As the 2025 NFL regular season inches closer, Preseason Week 2 delivered more than just dress rehearsals—it delivered moments worth watching. Here’s your quick and human take on who made waves, who struggled, and which rookies are turning heads.
Top Performers Lighting Up the Field
- Jaxson Dart (Giants, QB): The first-round rookie dazzled with poise—completing 26 of 35 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns in a commanding win over the Jets. Despite coach Brian Daboll reaffirming Russell Wilson as the starter, Dart’s confidence and command were impossible to ignore. (The Washington Post)
- Dillon Gabriel (Browns, QB): Returning from injury, Gabriel impressed with 143 yards on 13-of-18 passes. A cheeky sideline comment about “entertainers and competitors” stirred media buzz, though he clarified it wasn’t a jab at Shedeur Sanders. (The Washington Post)
- Quinn Ewers (Dolphins, QB, rookie): Despite being a seventh-round pick, Ewers threw two touchdown passes to guide Miami past Detroit 24-17—earning Rookie QB of the Week honors. (Reuters)
- Caleb Williams (Bears, QB): In his first extended action, Williams looked smooth, going 6-for-10 for 107 yards and a TD—making his first-drive efficiency especially notable. (ESPN.com)
- Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks, RB): With Kenneth Walker III sidelined, Charbonnet seized the moment—rushing for a 15-yard TD on the opening drive and flashing big-play burst. (ESPN)
- O-line stars Anthony Bradford and Jalen Sundell earned perfect 90.0+ PFF grades, anchoring Seattle’s run game with zero pressures allowed. (PFF)
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Rookies Stepping Up: Highlight Reel Moments
- Andrew Mukuba (Eagles, S): In a statement performance, Mukuba scored a 75-yard pick-six, recovered a fumble, and looked like a natural shut-down safety—pushing ahead in a crowded position battle. (Bleeding Green Nation)
- New Orleans vs. Jaguars – Rookies:
- Mason Tipton (WR) hauled in a 45-yard catch.
- Dante Pettis snagged the game-tying TD.
- On defense, Jonas Sanker sealed the tie with a final-play interception and earned preseason defensive MVP buzz. (Canal Street Chronicles)
- Seattle Rookies:
- Grey Zabel impressed as a run-blocking guard.
- Elijah Arroyo (TE) showed solid hands and blocking.
- Damien Martinez (RB) racked up 50 rushing yards. Several other young Seahawks flashed in limited opportunities. (Field Gulls)
- Rams Rookie WR Brennan Presley: Caught 102 receiving yards while fighting for practice squad attention in a dramatic comeback win. (Turf Show Times)
- Giants Rookies:
- Abdul Carter (DL) continued to disrupt the line, though he suffered a memorable viral blow while adjusting to NFL contact. (The Times of India, Big Blue View)
- Jaxson Dart, as mentioned, impressed as a signal-caller with rhythm and efficiency. (The Washington Post, Big Blue View)
- Marcus Mbow (OT), Korie Black (CB), Dalen Cambre, Beaux Collins (WRs), Trace Ford (edge), Makari Paige (S)—all turned heads with key plays or rotation snaps. (Big Blue View)
Other Notable Notes
- Chiefs Defense Struggles: Kansas City was torched for 268 rushing yards by Seattle. Rookie defenders like Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Jeffrey Bassa, and Nohl Williams underwhelmed; Williams even left early with a concussion. (Arrowhead Pride)
- Bears on the Bubble: Roster spots look dicey for players like Zacch Pickens (DT), Kiran Amegadjie (OT), Tyler Scott (WR), Dominique Robinson (DE), and Travis Homer (RB) after underwhelming Week 2 showings. (Windy City Gridiron)
Final Thoughts
Preseason Week 2 may not count in standings, but it matters for storylines and position battles. From rookie quarterbacks staking claims to safeties making game-turning plays, the league’s next wave is already showing up. As roster cuts loom, expect more fireworks—and perhaps a surprise or two—before Week 1.