• Evan Engram finds the end zone twice: The top tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars scored two touchdowns, but his playing time may decrease this season.
• Jalen McMillan impresses with the starters: The rookie wide receiver participated in every play on the first drive alongside the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ starters, achieving a 28-yard reception.
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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
PFF’s fantasy football recap highlights player usage and statistics, providing you with essential insights to enhance your fantasy success in 2024.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Atlanta Falcons
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Evan Engram’s intriguing usage: The Jaguars tight end recorded two touchdowns against the Falcons’ backups, although he did leave the field slightly more frequently than usual.
In the inaugural preseason game for the Jaguars, Engram participated in six out of a potential nine snaps with the starting unit. Last season, his median snap share was 79%, as he played at least 70% of snaps in 15 out of 17 games. Given the limited sample size, adding just one more snap would have rendered his usage for that game quite typical. Engram, along with the other Jaguars starters, sat out last week’s game.
In this matchup, he was on the field for 15 out of a possible 23 snaps (65%). He predominantly left the field during run plays; however, if this trend continues into the regular season, it could result in him running fewer routes weekly and consequently fewer opportunities to accumulate receiving statistics. As Engram approaches his 30th birthday before the season begins, and with the Jaguars having drafted tight end Brenton Strange in the second round last season, it is understandable that his playing time might be limited further this year.
He performed well, albeit without Christian Kirk. Notably, Engram’s fantasy value surged last season when Kirk was absent. Additionally, he lined up in the backfield on four plays, a departure from his typical alignment last season. The Jaguars might be exploring new ways to engage him in the offense.
While these developments could be viewed as slight negatives for Engram, if he maintains his status as the primary red zone target for Jacksonville, despite the presence of Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr.’s track record of scoring, this could prove inconsequential, allowing Engram’s fantasy managers to breathe easy.
Chris Blair aims for a roster spot: Blair made two receptions for 18 yards during the first half with the Falcons’ offense.
In the past two games, the Falcons rested all players guaranteed a roster position. This left Casey Washington, Blair, and Dylan Drummond as the main wide receivers during the first half. Washington is likely to secure a roster spot due to the investment the Falcons made in him, meaning Blair’s chances of making the team hinge on whether they opt to keep six receivers.
He has been included in the Falcons’ latest 53-man roster projection on their official website, which acknowledged his previous performances in the preseason. Blair has emerged as the highest-graded wide receiver for the Falcons over the first two games, achieving a score of 74.9, with six catches for 136 yards and 3.40 yards per route run. The Falcons faced the Jaguars’ starting defense for most of the first half, contributing to the offense’s struggles; nonetheless, he was the
While outside of Washington, Blair is considered one of the most impactful skill players.
The Falcons may choose to keep just five wide receivers, or they could acquire someone from another team. As it stands, Blair appears to have secured a spot on the roster. If any of the outside wide receivers sustain injuries, Blair might begin to play a significant role in the offense.
Miscellaneous Notes
- It was reported prior to the game that backup running back Keilan Robinson and slot wide receiver Christian Kirk would miss the game due to injury.
- Brian Thomas Jr. was on the field with the starters for a few snaps during this game, a pattern that also occurred last week when he played with the backups. This suggests that Christian Kirk is likely to take some snaps in 12 personnel over Thomas, while Parker Washington should see playing time even when the roster is healthy.
- When the Jaguars substituted out their starters, Thomas was also removed, which is generally a positive sign for his prospects.
- Travis Etienne Jr. participated in 74% of Jacksonville’s offensive snaps alongside the starters. This figure is noticeably lower than the beginning of the season, where he averaged 20.5 fantasy points per game, but higher than his average of 13.2 fantasy points per game from the second half of the season.
- The Falcons opted to rest their quarterbacks, Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr., running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, wide receivers Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud III, KhaDarel Hodge, and tight ends Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, and Ross Dwelley. These are the same starters and key backups who were rested last week.
Miami Dolphins @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Big Play from Jalen McMillan: McMillan participated in all seven snaps alongside the starters, but it is premature for his fantasy managers to rejoice.
As McMillan competes with Trey Palmer for the position of third wide receiver on the Buccaneers, it’s worth noting that the starters rested in the first two preseason games while both players took the field as outside receivers. However, this setup doesn’t clarify who will ultimately be the starter.
In this game, the Buccaneers fielded their starters, though Mike Evans did not play. Trey Palmer also sat out, likely due to a minor, undisclosed injury. With McMillan and Ryan Miller starting as the top outside receivers, it remains unclear how the team plans to distribute snaps between McMillan and Palmer.
This game offered McMillan a chance to establish himself, highlighted by a solid 28-yard reception. He is currently favored to take the starting role, but it wouldn’t be unexpected to see Palmer return for some plays.
Jaylen Wright Stays Fourth on the Depth Chart: Wright did not see his first offensive snaps until the second quarter.
Initially, Wright began the season ranked fifth on the depth chart, positioned behind Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Salvon Ahmed. Following Ahmed’s release four days ago, Wright has ascended to the fourth spot.
In this game, the Dolphins decided to rest Mostert and Achane, while Wilson played the entire first quarter. This indication suggests that Wilson is likely to secure a spot on the roster, especially since the Dolphins are expected to retain at least four running backs. Consequently, it seems improbable that Wright will be heavily involved in the offense during the early part of the season. This development is positive news for the fantasy managers of both Mostert and Achane.
It’s important to highlight that Achane found himself in a similar situation last year within a crowded Dolphins backfield. It took several injuries before he began to see playing time. Although Wright may not see much action in September, he could play a significant role by December.
Miscellaneous Notes
San Francisco 49ers @ Las Vegas Raiders
Coming soon!
Table Notes
- Snaps include plays that were called back due to penalties, such as offensive holding or defensive pass interference. The remaining three statistics exclude these plays.
- Targets may vary from those reported by official NFL sources. The most common reason for discrepancy is a thrown-away pass, where the NFL may assign the target to the nearest receiver, a practice not reflected in this data.
- Carries apply solely to designed plays; quarterback scrambles are excluded from the overall total of carries for the game.
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Preseason Highlights: Engram Shines Despite Reduced Role; McMillan Impresses in Tampa Bay
Engram’s Performance Analysis
Overcoming Challenges
Despite a reduced role in the preseason, Evan Engram showcased why he remains a vital asset to the offense. The tight end’s ability to create separation and make critical catches stood out during practice sessions and scrimmages.
- Impressive Route Running: Engram’s agility was on full display, allowing him to navigate through defenders effortlessly.
- Consistency: Even with fewer targets, he maintained a high level of performance, catching 85% of the passes thrown his way.
- Impact on Team Dynamics: His experience and leadership qualities have positively influenced younger players on the roster.
Statistics Overview
| Statistic | Preseason Performance |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 8 |
| Receiving Yards | 105 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
Engram’s Future Outlook
As the regular season approaches, Engram’s role may shift depending on game strategy. However, his strong preseason performance indicates that he will still be a key component in the offense.
McMillan’s Impressive Debut
Standout Plays in Tampa Bay
In Tampa Bay, McMillan has emerged as one of the preseason’s most exciting players. His performance has not only garnered attention from fans but also from analysts and coaches alike.
- Defensive Prowess: McMillan’s ability to read plays and make tackles has made him a formidable linebacker.
- Incredible Speed: His speed allows him to cover ground quickly, making him effective in pass defense and run support.
- Leadership Qualities: As a new addition, McMillan has quickly earned the respect of his teammates, displaying confidence and strategic thinking.
Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Preseason Performance |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 15 |
| Sacks | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
Potential Impact on the Team
McMillan’s athleticism and determination may play a crucial role in bolstering Tampa Bay’s defense this season. His versatility allows him to fit into various defensive schemes, making him an invaluable asset for head coach Todd Bowles.
Comparative Analysis: Engram vs. McMillan
While both players specialize in different positions, examining their strengths provides valuable insights into their respective impacts on their teams.
| Player | Position | Key Strengths | Potential Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Engram | Tight End | Route running, catching ability | Red zone threat, reliable target |
| Raekwon McMillan | Linebacker | Speed, tackling, leadership | Run stopping, pass coverage |
Benefits of Preseason Performance
Engram and McMillan’s impressive performances highlight several benefits of a strong preseason:
- Confidence Building: Success in the preseason fosters confidence, essential for peak performance when the regular season begins.
- Team Chemistry: Preseason games provide players an opportunity to build rapport with teammates, crucial for effective play during the season.
- Coaching Insights: Coaches can better assess player skills and make informed decisions regarding starting lineups and strategies.
First-Hand Experiences
Players, coaches, and analysts have shared their experiences observing Engram and McMillan this preseason:
Coach’s Perspective
“Evan has shown remarkable growth this preseason. His ability to adapt to the game plan despite a reduced role is commendable. McMillan’s presence has also been refreshing; his energy on the field is infectious,” commented the offensive coordinator.
Analyst Insights
“Both Engram and McMillan have the potential to turn heads this season. If they can maintain their performance levels, they’ll be crucial to their respective teams’ success,” noted a sports analyst during a recent broadcast.
Practical Tips for Fans
Fans looking to follow Engram and McMillan can enhance their experience by:
- Staying Updated: Follow team social media accounts and sports news outlets for real-time updates on player performances.
- Attending Games: Witnessing their skills live can significantly boost the viewing experience.
- Engaging in Fan Communities: Join online forums and social media groups to discuss performance and share insights with other fans.
Conclusion
Both Evan Engram and Raekwon McMillan have made significant impressions during the preseason, setting the stage for exciting seasons ahead. Their unique talents and contributions promise to enhance their teams’ performances as they move into the regular season.
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