Dylan Raiola, QB vs Cincinnati 2025
Player: Dylan Raiola, QB (NEB)
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 229 lbs
Class: Sophomore – 2027 Draft Eligible
Opponent: Cincinnati
Year: 2025
Final Stat Line:
33/42 for 243 Yards & 2 TDs
Game Overview
Raiola’s performance against Cincinnati highlighted both the promise and the growing pains of a young quarterback. He showed the mobility to navigate pressure, the arm talent to deliver on the move, and the confidence to challenge tight windows. While one poor decision stood out, his ability to respond in key spots and keep the offense moving stood as a positive takeaway.
Film Breakdown – Key Plays
#1) 1:03 in the 2nd – 15-Yard Pass
This snap showed Raiola’s composure under duress and ability to create when structure breaks down. As the pocket collapsed, he slid forward and broke contain, never dropping his eyes from the coverage. That patience allowed him to find a receiver along the sideline for a chain-moving gain — the kind of playmaking ability that separates quarterbacks who survive from those who thrive.
#2) 2:08 in the 2nd – Sack Fumble
Here we see the flip side of Raiola’s pocket play. On 3rd & 10 from an empty set, he initially handled the rush well by moving right, but failed to feel the backside pressure closing in. Holding the ball just a beat too long resulted in a strip from behind. While he recovered it going to the ground, the sequence underscores that his internal clock and pocket awareness still need refinement to match his physical tools.
#3) 0:16 in the 2nd – 5-Yard TD Pass
Red zone execution often defines a quarterback’s value, and here Raiola delivered in a high-leverage spot. With the half winding down, he lofted a fade to the back corner — placed deliberately high and wide to give only his receiver a shot — and trusted his target to win. Ending the half with points is a momentum swing for any offense, and Raiola’s ability to stay calm, trust his placement, and execute in that moment speaks to his poise in clutch situations.
#4) 10:32 in the 3rd – Almost Picked Off
Another example of where Raiola’s decision-making under pressure can get him into trouble. On 4th & 2, a free rusher came right at him, and instead of finding his hot read or throwing it away, he forced a ball into traffic that nearly turned into a costly interception. Like the earlier sack-fumble, this play underscores that while Raiola’s competitiveness is an asset, it can lead to unnecessary risks that put the offense in jeopardy.
#5) 10:42 in the 4th – 3-Yard TD Pass
Raiola responded to his earlier mistake with a confident, decisive strike. Off play-action, he quickly identified a coverage bust and wasted no time hitting the wide-open target for the score. While the route created the separation, Raiola’s rapid recognition ensured the play was capitalized on without hesitation — a sign of his ability to bounce back and deliver in clutch spots.
Conclusion
This game was a mix of high-level flashes and correctable errors. Raiola proved he can extend plays, place the ball with purpose in scoring situations, and recover from mistakes without losing confidence.
Overall Impression
The tools are clearly there — arm strength, pocket mobility, and the willingness to give his playmakers chances. If he continues to refine his decision-making under pressure and balances aggression with situational control, Raiola has the foundation to grow into a consistent offensive driver at the next level.
