Top 10 Plays from NFL Preseason Week 2
With the second week of preseason in the books, we’re halfway through. For many players, the second week of preseason was the moment to stand out before the starters came back into the lineups, in the hope of making roster sports. These were the top 10 standout plays of the last week.
10. Here come the Boone!
Mike Boone, competing for the third running back position, didn’t have the best night statistically. He rushed for 66 yards from 21 carries, averaging 3.1 per attempt. Yet, this may distract from the stellar performance Boone put on show. Most notably, Boone was able to turn a 5 yard catch into a 45 yard catch in his only reception against the Seahawks. Having snaked his way round the line of scrimmage, Boone received the ball and accelerated out of a diving tackle. After gaining the first down, Boone was able to break loose for 45 yards with thanks due to his toughness, elusiveness and speed. On his way to the right sideline, Boone was able to break another tackle due to his toughness and get to the edge with his speed, finally being shoved out inside the 10.
9. Wishnowsky introduces the NFL to Aussie Rules football
49ers General Manager John Lynch came under some pressure from fans on social media after a supposed reach on the aussie punter Wishnowsky in the fourth round. Whilst pressure on Lynch hasn’t alleviated, concerns over the fourth round draft pick have. Not only has the aussie shown fans booming kicks, but also a toughness that many punters are ridiculed for a lack of. The former Aussie rules football player tackled the Bronco’s punt returner around the 22 yard line in dominant fashion, even warranting a review of his toughness and tackling on ‘Madden 20’
9. Bourne’s Toe Tapping TD
The 49ers committee approach to wide receivers, at least initially, appears to be working in preseason. With impressive rookie performances from Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurts, it is the third year undrafted rookie who makes the standout play as he sealed the game with excellent technique. Nick Mullens sent a corner fade in the direction of Bourne who was in one on one coverage. Whilst at first the catch does seem that impressive, Kendrick Bourne is able to highpoint the ball and tap his second foot in even with tight coverage from the defender.
7. McNichols flips into the endzone
Whilst McNichols was kept quiet in terms of rushing averaging 2.2 yards per rush against the reigning SuperBowl champions, they couldn’t prevent a spectacular diving touchdown from the Titan’s running back. Receiving the ball on the 15 yard line, McNicohls, who also has the nickname ‘McWeapon’, flipped uncontrollably into the endzone for the touchdown.
6. Andy Isabella’s effortless TD
As time wore down in the fourth quarter, Andy Isabella made room for one last highlight worthy play. The Cardinal displayed his raw speed as he burnt a defender on a streaking route where the ball was perfect weighted for Isabella to take it in-stride. The desperate attempt made by the defender to break up the pass was futile and he could only watch on as Isabella went on to take the ball for a 59 yard touchdown.
5. Haskins’ First TD
Despite a somewhat lacklustre, but expected, opening preseason game, Dwayne Haskins’ rectified this early his second game. With two minutes left in the second quarter, Haskins holds firm in the collapsed pocket and with a Bengal in the motions of taking the rookie quarterback down, he fires a perfectly thrown 55 yard bomb to Robert Davis. Not a bad first touchdown for the Buckeye.
4. Diving Duck interception
The rookie free agent, Clifton Duck, made a spectacular, individual play worthy of any top 10 list. With the Giants position on the Bears’ 1 yard line, Duck reads the fake run and is able to hustle across the line of scrimmage. Duck meets the ball mid-flight as he leaps to make the catch, reminiscent of an action movie. Unfortunately for Duck, he was chased down by Alonso Russell who prevented the pick six as he dragged him down around the 35 yard line.
3. Denzel Perryman’s textbook goal line defence
Early in the fourth quarter, and defending a one score lead, Denzel Perryman made a textbook tackle to deny the Saints. Perryman met the Saints running back, Ozigbo, one yard behind the scrimmage line and completely destroys the running back. Not only does Perryman find strong contact with Ozigbo, but he finds contact between the ball and his helmet, dislodging the ball loose, and forcing a turnover to prevent any points for the Saints.
2. Pope praised for 81 yard punt return
There’s been no shortage of Special Teams touchdowns, but Troymaine Pope’s 81 yard punt return is certainly one of the best. Receiving the ball in his own redzone, Pope somehow makes a man miss as he effortlessly shifts his body weight whilst the defender flies by. From then on, Pope glides past the oncoming defender, breaking two arm tackles in the process before comfortably winning the footrace in for the touchdown
- Wade making waves
Many, including himself, expected Wade’s sensational touchdown last week to be the only major highlight from the former rugby union player before he disappeared into the practice squad. To my surprise, Wade had an equally memorable contribution this week against the Panthers. Emerging out of the backfield, Wade received his first pass and instantaneously sidesteps a would-be tackler. Wade waited for the oncoming defenders before displaying his burst of speed, leaving three Panthers tackling each other as he smashes through the smallest of gaps. The only downside of the play is that Wade didn’t get the touchdown his allusiveness deserved. But nonetheless, with plays such as these, Wade is on the correct path to displaying he has the raw talent worthy of a roster spot.