NFL preseason Week 2: Key takeaways from Browns’ QB situation and Raiders’ concerns

We’re nearing the final stages of the preseason, getting closer to the start of Week 1, and some notable changes are brewing in the NFL.

Recent games brought unexpected excitement in Cleveland, along with ongoing confusion surrounding quarterback roles in various teams.

As we approach the concluding phase of exhibition games, here are the key insights gathered from last weekend’s matchups.

Cleveland’s Quarterback Quandary

Shedeur Sanders had his moment to shine in the Browns’ quarterback competition, showcasing some significant skills during Saturday’s game, although he also threw another interception. His performance against the Bills exceeded that of Deshaun Watson, whose outcome after the game was shocking.

Watson took on a victim’s role, claiming that the booing from Browns fans wasn’t just due to “performance,” implying that their criticisms were more “personal” and “disrespectful.” Although he outperformed Sanders in their initial preseason match, Watson’s poor interception and overall subpar showing prompted harsher reactions.

Advertisement

With Opening Day against the Jaguars just three weeks away, the Browns find themselves again in quarterback limbo, making it feel like a no-win situation.

What’s next: Todd Monken faces a tough challenge, having declared Watson as the starter on Monday. With the first home game not scheduled until Week 3, his decision risks alienating fans and potentially straining team dynamics. Even if Watson is considered the stronger quarterback over Sanders—who hasn’t shone brightly himself—he’s likely to be seen as persona non grata by many supporters due to the damage that has been done.

Fernando Mendoza’s Rising Star

Although Fernando Mendoza’s starting chances for the Raiders seem premature after a game in which he didn’t dominate, that was the impression given by head coach Klint Kubiak in his postgame comments. While Mendoza didn’t get a glowing endorsement, the door remains open for a potential starting announcement.

Advertisement

While Kirk Cousins has been seen as the expected Week 1 starter, there’s been a recent shift—Mendoza earned first-team reps during joint practices and started Thursday night. His interception against the Texans’ backups was disappointing, but he still showed signs of potential.

What direction will Kubiak choose?

What’s next: My expectation is that Cousins will be the starter in Week 1. Kubiak has exercised a careful yet decisive approach, ensuring that nobody feels too comfortable while putting pressure on Cousins to step up his game. Kubiak’s strategy has created a competitive atmosphere, setting the stage for a swift decision if Cousins falters early in the season, especially with the team facing a tough October schedule. The possibility that Mendoza won’t simply sit for most of the season now seems increasingly plausible.

Advertisement

On Thursday, another highlight was the strong performance of rookie RB Mike Washington Jr., who followed up a solid first preseason game with nine carries for 56 yards and two receptions for an additional 18 yards against the Texans. Being a fourth-round pick, Washington is making a name for himself as an emerging talent.

This is especially relevant with recent news that Jeanty suffered a sprained ankle during practice on Sunday.

Play Yahoo’s new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!

Advertisement

What’s next: The Raiders had hoped for more from Jeanty in his second year. Kubiak has emphasized the run game’s importance, which positioned Jeanty as a key player. Fortunately, his ankle injury isn’t expected to keep him out long, as per reports. In the meantime, Washington’s performance might secure him a larger role in the offense. Other options include sixth-round pick Dylan Laube, undrafted Roman Hemby, and veteran Dare Ogunbowale. Although Washington has limitations in the passing game and did not always utilize his skills effectively in college, his explosiveness and potential for big plays make him an intriguing option if needed.

Jayden Daniels’ Brief but Telling Audition

That’s the intention, at least. The Commanders gave Daniels and the first-team offense a very short audition on Saturday against the Lions, totaling just three snaps, which didn’t yield impressive results: an incomplete pass, a sack, and a draw play on a third-and-20 that resulted in a punt. Coach Dan Quinn quickly decided he had seen enough.

While backup Sam Hartman performed adequately, rookie Athan Kaliakmanis shined at QB after that. This is promising but raises concerns about QB2 Marcus Mariota, who is dealing with a knee sprain that sidelined him.

Daniels received favorable reviews for his camp performance, indicating he and offensive coordinator David Blough are developing a good working relationship. However, concerns linger regarding the offensive line, especially with Laremy Tunsil sidelined indefinitely and Nick Allegretti having missed much of camp with a calf injury. The running back corps is also depleted. It’s possible that the very brief three-snap performance was more about preservation than performance.

Advertisement

What’s next: The true test will come in Week 1 against the Eagles. Quinn appears to have chosen to pull Daniels after his hit against Detroit. This could have been part of a larger pre-game strategy, but there’s a palpable worry regarding the quarterback situation, especially if Mariota’s injury proves significant. The first game poses a considerable challenge for Daniels, Blough, and the offense.

The Falcons’ quarterback situation remains intriguing, albeit concerning. Ongoing issues for Tua Tagovailoa have affected the starter decision, while Coach Kevin Stefanski announced after Saturday’s game against the Colts that Penix has been cleared for 11-on-11 drills. Neither player participated on Saturday, hinting at shifting dynamics in Atlanta.

The standout story from that game was the impressive performance of former D2 player Jack Strand, who is actively competing for the QB3 position against Cooper Rush. Currently, the quarterback roles remain unresolved as the Falcons head into the final week of the preseason.

Advertisement

What’s next: The Falcons face a pivotal week of practice before their matchup with the Dolphins in Miami. Penix needs to seize his opportunity to claim the starting position. Stefanski’s approach to quarterback playing time in the final preseason game will be revealing, as he typically plays starters in designated preseason games while providing rest during others. Aside from practice updates this week, the final game in Miami will be essential for settling the starter decision before the regular season begins.

Stetson Bennett IV Contends for Rams Backup Spot

After sitting out last week’s preseason opener, Bennett made an impact during the first half of the Rams’ decisive win over the Saints, outshining rookie Ty Simpson in the race for the QB2 position. Bennett threw for 181 yards, ran for a pair of touchdowns, and maintained a clean slate with no turnovers.

Simpson, who impressed in his preseason debut against the Chiefs, performed reasonably well but didn’t showcase anything remarkable, entering with a 27-0 advantage and facing second-string players. The first-round pick will make the team in some capacity but is he able to fend off Bennett’s resurgence?

Advertisement

What’s next: This seems like a legitimate competition for the QB2 spot behind Matthew Stafford. With a Super Bowl-caliber roster, the Rams need to make a careful decision given Stafford’s history of injuries—there’s no margin for error in such a challenging division. My instinct suggests that Bennett will secure the backup role for the start of the regular season, but the competition is likely to persist afterward. Coach Sean McVay typically employs two quarterbacks, but he has previously kept three, and I suspect he’ll do so again, with three viable options to choose from.

Cowboys’ Defense Features Young Talent

Although most of the preseason action comes from reserves, the Cowboys have shown solid defensive performances across two games, allowing only 20 points thus far. While it’s uncertain how much this reflects the overall quality of their defense, it does suggest some promising depth that was previously unknown.

Advertisement

Rookie Jaishawn Barham stood out with his energetic and aggressive style, even taking on some leadership roles. Other emerging players include cornerback Shavon Revel, who might earn a starting spot, and defensive tackle LT Overton, while first-round pick Malachi Lawrence has recorded pressures in both preseason outings.

What’s next: As the Cowboys prepare for a significant Week 1 matchup against the Giants, anticipation builds to see if new defensive coordinator Christian Parker can deliver improvements. Signs point to progress, and overall morale during training camp has been positive. If the Cowboys’ defense can enhance, combined with the offensive firepower, it might profoundly impact their standings in the upcoming season.

Star Quarterbacks Rest During Week 2

As NFL teams utilize the second preseason game as a dress rehearsal, many established quarterbacks, including Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Dak Prescott, Jared Goff, and Matthew Stafford, opted to sit out.

Advertisement

It’s understandable for quarterbacks like Rodgers, Stafford, and Mahomes to take this approach due to their age and injury risks, and Mahomes noted his eagerness to play had it been up to him. More franchises are recognizing the importance of preserving their key players for the regular season and beyond.

What’s next: Looking ahead to Week 1, fans shouldn’t worry about the lack of game reps for starting quarterbacks, as this trend has evolved over years, with teams prioritizing joint practices over preseason games for quality reps while minimizing injury risks.

This past week wasn’t just about rookies like Kaliakmanis and Strand making noise; it was also an opportunity for players like the Cowboys’ Milton, who excelled against the Cardinals. Milton completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown within just one half.

Advertisement

Although Sam Howell received initial reps last week, the order shifted this week. While Dak Prescott remains the established starter, Milton is making a compelling case for the backup role.

What’s next: Milton seems to have the edge to claim the QB2 position, and his standout performance on Saturday showcased his athletic skills, raising questions about whether the Cowboys might opt to retain only two quarterbacks. While it’s premature to consider Milton as the potential successor to Prescott, he has certainly increased his intrigue as a player.