Week 2 of the preseason brought us even more headlines & football activity to discuss. Baker Mayfield is the Panthers new starting QB after beating out Sam Darnold, a move that I anticipated would happen in my column last week. Pete Carroll continues to send a message about having “two No. 1s” at quarterback, but this still seems like Geno Smith’s job to lose. Desmond Ridder continued on his efficient preseason for the Falcons, which is great news for us. That was a great recap of last week’s action; however, let’s move on & discuss this week’s news.
QB competition in Pittsburgh?
Bucky Brooks, analyst on the NFL’s Move the Sticks podcast, said the following (31:00) of Steelers QB Kenny Pickett, “[he] has the highest passer rating of any young quarterback in the preseason since 2015!” That’s pretty impressive stuff, and it’s one of several reasons why he’s still in the running with Mitchell Trubisky to become the next great Steelers starting quarterback. I wasn’t really sure if this storyline was worth believing after Pickett had an impressive debut against the Seahawks last week, but I’ve changed my tune now that he’s put together consecutive great performances. The Steelers game against the Lions this week will be worth monitoring.
Ravens continue undefeated preseason
NBC Sports called the Ravens feat, “the most impressive meaningless streak in sports.” They’ve won an unprecedented 22 (!) straight preseason games dating all the way back to 2016. Cardinals head coach Kliff Kinsbury spoke to the media pregame about the notable streak before a loss to the Ravens, noting, “that’s part of their culture… obviously, their team believes. They have one of the most successful franchises in the league. We’ll get their best shot [tonight].” Winning one more game against the Commanders this coming week would ensure that NFL reporters will still be talking about this storyline at the start of next year’s preseason games.
Bills offense steamrolls Broncos
The Bills racked up six (!) touchdowns against the vaunted Broncos defense this week. They won in convincing fashion 42-15, with Josh Allen & Case Keenum leading the offense to four combined scoring drives with the team’s starters in only one half’s worth of football action. The Josh Allen to Gabriel Davis connection looks as though it’s already in midseason form here. With the Bills emerging as Super Bowl favorites, performances like this make that seem realistic.
New kick returner in Dallas
KaVontae Turpin certainly made a name for himself against the Chargers over the weekend, returning not just one, but two (!) kicks for touchdowns in leading the Boys to victory. His first touchdown was a 98-yard kickoff return to put the Cowboys on the board, and the second score was an 86-yard punt return that strengthened the team’s lead just before halftime. Nobody should be surprised then that he’s now working with the first team in practice this week. Turpin’s fantastic outing bought him a roster spot, and perhaps a starting role on offense to boot.
Trevor Lawrence ready for a breakout?
Trevor Lawrence looks way more comfortable this year in an actual NFL-style offense. Urban Meyer was a disaster for the Jaguars last year, as he regularly stunted Lawrence’s growth. Now that Meyer’s been dismissed & Doug Pederson has been brought in to lead the team, the vibes around Jacksonville have certainly changed. Pederson brings with him leadership & offensive prowess that made Carson Wentz & Nick Foles look like good QBs in Philadelphia. Put the coach & QB together, & a breakout season is likely for the former No. 1 overall pick.
The Sports Beacon 