Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

NFL Preseason 2025–26 – 7 Key Takeaways Going Into Week 2

Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

As Sunday’s double-header came to an end, it also meant that the first week of the 2025 NFL preseason’s week 1 is now in the books. And before we turn our attention to week 2 of the preseason, there are some interesting points to reflect upon.

All 32 teams were in action over the course of the past couple of days, and while we got to see many of the starters in action in limited capacity, there were some standout performances from the backups and fringe players after week 1.

Key Takeaways From NFL Preseason Week 1

Of course, as this is still the preseason, it is important not to read too much into the results and performances just yet. Having said that, there is still plenty to unpack. So, without further ado, here are seven key takeaways from week 1 of the 2025 NFL preseason.

Patriots Open Preseason With a Bang

One of the more surprising results of the week saw the New England Patriots rout the Washington Commanders to the tune of 48-18. Going purely on the basis of what we saw in the joint practice session prior to the game, a Patriots win was the expectation, but not in such a blowout manner.

Mike Vrabel’s new team looks ready to go as rookie TreVeyon Henderson set the tone early on with an opening kickoff, which he took to the house from the goal line for a 100-yard score.

THE FIRST TIME HE TOUCHED THE BALL IN THE NFL!!!!@TreVeyonH4 | @NFL

📺: WBZ pic.twitter.com/NcT2a635nx
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 8, 2025

Giants’ Pass Rush Looks the Real Deal

On paper, the New York Giants’ pass rush should be feared with the likes of Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and rookie Abdul Carter all possessing the ability to get to the quarterback.

On Saturday, Lawrence did not play against the Bills, but Burns, Thibodeaux, and Carter, along with Roy Robertson-Harris showed what they are capable of by pressuring the quarterback on a consistent basis while keeping the Bills’ run game in check as well. Exciting times are ahead for Giants’ fans if the pass rush can remain strong throughout the season.

Shedeur Sanders Looked Unfazed in First Preseason Game

After an offseason worth of drama around Shedeur Sanders, right from the NFL Combine, to the NFL Draft, to Training Camp, the former Colorado Buffaloes’ signal caller made his much anticipated debut in the preseason for the Browns.

Sanders had a good outing, one that backed up his recent performances in training camp as well. Completing 14/23 passes for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns, Sanders has improved his chances of taking the backup spot behind Joe Flacco.

SHEDEUR SANDERS PUT ON A SHOW IN HIS PRESEASON DEBUT ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/yEhAL5YUxy
— ESPN (@espn) August 9, 2025

Emeka Egbuka Continues Training Camp Form

Buccaneers’ rookie sideout Emeka Egbuka had been garnering quite a bit of praise during Tampa Bay’s training camp. Drafted with the 19th overall pick from this year’s draft, the Bucs surprised many with this selection, given that they already had Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Nevertheless, it gives quarterback Baker Mayfield another quality weapon, and judging by his preseason game, where he came down with a 21-yard reception that gave a glimpse of what can be expected very soon.

Aaron Glenn and Justin Fields’ Era Could Be the Start of Something New

The New York Jets had a comfortable preseason debut for the year, beating the Packers soundly by a score of 30-10. Justin Fields looked impressive under center, and that brings out the question of whether he can guide this team to an improved season ahead.

Fields went 3 of 4 for 42 yards, and also added 14 rushing yards with a touchdown on the ground. New head coach Aaron Glenn and Fields are expected to help the Jets overcome their recent slump, and if week 1 of preseason is anything to go by, the Gang Green may just surprise the league this year.

Man I’m telling you…don’t let Justin Fields get hot this season. pic.twitter.com/UtcXgE8nhI
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 10, 2025

Multiple Players Suffer Preseason Injuries

The preseason is meant to ease players back into action before the real season gets underway. Backups and fringe players get more chances to show their worth and impress the coaching staff, so the intensity is still high.

As a result, injuries are always a part and parcel of the game, whether it is during an actual game or even in practice. There have been many injuries so far since the start of the training camps, but the most recent ones feature Chargers’ O-lineman Rashawn Slater, who is out for the season after suffering a torn patellar tendon.

Ravens’ rookie cornerback Bilhal Kone will also miss the entire season after suffering a torn ligament in the left knee while going up for a ball and landing awkwardly, while third-round rookie Justin Walley of the Colts tore his ACL in practice ahead of the Ravens game.

Second-year corner, for the Detroit Lions, Morice Norris suffered a gruesome head and neck injury as his head snapped back severely while going in on a tackle. Luckily, though, he seems to be fine as per the latest updates, and could be back in action soon.

BREAKING: Morice Norris is in stable condition and has feeling and movement in all his extremities, per @Lions

Incredible news 💙 pic.twitter.com/PytEAF4iNA
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) August 9, 2025

Eagles’ guard Landon Dickerson was also carted off during practice after he suffered a leg injury, and the Chiefs’ safety Deon Bush is also out for the season after tearing his Achilles.

While it is still just the preseason, the excitement of football is back, and we have yet another season to look forward to. Teams will now focus on bringing about improvements for their next game this week as the battle for the final roster spots continues to heat up.

Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

2025 NFL Preseason

2025 NFL Preseason Week 1

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Shedeur Sanders

Devavrat Kulkarni

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I am a content writer for the NFL team, and joined The Playoffs after working with Sportskeeda and NFL Analysis as an NFL writer. After starting my professional career as a French-to-English translator, working as a content writer is a new adventure for me. I started out in the sports media field for two main reasons: my love for sports in general, especially the NFL, NBA, and Tennis, as well as my passion for writing. The best part of this job is that I get to write a variety of pieces with the freedom to explore content from various angles. It also enables me to stay up to date with the sporting world, which otherwise can be difficult to do in the day-to-day grind. In a world full of chaos, sports unite and entertain like nothing else!