The NFL has an interesting quarterback situation with the New England Patriots, the New Orleans Saints and the Denver Broncos. This week each team will have their first preseason game and we’ll be able to see who will win the starting jobs for both teams.
The denver broncos free agency news is a question that has been asked by many football fans. There are three quarterbacks that have been mentioned as potential starters for the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, and Denver Broncos.
11th of August, 2021
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ESPN’s NFL Nation
Whether you’re a fantasy football guru, a die-hard supporter of your favorite NFL team, or just getting ready to wager this season, determining who will win key position fights is an essential part of the preseason.
Teams with quarterback competition include the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos. The San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins are both bolstering their wide receiver corps. The offensive lines of several NFL teams are still settling in. The Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, and Arizona Cardinals all have linebacker battles.
For all 32 clubs, NFL Nation writers break down the most important battles in training camp.
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN NE | NO | PHI | PIT | SF SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Cornerback
Honorable considerations go to offensive guard and defensive end, although defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier highlighted the fight between Levi Wallace and Dane Jackson at the start of training camp. Wallace has been the Bills’ starting quarterback for the last three seasons and has fended off any attempts to unseat him, as he has done with Jackson in the last two weeks. Jackson, on the other hand, is a playmaker who might make a case for himself in the preseason. — Louis-Jacques Marcel
Center
This wasn’t the position fight that Dolphins supporters anticipated when the club acquired free agent Matt Skura in March. However, as the Dolphins look for the top five lineman to start, Michael Deiter is receiving a lot of work. Miami will wait a few weeks to see how this fight plays out. Jeremy Fowler, Jeremy Fowler, Jeremy Fowler,
Quarterback
Bill Belichick has said that Cam Newton will be the starting quarterback, but he has also stated that everyone has a clean slate and that each player must earn their spot on the depth chart. As a result, nothing is guaranteed. And it seems that Mac Jones is on the rise, with Thursday’s preseason opener against Washington serving as yet another litmus test. — Reiss, Mike
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The matchup pits incumbent George Fant against newly signed Morgan Moses, who has the advantage due to his expertise and solid results over the years. Fant had a poor start due to missing the first eight sessions (COVID-19 list), but his return on Saturday likely means he’ll be in the rotation for the rest of the tournament. Look for a fast resolution; the first five reps should be as high as feasible. If there isn’t an upset, Moses will be the one to keep the line stable. Cimini, Rich
AFC NORTH
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Guard on the left
The Ravens’ reconstructed offensive line’s greatest question mark is this. Ben Cleveland, Ben Powers, and Tyre Phillips are vying for the left guard spot now that Bradley Bozeman has moved to center. Cleveland, a bruising rookie third-round selection, has emerged as the front-runner for the position after impressing even more since full-padded workouts began. Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris said, “He’s come in here and embraced everything we’ve asked him to do, and he’s doing one heck of a job.” Jamison Hensley (Jamison Hensley)
Guard on the right
The Bengals are again on the lookout for a starting right guard to keep Joe Burrow on his feet. Veteran Xavier Su’a-Filo and rookie Jackson Carman, the team’s second-round draft choice who played left tackle at Clemson, are in the race. Carman was buried on the depth chart when he arrived at training camp. If the rookie isn’t ready, Su’a-Filo has the acumen to take advantage of his chances. – Ben Little
Linebacker
The only true position battle in camp is at linebacker, where incumbents Mack Wilson, Sione Takitaki, Jacob Phillips, and Malcolm Smith are vying for playing time and even roster spots against Anthony Walker and rookie Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (who missed the start of camp after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list). Walker seems to have a starting position all but wrapped up inside, despite a slight knee issue, leaving a heated series of fights to decide the remainder of the Browns’ linebacking corps. Jake Trotter’s remark
Quarterback in reserve
Neither of the candidates for this position will get substantial playing time during the regular season unless something goes terribly wrong, but the battle between Dwayne Haskins and Mason Rudolph may indicate the future of the quarterback position after Ben Roethlisberger retires. The lone quarterback under contract for 2022 is Rudolph, but Haskins has a genuine chance to repair his image in Pittsburgh and resurrect his career, which started as a first-round selection. If this is really Roethlisberger’s last season, the victor of the No. 2 position may very well be his replacement. Brooke Pryor is an actress who plays Brooke Pryor.
AFC SOUTH
Returning to the beginning
After restructuring David Johnson’s deal and acquiring experienced backs Phillip Lindsay, Mark Ingram II, and Rex Burkhead, the Texans now have a congested running back room. Last year’s starter, Johnson, is anticipated to take on a new position in 2020, akin to Duke Johnson’s, with Lindsay as the starter. Coach David Culley complimented Ingram’s on-field leadership… So, is it possible for Houston to retain all four running backs? Sarah Barshop is a writer.
After the Houston Texans overhauled their RB corps in 2021, veteran David Johnson is set to take on a new role. Icon Sportswire/Leslie Plaza Johnson
Quarterback
Carson Wentz is not in danger of losing his starting position, and he is on track to be ready for the season opening. If Wentz doesn’t return from his foot injury in Week 1, who will start? Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger are the two leading prospects. If Wentz isn’t ready, the Colts are giving Eason, who is in his second year, every chance to earn the job, but Ehlinger, who received first-team reps for the first time on Tuesday, is also in the mix. Although Ehlinger lacks Eason’s arm power, he has done a much better job of making faster choices with the ball, which has pleased many in the organization. — Wells, Mike
tackle on the offensive side
Walker Little, a second-round selection, has been outstanding in camp, to the point that right tackle Jawaan Taylor and left tackle Cam Robinson should be on notice. Coach Urban Meyer said that both players must improve from previous season in 2021. (per ESPN Stats & Information, Taylor gave up 18 sacks and Robinson nine). Robinson’s fifth-year option was picked up by the Jaguars for $13.75 million in 2021, but he’s not a guarantee to start if Little, who played left tackle at Stanford and has started cross-training at right tackle this week, continues to impress. Mike DiRocco’s remark
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Veteran tackle David Quessenberry has joined what was previously a three-man battle. Kendall Lamm, a free agency signing, looks to have the inside track to starting in the season opener, while Ty Sambrailo hasn’t played much due to injuries. It would be ideal if youngster Dillon Radunz took over the job, but he has been expected to play several positions along the line and has failed. Turron Davenport (Turron Davenport)
AFC WEST
Quarterback
During the first week of training camp, coach Vic Fangio claimed he hasn’t seen any “split” between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater. The Broncos will have two days of joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings before playing the Vikings in the preseason opener. Lock and Bridgewater have split snaps with the offensive starters, and although both have had days when they seemed to be the solution, neither has been able to string those days together. For a club that had the most turnovers and the poorest turnover margin (by six) last season, turnovers may be a major role in the battle until Fangio selects a starting quarterback. Legwold, Jeff
To come up with top-10 rankings for 2021, Jeremy Fowler surveyed a group of more than 50 coaches, executives, scouts, and players.
• Interior DL | LB | Edge • Interior OL | CB | Safety | OT • QB | RB | WR | TE | TE | TE | TE | TE | TE | TE | TE | TE | TE
Line of attack
The Chiefs have eight viable roster candidates who weren’t on the club last season, which will provide for some intriguing competition for starting positions and roster slots. They’ll most likely start a rookie at center (Creed Humphrey), right guard (Trey Smith), and maybe even right tackle (Trey Smith) out of training camp (Lucas Niang). Whatever the Chiefs do, they must make the correct choices. They’ve put far too much money into their line for it not to be a strength. Adam Teicher’s remark
Nickel-plated corner
New Washington, D.C. Gus Bradley’s basic defense is essentially a nickel system, and although fifth-year defensive back Nevin Lawson has been receiving the bulk of first-team repetitions, he will miss the first two games of the season due to a two-game suspension. Fifth-round draft selection Nate Hobbs, on the other hand, has been outstanding throughout the summer program and the first two weeks of camp, setting up an intriguing clash. Do the Raiders keep running Lawson even though he’ll be ineligible to start the season, or does rookie Hobbs receive more playing time? That’s not to mention second-year cornerback Amik Robertson, who has also shown flashes in the slot. Gutierrez, Paul
Kicker
In 2020, Michael Badgley will miss a total of 12 kicks, including nine field goals and three extra points. The Chargers signed Alex Kessman of the University of Pittsburgh and Tristan Vizcaino, who spent last season with the 49ers. Coach Brandon Staley believes in working on the kicking game in real time, and as Badgley battles for his job, the competition is sure to be fierce. Shelley Smith says:
NFC EAST
Linebacker
The group seems to be as deep as it has been in years, and it will be fascinating to see how defensive coordinator Dan Quinn divides up the workload. Last season, Jaylon Smith played 97.8% of the snaps. It would be remarkable if it rose to that level again. Quinn wants to offer a variety of looks, not necessarily because of Smith, but because of the packaging and various appearances he wants to give. Micah Parsons, the first-round selection this year, has had a great camp and has made plays from a variety of positions. Their No. 1 selection in 2018, Leighton Vander Esch, has looked as terrific as he did when he made the Pro Bowl. Quinn trusts Keanu Neal, who has made a seamless adjustment from safety to linebacker. Given how often they will utilize a sub package, that’s four guys to mix in for two slots most of the time. Quinn will be able to rush from the outside thanks to Parsons and Smith. Todd Archer is a writer.
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tackle in his second year Matt Peart is getting a lot of chances to start at right tackle. However, Nate Solder, a seasoned veteran, is on the loose. After sitting out last season as an opt-out, Solder has looked excellent this season. It would be crazy to dismiss him as a potential starter against Denver in Week 1. Solder has been getting more first-team repetitions lately. Jordan Raanan is a writer.
Returning to the beginning
Jordan Mailata seems to have a significant edge over Andre Dillard at left tackle, which was the battle to watch entering camp. The focus shifts to running back, where Miles Sanders has to be sorted out. Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott, both rookies, are competing for snaps, while Jordan Howard, Kerryon Johnson, and Jason Huntley, a blazer, are vying for a place on the 53-man roster. For this position group, preseason games are important. Tim McManus, Ph.D.
Receiver with a wide field
Washington’s receiving corps is much better than it was a year ago. Many of this season’s periphery players would have been certainties in 2020. Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Adam Humphries, Dyami Brown, and Cam Sims would be the first five if it retains six. That means Antonio Gandy-Golden, Kelvin Harmon, Steven Sims Jr., DeAndre Carter, and rookie Dax Milne are vying for the last slot, or perhaps two. Carter may be able to make it as a dual returner alone. Because he was a fourth-round selection in 2020 and has shined, Gandy-Golden has an advantage. Harmon and Sims, on the other hand, have both had strong performances this camp, and Milne is a player they want to develop. They’ll almost certainly lose someone they wished they could keep but couldn’t because of space constraints. ‘John Keim’
NFC NORTH
tackle on the left side
In Week 1, the Bears planned to start rookie second-round selection Teven Jenkins at left tackle. Jenkins, on the other hand, has been out with a back ailment since the start of training camp, raising doubts about whether he’ll be ready for the regular season. Elijah Wilkinson, a veteran who handled left tackle in practice before being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, was up next. Due to the absence of Jenkins and Wilkinson, the Bears resorted to rookie fifth-round pick Larry Borom to fill in on the left side. Dickerson, Jeff
Due to a back injury to rookie second-round selection Teven Jenkins, the Bears’ left tackle position is in serious doubt going into preseason play. USA TODAY Sports’ Kamil Krzaczynski
Linebacker/safety on the inside
Fans should pay attention to the positional battle between inside linebacker and safety initially. These, according to first-year Lions coach Dan Campbell, are the most crucial fights. Why? “I’m not just talking about getting started here. I’m referring to the next person in line “Campbell said. “If you know what I mean, we might have three starters. They’re going through the motions. We can have four of them. So much will be determined by how special teams perform, particularly in that position.” The Lions ended 2020 with the league’s weakest defense. They’ll need important players in those positions to make an impression throughout camp, including safety Will Harris, Dean Marlowe, and Tracy Walker, as well as inside linebackers Jamie Collins Sr., Alex Anzalone, Jahlani Tavai, and Jalreeves-Maybin. Eric Woodyard’s remark
Line of attack
What is more essential than Aaron Rodgers’ safety? Due to the fact that left tackle David Bakhtiari is unlikely to be cleared from his January ACL surgery in time for the season opener, Pro Bowl left guard Elgton Jenkins is expected to shift to tackle. Returning starter Lucas Patrick is up against second-year professionals Jon Runyan Jr. and Ben Braden for the two guard positions. Last season, Runyan played 160 plays as a rookie, while Braden only played four (all kneel-downs), but it was a tight race. Runyan at left guard and Patrick at right guard has been the most frequent pairing, although Braden is still in the mix. With a new starting center in second-round selection Josh Myers to replace the lost Corey Linsley (who signed with the Chargers in free agency), the Packers’ front five must be perfect. Demovsky, Rob
Guard on the right
Last season, 20 of Kirk Cousins’ 39 sacks came from the offensive line’s interior, prompting the Vikings to upgrade their personnel surrounding center Garrett Bradbury. Moving Ezra Cleveland to left guard sparked a battle at right guard, with Oli Udoh and Dakota Dozier sharing repetitions with the first-team offensive line for the first two weeks of camp. While Udoh seems to have the upper hand right now due to his length, youngster Wyatt Davis should not be overlooked. The third-round pick may emerge as a contender to start at right guard after a couple of good preseason games. Courtney Cronin (Courtney Cronin)
NFC SOUTH
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This is simple since it has been a valid question all week. It won’t be resolved until Kaleb McGary returns from the PUP list, but third-round selection Jalen Mayfield seemed to be in excellent shape to compete for the job. At least until Friday, when Mayfield was demoted from the starting lineup for the first time of the camp. Willie Beavers took his spot for every first-team snap on Saturday. Coach Arthur Smith stated after practice that the Beavers had earned it by their practice performance and that he wanted to create competition — but if this continues throughout the week, there will be a genuine battle at right tackle for at least a short time. Michael Rothstein is a writer and producer.
• Lamb focuses on more than ‘circus receptions’ • Saints’ QB race: Winston-Hill in preseason • Watt and others showing up, but holding out Little things pile up for Lock and Bridgewater • Peterson is still leaning in Year 11 for the Vikings
tackle on the left side
Since Jordan Gross’ retirement following the 2013 season, this has been a rotating door. Signed as a free agent First up is Cameron Erving, who will be joined by Greg Little and Trent Scott in the first team. Taylor Moton, the right tackle, has gotten some repetitions there as well, so don’t count him out entirely, even though his strength is on the right side. This will be decided by preseason games, and it seems that Erving will be the one to lose. However, keeping Sam Darnold upright is critical to the team’s success. David Newton is an author.
Quarterback
This is particularly evident in New Orleans, where, after Drew Brees’ retirement, the Saints have a job vacancy for the first time in 16 years. (It’s still too early to call between Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill, who have both done well in practice taking turns with the first string.) The quarterbacks, though, are not alone. With at least 10 new starters anticipated in Week 1, the Saints have significant gaps at CB and WR, among other positions. Triplett, Mike
Receiver with a wide field
That’s right, you read it properly. The fight for the best wideout group in the league, which includes Pro Bowlers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown, is the most significant position group battle in Bucs camp. Please consider what I’m saying. The issue isn’t who gets the first job. It’s here that Bruce Arians, the coach, and Jason Licht, the general manager, are chosen. Those three, as well as Scotty Miller, will almost certainly make the roster. Behind them, though, are Jaydon Mickens, Jaelon Darden, Tyler Johnson, Travis Jonsen, and Cyril Grayson, all rookies (Justin Watson is expected to miss another three months due to a knee injury). How many will they be able to keep? Mickens has had a fantastic camp, Darden is still getting a lot of first-team repetitions, and they’re enthusiastic about Jonsen, which might mean Johnson, who only started three games last season, is the odd man out. Johnson has already been chastised by Arians for arriving at camp out of shape, so he’ll have to earn his way out of the doghouse. — Jenna Laine is a model and actress.
NFC WEST
Linebacker on the inside
Because first-round pick Zaven Collins and last year’s first-round pick Isaiah Simmons were named starters this offseason, it may not appear that this is the most important position battle at training camp, but fellow linebacker Jordan Hicks is pushing the two of them every day to prove he’s still worthy of the starting job he held the previous two seasons. Hicks will push the two kids as hard as he can for that position, even if it doesn’t alter the minds of Arizona’s decision-makers. Josh Weinfuss (@JoshWeinfuss)
Linebacker on the outside
The Rams started training camp with the majority of their starting lineup in place, but there are still concerns at outside linebacker opposite Leonard Floyd. Justin Hollins, a 2019 fifth-round selection acquired off waivers by the Rams last season, and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, a 2018 fifth-round pick, are vying for a spot. Hollins seems to be the favorite for the part. However, it seems that both will participate in a rotation. “All of the things that Justin Hollins did very well last year, he has really continued to develop and progress and thrilled about him,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “Ogbo, on the other hand, is a man with a lot of talent.” Hollins had three sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection in 16 games last season. Okoronkwo has 2.5 sacks and a pass deflection in 20 games over the last two seasons. Lindsey Thiry (Lindsey Thiry)
Receiver with a wide field
Behind starters Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, the Niners aren’t exactly stocked at receiver with Kendrick Bourne going to New England. The players vying for roster slots have a combination of experience (Mohamed Sanu, Richie James Jr., Travis Benjamin) and promise (Mohamed Sanu, Richie James Jr., Travis Benjamin) (Jalen Hurd, Jauan Jennings, Trent Sherfield). Sanu, who has been out of work for a year due to ankle surgery, seems to be an early favorite for a position. Although the Niners don’t employ three-receiver formations as often as the rest of the league (29th in 2020), it’s critical to have a slot option and a pecking order of competent backups in case Samuel or Aiyuk are injured. Nick Wagoner is a writer.
Center
Despite the fact that Seattle re-signed Ethan Pocic, who started last season, Pete Carroll said throughout the summer that Kyle Fuller would have a real chance to earn the position. Pocic’s experience and $3 million salary made him the obvious favorite going into training camp, but he was forced to miss the opening few days due to a hamstring issue he just exacerbated. As a result, the gap between the two no longer seems to be as large as it was a few weeks ago. Brady Henderson’s quote
The best cornerback duo in nfl 2021 is the question that many are wondering. The Patriots, Saints and Broncos all have quarterbacks who are fighting for their jobs.
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