Raiders Rookie Shocks Fans with Unbelievable Performance in Week Two Warm-Ups—Is a Superstar Born?
The third-round pick was efficient early on, but struggled when forced off script, leaving head coach Kevin Stefanski with more questions than answers.
Jaxson Dart is becoming the talk of pre-season with another eye-catching outing for the New York Giants’ rookie quarterback.We had a few more clues as to which teams might thrive in the coming campaign and who may struggle, and glimpses of who the star performers will be.Jeanty’s physical style is similar to former Raiders rusher Marshawn Lynch, and had his quarterback Geno Smith beaming: “He’s going to be a special player.”
Raiders rookie Jeanty looks real deal
Here’s what caught our eye this week.Getty Images
Paul Higham
BBC Sport journalist
1 hour ago
Williams was clinical from the start, when he led a 97-yard touchdown drive with a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3.Getty Images
New York Jets 12-31 New York GiantsStefanski will make his quarterback decision before next week’s final pre-season outing, with veteran Joe Flacco set to start but a big choice to be made on his back-up.Carolina Panthers 3-20 Houston Texans San Francisco 49ers 22-19 Las Vegas Raiders
Top pick Ward shows glimpses of ability
It was only against the Buffalo Bills back-ups, but Caleb Williams looked great in his first pre-season action for the Chicago Bears – who enjoyed a 38-0 shutout victory.Dallas hoped Milton could show more as they’re not keen on their other option Will Grier, so they may have to dip into the market for another back-up.Cleveland Browns 22-13 Philadelphia Eagles Tennessee Titans 23-20 Atlanta Falcons
Williams looks sharp in Bears shutout
Los Angeles Chargers 22-23 Los Angeles RamsArizona Cardinals 7-27 Denver BroncosEven more impressive is the Giants’ offence clicking without star receiver Malik Nabers who will likely miss all three pre-season games with a back injury.
Gabriel gets his shot with Sanders injured
Kansas City Chiefs 16-33 Seattle SeahawksThe sixth overall pick of the draft left the field after taking a big hit, but returned to score a touchdown and showcase his talent with a brutal 13-yard rush that saw him flatten two would-be tacklers.Getty Images
Dart replaced veteran Russell Wilson mid-drive and went on to score a passing and rushing touchdown against the New York Jets to continue the Giants’ impressive pre-season.
NFL pre-season notebook
The Bears failed to score a single touchdown on their opening possession last season, so the 2024 number one overall pick has already broken new ground to start his second year in the NFL.But Dart is the big story – drafted as the long-term franchise quarterback, another display like this will have many wondering if his time will come much sooner than expected.Hunter was due to step-up his work on defence as he looks to play on both sides of the ball this season, so missing the game will be a setback.Getty Images
New England Patriots 20-12 Minnesota VikingsGabriel had a mixed performance, completing 13 passes for 143 yards but also throwing a pick six and losing a fumble.
NFL pre-season – week two results
Jacksonville Jaguars 17-17 New Orlans Saints
Sean Payton has assembled a deep roster with Stidham looking a solid back-up to Bo Nix with 376 yards and four touchdowns in just over three quarters this pre-season.
He had a nice 35-yard completion on the run and also produced possibly the best throw by any rookie quarterback this pre-season – only to see it dropped by receiver Van Jefferson.
“I’m very encouraged,” said Callahan of Ward. “That ball that was dropped was an incredible throw. He’s shown all the things we need to see from an operations standpoint.”
The Dallas Cowboys could be in the hunt for a new back-up quarterback to Dak Prescott after two muddling displays by Joe Milton.
One back-up who can play is Denver’s Jarrett Stidham, who threw another two touchdowns for the Broncos to continue their impressive pre-season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14 Pittsburgh Steelers
Buffalo Bills 0-38 Chicago Bears
Baltimore Ravens 31-13 Dallas Cowboys
Head coach Pete Carroll had Lynch while in Seattle, and had some typically forthright praise for the rookie, saying: “Jeanty looked tough as hell.”
Green Bay Packers 23-19 Indianapolis Colts
As the NFL preseason rolls into its second week, we start to glimpse which rookies might just light up the gridiron and which veterans are settling in for another grind. It’s a thrilling time — the mix of bright lights, fresh talent, and a few surprise performances always stirs the pot. With key plays from top draft picks and those unexpected standout moments, this week has given us plenty to chew on as teams fine-tune their rosters before the real battles begin. From bruising runs reminiscent of legends to quarterbacks stepping up under pressure, these glimpses hint at the storylines that could define the season ahead. Intrigued? Dive deeper and catch all the action unfold. LEARN MORE
Miami Dolphins 24-17 Detroit Lions
Travis Hunter missed the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 17-17 tie at the New Orleans Saints with what the team says is an upper body injury.
Ward missed a couple of throws, but pre-season is all about showing promise and that one throw alone to Jefferson gave Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan confidence his guy can make an impact in the NFL.
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