#Nfl kickoff week 1 full

His comfort on inside-zone and one-cut runs was clear as he squeezed through collapsing defenders. He carried the ball only five times but raced for 49 yards. Pierce isn't on the same level as Kamara athletically, but he showed he has what it takes to start for Houston in his first game. His lack of usage left evaluators wondering about his potential like Alvin Kamara's lack of touches in college created uncertainty. He accumulated just 329 rushes in four years and produced 1,806 yards and 23 touchdowns. Pierce's breakout in 2021 at Florida featured 5.7 yards per carry and 19 receptions for 216 yards and three scores as a receiver. But he hasn't been that player in two seasons, and the Texans just invested a fourth-round pick in Dameon Pierce. If free-agent signing Marlon Mack could get back to the explosive rusher he was in 2019 before tearing his Achilles the following season, he would presumably be the primary ball-carrier. The Houston Texans entered the preseason with one of the more uncertain backfields across the league. Continuing to produce as they did in Week 1 will give their coaching staff no choice but to reconsider their current place on the depth chart. Each player has the chance to start or earn a significant role this season.

We've identified and ranked the seven most surprising performances of Week 1 of the NFL preseason slate.

#Nfl kickoff week 1 full

Whether they're working under a new coaching staff or benefiting from a full offseason or a revamped routine, there are notable risers across the NFL. Sometimes, the standout players are those who have taken a leap in their development since we last saw them. Week 1's opening kickoff is now less than one month away.Īs with every preseason, there are breakout performers who can solidify their role or roster spot. Even though we barely saw starters participate in some games and a handful of teams opted to sit the majority of their regular-season roster, the NFL is back. The first week of the 2022 NFL preseason brought a refreshing set of games after a long offseason.