NFL Preseason Week 2
While preseason games are often overlooked by casual fans, this year’s NFL exhibition slate has been anything but quiet—especially when it comes to a rookie quarterback class that’s demanding the spotlight. Leading the buzz is Shedeur Sanders, whose electric debut last week has now set a high bar, but fellow rookies Jaxson Dart and Dillon Gabriel are looking to carve out their own headlines as they take center stage this weekend.
⭐ The Shedeur Sanders Effect Still Holds Strong… But for How Long?
In his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, Shedeur Sanders delivered two touchdown passes and a near-flawless performance that sent fans and analysts into a frenzy. The Cleveland Browns may have been the visiting team, but the Panthers’ stadium was packed, and television ratings reflected the hype: a staggering 2.237 million viewers, according to Nielsen, tuned in—making it the most-watched NFL Network preseason game since 2015.
More than just numbers, Sanders displayed poise, pocket awareness, and charisma rarely seen in a first-time NFL quarterback. But with that spectacular debut comes mounting pressure. Expectations are now sky-high, and Week 2 could either cement his rising status—or reveal cracks in his foundation.
“He’s a star for the NFL already, whether fans believe it or not,” said one league insider. “But now comes the harder part—consistency.”
🚨 Gabriel Debuts, Dart Looks to Double Down
While Sanders takes a breath under the weight of the spotlight, Dillon Gabriel and Jaxson Dart are quietly building momentum.
- Dillon Gabriel, who will make his NFL debut with the Browns against the Eagles, is getting strong protection from head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has emphasized game management and limiting exposure to big hits. Gabriel, known for his quick release and dual-threat capability at Oklahoma and UCF, is expected to show flashes of his mobility and downfield accuracy.
- Meanwhile, Jaxson Dart returns to the field this weekend as the Jets face off against the Commanders. In Week 1 against the Bills, Dart impressed with calm execution and surprising maturity in the pocket—rare for a mid-round draft pick. He threw for over 160 yards and a touchdown, putting him firmly on the radar as a potential long-term project or even a dark horse backup option.
“Dart is flying under the radar,” an AFC scout told local media. “But he has the tools—arm strength, vision, confidence. He just needs reps.”
🧠 More Than Stats: Maturity on Display
What separates this quarterback class isn’t just numbers—it’s character. In his debut, Sanders went viral for sharing an unusually deep conversation with a referee, showcasing a blend of humility and leadership that some veterans still lack. Dart and Gabriel have followed similar paths—putting in quiet, focused work without feeding into the media storm.
“This class was criticized heavily before the draft,” one NFC GM admitted. “Now it looks like we were all wrong. These kids are gamers.”
🔭 What to Watch This Weekend
- Browns vs. Eagles: All eyes on Gabriel and whether he can handle a tough Eagles pass rush.
- Jets vs. Commanders: Dart gets another shot to prove he belongs in the QB2 conversation.
- Browns (again): Will Sanders continue his surge, or will the Eagles test his mettle?
🏁 Final Take
The 2025 preseason is no longer just about roster cuts—it’s a QB showcase. With Sanders already a media sensation, the coming week could see Dart and Gabriel rise, or perhaps even outshine the early favorite.
Whether you’re tuning in for stats, drama, or the future of the NFL, one thing is clear: this rookie QB class has flipped the preseason script—and they’re just getting started.
Let me know if you’d like a game-by-game analysis or player ratings after the weekend!
