Photo Credit: CBS Sports
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The second week of the NFL preseason brought plenty of meaningful storylines. Teams continued evaluating players before final roster decisions. Several quarterbacks also strengthened their positions battles. Meanwhile, others created even more questions. The preseason does not always predict regular-season success. Still, individual performances can change a player’s roster outlook. Week 2 provided several strong examples. Here are some of the biggest winners and losers from the weekend.
Bo Nix delivered one of the weekend’s most encouraging performances. The Denver Broncos quarterback returned from a broken ankle. He completed 6 of 9 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown. Nix looked comfortable despite playing in his first preseason game. His mobility also appeared encouraging. More importantly, he avoided setbacks during his return. That performance should give Denver confidence heading into the regular season. Nix still has plenty to prove, but Week 2 provided a positive step.
Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders also helped himself during Cleveland’s loss to Buffalo. The rookie quarterback received another opportunity amid Cleveland’s quarterback competition. Sanders completed his first four passes during the opening drive. He also threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to Luke Floriea. The performance did not erase every concern. However, Sanders looked sharper than Deshaun Watson during the game. That difference matters as Cleveland continues evaluating its quarterback room.
Jack Strand
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Jack Strand delivered one of Week 2’s biggest surprises. The undrafted rookie helped Atlanta crush Indianapolis 34-6. Strand threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Atlanta also dominated the Colts in total offense. The Falcons finished with 461 yards compared with Indianapolis’ 164. Strand has made the most of his preseason opportunities. His performance could strengthen his chances of sticking around.
The Los Angeles Rams’ Defense
The Rams defense dominated New Orleans in a 34-0 shutout. Los Angeles also forced three turnovers during the victory. Safety Alex Cook added a spectacular 100-yard interception return. Stetson Bennett also scored two rushing touchdowns. The Rams showed impressive depth across the roster. That could become important once injuries hit during the regular season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Young Defenders
Tampa Bay earned a 16-15 victory over Kansas City. Several young defenders stood out during the game. Rookie Rueben Bain Jr. created problems with his pass rush. Tykee Smith, David Walker and Keionte Scott also made important plays. The Buccaneers still have offensive concerns. However, the defense showed encouraging depth. That could become one of Tampa Bay’s biggest strengths this season.
Losers
Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson endured another difficult preseason performance. He completed only 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception. Watson struggled with accuracy and pressure throughout the game. His performance also came with Cleveland fans expressing their frustration. Meanwhile, Sanders provided a more encouraging performance. That contrast will increase attention on Cleveland’s quarterback situation. Watson now faces even more pressure heading toward Week 1.
Chicago Bears’ Starting Unit
The Bears suffered a 27-9 loss against Cincinnati. The final score looked especially concerning because Cincinnati rested most of its starters. Chicago played Caleb Williams and several first-team players. Cincinnati still controlled much of the game. The Bears need better execution from their starters. Preseason results rarely determine regular-season outcomes. However, poor performances can expose issues that require attention. Chicago has little time remaining to fix those problems.
Jalen Milroe
Jalen Milroe struggled during Seattle’s loss to Tennessee. He threw two interceptions during the second half. The Seahawks eventually lost 19-16 after leading 16-3. Tennessee scored 16 unanswered points to complete the comeback. Milroe needs more consistency as he develops. His athletic ability remains intriguing, but turnovers can quickly erase positive plays. The preseason gives him another opportunity to learn. However, his Week 2 performance raised legitimate concerns.
Seattle’s Injury Situation
Seattle suffered two major injuries during the loss. Rookie safety Bud Clark broke his ankle. Offensive lineman Mason Richman also suffered a serious injury. Those injuries could affect Seattle’s depth heading into the regular season. Preseason games always carry that risk. Unfortunately, Seattle’s second preseason game created concerns beyond the scoreboard.
Denver’s Backup Quarterback Battle
While Nix looked strong, Jarrett Stidham struggled. He completed 9 of 15 passes for 82 yards. He also threw an interception without a touchdown. Denver lost 33-13 against Green Bay. The Packers scored consistently against Denver’s defense. Nix’s performance helped his outlook. However, the backup quarterback situation remains less certain.
Final Thoughts
Week 2 provided another important checkpoint for NFL teams. Coaches now have more information before final roster decisions. Players such as Nix, Sanders and Strand strengthened their cases. Meanwhile, Watson and Milroe created additional questions. The preseason does not guarantee regular-season success. Still, opportunities matter when roster spots remain available. The final preseason week will bring another round of evaluations. After that, teams must turn their attention toward the regular season. For players fighting for jobs, every snap now carries even more importance.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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