News Summary
The NFL preseason kicked off with eight thrilling games showcasing emerging talents and established players. Rookies made headlines with impressive debuts, including a top draft pick demonstrating strong quarterback potential. Veteran teams like the Broncos and Cardinals also displayed skill and synergy on the field. As teams evaluate their lineups, the first week set the stage for what’s to come in the regular season. Injuries and highlights added to the intensity of the competition, making it clear that the preseason is vital for player development and strategy.
San Francisco, CA — NFL Preseason Week 1 Kicks Off with Standout Performances from Rookies and Veterans
The 2025 NFL preseason officially began on Saturday, featuring eight games that showcased emerging talent and established players alike. This opening week highlighted promising performances from rookies, emerging stars, and notable moments across the league, setting the tone for the upcoming season.
Rookie Debuts Draw Attention
High-profile rookies Cam Ward and Travis Hunter made their preseason debuts on Saturday, drawing significant attention. Cam Ward, the top draft pick from Tennessee, played his first game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, completing 5 of 8 passes for 67 yards. His performance demonstrated composure and potential as a starting quarterback candidate.
Meanwhile, Travis Hunter, selected from Jacksonville, recorded two catches for nine yards in his first appearance. He also contributed on defense by playing cornerback against the Pittsburgh Steelers, showing versatility early in his career.
Team Performances Highlight Exciting Games
Denver Broncos Dominate with Unanswered Points
The Denver Broncos opened their preseason with a commanding 30-9 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The Broncos scored 30 consecutive points, demonstrating offensive consistency and defensive strength. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger threw a touchdown pass to tight end Caden Prieskorn, while Emari Demercado caught a 43-yard touchdown pass. Additionally, rookie cornerback Darren Hall made a significant impact by intercepting a pass, contributing to the team’s defensive success.
Arizona Cardinals Edge Out Kansas City Chiefs
The Arizona Cardinals triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 20-17. The game was decided by a 50-yard field goal from Chad Ryland in the closing moments. Kyler Murray, returning from injury, looked sharp completing 7 of 8 passes for 96 yards. Jacoby Brissett also made a positive impression with two touchdown passes, providing hope for the Cardinals’ offense this season.
New York Jets and Green Bay Packers Clash
The Jets secured a 30-10 win against the Packers. Jets’ quarterback Justin Fields scored a touchdown during his only drive, sparking optimism about his role in the upcoming season. The Packers’ offense struggled, though Amar Johnson managed a 39-yard touchdown run, indicating potential but inconsistent performance on that side of the ball.
Other Notable Scores and Highlights
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Tennessee Titans 29-7, with Kyle Trask completing 12 of 16 passes for 129 yards.
- In an historic moment, Jacksonville Jaguars’ kicker Cam Little made a 70-yard field goal against the Steelers, a rare feat in preseason play.
- The San Francisco 49ers experienced a rough outing, with three different quarterbacks throwing interceptions, demonstrating ongoing adjustments for the team.
- The Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy threw for 30 yards in his appearance, while Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb was inactive for their game against the Rams.
Injuries and Player Updates
Preseason also saw some unfortunate injuries; notably, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton suffered an elbow injury. However, coaching staff indicated that Milton is expected to recover without long-term issues. Recognizable players such as Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders delivered impressive performances, generating excitement for their respective teams.
Summary of the Week’s Impact
The first week of the 2025 NFL preseason served as an important development platform for rookies and established players. Emerging talents showed talent and resilience, while teams used these exhibitions to evaluate depth and prepare for the regular season. Overall, the opening week offered a mix of promising signs and areas for improvement as teams begin their journey toward the NFL season.
Looking ahead, fans and analysts will closely monitor continued performances and team adjustments over the coming weeks in preparation for the regular season kickoff.
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Additional Resources
- NFL: What We Learned from Preseason Week 1
- CBS Sports: NFL DFS Picks for Preseason Week 1
- CBS Sports: Preseason Week 1 Live Updates
- NBC Sports: 49ers Live Updates and Highlights
- NFL: Travis Hunter’s Preseason Debut
- Wikipedia: National Football League
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
