The dress rehearsal is almost over. The exhibition season is nearing its completion. The time for teams to evaluate their quarterbacks in a truly competitive playing environment is nearing its end.
It's time to go. Judgment day is basically upon us. Closing in places like New Orleans and New England and San Francisco.
The reality is, most head coaches and their staff already know who is going to take their first snap of the season in Week 1. Many people have known intrinsically for quite some time, just waiting to see if anything unexpected will turn up. their way of thinking. And for the most part, that hasn't happened. Things are pretty much as they expected. These quarterbacks were, overall, who these employees thought they were.
So with the announcement of the winner with many of these pending quarterback contests almost at hand — especially considering that many teams will choose not to expose the true starter to injury in the final game, anyway — it's equally good timing. Seems like a lot to reevaluate. Things stand and these QB try to disrupt the race. Ultimately, many of us thought it was going to be over given the lack of preparation for some of the baddies, the expectations for some of these franchises, and the variation in the supporting cast around many of them.
We'll go from least suspenseful to most potentially suspenseful, though I believe Denver may be the only situation where things can really pivot based on the results of the Precision Finale. What's more, these scenarios have generally resolved themselves in the past month or so.
Nothing To Ever See Here
Jets – Zach Wilson
There was never any other option. There was never going to be any other option. They did not bring anyone or anything that could be construed as competition of any kind for a first-round pick. It's about maximizing her reps and getting her ready for Week 1 as much as possible. He would take his lump, but it was never in doubt except for injury. And the baby is as healthy as it can be now.
Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence
Don't believe the hype about it being a knock-down, drag-out fight between Lawrence and Gardner Minshaw. Dividing their snaps is kinda crazy, and I'm not sure what Urban Mayor thinks he's gaining by perpetuating this misplaced mystery. But the first composite Pickup Pro is ready; It remains to be seen whether it is the staff and the offensive line.
Bears – Andy Dalton
You might think Justin Fields is the right choice and I think Justin Fields is a smart choice... but it's never been close to a fair fight or open competition. Matt Nagy has jumped that Dalton is his man to start the season, he continues to declare it after Saturday's debacle and that nothing is going to change his mind now. I suspect we see a transition to the field at some point in October.
The Experienced Hand Would Be Difficult To Unseat
Saints – Jameis Winston
My reporting on this throughout the spring and summer has consistently led me to believe that Winston's ability to push the ball down on all fours and in special circumstances his superiority over Tessome Hill will propel the day. Sean Payton has been keen to start his attack on all fours of the field and Winston followed up a strong first game with a brilliant second exhibition. He is playing confidently and without any fear and has spent a lot of time in the system. There's still a role for Hill. But Hill can't take offense like Winston. That much is obvious.
Patriots – Cam Newton
This may have been set off before Newton's latest COVID-related absence, this time over the weekend for failing to follow proper testing protocol. It opens up an opportunity for Mac Jones to do a show this week, but I still don't think it will be enough to exclude the veteran. Newton has had a solid camp, completing downfield throws at a better rate than a year ago, and he actually has some good pieces around him in this offense this year, as well as a strong offensive line. . I wouldn't be shocked to see Jones in some quick-minute or two-minute situations at the start of the regular season, and he's got enough trust and confidence from this staff. But Newton revealed some unique things in the run game, and I hope he will be at the center when the season starts.'
49ers – Jimmy Garoppolo
This smells a lot to me like the Dolphins' situation a year ago, so even though the team was doing great, the staff eventually wanted to see if a more athletic and dynamic QB could kick them into higher gear. Trey Lance has had incredible highs and lows, but that roof is in a different stratosphere than Jimmy G. Lance will have plays and packages that will allow him to shine as a sidekick early on, but there's no reason Kyle Shanahan has to make this change in mid-September and he can continue to develop a first-round pick, While his $20M veteran shows how he can lead this offense with a healthier 49ers than he was a year ago.
The Most Open Competition
Broncos – Teddy Bridgewater
This newcomer is 50/50 at most between Bridgewater and holdover Drew Locke. And they've basically produced very similar ones during the summer. Vegas makes it look just as beautiful. What I feel like Bridgewater's more extensive experience is the fact that he led the Vikings team to the playoffs as a youngster, while Broncos new GM George Patton was assistant GM there, and his overall body of work ( riskier than lock) will take days . If Locke gets the first start I can't help but wonder if the strap is short enough, especially if ball control and decision making remain an issue. Vic Fangio is notoriously hard on the QB/offensive staff and espouses old school values (hang on football, play not to lose and win with defense). Bridgewater has spent much of his career in similar operations.