NFL Pre-Season Week 2: Emerging Stars and Team Dynamics

The second week of the NFL pre-season has wrapped up, offering fans a glimpse of the potential stars and strategies that will define the 2025 season. Here are the key highlights and performances that stood out:

Ashton Jeanty: A New Force for the Raiders

Ashton Jeanty, the Las Vegas Raiders' rookie running back, made a significant impact in their game against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite taking a hard hit early, Jeanty returned to score a touchdown and demonstrated his physical prowess with a 13-yard rush that left two tacklers in his wake. His style has drawn comparisons to former Raiders star Marshawn Lynch, and his quarterback, Geno Smith, praised his potential, stating, "He's going to be a special player."

Jaxson Dart: The Giants' Rising Star

Jaxson Dart, the New York Giants' rookie quarterback, continued to impress with another stellar performance. Replacing veteran Russell Wilson mid-drive, Dart led the Giants to a victory over the New York Jets, scoring both a passing and a rushing touchdown. Despite the absence of star receiver Malik Nabers due to injury, Dart's performance has solidified his position as a key player for the Giants.

Cam Ward: Titans' Promising Rookie

Cam Ward, the number one overall pick for the Tennessee Titans, showed flashes of brilliance despite a modest stat line. Ward completed a 35-yard pass on the run and delivered what might be the best throw by any rookie this pre-season, although it was unfortunately dropped by receiver Van Jefferson. Titans' head coach Brian Callahan remains optimistic about Ward's potential impact in the NFL.

Caleb Williams: Bears' Clinical Quarterback

Caleb Williams made a strong debut for the Chicago Bears in their 38-0 shutout victory over the Buffalo Bills' back-ups. Williams led a 97-yard touchdown drive with a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3, marking a significant improvement from the Bears' performance last season.

Dillon Gabriel: Browns' Rookie Opportunity

With Shedeur Sanders injured, Dillon Gabriel stepped into the spotlight for the Cleveland Browns. Despite a mixed performance, including a pick-six and a lost fumble, Gabriel showed potential early in the game. Head coach Kevin Stefanski faces a tough decision on the quarterback lineup as the pre-season progresses.

NFL Pre-Season Notebook

• Travis Hunter missed the Jacksonville Jaguars' game due to an upper body injury, a setback for his dual-role aspirations.
• The Dallas Cowboys may seek a new back-up quarterback after Joe Milton's inconsistent performances.
• Jarrett Stidham of the Denver Broncos continues to impress, throwing two more touchdowns and solidifying his role as a reliable back-up.

Week 2 Results

• Buffalo Bills 0-38 Chicago Bears
• Jacksonville Jaguars 17-17 New Orleans Saints
• Arizona Cardinals 7-27 Denver Broncos
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14 Pittsburgh Steelers
• New York Jets 12-31 New York Giants
• Los Angeles Chargers 22-23 Los Angeles Rams
• Baltimore Ravens 31-13 Dallas Cowboys
• Kansas City Chiefs 16-33 Seattle Seahawks
• Tennessee Titans 23-20 Atlanta Falcons
• Carolina Panthers 3-20 Houston Texans
• Cleveland Browns 22-13 Philadelphia Eagles
• New England Patriots 20-12 Minnesota Vikings
• Green Bay Packers 23-19 Indianapolis Colts
• Miami Dolphins 24-17 Detroit Lions
• San Francisco 49ers 22-19 Las Vegas Raiders

As the pre-season continues, these performances provide a tantalizing preview of the excitement and competition that the 2025 NFL season promises to deliver.