When Jaxson Dart slipped through the line and punched in a goal-line touchdown on Sunday, August 17, 2025, the New York Giants sideline erupted—not because the game was on the line, but because for the first time in years, fans saw something real: a future. Dart, the Giants’ first-round pick out of Ole Miss, completed 14 of 16 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) in a 24-21 win over the Detroit Lions. It wasn’t just stats. It was poise. It was timing. It was the kind of performance that makes you lean forward in your seat, even in August.
The Rise of a New Era in New York
Russell Wilson, the veteran and presumed Week 1 starter, played just one series. He looked fine. But Dart? He looked like he belonged. CBS Sports’ coverage noted how he “flashed bright this preseason,” and it wasn’t hyperbole. On his final drive, Dart took a snap, rolled right, saw the defense bite on a play-action fake, and tucked the ball for a 3-yard scramble into the end zone. No hesitation. No panic. Just cold execution. That’s the kind of thing scouts dream about. And now, Giants fans are starting to believe. Behind him, wide receiver Bech caught two passes for 21 yards, including a 13-yard gain from backup Aidan O’Connell. It’s not a star-studded receiving corps, but Dart’s accuracy—especially on intermediate routes—made even the marginal players look dangerous. His completion rate? 87.5%. That’s not just good for a preseason game. That’s NFL-caliber.Quarterback Carousel Across the League
Dart wasn’t the only one making noise. Across the league, the 2025 NFL preseason Week 2 games became a showcase for young arms and rising talent. In Cleveland, Shedeur Sanders threw two touchdowns on 14-of-23 passing for 138 yards, while rookie Dillon Gabriel showed flashes of brilliance—and costly mistakes. Gabriel’s first drive was textbook: 13 plays, 63 yards, three third-down conversions. Then, on his next possession, he rolled left and threw into triple coverage. Interception. Returned for a touchdown. The lesson? Confidence is good. Overconfidence? Deadly. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Stetson Bennett IV delivered his most complete performance yet. Against the Dallas Cowboys, he completed 16 of 24 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-21 Rams win. His chemistry with tight end Josh Whyle was electric. And for a guy who spent last year on the practice squad, this was a statement. Even the veterans weren’t slacking. Trevor Lawrence, now in his fifth season, looked razor-sharp for the Jacksonville Jaguars. In two preseason games, he’s completed 28 of 31 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. He’s not trying to do too much—just making smart reads, targeting Brian Thomas Jr. and Brenton Strange, and staying calm under pressure. “He’s playing like a guy who knows he’s the guy,” said NFL.com’s Bobby Kownack. “No ego. Just efficiency.”
Defensive Standouts and Roster Implications
It wasn’t all about quarterbacks. In Cleveland, rookie safety Andrew Mukuba turned heads with two takeaways—including a pick-six—despite only recording one tackle. “He refused to give up on the play,” noted Nick Shook of NFL.com. That’s the kind of hustle that earns a roster spot when depth is thin. The Chicago Bears delivered the most dominant performance of the week, shutting out the Buffalo Bills 38-0. Their defense looked like a well-oiled machine, forcing three turnovers and holding the Bills to just 87 total yards. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham threw two touchdowns for the Denver Broncos in their 30-9 win over the San Francisco 49ers, stepping up after Bo Nix’s lackluster showing. And then there’s the New Orleans Saints. They’re desperate. After failing to find a reliable RB2 to spell Alvin Kamara last season, they’re still searching. Rookie Miller showed promise in limited carries, but if he can’t stay healthy, the Saints might be forced into a risky trade or waiver-wire gamble before the August 29 deadline.What’s Next? The Final Countdown to Roster Cuts
With the regular season set to begin on September 4, 2025, teams now have just two weeks to finalize their 53-man rosters. Week 3, traditionally the “dress rehearsal,” will be the last chance for fringe players to prove they belong. For Dart, it’s about consistency. For Gabriel, it’s about avoiding turnovers. For Bennett, it’s about proving he’s more than a college legend. The Giants won’t name a starter until the final week, but the writing is on the wall. Wilson is a pro. Dart is the future. And the gap between them? It’s narrowing faster than anyone expected.
Behind the Scenes: The Real Stakes
Under the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, teams must cut their rosters from 90 to 53 players by August 29, 2025. That’s 37 jobs on the line. For every Dart who shines, there are five others fighting for a spot on the practice squad—or worse, a release. The pressure is immense. A single interception can end a dream. A 15-yard catch can save it. And that’s what makes preseason so compelling. It’s not about wins and losses. It’s about identity. Who’s ready? Who’s not? Who’s going to be here in September?Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jaxson Dart going to start for the Giants this season?
Not yet. Russell Wilson is still expected to start Week 1, but Dart’s preseason performance has made him the clear heir apparent. If Wilson struggles early or suffers an injury, Dart could take over as early as Week 3 or 4. His 87.5% completion rate and dual-threat ability have convinced coaches he’s ready to lead.
Who are the top rookie QBs to watch in the 2025 preseason?
Jaxson Dart (Giants), Shedeur Sanders (Browns), and Dillon Gabriel (Browns) lead the pack. Stetson Bennett IV (Rams) and J.J. McCarthy (Vikings) also impressed. Sanders and Dart both threw multiple touchdowns, while Gabriel showed high-risk, high-reward potential. None have locked down a starting job yet—but Dart is closing in fastest.
Why is the Chicago Bears’ 38-0 shutout so significant?
It wasn’t just the score—it was the dominance. The Bears held the Bills to 87 total yards, forced three turnovers, and had seven sacks. That kind of defensive performance is rare in preseason and suggests Chicago’s new scheme under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is clicking. It also gives them confidence heading into the regular season with a young roster.
What’s the biggest roster battle right now?
The New Orleans Saints’ RB2 competition. Alvin Kamara can’t carry the load alone, and after last year’s failures, they’re desperate. Miller is the favorite, but he’s been injury-prone. If he can’t stay healthy, they may have to pick up a free agent or trade for a veteran like Sony Michel—something they avoided all offseason.
How do preseason stats translate to regular season success?
Not always. But when a quarterback completes over 85% of his passes with multiple touchdowns and zero interceptions—like Dart did—it’s hard to ignore. Preseason stats matter most for fringe players fighting for roster spots. For starters like Lawrence and Wilson, it’s about timing and health. For Dart? It’s about proving he can handle the pressure of a full NFL season.
When will final roster cuts be announced?
All NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 29, 2025. That’s just 12 days after Week 2. Teams will likely make cuts in waves, with final decisions announced Sunday morning after the final preseason game on August 28.
