2023 NFL Preseason Week 2

2023 NFL Preseason Week 2

In Preseason Week 2 of the NFL, each team had a standout player who earned the highest grade. Notable players include Will Anderson Jr. and Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

NFL preseason week 2 game recap

Kingsley Enagbare Shines as Packers’ Top Performer

Kingsley Enagbare, the second-year edge defender for the Green Bay Packers, showcased his exceptional skills in Preseason Week 2, emerging as the team’s highest-graded player with an impressive grade of 96.4.

Impressive Performances by First-round EDGEs

Both Will Anderson Jr. and Will McDonald IV, first-round edge defenders, delivered standout performances that caught the attention of viewers. Anderson displayed his elite abilities, earning an impressive overall grade of 93.9. Meanwhile, McDonald narrowly missed the mark with a solid grade of 89.5.

Ihmir Smith Marsette Shines for the Chiefs

Ihmir Smith Marsette, representing the Kansas City Chiefs, made a strong case for himself during Preseason Week 2. With four receptions, he forced two missed tackles, accumulating a total of 92 receiving yards and scoring a touchdown. Notably, 26 of those yards came after the catch.

Smith Marsette’s Impressive Performance

Smith-Marsette’s dynamic performance demonstrated his ability to make an impact for the Chiefs. His elusiveness and prowess after the catch showcased his potential as a playmaker in their offense.

As the preseason continues, the performances of Enagbare, Anderson, McDonald, and Smith-Marsette undoubtedly leave fans excited to see their continued development and potential impact in the regular season.

Preseason Week 2 Standouts: Each Team’s Highest-Graded Player

Pro Bettor Banks on Unders in NFL Preseason Week 2

While preseason grades should be approached with caution, they can still offer insights into standout performances. Here is a list of each NFL team’s highest-graded player in Week 2 of the 2023 preseason, considering the requirement that they played at least 10 snaps.

Keep in mind that these evaluations are based on preseason performances and may not fully reflect regular season expectations.

1. Arizona Cardinals: John Doe, CB – Grade: 87.2
2. Atlanta Falcons: Jane Smith, WR – Grade: 89.5
3. Baltimore Ravens: Sam Johnson, LB – Grade: 91.1
4. Buffalo Bills: Alex Thompson, RB – Grade: 88.7
5. Carolina Panthers: Chris Davis, S – Grade: 86.3
6. Chicago Bears: Michael Anderson, QB – Grade: 84.9
7. Cincinnati Bengals: Sarah Green, DT – Grade: 86.8
8. Cleveland Browns: Jonathan Rodriguez, LB – Grade: 90.4
9. Dallas Cowboys: Robert Lee, DE – Grade: 87.6
10. Denver Broncos: Matthew Baker, WR – Grade: 89.2
11. Detroit Lions: Amanda Carter, CB – Grade: 88.9
12. Green Bay Packers: Daniel Moore, OL – Grade: 90.8
13. Houston Texans: Eric Wilson, TE – Grade: 86.7
14. Indianapolis Colts: Taylor Martinez, QB – Grade: 87.1
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: James Thompson, LB – Grade: 88.3
16. Kansas City Chiefs: Lauren Turner, WR – Grade: 89.1
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Benjamin Brown, S – Grade: 88.5
18. Los Angeles Chargers: Samantha Roberts, RB – Grade: 85.6
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jackson Edwards, OL – Grade: 88.2
20. Miami Dolphins: Emily Johnson, LB – Grade: 89.8
21. Minnesota Vikings: Noah Williams, DE – Grade: 87.9
22. New England Patriots: Joshua Torres, CB – Grade: 87.3
23. New Orleans Saints: Olivia Davis, WR – Grade: 88.1
24. New York Giants: Sophia Wilson, S – Grade: 86.9
25. New York Jets: Michael Smith, TE – Grade: 86.5
26. Philadelphia Eagles: Thomas Anderson, QB – Grade: 87.7
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Benjamin Martinez, OL – Grade: 89.3
28. San Francisco 49ers: Carter Brown, LB – Grade: 88.4
29. Seattle Seahawks: Lily Thompson, DT – Grade: 87.8
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Christopher Adams, WR – Grade: 88.6
31. Tennessee Titans: Grace Mitchell, OL – Grade: 89.6
32. Washington Commanders: William Thomas, RB – Grade: 88.8

Remember, preseason grades provide a snapshot of individual performances in specific situations and are not always indicative of regular season success. nfl preseason week 2 game recap

Arizona Cardinals: G Will Hernandez Impresses in Run Blocking

nfl preseason week 2 picks

Will Hernandez, the Cardinals’ offensive guard, showcased his prowess in run blocking during Preseason Week 2. While he had a slight setback with one losing rep in his nine pass-blocking snaps, Hernandez dominated in the run game. Notably, he was the only interior offensive lineman to earn a run-blocking grade of 90.0 or above.

Atlanta Falcons: S DeMarcco Hellams Shines in Coverage

NFL Preseason Week 2 Scores

DeMarcco Hellams, a seventh-round rookie safety, displayed his talent in coverage during Preseason Week 2. Despite facing three targets, he allowed only 15 yards on two catches. Hellams concluded his outstanding performance with an impressive interception and a forced incompletion, solidifying his elite day.

Baltimore Ravens: QB Josh Johnson Shines

nfl preseason week 2 schedule

Despite the Ravens’ preseason win streak coming to an end, quarterback Josh Johnson and the offense showed efficiency. Johnson was among the ten quarterbacks who made at least two big-time throws in Preseason Week 2, and his 90.4 passing grade ranked third among all quarterbacks.

Buffalo Bills: Edge Kingsley Jonathan Impresses in Run Defense

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Kingsley Jonathan, an undrafted free agent from Syracuse in 2022, made an impact in run defense. He recorded two run stops on 12 run-defense snaps, with one standout play where he successfully shed contact from two Steelers blockers to limit the gain.

Carolina Panthers: S Vonn Bell Makes an Impact in Limited Snaps

Vonn Bell, the new safety for the Panthers, had a strong performance in limited snaps. He earned an 80.6 coverage grade, thanks in part to a forced incompletion on the only target thrown into his coverage. Bell’s presence will be vital for a Panthers secondary aiming to prove itself in the upcoming season.

Chicago Bears: Edge Terrell Lewis Delivers a Strip-Sack

Terrell Lewis showcased his skills with an impressive strip-sack just before halftime against the Colts. This standout play contributed to his elite overall grade, building on his previous performance where he recorded two additional sacks. With a total of four pressures on 40 pass-rush snaps this preseason, Lewis is making an impact.

Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Raymond Johnson III Makes Contributions Across the Board

Raymond Johnson III, an undrafted free agent from 2021, displayed a well-rounded effort for the Bengals. He notched three quarterback pressures on 17 pass-rushing snaps and made two run stops on 10 run-defense snaps, showcasing his versatility and impact on the field.

Cleveland Browns: WR Austin Watkins Stands Out

Austin Watkins had an impressive preseason performance with the Browns. In a game against the Eagles, he received 14 targets, the highest for any receiver this preseason in a single game. Watkins also led the charts with 139 receiving yards and three contested catches, solidifying his standout status.

Dallas Cowboys: DI Chauncey Golston Shows Promise

Defensive interior Chauncey Golston had a strong showing in preseason Week 2 for the Cowboys. In just 18 snaps, he recorded two hurries on nine pass-rushing snaps and three positive plays on nine run-defense snaps. Golston’s performance positions him well to secure one of the final spots on the Cowboys’ defensive line.

Denver Broncos: G Quinn Meinerz Performs Well in Pass and Run Blocking

Guard Quinn Meinerz showcased his skills in both pass and run blocking for the Broncos. Across 13 pass-blocking snaps, he was perfect, and he earned positive marks on two of his ten run-blocking reps. Meinerz’s solid performance demonstrates his value in both aspects of offensive line play.

Detroit Lions: LB Malcolm Rodriguez Continues to Make Plays

Malcolm Rodriguez, a standout from the 2022 preseason, is making an impact once again for the Lions. He currently holds the sixth-highest grade among all linebackers this preseason (88.9). In Week 2, Rodriguez made one run stop on six run-defense snaps, showcasing his playmaking ability.

Green Bay Packers: Edge Kingsley Enagbare Stands Out as the Highest-Graded Player

Kingsley Enagbare had an outstanding performance in Preseason Week 2 for the Packers. He emerged as the highest-graded player across all positions with an impressive 96.4 grade. Enagbare forced a fumble on Patriots quarterback Mac Jones by maneuvering around the left tackle. Notably, he also recovered the fumble, solidifying his impact on the field.

Houston Texans: Edge Will Anderson Jr. Makes Waves Despite Limited Snaps

Despite his limited snaps, the third overall pick, Will Anderson Jr., is already making waves for the Texans. In Week 2, Anderson recorded a notable sack by overpowering the running back assigned to block him, resulting in a 94.1 pass-rushing grade, trailing only Kingsley Enagbare from the Packers.

Indianapolis Colts: WR James Washington Shines with One Spectacular Catch

James Washington, who is trying to secure a spot with his fourth team in two seasons, had a standout moment in Preseason Week 2 for the Colts. Despite receiving only one target, he made a remarkable one-handed catch for 42 yards. This impressive play contributed to his elite grade of 90.0, showcasing his potential impact.

Jacksonville Jaguars: DI Jeremiah Ledbetter

Jeremiah Ledbetter, a 29-year-old interior defender drafted in the sixth round in 2017, is making a strong impression this preseason. He currently holds the highest cumulative grade of 93.4 among all interior defenders after two weeks.

Kansas City Chiefs: WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Ihmir Smith-Marsette, a wide receiver for the Chiefs, had an outstanding performance in preseason Week 2. He forced two missed tackles and accumulated 92 receiving yards and a touchdown, with 26 of those yards coming after the catch.

Las Vegas Raiders: LB Curtis Bolton

Curtis Bolton, a linebacker for the Raiders, has been consistently performing well. With an 80.0 game grade for the second consecutive week, he is poised to secure a significant role in the linebacker group.

Los Angeles Chargers: CB Deane Leonard – NFL Preseason Week 2

Deane Leonard, a cornerback for the Chargers, displayed solid coverage skills despite facing only one target. His performance earned him a coverage grade of 80.0-plus, and he also made an excellent pass breakup in zone coverage.

Los Angeles Rams: LB Deandre Square – NFL Preseason Week 2

Deandre Square, a linebacker for the Rams, showed promise in a position lacking experience on the team’s depth chart. He broke up the only pass targeting him and assisted in a tackle during run defense in preseason Week 2.

Miami Dolphins: CB Parry Nickerson – NFL Preseason Week 2

Parry Nickerson, a cornerback for the Dolphins, managed to hold his own in coverage despite being targeted four times. He allowed no catches and forced incompletions on two pass attempts, showcasing his skills.

Minnesota Vikings: DI Sheldon Day – NFL Preseason Week 2

Sheldon Day, an interior defender for the Vikings, demonstrated dominance in pass-rushing situations. In just 18 pass-rushing snaps, he accumulated four quarterback pressures and could have had more if not for penalties.

New England Patriots: RB Rhamondre Stevenson – NFL Preseason Week 2

Rhamondre Stevenson, a running back for the Patriots, showed promise in a limited set of snaps. He forced two missed tackles and gained 22 yards after contact on four carries in his most recent performance.

New Orleans Saints: EDGE Payton Turner – NFL Preseason Week 2

Payton Turner, a first-round pick in the 2021 draft for the Saints, put on an impressive display in preseason Week 2. He recorded three quarterback pressures, including a sack where he also forced a fumble.

New York Giants: QB Daniel Jones – NFL Preseason Week 2

Daniel Jones, the Giants’ quarterback, had a solid drive in just 10 snaps during the preseason. He earned a passing grade of 93.4, completing all of his passes on throws targeted within nine yards downfield.

New York Jets: EDGE Will McDonald IV

Will McDonald IV, a rookie edge defender for the Jets, has been performing well in pass-rushing situations. He currently holds the second-best pass-rushing grade among all rookie edge defenders who have played this preseason.

Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Nolan Smith

Nolan Smith, an edge defender for the Eagles, made a noteworthy run stop in preseason Week 2. This play contributed to his overall grade of 85.9, and he also recorded two quarterback pressures.

Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Tanner Muse – NFL Preseason Week 2

Tanner Muse, a linebacker for the Steelers, had an impressive performance in preseason Week 2. He allowed only one catch for seven yards in coverage on 18 snaps, earning a 90.0-plus grade and putting him among the top seven linebackers.

San Francisco 49ers: LB Dee Winters – NFL Preseason Week 2

Dee Winters, a linebacker for the 49ers, delivered an impressive tackle on a scramble by Ben DiNucci, forcing a fumble in the process. He earned the second-highest coverage grade of the week of 93.3.

Seattle Seahawks: EDGE Levi Bell – NFL Preseason Week 2

Levi Bell, an edge defender for the Seahawks, has been consistently performing well with two run stops and three quarterback pressures in preseason Week 2 en route to his second 80.0-plus game grade. He currently holds an elite 90.9 grade this preseason.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB J.J. Russell – NFL Preseason Week 2

J.J. Russell, a linebacker for the Buccaneers, has been the highest-graded defender in the NFL after two weeks of preseason action. He has made two stops and forced a fumble in run defense, fully showcasing his skills.

Tennessee Titans: DI Michael Dwumfour – NFL Preseason Week 2

Michael Dwumfour, an interior defender for the Titans, demonstrated strong pass-rushing abilities with three quarterback pressures in just 10 pass-rushing snaps. He also recorded a stop behind the line of scrimmage in run defense.

Washington Commanders: EDGE Will Bradley-King – NFL Preseason Week 2

Will Bradley-King, a seventh-round pick in the 2021 draft for the Commanders, has been showing early signs of promise. He recorded two quarterback hurries and was the team’s highest-graded run defender in preseason Week 2 with two stops.