NFL preseason Week 2 takeaways: Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart continues red-hot summer
The second week of the 2025 NFL preseason kicked off Friday as several teams prepared to give extended looks to their starters in a dress rehearsal for the regular season.
To keep you updated on how teams fared, our NFL Nation reporters summarized the games below.
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Giants: Cue the Jaxson Dart hype. The first-round pick was again impressive in preseason action, especially while leading consecutive touchdown drives to begin the second half. He completed 5-of-6 passes for 62 yards on the first drive, which was capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Dulcich. Dart then capped the next drive with a one-yard TD run. Overall, the rookie finished 14-of-16 passing for 137 yards with a passing and rushing TD. This on the heels of an impressive debut against the Bills. Even though Russell Wilson led a touchdown drive to start the game, Dart is showing he may be ready to start sooner rather than later. -- Jordan Raanan
Next game: at New England Patriots (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET)
Jets: Quarterback Justin Fields and the passing offense were out of sync, which is not surprising. They've been sputtering throughout most of training camp, with Fields unable to get the ball downfield to his wide receivers. Fields completed his first throw -- a 4-yard flare to tight end Mason Taylor -- then finished with five straight incompletions in two series of action (a high snap and a QB pressure contributed to two of the errant throws.) Fields was 0-for-3 when targeting wideout Garrett Wilson, his old buddy from Ohio State. Yes, the Jets again showed potential in the running game but it's hard to be one-dimensional in the NFL. The lack of a legit WR2 to complement Wilson is one of the reasons why they're not clicking. -- Rich Cimini
Next game: vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Bucs 17, Steelers 14,
Bucs: With quarterback Baker Mayfield sitting, Teddy Bridgewater hit running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka for 15 and 5-yard touchdown passes. Wide receiver Jalen McMillan left the game with a back injury and to be evaluated for a concussion after a scary fall on his head/neck area. And while cornerback Zyon McCollum notched an interception (so did Kindle Vildor, along with a deep ball pass breakup), Jamel Dean surrendered a 42-yard reception to Roman Wilson, a 2-yard touchdown to Brandon Johnson and a pass interference call on a single drive. Tez Johnson's splashy preseason debut included a 32-yard punt return. -- Jenna Laine
Next game: vs. Buffalo Bills (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Steelers: In a preseason game that wasn't nearly as clean as the first, the Steelers run defense was dominant while the offensive ground game continued to look sluggish. The Steelers defense, playing without most of its starters, held the Bucs to 2.5 yards per carry in a first half featuring most of their starters. Juan Thornhill and Brandin Echols set the tone early, stuffing running back Bucky Irving on the first play of the game. The Steelers' offense, however, had about as much success as Tampa Bay in running the ball. With starting RB Jaylen Warren sitting out for the second week in a row, rookie Kaleb Johnson saw plenty of action. Not counting his second-quarter 14-yard run, Johnson averaged just 0.5 yards per carry on four rushes. He had a better showing in the second half with a pair of nine yard runs, but the second preseason game suggested the third-round pick still has more room to grow. -- Brooke Pryor
Next game: at Carolina Panthers (Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Rams 23, Chargers 22
Rams: Third-string quarterback Stetson Bennett has looked much improved this preseason. On Saturday against the Chargers, Bennett completed 28 of 40 passes for 324 yards with three touchdowns and a fourth-quarter interception. Bennett's first touchdown drive came against the majority of the Chargers' starting defense. Bennett has started and played the majority of the Rams' preseason games as head coach Sean McVay does not play his starters during the preseason.
Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is dealing with an aggravated disk in his back, was scheduled to workout on Saturday morning at the Rams' facility. When asked to confirm that the workout took place, a Rams spokesperson declined to comment and said McVay would address the situation on Monday. -- Sarah Barshop
Next game: at Cleveland Browns (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET on NFL Network)
Chargers: The stars of Saturday's game were the Chargers' rookie receivers: KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris. The rookies had the game's best highlights, each with their own diving 30+ yard catches on the sideline. Lambert-Smith, a fifth-round pick who has been the star of training camp, finished with two catches for 66 yards. It was a breakout game for Harris, the Chargers' second-round pick. Harris has struggled with drops and hadn't had a catch in the Chargers' preseason games until Saturday. Harris finished with six catches for 85 yards, leading the Chargers in both categories. -- Kris Rhim
Next game: at San Francisco 49ers (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Ravens 31, Cowboys 13
Ravens: It feels like it's only a matter of time before the Ravens name Tyler Loop as the successor to longtime kicker Justin Tucker. The rookie sixth-round pick made 5-of-6 field goals, including ones from 51 and 53 yards on Saturday in Dallas. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the decision at kicker would come in the preseason games, and Loop is now 6-of-8 in the preseason. Loop's strong leg would provide a weapon that's been lacking lately in Baltimore. Tucker, who was cut in May, was 16-of-30 (53.3%) from beyond 50 yards over the past three years. -- Jamison Hensley
Next game: at Washington Commanders (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET)
Cowboys: Through two games, Joe Milton III has not done enough to convince the Cowboys he is the backup quarterback to Dak Prescott. He was intercepted in the second quarter, forcing a deep ball into coverage. He took a sack on the first drive that led to a safety. He missed reads. It didn't help that the Cowboys' former backup, Cooper Rush, started for the Ravens. Yes, he had two first-half picks and one was returned for a touchdown, but he also had a touchdown pass and smartly got the Ravens into field goal position late in the second quarter. The Cowboys have given Milton all of the second-team work this summer. It might be time to give Will Grier more work in the final week of the preseason. -- Todd Archer
Next game: vs. Atlanta Falcons (Friday, 8 p.m. ET)
49ers 22, Raiders 19
49ers: The 49ers didn't have enough healthy starters on defense to give the first unit a full look against the Raiders, but the offense did. The good news? Quarterback Brock Purdy and receiver Ricky Pearsall carried their training camp connection into this one, connecting three times for 42 yards on the opening drive before Purdy & Co. called it a day. The bad news? Right guard Dominick Puni suffered a right knee injury on the field goal to cap that drive and was quickly ruled out. Suffice it to say, the Niners probably won't use many of their projected Week 1 starters in the exhibition finale against the Chargers next week. -- Nick Wagoner
Next game: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Raiders: The Raiders' run defense was stout against San Francisco compared with last week's game in Seattle. In the first half, Las Vegas gave up an average of 2.8 yards on 18 carries. However, Las Vegas struggled to contain San Francisco's passing attack, which was also a noticeable issue during Thursday's joint practice.
Las Vegas' first-team defense allowed 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy to complete 5 of 7 passes for 66 yards on the opening drive, which resulted in a field goal. After defensive end Maxx Crosby helped stop running back Patrick Taylor Jr. for a combined loss of 8 yards on two straight carries, the Raiders gave up a 21-yard reception to wideout Ricky Pearsall on third down, followed by an 11-yard catch from Isaiah Hodgins. Even though safety Jeremy Chinn picked off Mac Jones on the next drive, it was an inconsistent afternoon for the Raiders' pass defense. -- Ryan McFadden
Next game: at Arizona Cardinals (Saturday, 10 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Texans 20, Panthers 3
Texans: In what is likely the last we've seen of the Texans' starting defense in preseason, Houston allowed only one first down through three series. That unit is primed to continue from where it finished in 2024: as a top-10 group in total defense. On the opening play, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted Panthers quarterback Bryce Young off a scramble drill. The play was nullified because of a defensive holding call, but Houston just kept overwhelming the Panthers' starting offense as it held Young to zero completions, and he took a sack. -- DJ Bien-Aime
Next game: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (7 p.m. ET, Thursday, NFL Network)
Panthers: A lot of work needs to be done. It was puzzling that Panthers coach Dave Canales didn't give quarterback Bryce Young and the starters a third series. Young got only six plays, going 0-for-2 with a sack. He also had an interception negated by defensive holding. Young got a lot of good work in during the joint practice Thursday and looked solid. But after this effort, Canales has to consider giving the starters one more look in Thursday's preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Besides being outscored 7-0, they were outgained 68-2 in yards. Not exactly a confidence booster. -- David Newton
Next game: at Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)
Browns 22, Eagles 13
Browns: Dillon Gabriel's preseason debut was a mixed bag that leaves the Browns with continued questions at quarterback. The third-round pick completed eight of his first nine passes and led scoring drives on three of his five possessions in the first half. Gabriel, though, also threw a pick-six on a poor decision to force a pass and was later credited with a fumble on a botched handoff. Injuries have led to Joe Flacco being the likely starter for Week 1, but who could serve as the backup remains up in the air entering the preseason finale. -- Daniel Oyefusi
Next game: vs. Los Angeles Rams (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)
Eagles: Rookie safety Andrew Mukuba made his case for cracking the starting lineup.
The second-round pick out of Texas had an interception return for a touchdown and a fumble recovery in the first half. The pick-six was off rookie QB Dillon Gabriel. Mukuba jumped in front of receiver Diontae Johnson to snag the pass and raced 75 yards down the right side for the score. Generating takeaways is nothing new for Mukuba, who led the SEC with five interceptions in 2024.
Mukuba got off to a hot start this summer before being slowed by a shoulder injury. Now back in action, he has resumed his competition with third-year player Sydney Brown for the starting spot opposite Reed Blankenship. It has been pretty even to this point, but this performance could move the needle in Mukuba's favor. -- Tim McManus
Next game: at New York Jets (7:30 p.m. ET, Friday)
Patriots 20, Vikings 12
Patriots: Undrafted free agent WR Efton Chism III (Eastern Washington) might have solidified his spot on the roster with six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown in the first half. The TD was a 12-yard catch-and-run on third-and-9 in which he evaded and/or broke tackles from six defenders.
The Patriots project to have Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas as their starting receivers, with Mack Hollins and 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams also locks as complementary options. So Chism has essentially forced the team's hand to keep six receivers and maybe even a seventh.
"Everybody is here for a reason, and he's certainly made the most of his opportunities," coach Mike Vrabel said at halftime on the WBZ-TV broadcast. "His play strength really shows up." -- Mike Reiss
Next game: at New York Giants (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
Vikings: The Vikings sat all of their starters and more than a dozen key backups, having prioritized the two days of joint practices with the Patriots over preseason playing time. That left two personnel groups to monitor: the backup quarterbacks and kick/punt returners.
Presumptive No. 2 quarterback Sam Howell had a shaky outing, completing only one of five passes for 13 yards with an interception. Rookie Max Brosmer played the entire second half and performed well enough, completing 15 of 26 passes for 156 yards, to make the backup competition interesting for the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, the return game offered interesting takeaways as rookie receiver Tai Felton took the first punt and kickoff returns, and rookie receiver Myles Price ripped off an 81-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter. Felton fair-caught the only punt he saw, and he fumbled at the end of a 21-yard kickoff return. After the game, coach Kevin O'Connell said that the Vikings drafted Felton in part because of his kickoff return skills and that he simply needs more work in the role. There remains less clarity at the punt return position, however. -- Kevin Seifert
Next game: at Tennessee Titans (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, CBS)
Packers 23, Colts 19
Packers: Penalties slowed down the Packers early; rookie second-round tackle Anthony Belton had five (FIVE!) by himself in the first half. But at least they got to see what second-year running back MarShawn Lloyd might be able to do after missing most of his rookie year because of injuries and illness. The 2024 third-round pick made the biggest play from scrimmage in the first half with a 33-yard catch on a wheel route from Malik Willis.
With Josh Jacobs and most of the first-stringers sitting, Lloyd started and played 11 snaps. He had six carries for 15 yards and was targeted four times with the one catch. The Packers like Lloyd's explosiveness as a backup for Jacobs, but he needs to stay healthy. He has already missed time this summer (groin), and he appeared to get shaken up on his catch and did not play another snap. When asked after the game if Lloyd was OK, Packers coach Matt LaFleur said: "We'll see." -- Rob Demovsky
Next game: vs. Seattle Seahawks (Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Colts: QB Anthony Richardson Sr. saw his most extensive preseason action yet after sustaining a dislocated finger in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. He did little to hurt his bid to become the starting quarterback in his ongoing battle with Daniel Jones. Richardson completed 6 of 11 attempts for 73 yards, but his numbers were undermined by penalties. He started 5-of-6 for 64 yards, leading a methodical 90-yard touchdown drive with crisp passes before offensive penalties derailed his next two possessions (including a negated 38-yard completion). Jones started the game and led a field goal drive, completing 7 of 11 attempts for 101 yards. -- Stephen Holder
Next game: at Cincinnati Bengals (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET)
Dolphins 24, Lions 17
Dolphins: This might be a quarterback battle, after all -- backup quarterback, that is. Zach Wilson put together a solid start in the Dolphins' second preseason game, completing 15 of 23 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. But he looked hesitant to throw at times and missed a couple of would-be touchdowns, including a deep pass to a wide-open Dee Eskridge that he underthrew.
Rookie Quinn Ewers was markedly improved from his debut, completing 11 of 16 passes with a pair of touchdowns to fellow rookie Theo Wease Jr. Miami signed Wilson to be its backup quarterback this season, and the team will likely keep three passers, but Wilson has not run away with the job, and Ewers is steadily improving as he learns this offense. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
Next game: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
Lions: Lions RB Sione Vaki made his preseason debut, contributing on offense and special teams. Vaki exited practice early after suffering a hamstring injury July 21, which sidelined him for a period, but he returned to practice this week prior to suiting up against Miami. Vaki displayed his versatility, forcing a fumble on a punt return, which the Dolphins recovered. He also gained 30 yards from five carries during the first half.
Despite playing in a loaded backfield, he could expand his role due to his ability to play multiple roles, Lions coach Dan Campbell has said. Detroit picked Vaki in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft out of Utah, and he appeared in 16 games as a rookie. -- Eric Woodyard
Next game: vs. Houston Texans (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET)
Seahawks: Zach Charbonnet continued to show why he'll have a bigger role in the Seahawks' backfield this season than you might expect. With Kenneth Walker III out again, Charbonnet carried five times for 45 yards on the opening drive, showing excellent vision and burst on a 15-yard touchdown run.
Walker has missed extensive chunks of time in the spring and summer after missing 11 games last year, and it's enough to wonder not only about his availability but how crisp he'll be in a new blocking scheme when he is on the field. The ever-reliable Charbonnet, meanwhile, hasn't missed a day, and his production has been validating all the glowing praise he gets from teammates and coaches. Between Charbonnet's strong offseason and Walker's availability issues, it may be more of an even split in Seattle's backfield than a typical starter-backup situation. -- Brady Henderson
Next game: vs. Green Bay Packers (4 p.m. ET, Saturday, NFL Network)
Chiefs: All four of the Chiefs' prominent rookies on defense -- tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, end Ashton Gillotte, cornerback Nohl Williams and linebacker Jeffrey Bassa -- struggled with extending playing time Friday. The Chiefs' defense gave up huge chunks of rushing yards in the first half as Norman-Lott and Gillotte weren't able to make much of an impact. Bassa, who was a star in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, was exploited by the Seahawks' misdirection plays. Williams showed his physicality again, but he left the game in the third quarter with a concussion. -- Nate Taylor
Next game: vs. Chicago Bears (8:20 p.m. ET, Friday)
Titans 23, Falcons 20
Titans: Rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor had what he called his worst practice of training camp Tuesday when he went up against the Falcons' defensive backs. Ayomanor bounced back with a solid practice Wednesday, and he carried that momentum over to game day.
Ayomanor caught two passes for 47 yards and is becoming a problem working the middle of the field. Fellow rookie Gunnar Helm is a playmaker, whether it's finding holes in zone or running seam routes. Helm went up and grabbed a Brandon Allen pass over two defenders for a 25-yard touchdown, finishing with four receptions for 48 yards.-- Turron Davenport
Next game: vs. Minnesota Vikings (8 p.m. ET, Friday)
Falcons: The Falcons' wide receiver corps is not making things easy for the coaching staff with a little more than a week until cut day. Against the Titans, David Sills V, Chris Blair and Dylan Drummond all had moments. Blair caught a 52-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Easton Stick. Drummond has 12 catches in two preseason games.
Sills, who has been Kirk Cousins' favorite target in practice, had two catches on the first series Friday and was then removed from the game, potentially indicating that the coaches have seen enough and Sills has a 53-man roster spot already. Casey Washington didn't suit up Friday, meaning he's a lock. -- Marc Raimondi
Next game: at Dallas Cowboys (8 p.m. ET, Friday)
Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys, 7 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams, 7 p.m. ET
New York Jets at New York Giants, 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Pittsburgh Steelers, 7 p.m. ET
Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos, 9:30 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. (NFL Network)
Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears, 8 p.m. ET
Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Commanders, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
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