NFL Quarterback Notes for Preseason Week 1 (8/11)
NY Giants at Detroit:
This will be about draft picks for each team. Third-round pick Jalin Hyatt should get time at wide receiver for the Giants. Expect a lot of Tommy DeVito in this game. He’s third on the depth chart and a local favorite. Tyrod Taylor is more than capable as a backup. These teams have also practiced against each other.
For Detroit, expect a lot of Nate Sudfeld and Hendon Hooker at quarterback. They just signed Teddy Bridgewater on Monday, so it's doubtful that he plays. Rookie Adrian Martinez could see time as well. Rookie TE Sam LaPorta has a chance to be special and could see some time.
Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay:
In Pittsburgh, this is Kenny Pickett’s team. He will play some in the opener, but Mike Tomlin did not say how long the starters will play. Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph have some strong experience as backups.
In Tampa, Baker Mayfield will start the first game and Kyle Trask will start the second game. It’s unclear if Trask will play in in the second half in Game 1. John Wolford is the third-string quarterback who should see plenty of time in the second half against backups.
Green Bay at Cincinnati:
The Jordan Love era starts, but the question is whether he plays in Game 1. If he doesn’t, rookie Sean Clifford will get plenty of time along with Danny Etling and Alex McGough. It doesn’t bode well that they don’t have much experience behind Love.
With Joe Burrow out with a calf injury or even if he was healthy, it’s a no-brainer that he wasn’t going to play. Trevor Siemian has a ton of experience while Jake Browning should see some time.
Atlanta at Miami:
This is Desmond Ridder’s team and Taylor Heinike is there in case he falls. He and Logan Woodside should see a lot of time in Game 1. Fans will want to see rookie phenom Bijan Robinson doing something in the preseason. Arthur Smith hasn’t made that call yet.
Miami has Tua Tagovailoa as the starter and there’s no reason to play him considering his injury past. Mike White is a serviceable backup and Skylar Thompson is there to push for the backup job.
Washington at Cleveland:
This is a rare preseason game where starters will actually play some for both teams. In Washington, second-year QB Sam Howell has just one start in his career so he needs some playing time under new OC Eric Bienemy. Jacoby Brissett is one of the premier backups in the game.
Deshaun Watson will get the start for Cleveland, but don’t expect him to play more than a series or two. Joshua Dobbs, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Kellen Mond are in the mix for playing time. Dobbs didn’t play in the HOF Game so he should get some playing time in this one.
Denver at Arizona:
Denver and new coach Sean Payton will get a chance to take a lot at his starters. That means Russell Wilson will take the field, which is a surprise.
Arizona is an absolute mess. Kyler Murray is coming off an ACL injury seven months ago and won’t play. Colt McCoy is the expected starter until Murray returns, but he is 37. Rookie Clayton Tune could wind up the starter if he has a big camp. Jeff Driskel and David Blough also have some experience and could play.
