The NFL preseason is underway. The games don't count, but they do matter. After the first Thursday of watching 12 teams play, it's time for "overreaction Friday." Although we still have three more weeks of preseason action, we can still dissect what has happened so far.

Here are five big takeaways after Thursday night.

Redskins Lose Tight End

The Washington Redskins were the big losers on Thursday. Last season Niles Paul was the leading tight end for them with 507 receiving yards. Back in March he signed a $10 million contract. Unfortunately, Paul suffered a terrible ankle injury, and he is scheduled to miss the entire regular season. The NFC East is tough enough competing against the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, but now Robert Griffin III has to compete without his starting tight end on the field.

The Saints Defense Still Stinks

The New Orleans Saints defense ranked 28th in points allowed and 31st in yards given up last season. Don't expect much improvement this year. The Baltimore Ravens marched right down the field twice in the first quarter for touchdowns. Quarterback Joe Flacco finished five for six with 33 yards and even Matt Schaub looked sharp. To make matters even worse for the Saints, their newly acquired cornerback Brandon Browner hurt his ankle and couldn't return.

Patriots Open the Dog House

Despite having just 412 rushing yards all of last season, Jonas Gray was still the New England Patriots leading rusher. He was benched last season for tardiness by coach Bill Belichick, but had a great game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday. Gray isn't the quickest back, but at the beginning of the second quarter, he opened things up with a 55-yard run. With LeGarrette Blount and Tom Brady currently suspended for the first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gray's rushing attack will be paramount.

The New Johnny Manziel?

Johnny Manziel has made it clear this offseason that he wants to stay out of the limelight and avoid huge attention. He even said he would toss the money sign. Manziel had an average game last night with 78 total yards and a touchdown. He didn't flash signs, celebrate much at all, and he certainly didn't flip the middle finger to the opposing team like last season. Are we finally seeing a new more mature version of Manziel?

Jets Offense Has a Lot of Work to Do

Signing Brandon Marshall is a start, but it's only a start. The New York Jets only managed to score three total points against the Detroit Lions in a 20-pioint loss. After Geno Smith got his jaw broken by IK Enemkpali, Ryan Fitzpatrick is now the starter, and he has to get used to this system. Both the Lions and Jets had 10 offensive drives, but the Lions outgained the Jets in yards, 428 to 123. Even if it is only preseason, 30 yards per quarter is still terrible for any offense.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1