All articles tagged with #quarterback development
Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson delivered a strong showing in a 23-19 win over Tampa Bay, going 24-for-30 for 238 yards with two touchdowns and 22 rushing yards, as Browns coach Todd Monken said Watson remains a young player with room to grow and will start in the home opener against Carolina while the team continues to evaluate QB scenarios amid ongoing questions.
Deshaun Watson's solid performance helped Cleveland beat the Buccaneers 23-19, but the writer argues the victory is a long-term setback because it postpones evaluating Cleveland's young quarterbacks (Shedeur Sanders and Taylen Green) ahead of the 2027 QB decision and keeps Watson’s tenuous fit in the spotlight.
Drake Maye faces a zone-heavy Steelers defense after a rough stretch against split-safety looks, and the Patriots’ quarterback must sharpen his pre-snap reads and mechanics to unlock the deep game, as blitzes remain limited and the defense’s scheme tests his growth.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is navigating the tough line between aggressive play and disciplined decision-making, as Vrabel and McDaniels push him to be decisive without sacrificing risk-taking. After early interceptions that echoed last season's impatience, Maye and the coaching staff emphasize checking down to keep drives alive, aiming for the growth path exemplified by Josh Allen while maturing into a more consistent game manager who can still strike when the right opportunity arises.
Vince Young defended Arch Manning on The Script podcast, urging critics to stop talking and praising Manning’s growth after a tough 2025 season. Young highlighted Manning’s poise under pressure, his Citrus Bowl win over Michigan, and a strong Week 1 showing (20-of-27, 305 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT) in Texas’ 59-7 win over Texas State, while PFN ranks Manning No. 8 among 138 FBS starters as Week 2 vs Ohio State looms.
Sam Darnold’s career arc—from the Jets to the Panthers, 49ers, Vikings, and Seattle—has become a study in steady learning and resilience. After multiple stops and a shift to a more stable system, he thrived, led Seattle to the NFC title game with a 346-yard, three‑TD performance, and now, under a Seahawks staff kept in the Shanahan lineage, has a real chance to own the offense and keep growing as a rhythm passer.
Sports analyst Joel Klatt ripped Michigan QB Bryce Underwood after Week 1, saying a film review showed regression, poor reads, and bad decisions despite a five-pass start; Michigan’s offense had two turnovers and four three‑outs, with scoring scarce until a late Hail Mary, and the discussion growing that backup Tommy Carr could win the job if Underwood doesn’t improve.
Albert Breer’s Inside the QB Room profile on Trevor Lawrence traces his 2025 maturation with the Jaguars, showing how a candid postgame exchange with coach Liam Coen in the stadium TSA line helped simplify the offense, trust their relationship, and unlock Lawrence’s decision-making and mobility. The result was an eight-game win streak to close the season, a 13-win regular season, and a setup for a potential breakout year as Coen and Lawrence refine their system and communication.
Lions coach Dan Campbell calls Jared Goff massively underrated, praising his poise, accuracy and reads as he guides Detroit through turnover with more presnap autonomy under new OC Drew Petzing; Goff has led two franchises to conference title games, rebuilt his reputation after leaving the Rams, and remains focused on improving for a possible Super Bowl run, blending past systems while embracing the Lions future.
Dallas cut quarterback Joe Milton on Monday after a training camp that suggested he could become a long‑term backup. Reports say the Cowboys received trade calls but did not pursue a Milton trade, instead hoping he would clear waivers for a possible return to the practice squad. The move is criticized as contradictory to Milton’s strong camp and preseason showing and is contrasted with other roster decisions that shielded players like Milton’s contemporaries, prompting questions about the team’s development strategy.
Jordan Love has transformed from a college-era 'zero' in protection calls to a confident NFL quarterback who can pre-snap adjust protections, recognize blitzes, and communicate with his linemen and receivers. Mentored by Aaron Rodgers and guided by Packers coaches, his growth culminated in a standout 2021 debut against Kansas City and continued mastery leading Green Bay to playoff appearances in all three seasons as starter, with the team leveraging his enhanced decision-making and consistency.
The piece analyzes what to watch from Steelers QBs Will Howard and Drew Allar in their second preseason game vs. the Jets, with Howard starting and Allar finishing. Key points: Howard should build on his strong two-minute drill with a fast start, better pocket discipline, and improved progression reads, including avoiding unnecessary sacks; Allar should display more downfield Throws and bigger-implied throws to prove he can drive the offense as a potential No. 2 quarterback, while continuing to refine footwork and consistency. The goal is to assess their readiness and upside through extended reps and game-like situations.
Caleb Williams’ summer under Ben Johnson’s tough-love plan has him leading with confidence, improved decision-making, and a stronger sense of ownership for Chicago’s offense. The piece also highlights Daniel Jones’ full clearance from injury and strong camp, the Vikings’ early move to name Kyler Murray the starter to maximize this year, and a Browns QB decision looming between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Devon Witherspoon’s contract sets a new benchmark for corners with a sizeable, fully guaranteed package, Seattle’s core is being locked in with multiple extensions, and Green Bay’s rising young talent offers optimism. Breer weighs in on a Joe Brady/Sean Payton-like approach, assesses Atlanta’s QB situation with Tagovailoa and Penix, and closes with quick-hitters on other camp notes.
A Steelers preseason featureњу highlights coach Mike McCarthy’s QB-friendly system as three quarterbacks (Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar) enjoy early success, including strong passing metrics and tailored play-calls after personal QB meetings. Broderick Jones returned at left tackle with a 49-play showing, while veterans Robert Tonyan and Jamin Davis impressed in the second half, and Elandon Roberts rejoined to bolster the defense. With a 28-9 win over the Packers, the piece frames encouraging early signs while acknowledging it’s still preseason and subject to overreactions.
McCarthy, 23, finishes last season with a shaky 11 TD to 12 INT line across 10 starts and a string of injuries, leading Vikings to name Kyler Murray the starter. While some NFL evaluators still believe he has the athletic tools and potential to mature into a starter, others worry his inconsistencies and off-the-field development could limit his ceiling. Teams are watching his growth and may offer another chance to start either in Minnesota or elsewhere, depending on how he refines game management and consistency.