Pressure Is Mounting Fast For Sophomore QBs Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough As Week 1 Nears

Week 2 of the NFL preseason began on Thursday, with three additional games on Friday. Exhibition contests offer a fantastic opportunity to measure a young player's development. While that's especially accurate for the 2026 NFL Draft rookie class, it's also worth monitoring how sophomore quarterbacks are progressing.

The first three quarterbacks drafted are the only unquestioned starters from the 2025 class. Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, and Tyler Shough are all preparing for massive campaigns. Ward and Dart are facing challenges, with new head coaches and coordinators.

Ward, Dart, and Shough are expected to play this weekend. Before we receive a fresh opportunity to assess their progress, we're checking in with their current offseason status.

Checking In On Sophomore Quarterbacks Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, and Tyler Shough

Cam Ward's mechanics remain a work in progress

Ward has been making progress under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. All indications are that they have an excellent working relationship. Ward had been trending in the right direction at practice. That's why it was surprising when his preseason debut went so poorly.

Ward completed 5-of-12 passing attempts, missing several throws he should have completed. He looked jittery with a sped-up process in the pocket, perhaps signaling aftereffects of taking a league-high 55 sacks last season. Ward needs to continue fine-tuning his in-game mechanics, and Sunday's preseason game versus the Seattle Seahawks presents an opportunity to build on what he did in Friday's joint practice with the same opponent.

Jaxson Dart focused on protecting himself

One of Jaxson Dart's biggest offseason focuses was learning to better protect himself after suffering a concussion last season amidst several trips to the medical tent. That's why it was extremely unfortunate when New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. blew a blocking assignment in Week 1, resulting in a bone-crunching sack on Dart. After requiring a check-up, it meant 43% of Dart's career starts (including the preseason) have resulted in a visit to the medical tent, per Scott Barrett.

Other than that, Dart has been making progress under new head coach John Harbaugh. Coach Harbaugh hired an experienced offensive staff, including Matt Nagy as offensive coordinator, Brian Callahan as quarterbacks coach, and Greg Roman as an assistant. A slew of veteran weapons were added via free agency, including Isaiah Likely, Najee Harris, and Odell Beckham Jr. Everyone in East Rutherford expects Dart to establish himself as a franchise quarterback this season.

Tyler Shough loses a shiny new weapon

The New Orleans Saints are understandably excited about where Shough is headed. He's the lone sophomore quarterback who should benefit from continuity this season. Shough completed 67.6% of his passing attempts as a rookie, throwing 10 touchdowns in limited action under Kellen Moore, the bright young head coach in charge of his development.

The Saints invested in Shough by drafting wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 overall. It was such a gut-punch when Tyson was revealed to have suffered a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him for multiple months. With Alvin Kamara now also on the mend, Shough might be challenged to make a shorthanded supporting cast look better than it is.

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