The second week of the NFL preseason delivered a mix of promising and concerning performances from rookie quarterbacks, fueling overreactions about who might earn starting jobs and how teams are shaping their rosters. Shedeur Sanders appeared to edge ahead in the Browns’ quarterback battle, while Fernando Mendoza struggled in his first NFL start; Jalon Daniels, meanwhile, earned praise for his performance with the Buccaneers.

Shedeur Sanders Edges Out Deshaun Watson in Browns’ QB Battle

The Cleveland Browns may have settled their quarterback competition after a rough performance from Deshaun Watson and a more consistent showing from Shedeur Sanders in preseason Week 2. Sanders threw an interception in each of his first two preseason games but bounced back with a 9-for-11, 74-yard performance that included one touchdown and one interception in Week 2. While not a dominant showing, it was enough to suggest he may have the edge over Watson, who struggled in Saturday’s game.

“It is hard to picture the veteran winning the job,” one report noted — the Browns’ coaching staff now has the data it needed to make a decision, and a call may come as soon as Monday. Sanders’ ability to handle pressure and deliver under duress could prove decisive in the final decision.

Struggles for No. 1 Overall Pick Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, had a rough outing in his first NFL start for the Raiders, but the rookie quarterback threw a pick-six on the Raiders’ opening possession and finished with an 8-for-15, 86-yard performance. He also took a sack for a loss of 11 yards, failing to close the gap with veteran Kirk Cousins.

“Adjusting from college to the NFL is hard,” one report acknowledged. “Do not let one rough preseason game get in the way of Mendoza’s potential to find ample success as a pro.” The Raiders may still give Mendoza a shot to prove himself in the regular season, but the early signs are not encouraging.

Jalon Daniels Shows Promise as Bucs’ Backup QB

Jalon Daniels, an undrafted free agent, led a comeback win for the Buccaneers in Week 2 and scored a touchdown in consecutive outings — his performance has increased the likelihood of him securing a role as a second or third-string quarterback on the team. “Strong showings in the preseason can go a long way in increasing the number of first-year quarterbacks who carve out meaningful roles on their respective teams,” one report noted.

Daniels’ ability to lead a scoring drive and make clutch plays has impressed coaches and fans alike. If the Buccaneers continue to be impressed by his work ethic and performance, he could move from an undrafted free agent to a key depth piece on the roster.