Saturday’s NFL exhibition featured more rookies and veterans in their first games with their new teams, with mixed results:
Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis Rams. His ballhandling and accuracy took some lumps in a 28-7 loss to the Vikings, and so did his body, in the form of four sacks. A long, rough season might be ahead for the No. 1 overall pick.
Brandon Marshall, WR, Miami Dolphins. Marshall dropped the only two passes thrown his way by Chad Henne in a 10-7 loss to Tampa Bay.
Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers. He showed the electricity and power coaches expected, gaining 50 yards on nine carries to help pound Chicago 25-10. Meanwhile, new Bears defensive end Julius Peppers was quiet in two series.
Jake Delhomme, QB, Cleveland Browns. He looked comfortable as the team’s new starter in a 27-24 win over Green Bay, going 6-of-7 in a game-opening TD drive.
This story appears in Aug. 15’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only digital sports daily, sign up today.
Vinnie Iyer is a staff writer for Sporting News. Email him at viyer@sportingnews.com.