washington
With starter Ryan Fitzpatrick getting injured in the first week of the season, the Washington Football Team is handing the reins over to Taylor Heinicke, who some thought should have gotten a shot at the starting job, to begin with. (Don't yell at me, those people exist.) Heinicke did play quite well during last season's Wild Card loss, but not well enough to stop the team from signing Fitzpatrick. That train of thought doesn't stop Heinicke's thought process going into Week Two, however. "Something I've been dreaming about my entire life, being a starting quarterback in the NFL, and here we are. I really try and take it one day at a time, one meeting at a time, one play at a time. I feel like if I just live in the moment, everything else will take care of itself."
steelers
Good news for Pittsburgh Steelers fans: Ben Roethlisberger isn't hurt yet. After a year removed from elbow surgery, Roethlisberger was asked about any general soreness after Week One, and he said he was feeling pretty good. Which is kind of a shocker, not gonna lie.
patriots
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones may have lost his first game, but he's still getting a ton of praise from the team, including offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. McDaniels praised Jones' confidence and competitiveness, which is still there despite a loss. "I think he's a very competitive guy. He wants to win at everything that he's doing. He wants to perform his best every single day at every single rep."
titans
The Tennessee Titans didn't exactly start the season off the way they wanted to in Week One. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill credited the loss with the lack of response to the Arizona Cardinals. (Did Derrick Henry even play?) However, Tennessee will have to pick it up soon because they have the Seahawks this week.
browns
The Cleveland Browns were able to keep up with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday but lost in the end. Quarterback Baker Mayfield said (in a nutshell) that the team needs to pick themselves up and use this loss while preparing for Week Two and beyond. "We're going to be really good if we just do our jobs and continue to be efficient and move the chains and help out our defense by staying on the field. But this one needs to sting. You need to remember that, that all the little things matter, and that's how you need to approach this week of practice."
chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes only seemed to target a few receivers in Week One's game, which led people to wonder (for real) if he has something against his other receivers. This is a total Week One reaction if I've seen one. Mahomes says that's not the case. "I have full confidence in everybody who's on that football field. I mean, we have guys that can make plays everywhere. This last week, Trav and Tyreek made the plays. But I'm sure that throughout the entire season — and what we've seen in our past — is that we have guys like Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, and Byron Pringle who can make the big play happen at any moment. I have full confidence in that."
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ravens
Lamar Jackson had two fumbles for the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night, and it probably goes without saying that he's pretty unhappy with himself. In a wild showing against the Las Vegas Raiders, Jackson's two turnovers contributed to the Ravens' putrid performance. While most of the loss is probably due to the offensive line not being able to block and the "world-class" defense giving up an infinite number of points, it didn't stop Jackson from putting some blame on himself.
patriots
This weekend, rookie quarterback Mac Jones lost his first game with the New England Patriots but he's not letting it discourage him. Jones took full responsibility like a vet and detailed the process to "clean up" some things and move on to Week Two. "We've watched the film, and we're just excited to move forward. It's one game. It sucks to lose. Nobody wants to lose. We're doing everything we can to not have that happen. Opening day, rookie year, check box by that, and we're going to keep working."
packers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't play his best game this past weekend (and that's an understatement), but he had a pretty valid excuse. At least when it came to the interception.
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dolphins
Most teams are announcing their captains for the 2021 season if they're into that sort of thing. Being that the leader of the offense is the quarterback, that means one of the team's captains is typically the QB. So, it's pretty puzzling that starting QB Tua Tagovailoa isn't one of the Miami Dolphins' five captains for the 2021 season. Hmmm... cue the rumors.
patriots
The New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins meet frequently, but Week One's matchup has another point of significance. Rookie quarterback Mac Jones and second-year QB Tua Tagovailoa will meet as opponents for the first time since being teammates at Alabama. Jones is looking forward to it. "Tua's an awesome guy. He's really a good, talented football player. Learning from him and Jalen was great, obviously. Now that we're all getting a chance here in the NFL, I think it'll be cool to go up against each other."
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Cam Newton was cut from the Patriots about a week ago but hasn't spoken about it yet. On Wednesday, Newton teased a video where he's presumably going to talk about it set to be released on Friday. However, he gets the rumors out of the way by assuring fans that he isn't announcing his retirement. At least, not yet.
browns
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is one of a select group that are due (huge) new contracts pretty much any day now. But, it doesn't look like it will be happening that soon for Mayfield. Apparently both sides are fine with waiting it out. The Browns get the benefit of seeing Mayfield develop further (and with the motivation of last year, I expect he will) before paying him. Mayfield gets the benefit of the old "betting on myself" trick. It's worked out well for quite a few guys.
jets
It may be a revenge game for Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold as he plays the New York Jets this weekend, but rookie Jets QB Zach Wilson​ isn't thinking of it like that. "He's doing his own thing now. He's got a great situation going for him. I think the organization already decided to go one way, and it's not because Sam isn't a good football player. It's just that they wanted a fresh start."
saints
Jameis Winston has been announced as the starter for the ​New Orleans Saints, and it wasn't exactly an easy road for him. However, he's thankful that he's getting a second chance as a starter, even if it means trying to fill the shoes of future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. "It's a blessing to have this opportunity to lead the pack, and I'm just grateful for it. It's been more than a year removed for me having the opportunity, and I'm not taking it for granted."
jaguars
Rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence was named a captain for the 2021 season, a big honor for being a rookie. Because it was voted on by his teammates, Lawrence is already feeling the love in the locker room despite being a rookie. "It's a really cool feeling, especially as a younger guy, just having that support from my teammates. "
packers
As it's more than likely his last season in a Green Bay Packers uniform, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is ready to experience this season for all it's worth. "I'm speaking personally, and I can't speak for everybody. But I feel that I get with the energy in the locker room is not pressure. It's focus. I think it's the right perspective and the right type of focus. We know we have a talented team; we know what the expectations are. We're going to enjoy this year for all that it has to offer, and each other."
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buccaneers
Once again, because no one has benefitted more from the rules in the NFL, Tom Brady is speaking out about how he doesn't like one of the new rules - the new jersey number rule. So, this one I agree with him on. Brady is pissed that it's harder to keep track of player position during in-game situations, as well as watching on film. "I'm playing two guys who had different numbers in the preseason. So, yeah, you've got to watch film and know who you're studying but so do running backs. They've got to know who to block. So does the offensive line. So do the receivers who are adjusting their routes based on blitzes."
patriots
Heads were scratched when the New England Patriots cut presumed starting quarterback Cam Newton in favor of rookie Mac Jones instead of just keeping him as the backup. People questioned Newton's work ethic, commitment to the team, and vaccination status as reasons for his dismissal. However, head coach Bill Belichick says none of that was the problem, and Newton gave the Patriots his all. "I have nothing but positive thoughts and feelings for Cam. He came in here; he worked hard. He gave us everything he had. Right now, our future is going to be Mac at quarterback, and that is where we're going to go."
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Speaking of the rookie, Jones won the starting job fair and square, but that doesn't mean his work is done. Jones also had great things to say about Newton and his leadership and even added that they plan to keep in touch. Awww.
cowboys
This year, Dak Prescott is bracing for a tremendous comeback season with the Dallas Cowboys, but it'll be at a lesser price. After signing his huge ass deal earlier this offseason, Prescott was set to make $9 million in 2021. Instead, the team converted just over $6 million into a signing bonus, freeing up $5 million in cap space. The Cowboys also restructured running back Ezekiel Elliott's contract this offseason.
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buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady managed not to get COVID during last season, but he confirmed over the weekend that he contracted the virus in February, right after the Super Bowl parade. Funny how that happens while galavanting around tons of people without a mask on during peak pandemic! When asked how he thinks the league will handle the continuing COVID-19 pandemic with the Delta variant in the mix, Brady was pretty pessimistic. "I think it's going to be challenging this year. I actually think it's going to play more of a factor this year than last year just because of the way we're doing things this year and what the stadium is going to look like and what the travel is going to look like and the people in the buidling and the fans..."
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Straight from the mouth of the player is protected more than anyone else! Yep, Bradythinks many penalties called for defensive players are actually due to the mistakes of offensive players. Or does he? "For example, when I used to play against Ray Lewis, I wouldn't throw the ball to the middle of the field because he would hit them and knock them out of the game. And now, every hard hit is a penalty on the defense. So I feel like they penalize defensive players for offensive mistakes." He's not wrong, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around Brady admitting he isn't perfect?
patriots
This week, the talk of the town was when the New England Patriots released veteran quarterback Cam Newton and decided to go with the rookie Mac Jones. This reasonably raised questions of if Jones was genuinely ready to take over the team's reins, be a leader, and be able to be successful within the offense. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne says there's nothing to worry about on that front. "For any starter, I think you feel that pressure, but he was built for it since Alabama. I think he's more ready than anyone really knows."
titans
The Tennessee Titans have activated quarterback Ryan Tannehill off the COVID-19 reserve list just in time for opening week. Tannehill has previously said he only got vaccinated because the NFL basically forced him to do so. Now he benefits from the relaxed regulations for vaccinated players.
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eagles
Even though he isn't in the midst of a quarterback competition anymore, Gardner Minshew is excited to be with the Philadelphia Eagles. As the No. 3 QB currently, Minshew says he's looking forward to being a part of the Eagles' QB room, and probably getting out of Jacksonville? "I'm excited to be working with these guys. I'm just really looking forward to it," he says.
patriots
While there was much speculation about precisely why Cam Newton was cut from the New England Patriots earlier this week, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels isn't refusing to give the rookie who won the job a ton of credit. McDaniels wants to make sure Mac Jones gets props for how hard he's worked this summer. "He really works hard. He puts a lot of time into it. He's been well prepared each day to come in and do the things we ask our guys to do. He's learned how to operate what we've asked him to operate so far fairly well. And he's improved. And he continues to make progress."
Cowboys
Speaking of Cam Newton, he's looking for a new home. But that won't be with the Dallas Cowboys, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. Newton and the Cowboys have been linked since he got cut from New England.
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dolphins
While rumors were swirling all week long that the Miami Dolphins were interested in trading for Deshaun Watson, head coach Brian Flores has repeatedly said that second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is their starter. While not necessarily denying that they had an interest in Watson, the team whole-heartedly plans to go into Week One with Tagovailoa under center.
washington
With Cam Newton's release earlier this week, many had thought that his skillset plus the presence of Ron Rivera could have him heading to the Washington Football Team. However, Rivera shot that down pretty quickly and declared veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick their starting quarterback, which was probably a given.
Texans
With Deshaun Watson out of the picture, it is presumed that Tyrod Taylor will be the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans come Week One. However, he hasn't exactly been told that yet. "I haven't been told that officially, but I've never necessarily looked for that confirmation. My mindset doesn't change and hasn't changed since I've been drafted. Ever since I've started playing football, it's to prepare as a starter, lead like a starter and let the coaches make the decisions that they make."
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patriots
The New England Patriots made probably the most shocking cut of the offseason, releasing their "starting" quarterback Cam Newton and deciding to roll with the rookie Mac Jones. While there was a good debate over who would win the starting job, everyone assumed that Newton would be his back-up? Unfortunately, that's not the case. Despite various reports that Newton had a great camp (I mean, everyone has a 'great camp,' don't they?), Jones ended up having a greater one, with the strong ability as a rookie to translate skill to in-game action.
Many people questioned the other reasons behind the Patriots' cutting ties with Newton, precisely his unwillingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine. That played into the decision as well, although Bill Belichick hasn't come out and said it.
steelers
While Ben Roethlisberger is presumed to be the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback heading into the season (until he gets hurt anyway), another QB who had no guarantees is also making the 53-man roster. Dwayne Haskins, who was famously drafted by the Washington Football Team to be their future and didn't hold up to the job, is set to be the No. 3 QB for the team.
saints
Jameis Winston was named the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints over the weekend, and it was pretty clear to everyone, including head coach Sean Payton. "Jameis is going to be our starter. He's done a great job. He's earned that."
texans
While he's not expected to play this season, quarterback Deshaun Watson was not traded by the Houston Texans before Tuesday's deadline. Instead, they're hoping to make him inactive every week in 2021. And that's all I have to say about that.
eagles
Despite the better option clearly being Joe Flacco, the Philadelphia Eagles announced that Jalen Hurts will be the starter in Week One. It can still happen, I'm not giving up.
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falcons
The GOAT himself, Josh Rosen, got a chance to audition for his new team, the Atlanta Falcons, on Sunday (how ironic) and did about as good as one can do with only three days of practice. After the game, Rosen was highly transparent in how his career has been up to this point with bouncing around on different teams and about how he knows he doesn't have many chances left and needs to make the most of it while he still can. "You just get an opportunity, you got to seize the moment, and it was kind of, it was a little bit refreshing, to kind of get out on the field and kind of half know the offense and just kind of let go and play football and have fun with it like you did back in Pop Warner. At times I felt a little bit like a chicken with my head cut off running around, but I thought it was fun. Could have cleaned up a lot of stuff but overall thought it was a productive night."
49ers
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is straight-up fucking with everyone again by rotating both starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Trey Lance in and out of their last preseason game on Sunday. While it seems to most people that doing that during the regular season, Shanahan is still leaving room for other teams to think they'll be doing just that. "We've got two guys who can play, and we've been doing it in practice a little bit, wanted to do it out there in the game, and it's always going to be an option."
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Speaking of Lance, it was announced late on Monday evening that he will miss about seven days (or a week, whichever timeframe you're into) after he jammed his finger on someone's helmet during Sunday's game. Lance has a "small chip," but he's not highly concerned about it. "I'll see how it feels [Monday] for sure. I think we'll be able to tell a little bit more. But yeah, not too worried about it at all."
Lions
Detroit Lions backup quarterback Tim Boyle may have taken himself out of the backup competition for 2021. Boyle suffered a thumb injury on Friday that will require surgery. David Blough is the other backup option for Detroit. As for when Boyle will be back, they're not sure.
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Goff, meanwhile, has high hopes for his new team this season. "I don't know what the stat is, but every year there's new teams in the playoffs. Every year there are teams that were in the playoffs last year that aren't. Why not us?" Well, I can think of a few reasons, but I like the high hopes.
Browns
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield played well in Sunday's exhibition game, but he's ready to move onto the real stuff. "I know our guys are ready. They're itching to go. We can feel that how close it is. Just all that preparation you put in throughout the offseason, and ever since you lost to the Chiefs in January, we've been working to this point right now, and I think our guys are ready to go."
patriots
The starting quarterback position is still up in the air for the New England Patriots, and while it's assumed that Cam Newton will be out there Week One, the team has also rallied around rookie Mac Jones. "Not many rookie quarterbacks have ever gotten the reps and the opportunity that he has, and he has embraced it full-on, head-on," Brian Hoyer said. "He goes out there every day and does the best that he can and has earned the respect of his teammates, which I think is huge, especially being a young guy with a team with a lot of veteran guys who have played here."
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patriots
Cam Newton was pretty much a lock for the New England Patriots' starting quarterback job, and then this week happened. Long story short, Newton didn't quite follow COVID-19 protocols and was required to stay away from the team for the week, which gave all reps with the starting team to rookie Mac Jones. Jones has been taking the reins in practice and is currently breathing down Newton's neck for the starting role. This will be something to keep an eye on.
falcons
The savior of the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback position is here, hallelujah. Josh Rosen has signed with the team, and should be in line as the best QB on the team in no time. Head coach Arthur Smith agrees with me, saying he expects Rosen to play in the final preseason game. "That's only the fair thing to do. We signed him. We have to figure out this backup quarterback spot. So, you'll see him play at some point Sunday night." Challenge accepted.
buccaneers
Tom Brady may be more like us, after all. After winning the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February, Brady underwent knee surgery to repair a torn MCL. Brady spoke about his recovery from surgery this week, detailing the process. "When you miss time and you don't continue to train the way you're capable of training, it's tough because your body wants to, you know, it feels like, 'OK I get time off.' And then you get your body going again, it's hard."
colts
After being questionable to start the 2021 season, it seems like Carson Wentz is trending in the right direction for the Indianapolis Colts' opener. Wentz returned to practice earlier this week from foot surgery, and so far, so good. The next step? Going through a practice without any restrictions.
jaguars
The inevitable happened. Trevor Lawrence has been announced as the Jacksonville Jaguars' starting quarterback, which pretty much everyone knew was going to happen. Lawrence was, of course, asked about how he felt about the situation. "I'm really excited for the opportunity; I'm grateful for it. It doesn't really change anything though. We still have the same task in front of us."
bengals
Joe Burrow will finally be making his debut since tearing his ACL late last season. While I assumed Burrow wouldn't see any preseason action due to protecting his health behind that horrid offensive line, Burrow should play in the Cincinnati Bengals' final preseason game. And that's okay with him.
49ers
San Francisco 49ers fans wanted you to believe all along that there was a quarterback competition, but as it turns out (and like I told you all along), there really hasn't been one at all. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said as much, without really naming his starter, which he honestly doesn't even have to do. "I've got a pretty good idea," he said. "I've always had a pretty good idea, but there's a lot of days between now and then, at every position."
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