NFL preseason 2019: 3 takeaways from the first big night

Ameer Tyree

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NFL preseason 2019: 3 takeaways from the first big night image

Even if it's just the preseason, there was plenty of NFL action Thursday.

Players are looking to build momentum as the regular season approaches, and quite a few did just that.

Here are three takeaways from the first big night of the 2019 preseason: 

Daniel Jones looked ready to go from the start

New York received a lot of heat from its fans after it selected Jones out of Duke with the No. 6 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. But, he showed promise en route to his team's 31-22 win over the Jets in his preseason debut.

The Giants quarterback looked poised against the Jets and went 5 for 5 on passing attempts for 67 yards, ending his lone drive of the night with a touchdown pass to the corner of the end zone.

Don't put too much stock in his performance, because it's only his first preseason game. However, seeing him step in comfortably is definitely a plus for the Giants.

Eli Manning will still likely be the Week 1 starter, though. He completed his only throw of the game for three yards.

The Patriots are still finding diamonds in the rough

New England routed the Lions 31-3 and one undrafted rookie burst onto the national scene for the defending champs.

Jakobi Meyers is a quarterback turned wide receiver just like one of Tom Brady's all-time favorite targets — Julian Edelman. He made Thursday his coming out party.

The NC State product has already earned first team reps in camp and tallied six receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns against Detroit.

Meyers could prove to be a valuable part of New England's receiving corps in the regular season now that Rob Gronkowski has retired. Meyers sat out the entire second half, so it appears like he could be high on the Patriots' depth chart.

The Ravens are looking to do more with Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson primarily made a name for himself as a runner during his dynamic rookie season, but he showcased his improved throwing touch down the field against the Jaguars in a 29-0 victory.

The second-year signal caller completed four of his six throws for 59 yards and a touchdown and didn't record a single carry.

It's evident that there's no need to risk Jackson taking unnecessary hits in the preseason, but he has clearly been working to become a more complete dual threat quarterback.

He should still get plenty of chances to get out in the open field and use his explosiveness in 2019, though.

 

Ameer Tyree