Preseason QB Showdown: Analyzing Rookie and Veteran Performances in Week 1

The NFL preseason is back, and Week 1 delivered a fascinating glimpse into the quarterback landscape, showcasing both promising rookies and seasoned veterans vying for starting roles and roster spots. From electrifying debuts to solidifying backup positions, the quarterback performances across the league provided plenty of talking points for fans and analysts alike. One notable stat: Joe Burrow completed 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns in just one quarter of action against the Eagles, highlighting the Bengals’ focus on a fast start this season. Let’s dive into some key quarterback performances from the opening week of the preseason.

Rookie QBs Making a Statement

Several rookie quarterbacks seized their first NFL game action, offering glimpses of their potential and providing valuable evaluation opportunities for their respective teams.

Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns): With injuries plaguing the Browns’ quarterback room, fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders got the nod to start against the Carolina Panthers. Sanders, who some initially projected as a top-10 pick, is looking to make a statement and climb the depth chart behind projected starter Joe Flacco. Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Sanders and Tyler Huntley were the only quarterbacks expected to play, giving Sanders ample opportunity to showcase his skills.
Jalen Milroe (Seattle Seahawks): Selected 93rd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jalen Milroe made his preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders. Milroe has impressed coaches with his work ethic and passing improvements since the spring. With the Seahawks holding out their starters, Milroe received significant playing time, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities. He completed 6 of 10 passes for 61 yards and rushed three times for 38 yards, including a 27-yard zone-read keeper.
Jaxson Dart (New York Giants): All eyes were on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart as he took his first NFL snaps against the Buffalo Bills. With Russell Wilson firmly entrenched as the starter and Jameis Winston as the primary backup, the preseason games may be Dart’s only chance to gain meaningful experience. Analysts are keen to observe his decision-making, mechanics, and overall command of the offense.

Veteran QBs Battling for Position

While the rookies were generating buzz, several veteran quarterbacks were engaged in fierce competitions for starting jobs and backup roles.

Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts): The Colts’ quarterback situation took an unexpected turn when Anthony Richardson suffered a finger injury early in the game against the Baltimore Ravens. Daniel Jones, acquired by the Colts this offseason, stepped in but didn’t necessarily seize the opportunity. Jones completed 10 of 21 passes for 144 yards, leading the team to two field goal drives. Richardson’s injury, described as a dislocated pinky, could sideline him for the remainder of the preseason, giving Jones a chance to solidify his position.
Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns): The Browns have a crowded quarterback room, with veteran Joe Flacco currently projected to start. However, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders are all vying for playing time. Injuries to Pickett and Gabriel opened the door for Sanders to start the preseason opener against the Panthers.
Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals): Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett is embracing his role with the Arizona Cardinals, approaching the preseason with a rookie-like mentality. Brissett, who has a decade of NFL experience, is focused on earning the trust of his new teammates and demonstrating his capabilities.

Solidifying Backup Roles

Beyond the high-profile quarterback battles, several veterans used the preseason opener to solidify their positions as reliable backups.

Tanner McKee (Philadelphia Eagles): Tanner McKee had a standout performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, completing 20 of 25 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown, showcasing his versatility. McKee’s impressive showing further solidified his position as Jalen Hurts’ primary backup.
Tyler Huntley (Cleveland Browns): Signed by the Browns due to injuries to Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel, Tyler Huntley is expected to get playing time in the preseason game against the Panthers. Huntley will look to show the Browns that he can be a reliable backup to Joe Flacco.

Notable Performances and Observations

Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): Despite downplaying his performance as “average,” Joe Burrow looked sharp in his limited action against the Eagles. Burrow completed 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Ja’Marr Chase for a 36-yard score. The Bengals are clearly prioritizing a strong start to the regular season after slow starts in previous years.
Stetson Bennett IV (Los Angeles Rams): Stetson Bennett IV started the preseason opener for the Rams for the second consecutive season. After missing his entire rookie year, Bennett is looking to build on his experience and demonstrate his command of the offense.

More Than Just Quarterbacks

While the quarterback position is always under the microscope, other players also delivered notable performances in Week 1 of the preseason.

Keaton Mitchell (Baltimore Ravens): Running back Keaton Mitchell showcased his explosiveness in the Ravens’ game against the Colts, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell’s performance suggests he could be a valuable change-of-pace option behind Derrick Henry.
Tyler Warren (Indianapolis Colts): First-round pick Tyler Warren impressed in his NFL debut, catching three passes for 40 yards. Warren’s performance indicates he could play a significant role in the Colts’ offense this season.
LaJohntay Wester (Baltimore Ravens): The sixth-round pick LaJohntay Wester made an immediate impact, returning a punt 87 yards for a touchdown. Wester’s performance earned him an impressive 88.0 PFF punt-return grade.
Jamal Adams (Las Vegas Raiders): Veteran linebacker Jamal Adams, transitioning from safety, had a strong preseason debut, recording three tackles and showcasing his ability to navigate the box and stop the run.
Darius Cooper (Philadelphia Eagles): Undrafted wide receiver Darius Cooper led the Eagles with 82 receiving yards and a touchdown, making a strong case for a roster spot.

Week 1 of the NFL preseason provided a valuable opportunity to assess the quarterback landscape and identify potential stars for the upcoming season. While the performances are just a small sample size, they offer a glimpse into the potential of both rookie and veteran quarterbacks as they compete for starting roles and roster spots. As the preseason progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these quarterback battles unfold and which players emerge as key contributors for their respective teams.