Various NFL stadiums, August 10, 2025
News Summary
The NFL preseason kicked off with excitement as teams showcased both promising rookies and established veterans. Standout performances included rookie quarterbacks who impressed in their debuts, while the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals secured strong victories against their opponents. Teams are laying the groundwork for the upcoming season, highlighting emerging talents and some notable injuries early in the game. The first week of preseason football provided fans with thrilling plays and a glimpse of what to expect in the games to come.
NFL Preseason Week 1: Cam Ward, Travis Hunter Shine in Debuts as Teams Kick Off 2025 Season
With the arrival of the 2025 NFL preseason, excitement is sweeping across the league as teams kicked off their seasons. The action began on Thursday with three games, followed by three more on Friday, and an additional eight games on Saturday, showcasing promising new talent and established stars alike.
Among the standout performances during the opening weekend were top draft picks Cam Ward from Tennessee and Travis Hunter from Jacksonville. Cam Ward, in his first outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, completed 5-of-8 passes for a total of 67 yards. Meanwhile, Travis Hunter made a notable debut recording two catches for nine yards, coupled with playing cornerback against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Denver Broncos had a particularly impressive performance, scoring 30 unanswered points to decisively defeat the San Francisco 49ers 30-9. Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger connected with tight end Caden Prieskorn for a touchdown pass, while Emari Demercado contributed by catching a 43-yard touchdown pass. The Broncos’ rookie cornerback, Darren Hall, also made his mark by intercepting a pass.
In a nail-biting finish, the Arizona Cardinals edged out the Kansas City Chiefs 20-17, thanks to a last-minute 50-yard field goal from kicker Chad Ryland. Quarterback Kyler Murray enjoyed a solid outing, completing 7-of-8 passes for 96 yards, while Jacoby Brissett added two touchdown passes to the scoreboard.
The New York Jets triumphed over the Green Bay Packers in another lopsided contest, winning 30-10 due in part to Justin Fields scoring a touchdown during his brief time on the field. Green Bay did see a glimmer of hope from Amar Johnson, who recorded a 39-yard touchdown run, but overall, the Packers struggled offensively.
In another matchup, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers compelled a dominant performance to defeat the Tennessee Titans 29-7, led by quarterback Kyle Trask, who completed 12-of-16 pass attempts for 129 yards. Not to be overlooked, Jaguars kicker Cam Little achieved a historic milestone with a stunning 70-yard field goal against the Steelers.
The San Francisco 49ers faced a difficult game with three different quarterbacks all throwing interceptions, highlighting their struggles. In contrast, the Minnesota Vikings saw J.J. McCarthy throw for 30 yards, and CeeDee Lamb of the Cowboys was inactive during their game against the Rams.
Injuries were also a concern this past week, as Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton sustained an elbow injury. However, Coach Brian Schottenheimer has indicated optimism that he will recover quickly. Emerging players like Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders demonstrated impressive skills in their respective competitions as well.
The first week of preseason football showcased a variety of remarkable performances and foreshadowed a promising season as teams lay the groundwork for upcoming games.
FAQ
What teams played in the first week of the 2025 NFL preseason?
There were 14 teams that played in the first week, including the Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers, among others.
Who were the standout rookie players during the preseason kickoff?
Rookie players Cam Ward from Tennessee and Travis Hunter from Jacksonville had standout performances in their respective games. Ward completed 5-of-8 passes for 67 yards, while Hunter caught two passes for nine yards and played cornerback.
What notable incidents occurred during the games?
Several noteworthy incidents occurred, including Joe Milton of the Dallas Cowboys suffering an elbow injury, and Cam Little of the Jaguars kicking a record 70-yard field goal during their game.
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HERE Resources
Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons Game Suspended After Injury
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
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