NFL Preseason Highlights: Key Winners and Losers, While Stars Hold Out, Jaxson Dart Seizes the Moment
The NFL 2025 preseason has officially wrapped up, and as always, August was a month full of surprises, breakout performances, and high-profile absences. While some of the league’s brightest stars opted to hold out in search of better contracts, fresh faces made headlines, and rookies battled for a chance to shine as rosters took shape for Week 1. With training camps closed and the regular season set to kick off, let’s dive into the top winners and losers from this year’s preseason action.
The Winners: Jaxson Dart Grabs the Spotlight
Of all the storylines, Jaxson Dart’s preseason heroics for the New York Giants stole the show. The rookie quarterback – a first-round pick and self-confessed Star Wars fanatic – finished August with 372 passing yards, three touchdowns, a 113.1 QB rating, and an additional 52 rushing yards plus a score. His confidence and charisma are energizing a fanbase desperately in need of hope after last year’s struggles.
“I feel like whenever my number is called that I’m going to go out there, and I’m going to play my game, and I’m going to ball,” Dart told reporters after Thursday’s blowout win over New England. That swagger could end up shaking up the Giants’ depth chart sooner rather than later, with veteran Russell Wilson likely feeling the pressure.
Dart was far from the only rookie quarterback making noise. Top overall pick Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans), Tyler Shough (New Orleans Saints), Jalen Milroe (Seattle Seahawks), and Kyle McCord (Philadelphia Eagles) all flashed moments of promise. The rookie QB surge has certainly fueled optimism for franchises in transition.
Teams on the Rise: Giants, Bengals, Bills, and Chiefs
The Giants weren’t just buoyed by Dart’s play. With a 3-0 preseason record and a cumulative 107-47 margin, young talent like linebacker Abdul Carter and second-year wide receiver Malik Nabers hinted at a promising rebuild. Even tough division and 2025 schedules may not slow their momentum completely.
In Cincinnati, the Bengals were aggressive in their preseason approach, playing stars like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase to develop early chemistry. The hope is to reverse coach Zac Taylor’s abysmal 1-11 Week 1 and 2 record, though their preseason defense left questions. You can catch additional preseason action and analysis on the Buffalo Bears preseason highlights as well.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills have drawn praise for smoothly extending running back James Cook, averting any potential distraction. The NFL roster cuts and trades scene remained relatively calm in upstate New York, boosting Super Bowl hopes.
As usual, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid kept his starters on the field more than most, leading to strong showings and perfect preseason momentum, which QB Patrick Mahomes called “a step in the right direction.”
Flacco’s Revival and Rookie Sensations
One of the more heartwarming stories continues to be Joe Flacco. The 40-year-old veteran outlasted Browns rookie competitors after a healthy preseason and will open as Cleveland’s starter – a testament to his experience and resilience.
Rookie skill players also made a big splash. Emeka Egbuka (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered a highlight-reel touchdown catch and is set to play a key role early on, especially with Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan sidelined. Kicker Cam Little (Jacksonville Jaguars) wowed fans with both a 70- and 59-yard field goal, while Baltimore’s Tyler Loop looked rock-solid as he steps in for the departed Justin Tucker.
Hold-ins Dominate Headlines: Parsons, McLaurin, Hendrickson
Not all veterans were active during preseason. Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys), Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals), and Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders) – all All-Pro-caliber talents – staged high-profile hold-ins, making statements in their pursuit of new contracts. While their rest may help them stay fresh for Week 1, franchise uncertainty looms if contractual disputes drag into the regular season.
NFL analyst Richard Green noted, “At this level, unresolved business off the field can bleed into the locker room. Management is rolling the dice by letting things go this late.”
Losers: Missed Chances and Rising Tension
Not everyone emerged from August unscathed. Parsons, Hendrickson, and McLaurin risk potential soft-tissue injuries by staying away from team drills, and patience is wearing thin on all sides. The Bengals’ offense, despite starting regulars in a bid for a fast September start, saw little improvement defensively, and the Cowboys remain anxiously thin at backup QB after Joe Milton III’s uneven preseason.
The Chicago Bears endured a rollercoaster; rookie Caleb Williams thrived one week but reverted to bad habits against Kansas City, highlighting just how far this young roster still has to go. For injury-stricken squads like the Steelers (Derrick Harmon’s MCL sprain) and the Rams (Stafford’s back issues), preseason exposed roster vulnerabilities and set a precarious tone.
Some players, like Brian Robinson (Swapped from Washington to San Francisco and downgraded to backup) and Kirk Cousins, continue searching for stability and roles, while talents like Christian Wilkins remain off the roster entirely after summer releases.
Expert Perspectives and What to Watch
Kurt Warner, two-time NFL MVP, summed up the precarious nature of preseason, stating, “I’m never a fan when guys don’t play in the preseason, especially at the quarterback position. It’s your first reps with new teammates and schemes – even a legend like Rodgers would benefit from a few live snaps.”
Diversity of perspective continues to color the NFL landscape. Fans debate the true value of preseason games, front offices weigh injury risks against player readiness, and for every breakout rookie, a veteran clings to a roster spot or negotiates a future.
For a closer look at how teams and stars are shaping their futures beyond the gridiron, see the newest on major contracts like Paolo Banchero’s $300M extension for Orlando in the NBA (full breakdown here) and Chet Holmgren’s deal with OKC (see the analysis).
What’s Next as the Regular Season Awaits?
The end of preseason is really just the beginning. With key position battles settled, rookie optimism rekindled, and holdouts dominating the offseason storylines, the pressure is on for teams to deliver. Will breakout stars like Jaxson Dart take over starting jobs and lead their teams to unexpected runs? Can the league’s biggest names and franchise faces secure the extensions they’re seeking without derailing team chemistry? The coming weeks will shape careers, club futures, and perhaps even league history.
For more debates on legends, check out this discussion on Jordan vs. Bryant.
Source: www.usatoday.com