We’ve seen quite a bit of chatter about rookie quarterbacks following the first week of preseason, especially regarding the Browns and Chedur. Sanders made a compelling case for why he shouldn’t have lasted until the fifth round, and there’s speculation about whether Cleveland will consider him as a starter at least by 2025.
To be fair, 2025 is still quite a ways off, but what really stood out to me during this first week is how Sanders managed to stay composed and not get rattled as much as many expected.
Shedale Sanders – Cleveland Browns 23-14, 138 yards, 2 TDs – 4 carries, 19 yards
Sanders was clearly the standout QB of the weekend. On Charlotte’s field, he seemed comfortable and didn’t look overwhelmed. He made smart decisions while stepping into the pocket and demonstrated a good understanding of reading the NFL defense, which puts him in the mix for the Browns’ starting role this season.
However, let’s be honest here—Chedur wasn’t flawless. The game plan seemed to favor short passes and didn’t push him to really extend his skills. His release could be quicker, and the ball sometimes just floated rather than zipping out. The Browns also predominantly had him operating from the shotgun, which, while he’s good at, would benefit from more testing in various NFL scenarios.
That said, it’s only preseason game one. It was a significant debut, and while excitement is valid, it’s a bit early to get overly hyped. I’d advise Chedur to be cautious about celebrating too much against second- and third-string defenses—it’s a little premature.
Jackson Dart – New York Giants 19-1, 154 yards, 1 TD – 3 carries, 24 yards
In comparison, Dart and Sanders didn’t quite match up, which is expected given how early it is in the preseason. Still, Dart showed promise in how he dealt with pressure, especially considering the chaos of the Giants’ offensive line.
His highlight was a smooth 28-yard touchdown pass to Lil Jordan Humphrey. But there were moments where I think he could have been cooler under pressure, and ball placement was a consistent issue—often forcing receivers to adjust, limiting potential yards after the catch. While I see improvements coming, he’s not quite at a clinic level yet.
Overall, it’s a promising start. At least, he appeared to handle pressure better than Daniel Jones, and that alone could be significant.
Cammiller – Las Vegas Raiders 6-for-7, 76 yards, 1 TD
The only reason Miller ranks third is that he entered the game late against Seattle’s struggling defense. It’s worth noting there are some qualifiers here.
Despite that, Miller had a fantastic debut for a sixth-round pick. Comparisons to Tom Brady might be overblown, but there was definitely a lot to appreciate in terms of expectations and playmaking ability. I would love to see more from him; he could turn into something special.
Come Ward – Tennessee Titans 8-5, 67 yards
Ward’s performance was decent, though not surprising. He seemed to have built a nice rapport with Calvin Ridley early on, which is encouraging, but the game didn’t have many standout moments, largely due to the Titans facing off against backups from Tampa Bay.
Ward displayed good poise in the pocket and made smart decisions. Even if his numbers weren’t eye-popping, I feel confident he could develop into a solid NFL quarterback.
Jalen Milroe – Seattle Seahawks 10-6, 61 yards – 3 carries, 38 yards
Milroe is a fascinating player—his performance felt like a mix of brilliance and struggle. He thrives outside of a structured play, bringing an edge when he improvises. When he’s forced in the pocket, the issues with his release and ball placement surface, which can be problematic.
However, when he’s on the run, his athleticism shines and he often makes solid decisions, showing the potential for a tailored system to really take advantage of his skills.
This ranking reflects the best moments he showcased in his first preseason game and hints at future success.
Tyler Schough – New Orleans Saints 22-15, 165 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT – 1 carry, 3 yards
Schough probably wins the award for the best single throw of the week with a beautiful 54-yard pass to Mason Tipton. However, he also had 21 other attempts that didn’t stand out.
Aside from that touchdown, nothing particularly striking happened. His cautious style left some potential yards on the field, opting for safer throws rather than risking deeper connections. While that one TD was impressive, it came largely due to blown coverage that left him plenty of space.
He definitely needs more opportunities to prove himself, but as it stands, I’m not convinced about his future in the league.
Riley Leonard – Indianapolis Colts 24-12, 92 yards, 1 INT
Leonard’s performance in Indianapolis didn’t instill much hope. Frankly, he didn’t give fans much to cheer about, and at best, he looks like a backup struggling to find a hold in the league.
Quinn Ewers – Miami Dolphins 18-5, 91 yards
Yikes. Ewers had a rough outing. He even lost two fumbles, which didn’t help. It felt like he was trying to replicate his college success in the NFL, only to realize the challenges are vastly different.
He struggled with accuracy, leaving receivers having to stretch for catches on almost every throw. This creates some anxiety for a Miami offense that thrives on precision and yards after catch. There are certainly chances for improvement, but currently, he doesn’t seem to be fitting into an NFL roster.
Kyle McCord – Philadelphia Eagles 1-for-5, 8 yards, 1 INT
McCord’s performance was minimal, leaving little to analyze. It wasn’t a good day for him, and that’s putting it lightly.
Graham Mertz – Houston Texans 14-7, 27 yards, 3 INTs
Honestly, if there’s nothing good to say, maybe silence is better.
