Here’s how former Liberty players fared in the first full weekend of preseason games.
QB MALIK WILLIS
Willis got the start and rotated series throughout the game with Will Levis. Malik finished the game completing 16 of 25 passes for 189 yards. He did throw an interception (off a tipped pass that probably should have been caught) and fumbled twice (losing one). The second year quarterback was clearly improved from his rookie season, showing progress. He stood in the pocket and delivered on target passes throughout the afternoon and was able to occasionally use his legs to add more time for him to find an open receiver. Willis also led a touchdown scoring drive on the opening possession of the game, capping the drive with a quarterback run into the end zone.
Next game: @ Minnesota, Saturday, Aug. 19, 8:00 p.m.
WR DEMARIO DOUGLAS
Douglas was part of the first series of the game for the Patriots, playing just two plays. He also was back to return a punt, calling for a fair catch. The reports out of New England throughout the weekend have been very encouraging and pointing to the fact that Douglas has impressed enough during training camp that he did not need to risk injury during the first preseason game. It sounds like he is almost assured of making the 53-man roster and continues to fight and push for a starting position.
Next game: @ Green Bay, Saturday, Aug. 19 8:00 p.m.
DE DURRELL JOHNSON
Johnson was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys following the 2023 draft. He did not record any stats in the Cowboys first preseason game.
Next game: @ Seattle, Saturday, Aug. 19, 10:00 p.m., NFL Network
CB DURON LOWE
The talented corner was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Rams following the 2022 draft and was waived just ahead of the 2022 season. He began this preseason on the practice squad for the Tampa Bay Bucs but was waived by the team on Sunday.
