NFL Quarterback Battles Going into the 2017 Regular Season
By Loot, NFL Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Every season, teams tinker with their formula at quarterback in an effort to get better. Sometimes, an existing quarterback is leaving something to be desired. He just isn't getting the team to where they want to be. A new free agent signing can throw the starting quarterback equation into a tizzy. Incoming quarterbacks from the college ranks can shine, as well. Departed quarterbacks can leave a void that needs to be filled. So each season, a handful of teams need to spend training camp on deciding who will occupy that spot behind center. This season is no different, with different quarterback battles raging throughout the league.
As of press time, it is early in the battles. Nothing has been decided, with practice and preseason games to decide who will start week one. Let's go team-by-team and break down their QB battle.
Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler is out of the picture, paving the way for a battle between rookie and number-two pick Mitchell Trubisky and big-dollar signing Mike Glennon. Mark Sanchez and Connor Shaw are on the roster for emergency situations, but this will come down to Trubisky and Glennon. We'll see how it unfolds, but the Bears are not in "win now" mode, so there might not be a hurry to throw Trubisky to the lions. They did trade to get a lower pick to select him, but Glennon's experience would seem to make him an early frontrunner to start week one as the Bears' starter.
Cleveland Browns: Again, the Browns find themselves in a situation where they don't have a cemented quarterback. Last season, Cody Kessler played well in spots and is among the top candidates. The Browns also acquired Brock Osweiler in a trade with the Broncos. His performance last season with the Texans might not have been that good, but his experience would appear to make him at least a slight favorite. An interesting X-factor who has reportedly impressed the team thus far is second-round pick DeShone Kizer, who could end up on the field at some point this season if they don't get the right answers from Osweiler or Kessler.
Denver Broncos: On one hand, last season's starter Trevor Siemian wasn't bad in his first season of play. But with a revamped coaching staff, the QB battle has been reset to some extent. Still in the picture is former first round pick Paxton Lynch. These guys are still young and things can change, so expect both men to get a good look in the preseason. And despite whoever starts the season behind center, the QB situation could be a fluid one this season in Denver.
Houston Texans: It seems like the Texans are above certain issues at quarterback, having won consecutive division titles despite uneven play at the position. Last year's starter Brock Osweiler is gone. They moved up in the draft to pick a proven winner in Deshaun Watson, who naturally stands out as a top candidate to be behind center in week one. Tom Savage, who started a few games last season, is back and healthy. And emergencies sometimes do occur, in which case, Brandon Weeden is on the roster. Bill O'Brien has shown he isn't afraid to tinker with who starts at QB, so nothing is for sure. But look for them to favor Watson come the beginning of the regular season.
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New York Jets: With Ryan Fitzpatrick having flamed out after a promising start with the Jets, they now look to return to their 10-win form of 2015. The battle looks to be between youngsters Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg, and veteran Josh McCown. None of those options seem all that appetizing. Petty and Hackenberg don't appear to be ready and for all we know, they may never be. McCown has shown he can play at this level, but his record as a starter over the last three seasons is a ghastly 2-20. McCown might get the early nod, before the Jets throw Hackenberg in there to see what the kid can do.
San Francisco 49ers: They are in no hurry to win and didn't really go after a top QB in free agency or the draft. As it stands now, it will come down to three guys, of which none have ever suited up for the Niners—Brian Hoyer, Matt Barkley, and rookie CJ Beathard. Just looking at that trio of names, one would assume Hoyer would have the edge, having shined in spots in his career and with a lot of experience over the other two guys. But his position as a frontrunner is a tenuous one with Hoyer's injury history and inconsistency. We might see all three of these quarterbacks on the field this season at some point. Tired of your credit card not working for sportsbook deposit? End that problem today and start betting NFL football by signing up at Bovada Sportsbook where your credit card WILL work and where you'll receive a generous 50% sign-up bonus!
