The NFL preseason does not provide an accurate assessment of how a team will fare during the games that matter.
The starters play for only a few sequences and those who are still fighting for a roster spot take over.
But for these NFL teams, the preseason isn’t going well due to a variety of reasons.
Either a top player got injured or the team is just performing poorly.
Therefore, here are the teams that have a lot to ponder before the 2021 NFL season starts.
3. Minnesota Vikings
It’s not a good look when you lose by 27 points to a team that has an open competition at quarterback.
Kellen Mond and Jake Browning led the Vikings against Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater of the Denver Broncos.
Unfortunately, they only scored six points and tallied 84 passing yards.
Kirk Cousins eventually played in the second week of the preseason but not for long.
He completed five passes for 23 yards after taking the field for a few sequences.
The #Vikings are bringing in renowned epidemiologist and infectious disease expert Dr. Michael Osterholm to speak to the team today, I'm told. Minnesota’s vaccination rate among players has lagged behind other NFL teams and coach Mike Zimmer has been vocal about his frustration.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 23, 2021
Despite that, they still lost to the Indianapolis Colts, 12-10.
The Vikings also allowed Jacob Eason to complete 16 passes for 132 yards.
Minnesota will play the Kansas City Chiefs in the final game of the preseason.
This game will most likely resemble a regular season game because the starters will see more playing time.
Time for the Vikings to show who they really are.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Their biggest concern is that Dak Prescott hasn’t played in the preseason after recovering from an ankle injury.
This time, it’s the latissimus strain that is bothering him, and word has it that he may miss some regular season games.
As a result, the Dallas Cowboys haven’t won any of their three preseason games, including the Hall of Fame Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Undrafted RB/WR James Harden holding a sign at Dallas Cowboys camp.
The Dallas native was playing for indoor pro leagues that folded last year due to COVID, as well as @fcflio.
He wants one shot. pic.twitter.com/sU5aOrKaNF
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 17, 2021
They lost to the Arizona Cardinals, 19-16, with Ben DiNucci, Cooper Rush, and Garrett Gilbert taking turns at quarterback.
The following week, it was the Houston Texans that defeated the Cowboys.
DiNucci threw three interceptions without a touchdown pass.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
They are the only team that experienced a shutout during the preseason and it was not even close.
Jalen Hurts participated in warm-ups prior to the game against the New England Patriots.
However, he was suddenly rushed to the hospital due to stomach pain.
The Tide is rolling here in Philly. pic.twitter.com/W6cjuiY9za
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 16, 2021
Even though Joe Flacco and Nick Mullens took over for Hurts, they still lost 35-0.
Prior to that game, Hurts did play against the Steelers.
The Philadelphia Eagles still lost the intra-state match, 24-16.
Honorable Mentions
There are teams that must address some concerns if they want to have a good campaign.
Pass-rusher Carl Lawson’s season-ending Achilles injury forces the New York Jets to fill the void.
The Seattle Seahawks scored 10 points in two games, but their reserves get the lion’s share of the playing time.
The same goes for the Atlanta Falcons, which lost two games without their starters.
Even the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are winless during the preseason, but there’s no doubt that they will show up once Tom Brady starts to suit up.
NEXT: Jameis Winston Makes Statement In Saints Quarterback Battle
Zookman says
What a pointless article. I would love to see a study of how pre-season records translate to regular season records. There isn’t enough room on this comment window to explain the purpose of pre-season games to players/teams production. It’s the only opportunity to establish who stays and who gets cut.