NFL Preseason Wrap-Up: Highlights and Key Takeaways from 2025

As the dust settles in New York City with the conclusion of the 2025 NFL preseason on Saturday night, teams and fans turn their attention toward the regular season. The month of August has shown us glimpses of talent and essential positional battles, even if it took place mostly beneath a cloak of diluted game plans and resting stars. While hardcore football fanatics might find the matchups less exhilarating, a few players have stepped up to make their mark.

At the forefront of the preseason buzz is the New York Giants’ rookie quarterback, Dart. The first-round draft pick dazzled with mind-blowing stats: a whopping 372 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a respectable 113.1 quarterback rating. His performance even included a rushing touchdown, adding a vibrant energy to a team that has struggled in recent years. With the Giants winning all three of their preseason games, Dart’s presence has sparked a much-needed optimism within the fanbase.

But Dart wasn’t the only standout this preseason. The Titans’ star rookie Cam Ward showed promise, albeit with less flashy numbers. Meanwhile, the competition for starting jobs intensified, as Cleveland’s Joe Flacco emerged victorious in the quarterback race, especially following a solid performance against the Rams. Flacco’s ability to stay healthy this summer worked in his favor, showing that experience still counts in the league.

In Jacksonville, the excitement around a record-setting kicker took center stage too. The second-year kicker impressed with a 70-yard field goal, breaking the regular-season record by four yards — a clear signal of emerging talent in this overshadowed position.

The preseason also brought its share of rough moments, including injuries. The Steelers are now left worrying about their first-round pick, who might miss significant time recovering from an MCL sprain. With season preparations on the line, teams are keenly aware that health and performance must align for success this coming fall.

As we look ahead to the regular season, the buzz for the Giants seems particularly bright, while teams like the Bears will have to hit the reset button after several shaky outings. The connection between their starting QB and star receiver looked off; a red flag as they dive into week one against tough competition. Meanwhile, the struggles of veterans and rookies alike remind us that while talent is crucial, finding that elusive balance is a key in this game.

With all the news swirling around players, teams, and coaches, the NFL is officially ready to kick off the regular season. Fans can expect a thrilling few months ahead as each franchise tries to take their shot at glory.