As Week 2 of the NFL preseason comes to a close, fans are eager to analyze the performances of their favorite teams and players. With one more game scheduled for Monday night, a total of 15 games have already been played, showcasing a wealth of talent and potential on the field. This time of year is filled with hope and anticipation, as teams and fans alike look forward to the upcoming season. However, while the preseason is a time for optimism, it also presents opportunities to identify areas of concern. In this article, we highlight the key winners and losers from Week 2 of the preseason, providing insights that can help shape expectations for the regular season.
Among the standout performers in Week 2 is Jaxson Dart, who has firmly established himself as the top rookie quarterback of the preseason. After being ranked No. 1 in Tyler Sullivan's previous week’s analysis, Dart has continued to impress. He completed 26 of 35 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns across two preseason games. In his latest outing, Dart showcased his skill with a well-executed fake toss that opened up space for tight end Greg Dulcich to score. Additionally, his ability to deliver a side-arm screen pass to Theo Johnson demonstrates his versatility and poise under pressure. With a solid performance, Giants fans have every reason to be excited about their first-round QB's future.
Another notable winner is TreVeyon Henderson, who continues to impress after a standout performance in the preseason opener. In Week 2, Henderson showcased his ability to run effectively by demonstrating patience and the capability to break tackles en route to a touchdown. His growing role in the New England Patriots offense signals that he could be a significant contributor this season, making him a player to watch as the regular season approaches.
Teddy Bridgewater made headlines by transitioning from coaching high school football to throwing two touchdown passes in a single game. His connection with rookie Emeka Egbuka was particularly impressive, as Bridgewater placed the ball perfectly for Egbuka to make a play in the end zone. This performance underlines Bridgewater's resilience and ability to step up in critical moments, making him a valuable asset for his team.
Rookie safety Andrew Mukuba proved that he has a knack for being around the football. His impressive performance included a pick-six following an inaccurate pass from Dillon Gabriel, as well as recovering a fumble. With the Philadelphia Eagles' secondary undergoing changes, Mukuba's ability to make impactful plays could earn him a significant role as the season progresses.
In contrast, MarShawn Lloyd finds himself on the losing side as injuries continue to plague his career. After playing just one game in his rookie season, Lloyd has faced multiple setbacks, including hip, hamstring, and ankle issues. Recently, he suffered another hamstring injury that will sideline him for an unspecified time, raising concerns about his durability moving forward.
The Dallas Cowboys backup players also had a rough outing. In their game against the Baltimore Ravens, backup quarterback Joe Milton struggled, finishing with 9 completions on 18 attempts for 122 yards and an interception. Additionally, the running game was lackluster, with only one running back averaging over 2.3 yards per carry. With the offense struggling to maintain possession for less than 20 minutes, there are significant areas for improvement as they prepare for the regular season.
Van Jefferson experienced a disappointing game after failing to capitalize on a perfectly thrown pass from rookie quarterback Cameron Ward. Despite hitting Jefferson in stride, he couldn't secure the catch, resulting in a missed opportunity for a potential touchdown. Both players expressed accountability, but this missed connection highlights the need for improved execution as the season approaches.
Lastly, Matthew Stafford's injury situation remains a concern for the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the expectation of returning to practice, Stafford has yet to provide clarity on his status, raising alarms among fans and analysts alike. His recent absence and the lack of communication from the team regarding his condition are concerning signs for Rams supporters as they brace for the upcoming season.
As the NFL preseason continues, the performances from Week 2 have set the stage for an exciting regular season ahead. Fans will be closely watching how these winners and losers evolve as teams finalize their rosters and strategies in preparation for the kickoff.
