Winners and Losers in NFL Preseason Week 2
Introduction
The NFL preseason is a time for teams to evaluate their players and make roster decisions. Week 2 of the preseason has come to a close and there were some standout performances, as well as some disappointing ones. Let's take a look at some of the winners and losers from this past week.
Key Details
One of the biggest winners of Week 2 was Jaxson Dart, the rookie quarterback for the New York Giants. He showed poise and confidence in his debut, completing 12 of 16 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys' backup quarterbacks struggled, with Ben DiNucci and Garrett Gilbert both throwing interceptions and looking out of sync with the offense.
Another standout performance came from Arizona Cardinals' rookie wide receiver Rondale Moore. He caught 4 passes for 54 yards and a touchdown, solidifying his spot on the team's roster. On the flip side, the Seattle Seahawks' defense had a rough outing, giving up 30 points to the Denver Broncos and struggling to stop their running game.
Impact
These preseason performances can have a big impact on players' chances of making the final roster. For players like Dart and Moore, their strong showings have likely secured their spots on their respective teams. On the other hand, the struggles of players like
About the People Mentioned
Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the New York Giants in the NFL. Born on May 13, 2003, in Kaysville, Utah, Dart played college football at USC and Ole Miss, where he established himself as a highly productive and record-setting quarterback. At Ole Miss, he set school records for wins by a starting quarterback (28) and winning percentage (.737), finishing his collegiate career with 11,970 passing yards, 81 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions over 45 games, along with 1,541 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, accumulating over 13,500 total yards of offense[1][6][7]. Dart was selected 25th overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, who traded up to secure him. He began his rookie NFL season as a backup to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. Following a 0–3 start for the Giants, Dart was named the starter for Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he led the team to victory, completing 13 of 20 passes for 111 yards and scoring a rushing touchdown in his first career start[1][5]. He continued to impress by leading the Giants to a win over the Philadelphia Eagles on October 9, 2025, with 195 passing yards and 58 rushing yards, becoming one of the few quarterbacks since 1991 to score opening-drive touchdowns in each of their first three career starts, joining Patrick Mahomes in that achievement[1]. Dart is noted for his distinctive under-eye black paint, inspired by a scar on the Star Wars character Anakin Skywalker, which he has worn since his college days as a personal tribute and expression of his youthful spirit[5]. At 6 feet 2¼ inches tall and weighing 223 pounds, Dart combines mobility and passing skills, making him a promising young talent in the NFL[1][3]. He is currently active with the Giants and is viewed as a key figure in the team's effort to improve its performance in the 2025 season[1][3][4].
About the Organizations Mentioned
New York Giants
The **New York Giants** are a professional American football team competing in the National Football League (NFL), marking their 101st season in 2025. Established in 1925, the Giants are one of the league’s oldest franchises with a rich history of competitive success, including multiple Super Bowl victories and NFL championships, making them a storied and influential organization in sports[1]. Their operations encompass team management, athletic development, and fan engagement, supported by a robust front office including head coach/general manager Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Historically, the Giants have achieved notable success with eight league championships and four Super Bowl titles, highlighting their role as a cornerstone franchise in the NFL. However, recent seasons have been challenging; the Giants finished with a disappointing 3–14 record in 2024, leading to a rebuild phase focused on new talent like linebacker Abdul Carter, selected in the 2025 draft[1][2]. The team aims to rebound in 2025 by addressing roster gaps, particularly in defense, and improving overall team performance to end their 13-year division title drought—the longest active in the NFC[1]. From a business and organizational perspective, the Giants also emphasize player and family support systems. In 2025, they received mixed reviews from the NFL Players Association, scoring highly in coaching and strength training but noting areas needing improvement such as locker room facilities and family communication. The team has introduced a family room at the stadium and enhanced player accommodations, reflecting a commitment to holistic athlete welfare[4]. Technologically, like many NFL teams, the Giants leverage advanced analytics and sports science to optimize player performance and game strategy, integrating data-driven approaches in coaching and player development[2]. Their current status reflects a blend of tradition and innovation as they strive to regain competitive stature while enhancing organizational culture and player support.
Dallas Cowboys
The **Dallas Cowboys** are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, competing in the NFL as a member of the NFC East division. Founded in 1960 as an expansion team, the Cowboys struggled initially but rose rapidly to become one of the most successful and iconic franchises in NFL history[2][7]. Their headquarters is in Frisco, Texas, and they play home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a state-of-the-art facility known for its innovative design and technology integration, opened in 2009[2]. The Cowboys are widely recognized for their sustained excellence, including a remarkable streak of 20 consecutive winning seasons from 1966 to 1985, a feat unmatched in NFL history[2][7]. They have appeared in the Super Bowl eight times, winning five championships in 1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, and 1995, tying them with some of the NFL’s most storied franchises for second-most appearances behind the New England Patriots[2][5]. Their eight NFC championships are also the most in conference history[2]. This success helped cultivate their nickname "America’s Team," reflecting their broad national fanbase[3][7]. Off the field, the Cowboys are a powerhouse business entity. They were the first sports team valued at $4 billion in 2015 and reached an estimated $9 billion valuation by 2023, making them the most valuable sports franchise globally, according to Forbes[2][3]. Their revenue, which topped $620 million in 2014, showcases their dominance not only in sports but also in branding, marketing, and media rights[2]. The team’s innovative approach includes selling naming rights for their stadium to AT&T, reflecting their integration with telecommunications and tech industries[2]. Despite not winning a Super Bowl since 1995, the Cowboys remain consistently popular, with a strong fan base and frequent playoff appearances in recent decades. Their
Arizona Cardinals
## Overview The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team and a member of the National Football League (NFL), headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. As the oldest continuously operating professional football team in the United States, the Cardinals trace their origins to 1898, when they were founded as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago[1][2][5]. Today, the organization is best known for its competitive participation in the NFL, its storied history, and its ongoing efforts to connect with fans through both sports and technology. ## History The Cardinals’ journey began in Chicago, where they became known as the Racine Cardinals after donning faded cardinal red jerseys from the University of Chicago[1][2]. In 1920, they became a charter member of the NFL (then called the American Professional Football Association)[2][4]. The team moved to St. Louis in 1960 and finally to Arizona in 1988, adopting the name Arizona Cardinals in 1994[1][5]. Despite their longevity, the Cardinals have had limited on-field success, winning just two NFL championships—in 1925 and 1947—both before the Super Bowl era[1][2][4]. The franchise’s history is marked by resilience, having survived numerous relocations and periods of struggle, yet maintaining a dedicated fan base. ## Key Achievements The Cardinals’ most notable achievements include their 1925 and 1947 NFL championships[1][2]. In the modern era, they have captured five division titles (1974, 1975, 2008, 2009, 2015) and made their first Super Bowl appearance in 2009 (Super Bowl XLIII), narrowly losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers[3][4]. The team’s move to the state-of-the-art University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium) in 2006 marked a turning point, with the venue becoming one of the NFL’s most challenging for
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington, and a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division in the National Football League (NFL). Established in 1976, the Seahawks are known for their unique history, having switched conferences twice, initially moving from the NFC to the American Football Conference (AFC) in 1977 and returning to the NFC in 2002[1][2]. ### History and Achievements - **Early Years**: The Seahawks began play in the NFC but quickly moved to the AFC, where they spent 25 years. Their first winning season was in 1978, with notable players like Jim Zorn and Steve Largent[1][3]. - **Recent Success**: Under the ownership of Paul Allen, who purchased the team in 1997, the Seahawks experienced significant success. They won their first Super Bowl in 2014 (Super Bowl XLVIII) and have appeared in multiple NFC Championship games[1][5]. - **Notable Coaches**: Mike Holmgren and Pete Carroll have been pivotal in the team's success. Holmgren led the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance in 2005, while Carroll oversaw a dominant defensive era, winning Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014[5]. ### Current Status - **Performance**: As of the 2025 season, the Seahawks have a playoff record of 17-19 and have won nine NFC West titles since their return to the NFC[2]. - **Ownership**: After Paul Allen's passing in 2018, the team is currently owned by the Paul G. Allen Trust, ensuring continuity in leadership and strategy[5]. ### Notable Aspects - **Fan Engagement**: The Seahawks are famous for their loud fan base, known as the "12th Man," which has been recorded causing seismic activity during games, such as the "Beast Quake" in 2010[6].
Denver Broncos
The **Denver Broncos** are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. Founded in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL), the Broncos joined the NFL following the AFL-NFL merger in 1970[1][3][7]. Initially struggling in their first decade, with no winning seasons until 1973, the Broncos transformed into a competitive franchise by the late 1970s. Their breakthrough came in 1977 when they reached their first Super Bowl (XII), propelled by the famed "Orange Crush" defense under coach Red Miller[1][2][4]. The arrival of legendary quarterback John Elway in 1983 marked a new era, leading the team to five Super Bowl appearances between 1986 and 1998, winning back-to-back championships in 1997 (XXXII) and 1998 (XXXIII)[1][2][3][4]. After Elway’s retirement, the Broncos remained competitive, notably signing future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning in 2012. Under Manning, Denver reached two Super Bowls, securing victory in Super Bowl 50 in 2016, their third championship[3][4][6]. The team is well-known for its strong fan base and home-field advantage at Empower Field at Mile High, a stadium renowned for its high altitude and passionate atmosphere[3][7]. Currently owned by the Walton-Penner group, the Broncos continue to innovate and compete under new leadership, including head coach Sean Payton who joined in 2023. Their valuation by Forbes in 2025 stands at $6.8 billion, making them the 13th most valuable NFL franchise[3]. The Broncos have a rich history of success, with eight AFC championships and three Super Bowl titles, and have contributed nine members to the Pro Football Hall o
