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Qb Competition

All articles tagged with #qb competition

Wentz’s Week 1 Win Could Force Vikings to Bench Murray
nfl27 days ago

Wentz’s Week 1 Win Could Force Vikings to Bench Murray

Carson Wentz is poised to start for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears if Kyler Murray does not clear concussion protocol. While Murray remains the nominal starter, Wentz’s strong performance in the Week 1 victory over the Packers has sparked a debate about whether he could retain the job even after Murray returns. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport described this scenario as an 'excellent problem' for the coaching staff, noting that Wentz’s effective connection with receiver Justin Jefferson may outweigh Murray’s status as a top-two draft pick. The Vikings are currently managing Murray’s recovery day-by-day, with head coach Kevin O’Connell confirming the quarterback felt 'pretty good' on Monday but remains in the league’s concussion protocol.

Monken: Watson’s rant was a speed bump, not a setback for Browns
sports1 month ago

Monken: Watson’s rant was a speed bump, not a setback for Browns

Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken called Deshaun Watson’s post-preseason rant at fans a speed bump and a blip, saying Watson acknowledged he had things on his heart but is back to playing great football after a candid talk; Monken stressed he has Watson’s back, that fan frustration is understandable, and that the QB decision will not be swayed by boos as the Browns open the season vs. the Jaguars.

Broncos cap preseason with a 34-6 win as Ehlinger excels and roster decisions loom
sports1 month 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
sports1 month 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
sports1 month 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
sports1 month 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
sports1 month 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
sports1 month 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
sports2 months 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
sports2 months 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
sports2 months 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
sports2 months 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
sports2 months 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.