NFL Preseason Week 1 Showcases Rookie Talents

News Summary

The NFL preseason kicked off with a weekend packed with games, showcasing the debut performances of rookie stars. Notable players like Cam Ward and Travis Hunter impressed in their first appearances, while teams such as the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals delivered strong victories, hinting at the excitement to come in the regular season. However, struggles were also evident, with several teams facing offensive challenges. The first week proved to be a mix of standout performances and notable incidents, laying the groundwork for an engaging football season ahead.

New Season Kicks Off with Exciting NFL Preseason Week 1 Performances

In various cities across the United States, the 2025 NFL preseason officially began on Saturday, marking the start of preparation for the upcoming football season. The kickoff extended over multiple days, with three games on Thursday, three more on Friday, and eight matches on Saturday. This opening week featured standout debut performances by several top draft picks, along with significant team outings that hint at potential developments for the regular season.

Rookie Stars Shine in Debut Games

Among the highlighted new players, Cam Ward and Travis Hunter made notable first appearances on Saturday. Ward, a highly anticipated quarterback drafted from Tennessee, completed 5 of 8 passes for 67 yards in his initial game against Tampa Bay. His performance provided a promising start as he begins his NFL journey. Meanwhile, Hunter, selected from Jacksonville, participated on both sides of the ball for his team. He caught two passes for nine yards and also stepped onto the field as a cornerback during the matchup against Pittsburgh, showcasing his versatility and potential.

Team Performances and Key Plays

The Denver Broncos delivered a dominant performance, defeating the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 30-9. The game featured an impressive offensive display with the Broncos scoring 30 unanswered points. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger threw a touchdown pass to tight end Caden Prieskorn. Additionally, Emari Demercado caught a 43-yard touchdown, and rookie cornerback Darren Hall contributed with an interception that fueled the team’s success.

In another notable game, the Arizona Cardinals edged out the Kansas City Chiefs with a 20-17 victory. The game-winning field goal was kicked by Chad Ryland from 50 yards out. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray impressed with a 7-of-8 passing performance for 96 yards, while Jacoby Brissett contributed with two touchdown passes, displaying the offensive potential of both teams.

Other Key Games and Highlights

The New York Jets secured a convincing 30-10 win over the Green Bay Packers. Jets quarterback Justin Fields scored a touchdown on his sole drive, while Packers’ rookie Amar Johnson provided some offensive sparks with a 39-yard touchdown run. Despite this, the Packers faced struggles offensively throughout the game.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showcased strong form against the Tennessee Titans, winning 29-7. Kyle Trask led the Bucs with a solid performance, completing 12 of 16 passes for 129 yards. Meanwhile, for the Jaguars, Cam Little made headlines with a historic 70-yard field goal, setting a notable milestone in preseason kicking records.

Challenges and Noteworthy Incidents

The San Francisco 49ers experienced difficulties during their game, with three different quarterbacks each throwing interceptions. This indicated some early struggles in offensive consistency. In addition, Joe Milton, the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback, suffered an elbow injury during his appearance, though team officials reassured that he is expected to recover fully.

Other Impressive Performances and Future Looks

Beyond the headline performances, other rookies and young players showed promise. Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders displayed strong potential in their respective games, contributing positively to their teams’ efforts. On the other hand, CeeDee Lamb was inactive for the Dallas Cowboys against the Rams, and the Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy completed 30 yards passing in his brief appearance.

Overall Impact of Week 1

The first week of the 2025 NFL preseason demonstrated promising starts for numerous rookie players and provided early insights into team strengths and areas needing improvement. While some teams showcased powerful offense and resilient defense, others faced hurdles that they will aim to overcome as the preseason progresses. The games also featured memorable moments, such as the historic field goal and impactful defensive plays, generating excitement for what promises to be an engaging season ahead.

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Additional Resources

• NFL: What We Learned from Preseason Week 1
• CBS Sports: NFL DFS Picks for Preseason Week 1
• CBS Sports: Preseason Week 1 Live Updates
• NBC Sports: 49ers Live Updates and Highlights
• NFL: Travis Hunter’s Preseason Debut
• Wikipedia: National Football League