N.F.L. preseason games, which began in earnest on Thursday night, are regularly derided as meaningless. A tedious method to sort out the future backups from the soon-to-be-cut. A chance for top players to be injured. A cash grab with high-priced tickets, food and parking for an inferior product.

Coaches are reluctant to play their best players or show off their offensive and defensive schemes. No one wants to get hurt. The end result looks like football, but without consequence or passion.

Still, when fans see their team perform well in exhibitions, they may have at least a glimmer of hope that the new season will be a good one.