Preseason Week 2 highlights: Daniels debut, O-line performances and quarterback battles
Saturday’s second-week preseason games saw Washington give rookie Jayden Daniels a brief look, Atlanta’s offensive line earn praise, and several teams evaluate backup quarterbacks and interior linemen.
Washington gave rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels a limited snap count in Detroit, his first appearance since December. He took three snaps, attempted one pass and was sacked on his second play before finishing with a third-and-20 handoff. The brief look leaves his role in the Commanders’ new offense uncertain as the regular season approaches.
Detroit’s offensive line struggled early, with starter Larry Borom and backup Juice Scruggs unable to protect quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who was strip-sacked on the second play. Dobbs later threw an interception but also rushed for a 50-yard gain. Backup quarterback Luke Altmyer completed 9 of 13 passes for 86 yards in 36 snaps, keeping the competition for the backup role open.
"The blocking allowed both Cooper Rush and Jack Strand to pick apart the Colts," wrote Kevin Patra, noting that Atlanta’s backup offensive line allowed only one pressure in the first three drives and three in the first half, according to Next Gen Stats. He highlighted Tyler Goodson’s 49-yard touchdown run as evidence of effective run blocking.
In Minnesota, J.J. McCarthy, now the official backup to Kyler Murray, faced heavy pressure from Baltimore’s pass rush, enduring six pressures and one sack in four possessions. He completed a 50-yard pass to Tai Felton but finished 4-for-9 for 31 yards overall. Third-stringer Carson Wentz also took two sacks but managed to move the ball enough to set up a field goal.
Baltimore’s center position remains unsettled after starter Danny Pinter’s season-ending injury. Veteran Ethan Pocic, returning from an Achilles tear, saw increased reps, relieving Jovaughn Gwyn, who has not started a regular-season game. Pocic’s performance against third-string opponents will be a factor in determining the starting center for the Ravens.
"Bill Callahan effect on O-line already clear," observed Jeremy Bergman, pointing to the Falcons’ solid protection and run-blocking as a positive sign for a unit that often struggles in preseason games.
The second week of preseason provided teams with valuable data on quarterbacks, offensive line depth, and positional battles ahead of the 2026 regular season.