The final weekend of the NFL preseason delivered a packed slate of Friday night action. Fans were treated to their last look at some of the league's top rookie quarterbacks, who flashed their potential ahead of the regular season. Meanwhile, a star player contract saga in Dallas continued to make headlines, keeping the league's most talked-about owner in the spotlight. Here’s a full rundown of everything that happened.
Rookie Quarterbacks Steal the Show
The primary focus for many fans on Friday night was the performance of two highly-touted rookie quarterbacks. Both Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears and Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans delivered memorable moments that give their fan bases plenty to be excited about.
Caleb Williams's Strong Finish: After a slow start against the Kansas City Chiefs, Caleb Williams showcased his composure and playmaking ability in a two-minute drill before the half. He capped off a clutch drive with a key touchdown pass to wide receiver Rome Odunze. While the opening series had some hiccups, Williams ultimately finished with a solid stat line, providing a positive note for the Bears' offense to build on as they head into the season.
Cam Ward's Positive Home Debut: Facing the Minnesota Vikings, Cam Ward led an impressive 90-yard touchdown march in his final preseason showing. The drive was a demonstration of his command of the offense and his ability to move the ball methodically down the field. Titans coach Brian Callahan expressed confidence in the rookie's progress, highlighting his steady demeanor and how his skills have been put to the test throughout the preseason.
Scores & Highlights from Friday's Games
Beyond the rookie quarterbacks, the rest of the league provided plenty of compelling football. Final scores and key moments from the Friday night slate:
Bears 29, Chiefs 27: The Bears completed a comeback win over a Chiefs team that played some of their key starters.
Titans 23, Vikings 13: A strong performance from the Titans on both sides of the ball secured a decisive win.
Eagles 19, Jets 17: In a tight game that came down to a goal-line stand and a missed two-point conversion, the Eagles edged out the Jets. Kicker Jake Elliott was a standout, hitting four field goals, two of which were from beyond 50 yards.
Cowboys 31, Falcons 13: The Cowboys' offense and defense looked sharp as they took control early and never looked back in a convincing victory.
The Latest on Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons
While the on-field action was taking place, the Cowboys' ongoing contract saga continued to be a major storyline. Jerry Jones has been a central figure in the media discussions, and the public back-and-forth between the team and star linebacker Micah Parsons has been one of the biggest stories of the offseason. The lack of a long-term deal remains a hot topic, with Parsons making his own statements on social media. Fans are waiting to see if a deal gets done before the regular season or if this issue will linger.