There are a handful of NFL groups with quarterback competitions this summer time.
With the preseason in full swing, let's dive into the place the league's quarterback battles stand.
Kenny Pickett will obtain extra snaps within the Pittsburgh Steelers' second preseason recreation
Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett obtained first-team snaps throughout follow this week. He'll obtain extra of them in opposition to higher competitors in Pittsburgh's second preseason recreation, which is in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin advised reporters Thursday that Mitchell Trubisky will get the beginning nod, however Pickett can even get reps with the first-team offense.
"We merely need to see Kenny in additional varsity motion," Tomlin mentioned. "We all know extra about Mason [Rudolph]. Mitch has been across the skilled recreation, clearly. So, this can be a huge week for [Pickett] by way of perhaps getting within the first half of this recreation and I might think about getting the chance to see frontline defenders for Jacksonville."
Pickett has nonetheless largely taken snaps with the Steelers' second unit in follow.
Trubisky began the Steelers' first preseason recreation in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks, main Pittsburgh on an opening-drive landing. The drive was capped off by a 13-yard landing move to Gunner Olszewski. Trubisky completed the evening 4-for-7 on passing makes an attempt with 63 yards and the landing.
Rudolph, coming into his fifth season with the Steelers, picked up the place Trubisky left off, finishing 9-of-15 passes for 93 yards. His evening was highlighted by a 26-yard landing move to rookie broad receiver George Pickens.
Pickett, the No. 20 choose within the 2022 draft, had a glowing debut. The College of Pittsburgh product completed the evening with 95 passing yards and two touchdowns on 13-for-15 passing, taking what the protection gave him. Pickett's effectivity probably tightens Pittsburgh's quarterback competitors.
"They moved their items," Mike Tomlin mentioned of his QBs. "They did the casual issues related to the place from a management and communication standpoint. They had been engaged. It was an excellent first outing for all three."
Drew Lock contracts COVID-19 after rising first-team reps, Geno Smith nonetheless holding QB1 spot
Regardless of Geno Smith's lead within the Seahawks' quarterback derby, head coach Pete Carroll pegged Drew Lock to start out Thursday's preseason recreation in opposition to the Chicago Bears. These plans have been foiled, nonetheless, as Lock examined constructive for COVID-19 and will probably be sidelined for the competition. This robs the 25-year-old QB of a important alternative to push Smith for the beginning job.
Earlier Tuesday, Lock received prolonged reps with the primary crew in follow and had two notable completions to Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf.
Since buying and selling Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, the Seahawks have had a fluid quarterback scenario with Lock and Smith, who began three video games for Seattle final season when Wilson suffered a finger damage. The scenario stays all of the extra fluid after the crew's loss to Pittsburgh.
Serving because the crew's starter, Smith completed the sport with 101 passing yards on 10-of-15 passing whereas additionally operating in a 2-yard landing. The veteran seems to have the higher hand within the quarterback battle given his familiarity with the Seahawks' offense; Smith, 31, is coming into his fourth season with Seattle.
Alternatively, Lock completed the sport with 102 passing yards and two touchdowns on 11-for-15 passing. The fourth-year quarterback began on and off in Denver, often flaunting beginning potential.
Veterans separate for Carolina Panthers
Carolina has 4 candidates for its beginning quarterback spot: Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Matt Corral and P.J. Walker. All 4 performed within the crew's 23-21 win over the Washington Commanders, with the veterans holding their very own.
Mayfield, who was not too long ago acquired from the Cleveland Browns, began for the Panthers and completed with 45 passing yards on 4-for-7 passing. Darnold, the crew's major quarterback in 2021, was impactful in short reps. The fifth-year quarterback was 2-for-3, together with an 8-yard landing to Rashard Higgins. Walker, whose roster spot is in jeopardy given the crew's acquisition of Mayfield, received essentially the most enjoying time of the bunch, throwing for 136 yards on 10-for-19 passing.
Corral, who Carolina traded as much as choose with the No. 94 choose within the 2022 draft, completed 1-for-9 for 11 yards.
Head coach Matt Rhule not too long ago mentioned he would not title a starter till after the crew's Aug. 19 matchup with the New England Patriots.
Mayfield and Darnold seem to be the frontrunners to start out, nonetheless, given Mayfield's 4 years of expertise beginning for the Browns and Darnold coming into his second season with the Panthers.
"They had been each in command," Rhule mentioned of Mayfield and Darnold. "Sam received us ultimately zone, Baker led us down the sector, so it regarded like each guys performed effectively by way of manufacturing. We’ll return and look and see the place they're."
