MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK

Head coach Shane Steichen announced on Thursday that No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson will start at quarterback for the Colts in their preseason opener at Buffalo on Saturday.

It’ll be Richardson’s first reps against another team and that’s a good thing.

“I’m definitely excited to go against a different opponent instead of going against Zaire [Franklin] and Shaq Leonard every single day,” Richardson said Thursday, via Mike Chappell of Fox59.

While Richardson has gotten plenty of practice snaps, he noted that he’s not sure exactly where he is in terms of his progression and development.

“Honestly I don’t know because I haven’t gone up against anybody yet,’’ Richardson said. “But I feel I’m in a good spot and hopefully I can showcase that Saturday.


“I think I’ve taken a big step regarding everything, whether it’s chemistry, play-calling or even just recognition of a defense. I feel like I’ve grown a lot, but there’s still room for improvement. I feel like I can just keep on pushing.’’

And even though the game won’t count in the overall standings, Richardson said he still wants to come back to Indiana with a W.

“First NFL experience, just try to get a victory and just showcase my talent and my ability and just be a leader and just push the team,” Richardson said. “Just consistency. I know I can run. I know I can pass. Whatever coach calls, I’m just gonna make sure I do my job the right way and just be consistent.’’

PFT

 

JIMMY G NEWS

Garoppolo told the media on Wednesday that the Raiders' offensive scheme has a lot more pre-snap diagnosis than the 49ers and "a lot more work for the quarterback."

“You’ve really got to use your brain and be on it, but I love stuff like that," Garoppolo said, per the San Francisco Chronicle. "That’s the game within the game, and you get to play it at the line of scrimmage. And when you’re out there, man, it’s fun."

Garoppolo's football IQ is evident when looking at where he ranks historically in a couple of key passing categories. He ranks third all-time in yards per pass attempt with 8.3, and sixth all-time in passer rating at 99.6. After a 2022 season where the Raiders were 6-11, Garoppolo's presence has brought excitement to the locker room and a feeling that this year could be different.

“There’s a little bit of a buzz going on,” Garoppolo said. “You can feel it. It’s just refreshing. New start and everything; new group of guys; new coaches. We’ve kind of started to find our stride a little bit, and we’ve been flowing."

With talented wideouts to throw to such as Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow, the arrow may be pointing up for the Raiders offense.

in part from; YARDBARKER

 

Patriots' Malik Cunningham flashes potential at quarterback in preseason debut

Malik Cunningham's preseason debut certainly wasn't ordinary.

It began with him playing receiver. He ended taking snaps behind center.

Cunningham completed 3 of 4 passes for 19 yards and ran five times for 34 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown run through the middle of Houston's defense late in the contest. Cunningham's athleticism was on full display on the run, making two defenders miss and barreling through a defender across the goal line.

"It feels good. I mean tough player, I'm a team player, so whatever the coaches need me to do, I'm going to do it for the team," Cunningham said afterward. "That's what happened, coach told me to go to quarterback, and we had no touchdowns, so I told the O-line, the whole group, that we were going to go down and score and that's what we did."

Cunningham's versatility shouldn't come as a surprise. He spent his collegiate career playing quarterback at Louisville, but in order to improve his chances of sticking on an NFL roster, he's been taking reps at both positions with the Patriots. His talent propelled the Patriots to their only touchdown of the night, and provided fans with a few highlights to replay from the preseason opener.

New England is stocked at quarterback with a couple of young quarterbacks in Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, who have each seen starting snaps in their careers. Jones is the presumptive top option, sitting out of the Thursday night affair while Zappe handled the bulk of the work. Four-year veteran Trace McSorley is also on the roster, and might have to battle for a roster spot if Cunningham continues to flash his potential in preseason action.

Cunningham, meanwhile, will continue to work at both receiver and quarterback. Coach Bill Belichick is no stranger to using receivers as passers, turning to former Kent State quarterback and longtime Patriots pass-catcher Julian Edelman to throw an occasional pass during his 11-season career in New England.

"Is it difficult?" Cunningham said when asked about handling the duties of two positions. "No, I feel like I'm a very clever, smart kid and the coaches have been doing a good job with me, explaining, breaking it down, helping me learn. The quarterbacks, the receivers, all those guys have been nothing but help to me, so I appreciate them."

Cunningham could fill a similar role, provided he makes the final 53-man roster. He's certainly off to an encouraging start.

NFL.com
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He really looked solid to me. Well placed balls and poise.

 

Joe Burrow running, throwing at Paycor Stadium Friday afternoon

When Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow hurt his calf in practice on July 28, head coach Zac Taylor said the quarterback would be out several weeks.

Taylor said this week that there’s been no change to that timeline, but Burrow appears to have made a good deal of progress toward returning to action. Reporters at Paycor Stadium for Friday night’s game between the Bengals and Packers shared video of Burrow on the field working out ahead of the game.

Burrow went through a throwing session and was seen running between the sidelines without any sign of a limp or other difficulty. Burrow was working out without the lower leg sleeve that he’s been seen wearing since getting injured.

The initial timeline suggests Burrow’s absence from the field will last a little longer, but there doesn’t appear to be any worry that he’ll be out longer than expected. As long as that continues to be the case, the lack of a contract extension could be the only stumbling block to Burrow returning to practice.

NBC

 

This was an observation on Pickett after the Fridays game...

Pickett has look of a veteran. Head coach Mike Tomlin rolled out Kenny Pickett against the Buccaneers with the goal of seeing a leap from his second-year quarterback. He only needed one drive to confirm his hopes. Pickett played the surgeon against Tampa Bay's defense, completing six of seven passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. Both of the QB's best highlights came on third-and-long conversions. The first saw Pickett roll to the right needing to pick up 10. He fired an 11-yard sideline dart to Diontae Johnson, who was on the receiving end of half of the signal-caller's completions. On his next third-down conversion, Pickett found George Pickens in tight coverage across the middle, and the second-year WR weaved through a group of outmatched Bucs defenders another 20 yards for a 33-yard score. Pickett looked comfortable early, manipulated the pocket and appeared to feel the game slow down, all of which suggests the Steelers O might be able to keep up with its fearsome defense in 2023.

NFL.com

 

It was encouraging. Certainly it was a small sample against what will certainly be a bad team. We'll see

 

Trey Lance will start at quarterback for the 49ers when they begin preseason action on Sunday against the Raiders, coach Kyle Shanahan told KNBR-AM on Friday night.

Lance will start Sunday’s game and backup Sam Darnold will play in the second half. Brock Purdy, who emerged as the franchise’s starter late last season, will not play in the team’s preseason opener, according to Shanahan.

Sunday marks the first opportunity for Lance to showcase his growth from his limited action in the 2022 campaign. The former No. 3 pick in the ’21 draft has started four games in two seasons.

 

Trevor Lawrence throws INT, TD in three possessions

Much happened in Trevor Lawrence’s 11 plays in a Saturday afternoon preseason game against the Cowboys. He threw an interception, saw the Jaguars fail to convert a third-and-one and threw a touchdown pass to call it a day.

The Jaguars starting quarterback finished 5-of-6 for 36 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a 91.7 passer rating. Two of his completions were to wide receiver Calvin Ridley for 21 yards. Ridley last played a game on Oct. 24, 2021, taking time off for his mental health in 2021 and serving a suspension for gambling in 2022.

Lawrence, playing against the Cowboys reserves, threw an interception on the second play from scrimmage. He tried to hit tight end Evan Engram, who had a step on safety Juanyeh Thomas, but Thomas made up the ground and intercepted the pass.

The Jaguars started their second drive at their own 7 and went nowhere, with Tank Bigsby stopped by Thomas and DeMarvion Overshown on third-and-one. Logan Cooke’s punt was returned by KaVontae Turpin, who fumbled it back to the Jaguars after an 8-yard gain.

Jacksonville used the improved field position to go 42 yards in six plays, with Lawrence finding Christian Kirk for a 9-yard touchdown. Lawrence stayed out for the 2-point try and connected with Zay Jones in the back of the end zone.

The Jaguars gained 58 yards in Lawrence’s three possessions.

C.J. Beathard replaced Lawrence with 3:46 remaining in the first quarter.

NBC

 

Panthers No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young made his preseason debut on Saturday.

The performance wasn’t really anything to write home about.

Young was in for three possessions, which worked out to just 11 plays. He finished 4-of-8 passing for 21 yards.

Young’s first pass was a completion to veteran receiver Adam Thielen, which went for 8 yards and a first down. He then hit DJ Chark for a 5-yard gain. But on third-and-5, Young couldn’t connect with Chark down the left sideline and the Panthers had to punt.

Young’s second drive began all the way down at Carolina’s 2-yard line. He hit a short swing pass to Chuba Hubbard but on third-and-5, Young and receiver Laviska Shenault didn’t appear to be on the same page and Young’s pass was incomplete.

On the third possession, Young hit tight end Hayden Hurst for a 5-yard gain. After a run that didn’t get much, Carolina’s offensive line was overwhelmed on third down and Young was sacked for a 9-yard loss.

If there was a positive, it’s that Young took some significant hits and was able to pop back up every time.

Panthers 2022 third-round pick Matt Corral came in to replace Young early in the second quarter and figures to get significant playing time on Saturday and throughout the preseason.

NBC

 

Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson bounces back from rough start in first preseason showing

Anthony Richardson's first preseason action got off to a wobbly start, but the No. 4 overall pick bounced back in the Indianapolis Colts' loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

The dynamic quarterback got sped up by pressure on his third dropback, sailing a high pass that was intercepted by Bills cornerback Dane Jackson to end the Colts' first drive. There also might have been miscommunication with wideout Isaiah McKenzie on the play.

Richardson settled down on Indy's third drive, looking more decisive, throwing several strikes and showing off his big arm. The rookie dropped a gorgeous deep shot -- 30-plus air yards -- that second-year wide receiver Alec Pierce couldn't corral. It was the type of toss that underscores Richardson's upside. He's at his best on vertical balls. It's the underneath passes that need work.

The rookie QB finished 7 of 12 for 67 yards, the INT, and added two carries for seven yards before being replaced by veteran Gardner Minshew. Minshew immediately got sacked on back-to-back plays to open his first drive. The veteran diced up Bills backups on the next possession, going 6-of-6 for 72 yards, leading Indy to a Jake Funk TD run to close out the first half.

"I thought he had great poise," Colts first-year head coach Shane Steichen said after the game, per WTHR's Dominic Miranda. "Had the early interception, that was my fault. Gotta be better there. Thought he was efficient. Calm in the pocket. Lot of good there."

The Colts know what they have in Minshew, a savvy signal-caller who can avoid pressure and deliver the ball on time. For the rest of the preseason, the question is whether Steichen gives Richardson most of the first-team reps to aid development or leans on the veteran to open Week 1.

"It was fun just playing football again," Richardson said. "The first drive wasn't the best, gotta limit turnovers and not try to be Superman. First experience overall felt like was pretty good."

Richardson's first preseason action mirrored what we've heard out of Colts camp: flashes of potential, but there is work to be done. The rookie's footwork, particularly under pressure, needs development. As we see with many athletic QBs boasting big arms, Richardson doesn't always set his feet well, leading to off-target throws. His misses were generally high, and several were behind intended targets.

The Colts knew when selecting the Florida product that he needed reps. That continues to be the case. Once he settled into the game, Richardson's natural ability flashed. The rest of camp and the preseason will be huge for the 21-year-old's development.

NFL.com

 

Of course, there is a QB on the Colts roster that led a picture perfect, 83 yard drive that culminated in a TD with just :03 seconds left before the half.

Hint: He has a great mustache.

 

It wouldnt surprise me if he was the game 1 starter.

 

Who is this Raiders QB, O'Connell? He looks made for the NFL. 12/15 and command of the offense.

 

He’s Garoppolos backup

 

He (O'Connell) comes out of Iowa. Finished his game with 15/18 141 and a TD, some are saying he was the best QB rookie to go in week 1, but he did play against some 2's and 3's, but still, he did well.

Drafted in the 4th round.

He still has to beat out Hoyer for the backup role tho. I just liked what I saw in the brief bit i watched the game.

 

Bengals plan to start Trevor Siemian against Falcons

The Bengals started Jake Browning at quarterback in their first preseason game, but they’ll be changing their approach for this week’s matchup with the Falcons.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said at his Monday press conference that the plan is for Trevor Siemian to get the start this time around. Siemian replaced Browning against the Packers and Browning will be the second quarterback into the game this time.

Joe Burrow remains out of practice with a calf injury. Siemian and Browning are competing to back him up. Reid Sinnett is also on the roster, but he did not play against Green Bay.

Siemian joined the Bengals as a free agent this offseason. He was 15-of-28 for 121 yards and an interception last Friday while Browning was 10-of-17 for 95 yards and an interception.

PFT

 

Colts name Anthony Richardson their starting quarterback

If there ever were a quarterback competition in Indianapolis, it’s officially over.

Shane Steichen named rookie Anthony Richardson the Colts’ starting quarterback on Tuesday.

Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick of this year’s draft, had been working plenty with Indianapolis’ starters on offense. He took the first reps of Saturday’s preseason game, playing 29 snaps in that contest. He finished 7-of-12 passing for 67 yards with an interception. He also took two carries for 7 yards.

From ownership down, the Colts have been clear since drafting Richardson that they’d like him to play as a rookie to further his development. To that end, doing away with the pretense of a competition now will allow Indianapolis to focus solely on getting Richardson ready to play.

Richardson had been rotating in with the first team with quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Richardson will make his Week One debut at home against the Jaguars on Sept. 10.

NBC

 

The real question is he going to be a good fantasy option.

 

The real question is he going to be a good fantasy option.


In Fantasy I'm taking Trevor Lawrence over Richardson and I'm thinking the Jags win the AFC South this season.

But it will be interesting to see what Round QB's go in my $ League.....Do you wait on a QB or grab one in RD #2 ???

Sleeper QB this year is the BU for the Jaguars....Nathan Rourke he might see some playing time if Lawrence starts throwing INT's.

 

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