 13 carries in coach Jon Gruden's return to the Raiders sideline.

Aug 10, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (18) passes the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

With Matt Stafford not playing the opener for the Lions, Jake Rudock and Matt Cassel, in his 14th season, posted similar numbers. Rudock completed 12 of 19 passes for 84 yards, and Cassel was 10-of-18 for 81 yards.

Kerryon Johnson led Detroit running backs with 34 yards on seven carries, although the rookie from Auburn also had a nifty 57-yard run called back for a holding penalty. Running back Ameer Abdullah scored the Lions' only touchdown on a 1-yard run.

Before the game, Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch, who had a 60-yard touchdown in the first series nullified by a penalty, remained seated on the bench for the national anthem, surrounded by his teammates, who were standing.

--Field Level Media

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