MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK

Confidence in the number one overall pick

 

Quarterback Brett Hundley‘s time with the Ravens has come to an end.

The Ravens released Hundley on Tuesday as they moved to bring their roster to 85 players by the NFL’s 4 p.m. deadline for all teams to be down to that number. The Ravens also placed linebacker Trent Harris on IR after making a series of moves on Monday.


Hundley was the third quarterback to enter the team’s preseason opener — Lamar Jackson didn’t play — and that painted a clear picture of his spot on the depth chart. He was 2-of-2 for 42 yards in his lone game appearance for the Ravens.

The Packers selected Hundley in the fifth round of the 2016 draft and he made nine starts for the team in 2017. He also appeared in three games for the Cardinals in 2019.

Harris signed with the Ravens on August 13, so it was a brief stay for him on the active roster. He could sign on elsewhere if he reaches an injury settlement with the Ravens once he’s healthy.

PFT

 

Zach Wilson’s meniscus trim surgery considered successful



After Jets quarterback Zach Wilson hurt his knee last Friday, word was that he needed to have his meniscus trimmed surgically and that he’d miss a few weeks while recovering.

Those reports cautioned that doctors could do a more extensive surgery if they did not like what they found in the knee, but Wilson has apparently avoided that fate. According to multiple reports, doctors did not need to do more than trim the meniscus during Tuesday’s surgery in Los Angeles and they deemed the surgery a success.


With a timeline of two-to-four weeks to recover, Week 1 wouldn’t be totally out of the question for Wilson. The Jets aren’t going to rush him back, however, and Joe Flacco gives them an experienced option to start the season while making sure that Wilson is 100 percent.

That opener is at home against the Ravens, which Flacco admitted would make it a bigger deal than another opponent. They’ll then travel to Cleveland, return home to face the Bengals and travel to Pittsburgh in a season-opening tour of the AFC North.

PFT

 

Giants HC Brian Daboll to get Tyrod Taylor starting reps, but denies it's related to Daniel Jones' performance

Tyrod Taylor enters the season as the backup to Daniel Jones in New York, a familiar role in Taylor's winding career that has seen him man starting jobs, mentorships and security options.

He's not expected to see the field often -- unless Jones faceplants in what is a pivotal fourth professional season.

One might fairly expect that to happen sooner rather than later. History suggests Jones will struggle, even with new coach Brian Daboll -- the man credited with guiding Josh Allen toward stardom in Buffalo -- now leading the way for the Giants. Injuries have also been a recurring problem with Jones, and although the Giants have again invested in their offensive line, until Jones proves he can play a full season without issue, it will continue to be a concern.

Taylor will have to be ready in such a scenario. And Daboll told reporters he'll get the veteran prepared before it's time to break the glass in case of emergency.

"Yeah, as we get going here in terms of the preseason games, we'll talk about whatever we think is best," Daboll said Tuesday. "But I have full confidence in Daniel and full confidence in Tyrod and what his role is. Each day, we sit there and we evaluate the guys. But will he get a few reps here or there? He might."

One could take this as Daboll preparing to replace Jones, as if he doesn't believe Jones has what it takes to lead the Giants to success. Naturally, Daboll refuted that rather quickly Tuesday.

"Absolutely not. No," Daboll said when asked if preparing Taylor is a reflection of Jones' standing with the Giants. "I learned from a pretty good coach a while ago, usually he doesn't tell those guys when he throws them in because that's what the backup's role is. You have to go in on a split second.


"You prepare like you're a starter. But the fourth play of a game, something happens, you're in, you got to be ready to go. So, I don't necessarily think we'll tell those guys when that will happen."

Taylor knows these situations happen. He was twice the starter when unfortunate luck forced his backup to replace him -- first, in Cleveland with Baker Mayfield, and again in Los Angeles with Justin Herbert. Taylor didn't get his job back in either scenario.

But the reverse could happen in New York, where all players are competing as if their jobs are on the line. Just ask receiver Kenny Golladay, another highly touted addition of recent years who has yet to live up to expectations.

"I'm not just going to talk about me as far as how important it is to me; I think it's important for everyone," Golladay said Tuesday. "We've got new coaches and a new offense; I think everyone is going to probably come into this season with a little chip on their shoulder. Even from the coaching standpoint, everyone is going to come in with that edge to try and meet the expectations."

The Giants aren't expected to win the Super Bowl in 2022, but they are expected to be better than the dumpster fire they were under coaches Pat Shurmur and Joe Judge. Jones will need to produce for this to happen. Otherwise, it's fair to believe Daboll might be tempted to turn to Taylor in a time of extreme need -- one in which injuries don't necessarily have to play a factor.

NFL.com

 

Peter Harvey will refrain from ruling in Deshaun Watson case until settlement talks reach impasse



Yes, settlement talks continue between the NFL and the NFL Players Association in the Deshaun Watson case. It’s no surprise at this point. It’s been the case since late last week.

Appeals officer Peter Harvey hasn’t completed the (by rule) “expedited” review two weeks after the filing of the league’s appeal of the original six-game suspension for one reason. He’s waiting until the league and the union reach impasse in their ongoing settlement talks.


The message on Monday was that a settlement remained viable. At this point, every minute that Harvey doesn’t issue a ruling means that a settlement can still happen. And because the NFL, as a practical matter, controls Harvey, he’ll wait until the NFL tells him that settlement talks have hit a brick wall.

That’s the bottom line. No ruling until no settlement.

So where could a settlement land? Watson reportedly is willing to accept eight games. The league surely wants at least 12 games. The obvious middle ground is 10 games, plus a fine that converts all or part of 2021 into an unpaid suspension by taking up to the full $10 million in salary that he received last year.

As previously mentioned, both sides need to be committed to selling to the public that last year was, as a practical matter, a paid suspension, since he didn’t play in 2021 due to the off-field issue. And that’s 100 percent accurate. But for the legal entanglement, he would have been traded to the Dolphins at some point between the middle of March and Labor Day weekend.

Now, a different deal is under the microscope. Will the NFL and the NFLPA strike a deal that avoids a ruling from Harvey and, in turn, a fight in federal court? The possibility of a settlement remains until Harvey rules.

Actually, a settlement can happen even after Harvey issues a ruling. The league surely would prefer, however, to not bang the internal gavel at something like a one-year suspension and then promptly walk it back to 10 or 12 after the union sues. The time to settle is now, before Harvey rules. And Harvey won’t rule unless and until there’s a genuine impasse.

PFT

 

Baker Mayfield not worried about starting quarterback decision



The competition continues between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, with no timeline for a decision. Panthers coach Matt Rhule said the team will let things play out at least through the second preseason game.

“When we know, we know,” Rhule said, via Darin Gantt of the team website. “It could be two weeks; it could be now. I know that’s not the answer you guys want. We’re just making sure we’re thorough.”


Mayfield is getting more comfortable with each passing day, and it’s going to come as a surprise if he doesn’t win the job. But the former No. 1 overall selection isn’t concerning himself with the team’s decision.

“To be honest with you, I haven’t been worried about when the decision is going to be made or any of that, timeline-wise,” Mayfield said. “I’ve just tried to put my head down and handle it one day at a time, and that’s been the mindset for both Sam and I.

“Just, how can we be playing the best ball at the end of camp and just handle it correctly? I’ve said it before: The locker room and the organization is going to go as the QB room goes, and as long as we’re leading correctly, and we’re supporting each other, good things are going to happen. So we’re not worried about when that’s going to happen, just trying to get better each day.”

As Gantt put it, the Panthers’ quarterback “battle” has been one of the most civil competitions in football history. Mayfield has supported Darnold, and Darnold has supported Mayfield.

Mayfield got off to a late start, not arriving in a trade from Cleveland until July 6, but he has made up ground since.

“I’m at the point now where it feels really, really comfortable for me,” Mayfield said. “Yeah, I’m in a great spot. Obviously, there are always little things you’re trying to improve. It’s never complacent; I haven’t figured it out.”

PFT

 

Baker Mayfield, as expected, is expected to be named the Week One starter in Carolina



The quarterback competition that never really felt like a competition won’t be a competition for much longer.

As expected, Baker Mayfield is expected to be named the starter in Carolina. TheAthletic.com reports that it’s inevitable. However, no timeline has been applied to the making of the announcement.


The Panthers traded for Mayfield after the conclusion of the offseason program. The mere fact that the deal was made created the impression that the Panthers wanted Mayfield to play over Sam Darnold. But when former Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, who currently works for the team as a broadcaster, declared that Darnold has the upper hand in the competition, some started to wonder whether the Panthers simply added Mayfield as a buy-low proposition, getting him for a fifth-round pick and paying only $5 million of his salary. (The Browns are paying $10.5 million.)

Then, once camp opened, the coaching staff divided first-team reps, giving Darnold a seemingly fair shot to win the job while also giving Mayfield fewer chances to get comfortable in a new team with a new offense. Despite not getting the full bulk of the reps, Mayfield has persuaded the coaching staff — and, presumably, the locker room — that he’s the better option, at least when the Browns come to town for Week One.

Even if Mayfield starts every game, Darnold actually will make more money this year. He has a fifth-year option salary of $18.8 million, along with the 17th-game sweetener of $1.1 million. Mayfield, who originally had the same fifth-year salary, agreed to take a pay cut in excess of $3 million. While he can earn it back through incentives, he needs to have a very special year (more than $1 million is tied to getting to the Super Bowl and winning it), the 17th game check is gone for good.

Of course, Mayfield isn’t thinking about about not making nearly $20 million in 2022. He’s thinking about making a lot more in 2023 and beyond. To get there, he needs to play. And he apparently will, at least when the season begins.

After that, it’s up to him. He’ll need to be effective. He’ll also need to stay healthy. His this-is-my-job attitude in Cleveland allowed him to play with a bad non-throwing shoulder when he clearly shouldn’t have been on the field. In Carolina, he’ll likely receive no such deference, especially with the coaching staff thinking a lot more about 2023 and beyond, too.

PFT

 

Todd Bowles: No firm date for Tom Brady’s return

When Tom Brady left the Buccaneers to take care of personal matters a week ago, head coach Todd Bowles said that the quarterback would return to the team after they played the Titans in their second preseason game.

That game will take place on Saturday, but it’s not clear how much longer Brady is going to be away from the Bucs. At a Thursday press conference, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said, via Greg Auman of TheAthletic.com, that there is no firm date for Brady to rejoin the team and that they will revisit the issue after facing Tennessee.


When Brady first left the team, Bowles said that the break was something “scheduled way before training camp.” That suggested that both the start and end date to his absence were known by the team, but that clearly was not the case.

Bowles and General Manager Jason Licht have both shrugged off any concerns that the time off could negatively impact Brady or the team this season, but the longer he’s away the harder it will be to say that it’s all business as usual in Tampa.

PFT

 

Browns insist they are comfortable with and confident in Jacoby Brissett



The Browns have known for a while now that Deshaun Watson was going to miss at least six games. That knowledge did not change decision-makers’ minds about what to do in the interim.

On Thursday, the Browns found out for certain how long the starting quarterback’s suspension will last. Will the 11 games Watson will miss change their thinking at the position?


If so, the Browns aren’t saying.

They reiterated they are all in with Jacoby Brissett.

“Throughout this process, trying to be respectful of it and knowing that there would finally be clarity is helpful for us and then we just stick to our plan moving forward,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said, via Dan Labbe of cleveland.com. “We’re pretty comfortable with how we’re operating right now, knowing that we’ll get Deshaun back after 11 games.’

The Browns are upping Brissett’s workload with the first team as they get closer to the season opener against the Panthers. Watson won’t play in the final two presason games.

“We want to get a good look at some of our scheme vs. another scheme if you will,” Stefanski said, “but ultimately as we transition out of this week, Jacoby will get all of the reps.”

The Browns play five 2021 playoff teams while Watson is out. They also play the Chargers, Ravens and Dolphins, who are playoff contenders this year.

Watson is eligible to return to action Dec. 4 against his former team but will the Browns still be in contention then? The Browns have faith in Brissett, perhaps more than anyone outside the locker room does.

“We’re excited about Jacoby and have a ton of trust in Jacoby and when Deshaun is ready, he’ll rejoin the team,” Stefanski said.

The Colts tried making Brissett the bridge quarterback, not once, but twice. He started 15 games for Andrew Luck in 2017 when Luck was out with a shoulder injury, and in 2019, when Luck abruptly retired Aug. 24 that preseason, Brissett started 15 games.

He is 14-23 as a starter.

“I think back to when we were acquiring Jacoby, the phone calls that I made to people he’s played for, people that he’s played with, it was very, very consistent in that you’re getting a pro’s pro,” Stefanski said. “(He’s) somebody who’s going to lead from out in front, works very hard at his craft and is just an outstanding teammate.”

But the question remains: If the Browns start Brissett for all 11 games, will they win enough to remain in contention when Watson returns?

PFT

 

Over/Under is at 6



I say over. Brissett is being overlooked and short changed.

 

Kenny Pickett will follow Mitch Trubisky in Steelers' QB rotation Saturday vs. Jaguars

Week 2 of the preseason tends to be when we see some minor promotions, and Kenny Pickett has officially earned one.

Just not that one.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Thursday his quarterback depth chart for Saturday's preseason game versus the Jaguars will feature Mitch Trubisky at the top, and a new face -- Pickett -- behind him as QB2.

"All three guys have played well," Tomlin explained. "I really think the main emphasis and mentality in regards to how we structured it this week is we just simply want to see Kenny in more varsity action.

"We know more about Mason [Rudolph]. Mitch has been around the professional game, obviously, so this is a big week for [Pickett] in terms of maybe getting in in the first half of this game and I would imagine getting an opportunity to see front-line defenders for Jacksonville."

Pickett entered Pittsburgh's first preseason game before the midway point of the third quarter and put together a thrilling performance, completing 13 of 15 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns, including a 24-yard connection to Tyler Vaughns that produced the game-winning score. It was an ideal debut for the 20th-overall pick of the 2022 draft, who joined the Steelers from the University of Pittsburgh and is expected to become the long-term successor to Ben Roethlisberger.

Pickett's performance was a pleasant surprise to the football-viewing public, which had heard more negative reviews of the rookie than positive coming out of Steelers camp leading up to last weekend's game against Seattle. Instead of looking like an overmatched youngster, Pickett handled the situation with poise.


The order of quarterbacks doesn't necessarily indicate Pickett has moved ahead of Rudolph in the preseason quarterback competition. Tomlin came away from Pittsburgh's win over Seattle pleased with what he saw from his quarterback trio, telling reporters "it was a good first time out for all three."

Pickett has, however, played well enough to see himself climb the ladder by one rung this week.

With the Steelers knowing what they have in fourth-year quarterback Rudolph and the veteran Trubisky, now is the time to throw Pickett into the fire and see what emerges.

NFL.com

 

Has to be fake news. Rudolph is easily having the best camp so far. Just look at the stats.

 

lol

 

If Pickett plays like he did in week one he should get the nod as the starter September 11th.

 

It’s not even a competition anymore, if it ever was. Trubisky is QB1, Rudolph is QB2 if he isn’t traded, Pickett #3.

And if you believe Khan, Rudolph is not going anywhere unless some team makes an offer they can’t refuse.

 

If Pickett plays better he should be the starter. Trubisky definitely isn’t outperforming Pickett

 

Just take the L.

 

The loss? I want the Steelers to win, that’s why I want Pickett to play.

 

Kenny Pickett will follow Mitch Trubisky in Steelers' QB rotation Saturday vs. Jaguars

Week 2 of the preseason tends to be when we see some minor promotions, and Kenny Pickett has officially earned one.

Just not that one.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Thursday his quarterback depth chart for Saturday's preseason game versus the Jaguars will feature Mitch Trubisky at the top, and a new face -- Pickett -- behind him as QB2.

"All three guys have played well," Tomlin explained. "I really think the main emphasis and mentality in regards to how we structured it this week is we just simply want to see Kenny in more varsity action.

"We know more about Mason [Rudolph]. Mitch has been around the professional game, obviously, so this is a big week for [Pickett] in terms of maybe getting in in the first half of this game and I would imagine getting an opportunity to see front-line defenders for Jacksonville."

Pickett entered Pittsburgh's first preseason game before the midway point of the third quarter and put together a thrilling performance, completing 13 of 15 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns, including a 24-yard connection to Tyler Vaughns that produced the game-winning score. It was an ideal debut for the 20th-overall pick of the 2022 draft, who joined the Steelers from the University of Pittsburgh and is expected to become the long-term successor to Ben Roethlisberger.

Pickett's performance was a pleasant surprise to the football-viewing public, which had heard more negative reviews of the rookie than positive coming out of Steelers camp leading up to last weekend's game against Seattle. Instead of looking like an overmatched youngster, Pickett handled the situation with poise.


The order of quarterbacks doesn't necessarily indicate Pickett has moved ahead of Rudolph in the preseason quarterback competition. Tomlin came away from Pittsburgh's win over Seattle pleased with what he saw from his quarterback trio, telling reporters "it was a good first time out for all three."

Pickett has, however, played well enough to see himself climb the ladder by one rung this week.

With the Steelers knowing what they have in fourth-year quarterback Rudolph and the veteran Trubisky, now is the time to throw Pickett into the fire and see what emerges.

NFL.com