NFL Power Rankings, Preseason Week 1: Rookie QBs steal the show

They ended up losing 21-18 to the Indianapolis Colts, but the Carolina Panthers did have a few rookies stand out in their debut preseason game. Fourth-round running back Chuba Hubbard led all running backs in the game with 80 yards rushing on just seven carries and had a long of 59 yards. That long run alone for him would have been enough to top the backs on both teams, and he continued to add to that total.

Another standout rookie was wideout Terrace Marshall, Jr. The LSU product led all receivers in the game with 88 yards on just three catches — and he had a long of 60 on the day. Marshall arguably had first-round talent but slid into the second and gives the Panthers an impressive trio when put on the same field as Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore.

Lastly, there was Tommy Tremble who had 19 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. In the broadcast, they seemed to believe the touchdown pass was not intended for Tremble but the Notre Dame product snatched it out of the air anyway for six. Throw him in with the aforementioned wide receivers and this could be a dangerous pass-catching corps.

How all of this comes together will rely on Sam Darnold, who did not play in this one. If he can prove to be the guy he appeared to be in 2018 when he went third overall to the Jets, the Panthers could be a sneaky good team.