AFC South rookie debuts: Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby And Other Winners, 3 Losers

• A trio of Jaguars players rose their stock in Week 1 of the preseason

• On the other hand, the rookie QBs in the AFC South struggled

Houston Texans v New England Patriots
Houston Texans v New England Patriots / Omar Rawlings/GettyImages
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Loser: Houston Texans QB CJ Stroud, A Challenging Start to the Preseason

CJ Stroud, the rookie quarterback for the Houston Texans, faced a challenging start in his preseason debut. Stroud struggled with decision-making and accuracy, throwing an interception on a third-and-long situation. While it is still early in his NFL journey, Stroud's performance highlights areas for improvement as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the professional game. 

Stroud's first drive of the game ended in disappointment as he threw an interception to Patriots cornerback Jalen Mills. Staring down his intended receiver, he fell victim to a classic rookie mistake. However, he recognized the importance of this learning opportunity and expressed his determination to grow from it.

"Of course, I'm not super excited about how I played," Stroud admitted. "I didn't get to play a lot, but it's about getting my feet in the water, learning from my mistakes, and just keep growing."

Despite the interception, Stroud described his debut as "solid" and acknowledged the significance of preseason games in his development as a quarterback. He understands the need to make smarter decisions that will not only protect the offense but also the defense.

With continued development and experience, Stroud has the potential to grow into a reliable quarterback for the Texans.

Winner:Jaguars OLB Yasir Abdullah, A Force on Defense

Yasir Abdullah, the rookie outside linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, made his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball. With a second-quarter sack and consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Abdullah showcased his pass-rushing skills and disruptive abilities.

His performance is a promising sign for the Jaguars' defense, as they look to improve their pass rush and create more turnovers. Abdullah's impact on the game highlights his potential as a key contributor on defense.