Giants' rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart scores a touchdown in his first game against the Bills, following Shedeur Sanders' impressive performance for the Browns in their initial match.
In the opening acts of the 2025 NFL preseason, rookie quarterbacks Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants and Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns have made their marks. While their trajectories and team situations differ, both have caught the eye of analysts and fans alike.
Jaxson Dart, selected late in the first round, made a strong debut for the Giants, completing 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. His performance earned an overall grade of 80.7 from Pro Football Focus, just slightly lower than Sanders' 82.1.
Dart's poise, passing accuracy, and mobility were on full display in the Giants' preseason opener. Despite starting behind established quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, coaches and fans see Dart as a potential future difference maker, with the possibility of stepping into a starting role by November or December if needed.
On the other hand, Shedeur Sanders, drafted in the fifth round, impressed with his accuracy, strong pre-snap processing, and mobility, holding a 74% completion rate in college and showing NFL-ready skills. However, his arm strength is considered adequate, not elite, and the Browns’ coaching staff will likely monitor his development before committing to him as a consistent starter.
The Giants' offensive line, bolstered by a strong performance, did not allow a sack during the game. Jaxson Dart also contributed on the ground, rushing for 24 yards. Notably, Dart directed three Giants scoring drives, including a two-minute drill at the end of the first half, culminating in a touchdown pass to Lil' Jordan Humphrey.
Meanwhile, the Browns' offense found success with Sanders at the helm, with the rookie quarterback going 14 of 23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns. However, Sanders showed some inconsistency, including a near-interception in the second quarter.
The preseason performances have given their respective teams more confidence in their developmental paths but have not yet shifted starting roles definitively. Dart’s strong showing energizes a Giants team that may rely on him later in the season, while Sanders’ accuracy and timing provide the Browns with a promising, albeit unproven, option at quarterback.
As the regular season approaches, both teams will continue to monitor the progress of their rookie quarterbacks, with the Giants potentially looking to create a market to trade one of their four quarterbacks due to the number of teams with poor backup quarterback situations. The preseason has set the stage for an exciting season, with both Dart and Sanders poised to make their impacts felt.
| Aspect | Jaxson Dart (Giants) | Shedeur Sanders (Browns) | |-----------------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Draft Position | Late 1st Round | 5th Round | | Preseason Performance | 12/19, 154 yards, 1 TD, PFF grade 80.7 | 14/23, 138 yards, 2 TD, PFF grade 82.1 | | Strengths | Passing accuracy, mobility, poise | Pinpoint accuracy, quick release, timing routes | | Weaknesses | Backup role behind established QBs, limited early opportunity | Some inconsistency in games, arm strength average | | Team Outlook | Potential mid-season starter if starter falters, developmental focus | Developmental, wide range of potential outcomes, not immediate starter | | Impact on Team | Boosts QB depth and future starter hope | Encourages Browns’ offensive planning, competition at QB |
- The strong preseason performance of Jaxson Dart, coupled with his impressive strengths in passing accuracy and mobility, makes him a promising future difference maker for the New York Giants.
- Shedeur Sanders, with his pinpoint accuracy, quick release, and timing routes, has provided the Cleveland Browns with a promising, albeit unproven, option at quarterback, whose developmental focus could encourage offensive planning and competition for the starting role.
