Preseason Insights: What We Learned From Thursday Night Games

Gathering too much insight from preseason games can be a bit tricky. It often feels misguided to dive deep into team performances and try to predict regular season success based on those games. Most teams are either playing it safe with basic strategies or experimenting with unusual tactics. The real takeaway is to spot encouraging or concerning trends from a broader perspective.

There were three games on Thursday night featuring solid teams with hopes for playoff contention in 2025. Here’s what we gleaned from those matchups and the victorious squad.

Bengals: A Disappointing Showing

The Bengals’ starting offense seemed sharp—Joe Burrow was in good form, and Ja’Marr Chase was electrifying. However, it’s concerning because they should’ve performed even better, especially since the Eagles rested their starters.

Cincinnati aimed to make a statement in this game after a rocky offseason, with Trey Hendrickson unhappy about his contract and Shemar Stewart only just signing his rookie deal. After investing a lot into preseason hopes, a loss like this can feel pretty alarming.

What stands out from the Bengals’ 27-34 defeat is their lack of depth. Once the first team stepped off the field, the drop-off was remarkable. They got dominated by the Eagles’ second and third string players. Sure, the Eagles are Super Bowl champions, but the Bengals needed to demonstrate they could hold their own, especially given the circumstances.

It’s perplexing that Tanner McKee managed to throw for 252 yards and two touchdowns against them, especially on a 25-20 completion rate. Cincinnati seems to struggle outside their key players like Burrow, Chase, and Higgins. This defensive gap has been an ongoing issue.

It’s not that I’m saying Cincinnati can’t compete based on this game alone, but it revealed how thin they are overall. Making a serious playoff run usually requires relying on backups, and based on what we saw, I’m uncertain they have enough talent.

Colts: A Positive Outlook

Indianapolis had a rough outing against the Ravens, but despite limited action, I’m feeling optimistic about Anthony Richardson. His throwing mechanics looked more refined, and his decision-making was sensible. Sure, the separation from his receivers wasn’t stellar—most were second and third stringers—but he still made some plays.

There was a close call for an interception on a 50/50 throw, but I think that was more about a great defensive play than a bad decision on Richardson’s part. What I found concerning was the offensive line’s protection. Richardson faced significant pressure, which is troubling for a team trying to build his confidence. Poor protection can hinder his development, and that’s something the Colts can’t afford this season.

On the other hand, Daniel Jones was just okay. Honestly, it’s hard to see how this becomes a competitive quarterback battle at this point. He seemed shaky in the pocket, rarely comfortable, and often reacted to pressure that wasn’t really there. He doesn’t appear to have the same skill set for the tight throws that Richardson attempted.

Ravens: Keaton Mitchell Stands Out

Baltimore’s third-string running back had a memorable performance against the Colts, finishing with 68 yards on nine carries and a touchdown. While the offensive line played well for him, Mitchell also showcased impressive poise while handling the ball. His speed and agility could make him a valuable change-of-pace option this season.

He consistently gained 4-5 yards before breaking out for bigger runs. I really like that quality, and it seems he has the potential to become a reliable second running back behind Derrick Henry.

Seahawks: Jalen Milroe’s Potential

Despite concerns about the hefty contract given to Sam Darnold, a lot of hope surrounds Jalen Milroe as Seattle’s future. While his pocket presence needs work, he demonstrated impressive playmaking ability during his limited time on the field Thursday.

Milroe has a knack for keeping his eyes downfield while maneuvering, and though his mechanics aren’t polished, you can see the foundational skills. He’s incredibly fast with the ball, which could be a bright spot for Seattle going forward.

Raiders: Cammiller Might Impress

Every preseason, there’s usually a quarterback who surprises everyone, and this time it might be Raiders’ third-stringer, Come Miller. Drafted from North Dakota, he showcased his arm strength and seemed to elevate the offense compared to Aidan O’Connell.

Of course, it’s easier to shine against players lower on the depth chart, but I was genuinely impressed with Miller’s performance in his limited time. While this is Geno Smith’s team, there’s enough potential there that you can’t help but wonder if Miller might rise above the third-string role. It would certainly be worth keeping an eye on him as preseason progresses.