This post is about the Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers.
Many veterans across the league are still waiting for their first preseason action, while others have already seen a significant amount of playtime in August. Looking back at Week 2 of the 2024 preseason, it might turn out to be a pivotal moment with several key quarterback competitions coming into focus and other significant developments taking shape.
With one more round of games left to finalize roster decisions and address any lingering issues before the season kicks off, it’s time to reflect on the weekend’s contests. Here’s a rundown of the winners and losers from these games, where the outcomes are starting to take shape and have meaningful implications for the upcoming season.
Table of Contents
Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Winners Among First-Round Quarterbacks in the 2024 Draft
Among the first-round quarterbacks drafted in 2024, Bo Nix, selected last in April’s draft, has emerged as a standout. Despite being considered an afterthought nationally, Nix has impressed with his performance. In his first start for the Denver Broncos, he completed eight of nine passes for 80 yards and a touchdown, showcasing precision and confidence. He narrowly missed another scoring opportunity when he threw a would-be touchdown to RB Javonte Williams just as he crossed the line of scrimmage. Over seven preseason drives, Nix has demonstrated near-perfect command, leading the Broncos to three touchdowns and three field goals. It would be surprising if he doesn’t start in Week 1. Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
In other developments, Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick, has continued to generate excitement in Chicago. Drake Maye is sparking debate in New England, and Jayden Daniels is on track to become the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons have so much confidence in Michael Penix Jr. that he’s been shut down for the remainder of the preseason. Although it’s still early in their careers, these quarterbacks have shown promising signs, and even J.J. McCarthy’s injury with the Minnesota Vikings has a silver lining.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Updates on First-Round Quarterbacks from the 2021 Draft
Among the five quarterbacks selected three years ago, only Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars remains with his original team. However, the other four are making significant strides in their new roles. Mac Jones, now a teammate of Lawrence, passed for 210 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday and may be securing the backup quarterback role for the Jaguars.
Justin Fields, who some believe should be the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starter for 2024, has also been making a case for himself. Trey Lance is pushing to become Dak Prescott’s primary backup with the Dallas Cowboys, with the possibility of a more prominent role depending on Prescott’s contract negotiations. Even Zach Wilson has shown promise with the Denver Broncos, throwing a touchdown on Sunday, though he will need to do more to secure his spot on the Broncos’ 53-man roster.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Sean McVay
On Saturday, the Los Angeles Rams secured a 13-9 victory over their crosstown rivals, the Chargers. While the win itself may not have been particularly noteworthy, the real story was head coach Sean McVay’s decision to hand over his coaching duties for the night to assistant Aubrey Pleasant. The move was intended to give Pleasant valuable experience in managing a game and handling its various aspects. Reflecting on his own journey, McVay, now 38, shared, “That’s how I was treated. I had people willing to guide me. I saw great examples of that, and I didn’t truly appreciate how special it was until I looked back on it.” Kudos to Coach McVay for paying it forward.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce
In Kansas City, the Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid maintains a “no rest for the best” philosophy, even during the preseason. For the second week in a row, Patrick Mahomes, the three-time Super Bowl MVP, participated in a largely routine game. However, he still managed to create what will likely be one of the highlights of the month. Frustrated with what he perceived as undisciplined play by his star tight end Travis Kelce, Mahomes threw a behind-the-back pass to Kelce, who caught it for an 8-yard gain and a first down. Mahomes later explained during the broadcast, “Long story short, Travis didn’t run the route he was supposed to run, and out of spite, I threw the behind-the-back pass. Now it’s gonna be a highlight.”
Accordingly, Kelce, not one to accept analysis without a fight, energetically derided Mahomes’ voice in a different meeting, saying, “Don’t let Pat stunt you all into figuring I did some unacceptable thing.” Much obliged, folks — your humor was a reviving break in the midst of a stuffed Saturday of football. Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Xavier Worthy
The newest addition to the Chiefs, Xavier Worthy, was all business. The first-round pick, known for his record-setting 4.21-second 40-yard dash at this year’s scouting combine, showed off his skills with four touches for 73 yards, including a 39-yard connection with Mahomes and a 22-yard touchdown catch from backup quarterback Carson Wentz. Simply put, it’s unfair to see such speed and talent on display. Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Caitlin Clark
The WNBA made its return after the post-Olympics break, and Indiana Fever’s rookie superstar Caitlin Clark didn’t miss a beat. Leading her team to back-to-back home wins on Friday and Sunday, Clark racked up a combined 52 points and 19 assists. In between her basketball heroics, she found time to catch the Indianapolis Colts’ win at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Brandon Aubrey
Sure, it’s preseason, but that doesn’t mean kickers should be operating any differently. Dallas Cowboys’ kicker Brandon Aubrey, who had a record-setting rookie season last year by making his first 35 field-goal attempts, nailed a 66-yarder in Las Vegas on Saturday. Had it been in a regular-season game, it would have tied the NFL record. And make no mistake, Aubrey’s kick had plenty of distance—possibly good from 68 yards—easily surpassing Justin Tucker’s 66-yarder from 2021, which famously bounced over the crossbar to set the official record.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Bears’ Second-Team Offense
Chicago’s backup offense has been on fire for weeks, dating back to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. This trend continued Saturday afternoon when second-string quarterback Tyson Bagent connected with wide receiver Dante Pettis for two third-quarter touchdown passes in a 27-3 rout of the Cincinnati Bengals. With DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and rookie Rome Odunze already securing spots, making the roster as a wideout won’t be easy. However, players like Pettis and Collin Johnson are proving they have what it takes, whether in Chicago or elsewhere.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Bears’ First-Team Offense (Final Two Drives)
The Bears’ starting offense, led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, had a slow start against Cincinnati. However, they picked up momentum, scoring 10 points on their final two possessions before halftime. Rookie Rome Odunze had a standout performance, gaining 16 yards on an end-around and making a 45-yard catch down the sideline. Williams also drew a 43-yard pass interference call on another deep throw and capped his day with an impressive 7-yard touchdown run. The Bears’ first-team offense is giving fans plenty of reasons to feel optimistic.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Elijah Chatman
New York Giants rookie defensive lineman Elijah Chatman made one of the best hustle plays you’ll see, chasing down Houston Texans running back J.J. Taylor to make a tackle near the sideline. According to NextGenStats, Chatman reached a speed of over 16 mph during the play. Plays like this are how you earn a spot on an NFL roster.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Losers
J.J. Taylor
While J.J. Taylor might not lose his spot on the roster, his performance definitely didn’t do him any favors. His teammates are likely going to give him a hard time in the film room after his lackluster showing.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Bears’ First-Team Offense (First Three Drives)
The Chicago Bears’ starting offense had a rough start, with their first three drives resulting in consecutive three-and-outs. The unit only managed to gain 16 yards in total, with rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent even drawing an intentional grounding penalty. This shaky start could be a sign of the ups and downs the Bears might face this season.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
San Francisco 49ers’ First-Team Offense
The 49ers’ first-team offense looked disjointed, managing just 12 yards over three possessions. With key players like left tackle Trent Williams holding out, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk not fully participating, and running back Christian McCaffrey still ramping up for the regular season, it’s no surprise the offense struggled. However, it’s still concerning as the regular season approaches.
Younghoe Koo
Kickers are expected to be consistent, even in the preseason, but Younghoe Koo had an uncharacteristically poor performance. Koo, who usually ranks among the league’s most reliable kickers, missed three field goals—all from the 40-49 yard range and all wide left. It’s not the start he wanted as the regular season looms.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett, once seen as the likely starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, had a rough outing. He led three drives, two of which ended in three-and-outs, and threw an interception in the end zone on the third. His struggles have opened the door for rookie Bailey Zappe, with head coach Jerod Mayo making it clear that the competition isn’t over yet.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Davante Adams
Davante Adams, the star wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, may be feeling a bit frustrated. After a difficult previous season, as shown in Netflix’s “Receiver,” Adams watched as Gardner Minshew II secured the starting quarterback role over Aidan O’Connell. This quarterback situation could lead to more frustration for Adams if things don’t improve.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Daniel Jones
Returning from an ACL tear that ended his 2023 season, Daniel Jones didn’t have the best outing against the Houston Texans. He threw two interceptions, including a pick-six near his own end zone. While Jones deserves some time to get back into form, his performance will be heavily scrutinized this season as he tries to prove he can be a true starting quarterback in the NFL.
Raiders’ Disregard for History
The Las Vegas Raiders’ handling of jersey numbers has raised some eyebrows. After letting rookie Aidan O’Connell wear the No. 4 jersey last season—recently vacated by franchise passing leader Derek Carr—they’ve now given him the No. 12, previously worn by Hall of Famer Kenny “Snake” Stabler and former MVP Rich Gannon. So far, the change hasn’t brought much luck to O’Connell, and it might be time for the Raiders to consider retiring those numbers.Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Christian Jones
Arizona Cardinals rookie offensive lineman Christian Jones didn’t help his chances of making the team after being flagged for four holding penalties, including three on consecutive plays. As a fifth-round pick, he needs to make a stronger impression to secure his spot on the roster.
Mitch Trubisky
Mitch Trubisky, now the backup quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, received a harsh reception during a preseason game at Acrisure Stadium. The Pittsburgh crowd, where Trubisky spent the last two seasons, didn’t hold back in expressing their displeasure. It’s a clear reminder of why the Steelers brought in new quarterbacks this offseason. Must-See QB Moments: NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners & Losers
Simone Biles
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles found herself in hot water with Chicago Bears fans after wearing Green Bay Packers gear to Soldier Field. Even though she was supporting her husband, Bears defensive back Jonathan Owens, who played for the Packers last season, it didn’t sit well with the Chicago faithful. Owens acknowledged the situation, saying they’ll need to get her some Bears gear to avoid future issues.