Shough NFL Debut: Lights and shadows in the Saints' preseason

The 2025 NFL Preseason: A Look at the New Prospects

The 2025 NFL preseason kicked off on Thursday and extended through Sunday, providing rookies with the opportunity to prove their worth on the field. Week 1 games served as a first assessment of the new talents on each team, whether they were rookies or offseason acquisitions. Here’s a summary of the most outstanding debuts, with the results and key performances.

Sunday

Chargers 27, Saints 13

Chargers: Third-round pick defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell has proven his worth with consistent activity and pressure on the quarterback. In the game, Caldwell recorded a sack of Saints rookie Tyler Shough and added four tackles. Undrafted cornerback Eric Rogers dazzled with two interceptions, one returned 43 yards for a touchdown. Outside linebacker Caleb Murphy also had a big day with two sacks, including a “strip-sack”.Saints: Spencer Rattler was the starting quarterback for most of the first half, before Tyler Shough, a second-round pick, came in to lead the offense in the final minutes. Shough threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to Mason Tipton. Shough finished with 15 of 22 passes completed for 165 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a passer rating of 86.4.Next game: against the Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday at 1 p.m. ET)

Bears 24, Dolphins 24

Bears: First-round tight end Colston Loveland had few opportunities, but receivers Luther Burden III (second round) and Kyle Monangai (seventh round) had active participation. Burden managed two receptions for 29 yards, and Monangai demonstrated his physical style with five yards per carry. Jahdae Walker, an undrafted rookie, led the team in receptions with three for 41 yards and a 14-yard touchdown.Dolphins: Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers had a rough debut, with five initial incomplete passes. He finished with 5 of 19 passes completed for 91 yards and two fumbles. Backup Zach Wilson didn’t have better luck, but he completed 5 of 9 passes for 96 yards.Next game: against the Detroit Lions (Saturday at 1 p.m. ET)

Saturday

Steelers 31, Jaguars 25Steelers: Veterans Juan Thornhill and Brandin Echols made an impact on the game. The rookies were not as successful in their first action in the NFL. Kaleb Johnson had few opportunities and averaged 2.5 yards per carry.Jaguars: Travis Hunter had a low-key debut, with two receptions for 9 yards and a missed tackle. Dyami Brown had a 7-yard run on a “jet sweep” play.Next game: against the New Orleans Saints (Sunday at 1 p.m. ET)

Broncos 30, 49ers 9

Broncos: Trent Sherfield Sr., 29-year-old receiver, made a significant impact with 73 yards on three receptions, including a 36-yard touchdown.49ers: Backup quarterback Mac Jones got off to a good start, but his protection didn’t hold up. Rookie defensive tackles C.J. West and Alfred Collins saw playing time.Next game: against the Las Vegas Raiders (Saturday at 4 p.m. ET)Cardinals 20, Chiefs 17Key Players: Rookie left tackle Josh Simmons showed his potential. The top defensive performance came from second-year cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace, with an interception and a fumble recovery.Cardinals: Jacoby Brissett threw for 80 yards and two touchdowns. Will Johnson quickly learned what it’s like to play cornerback in the NFL. Kitan Crawford had an impressive interception.Next game: against the Denver Broncos (Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET)

Jets 30, Packers 10

Jets: Quarterback Justin Fields had a good performance, with a 13-yard touchdown. Rookie right tackle Armand Membou had a good performance.Packers: Matthew Golden had two positive plays, showing his strong hands. Mecole Hardman didn’t help his chances by fumbling a punt.Next game: against the Indianapolis Colts (Saturday at 1 p.m. ET)Buccaneers 29, Titans 7Titans: Cameron Ward got off to a slow start but recovered with a touchdown pass. Gunnar Helm impressed with a 16-yard reception. Joshuah Bledsoe forced a fumble, and Jihad Ward had a sack.Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka showed his skills with a 21-yard catch. Left tackle Charlie Heck yielded pressure, and Jacob Parrish had two passes defended. Shilo Sanders had several hard hits, and Nick Jackson had a sack and an interception.Next game: against the Pittsburgh Steelers (Saturday at 7 p.m. ET)

Rams 31, Cowboys 21

Rams: Rookies Josaiah Stewart and Chris Paul Jr. stood out on defense. Stewart recorded a sack, and Paul directed the defensive plays.Quarterbacks: Joe Milton III struggled with accuracy and was intercepted.Next game: against the Baltimore Ravens (Saturday at 7 p.m. ET)