Veteran quarterback Geno Smith re-emerges with a perfect drive for the Jets, while promising rookies like Wade Woodaz and Kayden McDonald impress.

The second week of the NFL preseason brought a mix of spectacular plays and cautionary tales, living up to the unpredictable nature of summer football. With some teams resting starters and others giving extended looks to developing talent, opportunities arose for players to stake their claim for roster spots and significant roles.

Among the standout performers, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix made a triumphant return from injury, showcasing poise and productivity. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling continued his impressive run, setting a unique preseason record that signals a significant impact for the upcoming regular season.

Conversely, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza of the Las Vegas Raiders endured a challenging outing, highlighting the steep learning curve for newcomers. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard also struggled against an energized New York Jets defense, providing a clear picture of who capitalized on their chances and who will be looking for a do-over, according to reporting by CBS Sports - Headlines.

De'Zhaun Stribling: A Breakout Wide Receiver and Defensive Rookies Shine

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, the 33rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from Ole Miss, has emerged as a significant breakout star this preseason. Following a strong performance against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he caught four of his five targets for 46 receiving yards, Stribling now boasts an impressive total of 11 catches for 109 yards on 13 targets across two games.

This remarkable consistency makes Stribling the first player since at least 2017 to accumulate at least 11 combined catches within the first 20 minutes of two consecutive preseason contests, a statistic reported by CBS Sports Research. Given the 49ers' history with injuries at the wide receiver position, head coach Kyle Shanahan is expected to feature Stribling prominently in the play-calling early in the regular season.

The Houston Texans' defense also displayed ferocious tenacity, even with their 2025 starters (like Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter) sidelined. Fourth-round rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz electrified with an 80-yard pick-six against rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Second-round rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, a 6-foot-3-inch, 326-pound prospect from Ohio State, also recorded an 11-yard sack. McDonald, known primarily as a run-stuffer in college, demonstrated impressive pass-rush capabilities, addressing a key area of need for Houston's defense.

Geno Smith's Resurgence and Jermod McCoy's Value

Veteran quarterback Geno Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler, kicked off his second stint with the New York Jets on a high note. After a challenging 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders where he led the NFL in both sacks taken (55) and interceptions thrown (17), Smith delivered a flawless opening drive for the Jets' starters against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 35-year-old quarterback completed all seven of his throws, including a 13-yard touchdown strike to tight end Jelani Woods. He connected with top wide receivers Garrett Wilson (1 catch, 1 target, 10 yards) and Adonai Mitchell (2 catches, 2 targets, 29 yards), finishing his night with 65 passing yards. His strong outing suggests that his previous struggles might have been more a reflection of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's scheme and head coach Pete Carroll's short-lived tenure in Las Vegas.

Elsewhere, Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy, a fourth-round pick (101st overall), showed promising signs despite medical concerns that caused him to drop in the 2026 NFL Draft. McCoy suffered a torn ACL in January 2025, and subsequent fears about knee inflammation and arthritis impacted his draft stock. However, in the Raiders' 22-20 victory over the Texans, McCoy moved well and stayed in phase with opposing wide receivers in man coverage. If given opportunities with the starting defense, he could prove to be one of the best value picks from his rookie class.

Bo Nix's Strong Return and Defensive Highlights

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix made his anticipated return to the field after suffering a broken ankle in an overtime AFC divisional round victory against the Buffalo Bills. Nix thrived in his two drives during Week 2 of the preseason, helping the Broncos generate 10 points. He notably connected with new primary target Jaylen Waddle up the seam, showcasing his recovery and readiness.

The New York Jets defense also marked a significant improvement, unofficially ending their unprecedented 2025 regular season dry spell of zero interceptions. Safety Andre Cisco recorded the first takeaway of the night, intercepting Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard. Journeyman cornerback Samuel Womack III, 27, followed up with another interception of Howard, indicating a much-improved ball-hawking group compared to their previous season.

Fernando Mendoza and Will Howard Face Rookie Challenges

While some quarterbacks shone, others faced a tougher introduction to NFL preseason action. Las Vegas Raiders first overall pick rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza struggled against the Houston Texans' tenacious defense in the first half. He was repeatedly pressured and ultimately "bullied," leading to the 80-yard pick-six by Wade Woodaz and an 11-yard sack by Kayden McDonald.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard also had a difficult night against the New York Jets. He threw two interceptions, one to safety Andre Cisco and another to cornerback Samuel Womack III, illustrating the challenges of facing an aggressive NFL defense, even in preseason play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the breakout wide receiver in NFL Preseason Week 2?

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling was the breakout star, accumulating 11 catches for 109 yards on 13 targets across two games, a record for combined catches within the first 20 minutes of consecutive preseason contests since 2017.

How did Bo Nix perform in his return to the Broncos?

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix returned from a broken ankle and thrived in his two drives, helping to generate 10 points for Denver and connecting with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.

What was notable about Geno Smith's Week 2 preseason performance?

Geno Smith, in his second stint with the New York Jets, led a perfect opening drive against the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing all seven of his throws for 65 yards and a 13-yard touchdown to Jelani Woods.

Which defensive players impressed for the Houston Texans?

Rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz scored an 80-yard pick-six, and rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald recorded an 11-yard sack, showcasing significant potential for the Texans' defense.

Why was Jermod McCoy considered a value pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy fell to the fourth round (101st overall) due to concerns about a torn ACL and potential inflammation/arthritis in his knee, but showed promising play in man coverage during his preseason debut.