Category: Roundup

Ranking Rookie QB Debuts from NFL Preseason Week 1: Sanders, Dart Impress

Ranking Rookie QB Debuts from NFL Preseason Week 1

The opening weekend of the NFL preseason gave fans their first look at this year’s rookie quarterback class under live fire. Eleven first-year signal-callers saw the field in Week 1, each at different stages of development — from first-round hopefuls to late-round flyers fighting for a roster spot.

Some, like Cameron Ward, are gearing up to start immediately. Others, like Jaxson Dart, are learning behind veterans. And then there’s Shedeur Sanders, who took advantage of an unexpected opportunity and delivered.

Here’s how the rookies ranked after their preseason debuts.

1. Jaxson Dart – New York Giants

Stats: 12-of-19, 154 yards, 1 TD; 24 rush yards
Dart showed poise against Buffalo’s starters, leading three scoring drives in four possessions. His 28-yard touchdown to Lil’Jordan Humphrey came under pressure, showcasing both accuracy and toughness.

2. Shedeur Sanders – Cleveland Browns

Stats: 14-of-23, 138 yards, 2 TD; 19 rush yards
With Joe Flacco resting and two other QBs sidelined, Sanders started and played nearly three quarters. He flashed mobility and arm talent, highlighted by a perfectly placed touchdown to Kaden Davis and a 30-yard strike to Luke Floriea under duress.

3. Cam Miller – Las Vegas Raiders

Stats: 6-of-7, 76 yards, 1 TD
Miller came in late but was efficient and confident, including a 41-yard touchdown toss. He nearly set up a game-winning field goal before a block ended the chance.

4. Jalen Milroe – Seattle Seahawks

Stats: 6-of-10, 61 yards; 38 rush yards
Known for his legs, Milroe added flashes as a passer, including a tight-window throw to Ricky White III.

5. Cam Ward – Tennessee Titans

Stats: 5-of-8, 67 yards
The No. 1 overall pick played two series, finding early rhythm with Calvin Ridley on a drive that ended in six points.

6. J.J. McCarthy – Minnesota Vikings*

Stats: 4-of-7, 30 yards
Returning from a season-ending injury in 2024, McCarthy led a methodical opening drive capped with a field goal.

7. Tyler Shough – New Orleans Saints

Stats: 15-of-22, 165 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
A pick-six marred Shough’s day, but he responded with a 54-yard touchdown strike.

8. Riley Leonard – Indianapolis Colts

Stats: 12-of-24, 92 yards, 1 INT; 34 rush yards
Leonard’s dual-threat ability was on display in a touchdown drive, though his late interception stalled momentum.

9. Quinn Ewers – Miami Dolphins

Stats: 5-of-18, 91 yards, 2 fumbles lost
Turnovers and sacks derailed Ewers’ debut, despite flashes in the hurry-up offense.

10. Kyle McCord – Philadelphia Eagles

Stats: 1-of-5, 8 yards, 1 INT
Struggled with timing and comfort in limited fourth-quarter action.

11. Graham Mertz – Houston Texans

Stats: 7-of-14, 27 yards, 3 INT
Three straight interceptions ended a nightmare debut for the sixth-rounder.

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Puka Nacua’s praise for Davante Adams’ will fire up LA Rams Fans

As the Los Angeles Rams ramp up for the 2025 season, wide receiver Puka Nacua is singing high praises for new addition Davante Adams — and Rams fans have every reason to be excited.

Adams, a three-time All-Pro and proven elite receiver, joined the Rams in the offseason on a two-year deal after the team released former star wideout Cooper Kupp. His arrival brings a fresh spark to a receiving corps that already includes rising star Nacua.

During training camp, Nacua was quick to show respect to Adams, stepping back to let the veteran lead drills and set the tone. “There is a respect for him to come in saying, ‘I don’t want to push you out of the way or take your spot… But it’s something that I have a huge amount of respect for his game,’” Nacua told the LA Times’s Gary Klein. He even joked about trying to watch Adams closely during drills, acknowledging the impact Adams’ skills bring to the whole team.

Adams’ resume speaks for itself. Over 11 NFL seasons, he has reached 1,000 receiving yards seven times, including six straight before joining Los Angeles. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, Adams combines size, speed, and exceptional route-running ability. Rams receivers coach Eric Yarber called him a “future Hall of Famer” with “cat-quick” feet and “a great feel for the game.”

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, sidelined with a back issue during camp, called Adams a “seamless fit” in the offense. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo, who worked with Adams previously in Las Vegas, praised his “swagger” and confidence, further boosting the excitement around the new-look Rams passing game.

Nacua and other young receivers have already benefited from Adams’ experience and insights, especially in reading defenses and creating separation. Coach Sean McVay highlighted the “mutual respect” and “appropriate humility” between Adams and Nacua, calling it “special stuff” that sets a positive tone for the offense.

With Adams adding a new dimension to the passing game and Nacua continuing to rise, the Rams are positioning themselves as a strong Super Bowl contender—if Stafford can return to full health.

“This is looking pretty golden over here,” Adams said, capturing the growing optimism surrounding the Rams’ offense.

Rams fans should be fired up — the offense is ready to roar.

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