Jaxson Dart, the promising rookie quarterback for the New York Giants, is making headlines this preseason. While veteran quarterback Russell Wilson may be the Week 1 starter, Dart is showcasing his potential as the team's future leader. In a recent game, he completed a touchdown with a goal-line rush after previously throwing a touchdown earlier in the contest. So far, Dart has shown impressive statistics, completing 14 of 16 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns—one passing and one rushing.
Dart continued to impress as he tossed his second touchdown of the preseason by connecting with tight end Greg Dulcich for a 20-yard throw up the seam. Dulcich's excellent route running helped him break open over the middle, making the play possible. After this score, Dart's performance improved further, completing six of eight throws for 92 yards, solidifying his status as a first-round pick to watch.
In contrast, Russell Wilson's performance had its ups and downs. He began the game with a bang, highlighted by an 80-yard completion on the opening drive. However, he faced challenges as he was intercepted in the end zone later in the game. It appeared that Wilson and his intended receiver were not on the same page, which may raise concerns going into the regular season.
Meanwhile, Cooper Rush, now with the Baltimore Ravens, faced a tough matchup against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. On Baltimore's third possession, Rush threw a pass intended for LaJohntay Wester, which was intercepted by Andrew Booth and returned 40 yards for a pick-six. This unfortunate play continued to highlight the struggles that quarterbacks face during preseason games.
In Tampa Bay, rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been turning heads during training camp, and he solidified his standing by catching a five-yard touchdown pass from Teddy Bridgewater, contributing to a 14-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the absence of veteran Chris Godwin, Egbuka could find himself with a significant target share once the regular season kicks off.
The Buccaneers added to their score when Bridgewater connected with running back Bucky Irving for a 15-yard touchdown. Irving showcased his receiving skills by making a difficult catch while being covered on the right sideline, emphasizing the depth of talent in Tampa Bay's offense.
The Baltimore Ravens demonstrated their defensive prowess as Joe Milton, the Cowboys' backup quarterback, was knocked down for a safety during Dallas' opening drive. The Ravens' relentless defense has been a key factor in their preseason games, and they continue to make significant plays.
In a thrilling finish, the San Francisco 49ers secured a victory with a 59-yard game-winning field goal from kicker Jake Moody, showcasing that wins do matter in the preseason. This dramatic moment came after the 49ers forced a turnover with less than 30 seconds left on the clock.
Several rookies are making headlines during the preseason, including Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders, who scored his first NFL touchdown with a goal-line rush. Jeanty's performance, which included 33 rushing yards on seven carries, is indicative of his potential impact in the upcoming season.
On the Miami Dolphins' side, rookie Quinn Ewers had a strong showing, tossing two touchdowns against the Detroit Lions. Ewers, who previously struggled, is rebounding well, highlighting his growth as a player. He completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Theo Wease, which tied the game at 14.
The second week of preseason games has been filled with standout performances, including notable interceptions, touchdown connections, and rookies stepping up. As teams prepare for the regular season, the insights gained from these games will be crucial for coaches and players alike. Fans can expect even more exciting football action as the preseason progresses and teams finalize their rosters.
