Samwise NFL Newsletter
Friday, August 14, 2026
Drew Allar Scores 3 TDs as Pittsburgh Steelers Rout Green Bay 28-9 in Preseason Opener
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Drew Allar finished with three total touchdowns in his NFL debut Thursday, leading Pittsburgh to a 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers. Allar, a third-round pick from Penn State, completed 10 of 13 passes for 154 yards with two touchdown passes and a 3-yard rushing score, posting a 155.1 passer rating over three series. His highlight was a 74-yard touchdown connection with fourth-round receiver Kaden Wetjen on a catch-and-run. Backup quarterback Will Howard also played for Pittsburgh in what was a dominant all-around performance by the Steelers in their 2026 preseason opener.
Sources: CBS Sports
No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza Throws TD Pass in Raiders' 27-14 Preseason Loss to Cardinals
Las Vegas Raiders No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut Thursday, throwing a touchdown pass in a 27-14 preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a 6-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Jack Bech, finishing with nearly three full quarters of work. Kirk Cousins played the opening drive for Las Vegas, going 5 of 6 for 50 yards and a 13-yard touchdown to tight end Michael Mayer. Mendoza became the first No. 1 overall pick to throw a preseason touchdown on debut since Baker Mayfield in 2018, per CBS Sports.
Sources: Washington Post
Seattle Seahawks Sign Cornerback Terrion Arnold Despite Eight Pending Felony Charges
Free-agent cornerback Terrion Arnold agreed to a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, according to ESPN, despite facing eight pending felony counts in Florida that include armed robbery, kidnapping, and conspiracy. Arnold was released by the Detroit Lions in June following his arrest. He visited the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and Houston Texans before agreeing to terms with the defending Super Bowl champions. The NFL must now decide whether to place Arnold on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, which would allow him to receive his salary but bar him from practicing or playing while the charges remain pending.
Patriots and Colts End Preseason Opener in 13-13 Tie After Kicker Misses Three Field Goals
The New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts ended their 2026 preseason opener in a 13-13 tie Thursday night at Gillette Stadium after Patriots kicker Andy Borregales missed three field goals, including a would-be game-winner in the final seconds. Quarterback Tommy DeVito completed 13 of 22 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown to Kyle Williams for New England. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 11 of 14 passes for 145 yards with one interception. The Patriots also forced four turnovers during the night, providing a bright spot for New England’s defense in their opening preseason performance.
Sources: Boston.com
Bengals Edge Lions 16-14 as Joe Burrow Plays Two Series in Rainy Preseason Opener
The Cincinnati Bengals held off the Detroit Lions 16-14 Thursday night in a rain-soaked preseason opener. Quarterback Joe Burrow played two series, completing 5 of 6 passes for 39 yards, before giving way to Joe Flacco, who threw a touchdown pass to help extend the lead. Evan McPherson kicked three field goals for Cincinnati. Detroit did not play most of its starters, including quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions committed three turnovers and turned the ball over on downs inside the Cincinnati 29, contributing to their defeat in the sloppy game.
Los Angeles Chargers Roll Past Houston Texans 27-7 in Dominant Preseason Opener
The Los Angeles Chargers earned a commanding 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans in their 2026 preseason opener Thursday night. After leading 10-7 at halftime, the Chargers shut out the Texans in the second half and pulled away for a 20-point final margin. The result gave Los Angeles a strong start to their preseason schedule heading into the regular season. Houston was held scoreless in the second half as Los Angeles controlled the game with consistent execution on both sides of the ball, showcasing strong depth in what was a decisive all-phases performance by the Chargers.
Mendoza and Allar Lead Strong Crop of Rookie QB Debuts in NFL Preseason Week 1
Two rookie quarterbacks headlined the first round of 2026 NFL preseason action Thursday. No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza of the Las Vegas Raiders went 10 of 16 for 97 yards and a touchdown in his professional debut. Drew Allar of the Pittsburgh Steelers was even more productive, completing 10 of 13 for 154 yards with two touchdown passes and a rushing score. Running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall draft selection, also impressed with 11 carries for 58 yards at a 5.3-yard average and three catches. The performances generated significant buzz across the league heading into Saturday’s preseason games.
AFC Divisions
AFC East
1. Buffalo Bills — 0–0–0
2. Miami Dolphins — 0–0–0
3. New England Patriots — 0–0–0
4. New York Jets — 0–0–0
AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens — 0–0–0
2. Cincinnati Bengals — 0–0–0
3. Cleveland Browns — 0–0–0
4. Pittsburgh Steelers — 0–0–0
AFC South
1. Houston Texans — 0–0–0
2. Indianapolis Colts — 0–0–0
3. Jacksonville Jaguars — 0–0–0
4. Tennessee Titans — 0–0–0
AFC West
1. Kansas City Chiefs — 0–0–0
2. Las Vegas Raiders — 0–0–0
3. Los Angeles Chargers — 0–0–0
4. Denver Broncos — 0–0–0
Regular season begins September 2026 — all teams 0–0–0
NFC Divisions
NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys — 0–0–0
2. New York Giants — 0–0–0
3. Philadelphia Eagles — 0–0–0
4. Washington Commanders — 0–0–0
NFC North
1. Detroit Lions — 0–0–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 0–0–0
3. Minnesota Vikings — 0–0–0
4. Chicago Bears — 0–0–0
NFC South
1. Atlanta Falcons — 0–0–0
2. Carolina Panthers — 0–0–0
3. New Orleans Saints — 0–0–0
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 0–0–0
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 0–0–0
2. Los Angeles Rams — 0–0–0
3. San Francisco 49ers — 0–0–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 0–0–0
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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