Thursday’s opening slate of the 2025 NFL preseason delivered plenty to digest as rookies stepped into the spotlight and new faces made their presence felt. From coast to coast, first-year players and team additions put their stamp on what promises to be an intriguing season ahead. Let’s dive into the standout performances and key observations from Week 1’s action.
Seahawks and Raiders Play to Dramatic Stalemate
Seattle’s 23-23 deadlock with Las Vegas turned into a showcase for emerging talent, particularly rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe. The third-string signal-caller wasted no time announcing his arrival, breaking loose for a spectacular 27-yard zone-read scamper that highlighted his raw athleticism. Milroe’s night included 38 rushing yards on just three attempts while completing 6 of 10 passes for 61 yards, engineering a scoring drive before getting dropped on the game’s final possession.
Fifth-round selection Tory Horton seized his opportunity with several veteran receivers watching from the sidelines. The wideout hauled in three catches for 31 yards and found the end zone, making a compelling argument for the No. 3 receiver role.
Las Vegas, though, couldn’t get their ground game clicking. Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty managed only minus-1 yard on three carries, stymied by an offensive line that mustered a measly 2.6 yards per rush over the opening two quarters. On the bright side, newly acquired Jamal Adams looked right at home at weak-side linebacker, racking up three tackles and two run stuffs across 14 snaps while patrolling near the line of scrimmage.
Ravens’ Rookie Wester Lights Up Indianapolis with Electric Return
Baltimore squeezed past Indianapolis 24-16 thanks to a breathtaking 87-yard punt return touchdown from sixth-round gem LaJohntay Wester. The Colorado product, who learned under Deion Sanders’ tutelage, channeled his inner “Prime Time” with a dazzling display of cuts and acceleration, leaving would-be tacklers grasping at air before streaking down the sideline.
Wester’s heroics couldn’t have come at a better time for a Ravens return unit that averaged a paltry 9.7 yards per return last season. He also paced the receiving corps with two grabs for 41 yards, including a 30-yard strike.
Rookie kicker Tyler Loop had an up-and-down debut, pushing a 46-yard attempt wide before nailing a 52-yarder in the fourth quarter. Head coach John Harbaugh made it clear that Loop’s preseason body of work will determine his fate.
Indianapolis got solid production from first-round tight end Tyler Warren, who snagged all three of his targets for 40 yards. His 23-yard slant route, where he tacked on 14 yards after the catch, demonstrated the versatility that made him a top pick. New kicker Spencer Shrader went 3-for-4 on field goal tries, connecting from 33, 39, and 53 yards while missing from 52. Shrader steps in for departed veteran Matt Gay.
Eagles Fly Past Bengals Behind Rookie Surge
Philadelphia rolled to a 34-27 victory over Cincinnati, riding strong contributions from their first-year class and skill position newcomers. Running back AJ Dillon flashed his dual-threat ability with five carries for 27 yards plus three receptions for the same yardage, showcasing nimble footwork on cuts and punishing contact on physical runs.
Undrafted receiver Darius Cooper stole the show with six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, running crisp routes and creating separation with his burst off the line.
First-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell nearly hauled in an interception, while fourth-round defensive tackle Ty Robinson generated two pressures and a sack, also breaking up a screen pass attempt.
Cincinnati saw promising flashes from first-round defensive end Shemar Stewart, who finally took the field after contract negotiations delayed his debut. Stewart logged a tackle for loss and consistently pressured Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee across 18 snaps, nearly forcing a turnover. Rookie left guard Dylan Fairchild, expected to start, held his own, though right guard Lucas Patrick struggled early with penalty issues.
Weekend and Week Ahead Preview
The preseason action continues with a packed slate of games stretching through the weekend and into next week, as teams look to build on early momentum and fine-tune their rosters:
- Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons, Friday, 7 p.m. ET
- Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers, Friday, 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Washington Commanders vs. New England Patriots, Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET
- New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills, Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
- Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
- Tennessee Titans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
- New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Kansas City Chiefs vs. Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET
- Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 4 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Week 1 of the 2025 NFL preseason has offered a tantalizing preview of which rookies and newcomers might play pivotal roles once September arrives. As exhibition play rolls on, teams will keep evaluating talent and adjusting their depth charts based on what unfolds under the lights.
