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Qb Competition

All articles tagged with #qb competition

Broncos cap preseason with a 34-6 win as Ehlinger excels and roster decisions loom
sports7 hours ago

Broncos cap preseason with a 34-6 win as Ehlinger excels and roster decisions loom

Denver finished the preseason with a 34-6 win over Minnesota, resting most starters while backups shined. Cody Schrader piled up 132 yards from scrimmage with a TD, Sam Ehlinger impressed (15-of-20, 233 yards, 3 TDs) to bolster his QB case, and Justin Joly added an 88-yard TD. Pat Bryant and Jonah Coleman did not play, signaling they’ve locked in roles (WR3 and a developing RB role). Jaleel McLaughlin’s roster bid took a hit as Badie started, while JL Skinner, Karene Reid, Adam Prentice, Nate Adkins, and Kolbe Katsis looked like solid roster candidates (though Katsis’ status remains uncertain). Jonathon Cooper’s situation hangs over the team with potential legal issues affecting availability. Broncos now shift focus to Kansas City.

Monken Poised to Name Browns QB as Preseason Tape Narrows Choices
sports6 days ago

Monken Poised to Name Browns QB as Preseason Tape Narrows Choices

Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken is closing in on a Week 1 quarterback decision between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders after reviewing a uneven preseason game, citing issues with alignment and execution but noting Sanders’ cadence leadership; he will study the tape and confer with the staff before deciding, while fan boos toward Watson add a tense backdrop.

Watson’s boos-filled return highlights Browns’ ongoing QB duel in preseason loss
sports6 days ago

Watson’s boos-filled return highlights Browns’ ongoing QB duel in preseason loss

Deshaun Watson was booed multiple times in his first home appearance in 22 months during Cleveland’s preseason loss to the Bills, finishing 5-of-12 for 35 yards with an interception in four series as he competes with Shedeur Sanders for the starting job. Sanders started and went 9-of-11 for 74 yards, but the Browns’ quarterback battle remains unsettled with coach Todd Monken signaling a decision likely soon. Watson called the boos disrespectful and said he doesn’t let them affect him, noting his Achilles injury on this field the last time he played there.

Rapoport: Kirk Cousins Remains Raiders' Starter as Mendoza Develops
sports9 days ago

Rapoport: Kirk Cousins Remains Raiders' Starter as Mendoza Develops

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Kirk Cousins is still slated to be the Raiders’ starter for the 2026 season, with Fernando Mendoza getting first-team reps to accelerate development. Mendoza’s progress could move his timeline up if he shines in preseason, but the current plan remains Cousins starting Week 1; upcoming preseason performances and a brutal October schedule will help determine when Mendoza might earn a regular-season role.

Browns keep QB duel alive with Watson-Sanders preseason rotation
sports12 days ago

Browns keep QB duel alive with Watson-Sanders preseason rotation

ESPN notes the Browns will continue a two-QB rotation in the preseason, with Sanders starting Mondays/Wednesdays and Watson starting Tuesdays/Thursdays (both sharing Thursday reps), and Sanders is set to start the next preseason game versus the Bills. After the opener against the Bears, neither quarterback separated himself; Watson is viewed by some as having a slim edge, but the competition remains open ahead of the second game.

Sanders apologizes for tense QB-battle moment, stressing team unity
sports13 days ago

Sanders apologizes for tense QB-battle moment, stressing team unity

Shedeur Sanders apologized for his sharp reaction to a question about competing with Deshaun Watson, saying he sometimes shuts down to prevent misperceptions and protect the team. The second-year QB, who started seven games last season after Joe Flacco was traded and Dillon Gabriel was injured, remains in a notable QB race with Watson as Cleveland prepares for the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears.

Slaughter shines at left guard as Chargers top Texans in preseason opener
sports14 days ago

Slaughter shines at left guard as Chargers top Texans in preseason opener

In the Chargers’ 27-7 preseason win over the Texans, backups did the heavy lifting: Jake Slaughter impressed at left guard with a 72.5 PFF pass-blocking grade and only one pressure, suggesting solid rookie notes for the interior line; Trey Lance had a mixed, often inefficient showing at QB, raising questions about backup duties; KeAndre Lambert-Smith looked sharp at receiver with four catches for 58 yards; Marlowe Wax stood out on defense as the likely final LB addition; Scott Matlock and Kyle Kennard struggled, underscoring ongoing roster battles ahead of final cuts.

Broncos-Falcons Preseason Opener: QB2 on Display, TE Battles in Focus, and Key D-Line Contests
sports14 days ago

Broncos-Falcons Preseason Opener: QB2 on Display, TE Battles in Focus, and Key D-Line Contests

Denver travels to Atlanta for the 2026 preseason opener with Bo Nix out due to ankle surgery, so Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger will split halves to compete for the QB2 role. The night also spotlights the tight end group (watch rookie Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley) and who steps in for John Franklin-Myers on the front seven (Uwazurike, Jones, Onyedim among contenders). Expect linebacker and edge-depth battles, strong showings from rookies, and potential surprise standouts as the Broncos begin final roster decisions ahead of cuts.

Bagent to Start Bears’ Saturday Preseason; Williams Sit, O-Line Shuffle Underway
sports15 days ago

Bagent to Start Bears’ Saturday Preseason; Williams Sit, O-Line Shuffle Underway

The Bears will start Tyson Bagent in Saturday’s preseason game against the Browns, with Caleb Williams and several other starters not playing. Bagent has impressed in past preseasons, while Case Keenum will back him and reportedly connected on a long TD to Ray-Ray McCloud. The left tackle battle continues between Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills Jr., and Braxton Jones returned to practice in a limited role. Weather forced practice indoors, and a number of players returned to action while others did not practice.

Tagovailoa to Lead Falcons’ Preseason Opener as Week 1 QB Job Remains Unsettled
sports16 days ago

Tagovailoa to Lead Falcons’ Preseason Opener as Week 1 QB Job Remains Unsettled

Tua Tagovailoa will start Falcons’ preseason opener against the Broncos as he competes for the Week 1 quarterback job, with the coaching staff not yet naming a starter. The plan is for the starters to get about a series or roughly 10 plays, followed by Cooper Rush and then another quarterback (Jack Strand) in the rotation. Michael Penix Jr. remains limited due to ACL recovery and isn’t cleared for 11-on-11 drills next week during Falcons practice with the Colts.

Watson Gains Ground in Browns QB Race With Expanded First-Team Reps
sports18 days ago

Watson Gains Ground in Browns QB Race With Expanded First-Team Reps

Deshaun Watson narrowed the Browns' quarterback competition against Shedeur Sanders by taking more first-team reps in training camp, including an early shift onto the first unit during drills to sharpen run-checks and throwing work. After an early stretch where he accounted for seven of the team’s 12 interceptions, Watson cut turnovers as his reps increased, throwing only one interception over the following indoor practices and showing improved accuracy, suggesting he may be overtaking Sanders for the starting job. The takeaway emphasizes Watson’s need for reps to restore form and his potential edge after a strong stretch of practices.

Watson Emerges as Browns QB1 Amid Camp Drama
cleveland-browns-news19 days ago

Watson Emerges as Browns QB1 Amid Camp Drama

Deshaun Watson has taken a lead over Shedeur Sanders in the Browns’ QB competition during training camp, with coach Todd Monken weighing the preseason starter. Day 10 brought QB drama, while Jared Verse emerged as a rising pass rusher in Garrett’s absence and Mason Graham looks to be a defensive cornerstone. Other coverage notes include Denzel Ward’s contract extension and ongoing roster questions amid a broader NFL training-camp round-up.

Murray Still Favored to Open Vikings QB1 Race
nfl21 days ago

Murray Still Favored to Open Vikings QB1 Race

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert says Kyler Murray remains the heavy favorite to start for Minnesota in Week 1, having taken roughly two-thirds of first-team reps in 11-on-11 drills, while J.J. McCarthy has spent more time with the No. 2 offense; with two weeks left in camp, the gap appears wide and McCarthy would need a major late-camp surge to unseat Murray before Week 1 against the Packers.