Pre-Season Week 2: Rookie Quarterbacks
The second week of preseason is already upon us! This means we have had a week to over-analyze a small sample size and “freak out” about how our favorite rookies fared in their first NFL action. Now, we get to look for specific improvements in Week 2. We also have to speculate about what coaches and staff will do considering that there are now only three preseason games. Does Week 2 become the dress rehearsal that Week 3 was in years past? If so, the first-round rookie quarterbacks should see a lot of action. Here is what they did last week and what I’m going to be looking for this week, check it all out in Pre-Season Week 2: Rookie Quarterbacks.
Trevor Lawrence
Lawrence went 6 of 9 for 71 yards through the opening quarter and one drive of the second quarter. He showed off his arm strength on a deep out and some throws across the middle. He seemed a bit happy in the pocket at times and threw off-platform when it looked like he could have set his feet for a cleaner delivery. He was also sacked twice due to holding the ball too long.
In Week 2, I expect the first overall pick to clean up some of the mechanics a little and showcase just how good his arm is. Lawrence will continue to face pressure at times especially if his line doesn’t improve. How he handles the rush will be an important part of Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. I’d like to see the ball come out sooner and more decisively, even if that means throwing the ball away versus taking the sack.
Zach Wilson
Wilson also saw work from the opening drive into the second quarter. In that time, he went 6 of 9 for 63 yards. Aside from a pair of errant throws, he was putting the ball right on target for his receivers. One of these throws leads to an incompletion on third and four in the red zone. It would have been nice to see Wilson lead his squad into the end zone, but the offense looked decent as it marched down the field. The best attribute in his limited work was the anticipation in which he delivered the ball.
As the Jets approach Week 2 against the Packers, I hope to see Wilson’s heralded arm talent. I would like to see the deep ball come out at least once or twice especially against a Packers secondary that can be beaten. The Jets offensive line keeps Wilson upright through the first game and they should be able to provide protection for Wilson to push the ball downfield. Wilson was also put on the move once in Week 1 and some more bootlegs could be on the menu for Week 2.
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Trey Lance
Lance came into Week 1 in relief of Jimmy Garoppolo. The Chiefs left in their starting defense for Lance’s first drive which provided some insight into how Lance will fare if/when he starts throughout the season. His first throw was a laser delivered while moving up in the pocket which Brandon Aiyuk couldn’t hold on to. His second snap ended in a sack more because the lineman was blown up than Lance not getting rid of the ball. The third snap was the highlight of the night. Lance bootlegged left to outside the hashes and dropped the ball over his receiver’s shoulder outside the opposite side’s numbers fifty yards downfield. Throughout the rest of the game, Lance displayed great mobility, unfortunately, his receivers rarely rewarded it racking up multiple drops. Lance finished the day with a paltry 5 of 14 for 128 yards and a score.
The 49ers take on the Chargers Week 2. In my opinion, Lance looked like the best quarterback of the rookies and will look to build on what he put on tape Week 1. I want to see him make some of the routine throws more consistently. He moves extremely well and can use that to his advantage when he needs to. However, I want to see him deliver the ball with anticipation before he needs to use his feet.
Justin Fields
This makes me feel like the SNL character Debbie Downer because I feel that I am alone in like thinking Fields was not the best rookie quarterback of the week. When he faced the Dolphins starting defense, he struggled with a botched snap (more the center’s fault than his), a near interception trying to force a pass into a tight window, and then a fumble as he failed to tuck the ball away after scrambling up the sideline. He progressed as the day continued and Miami switched in the backup defense. He finished the night 14 of 20 for 142 yards in the air and 5 carries for 33 yards and a score on the ground.
The Bears face the Bills in Week 2 and I expect Fields to garner more reps with the first teams on both sides of the ball. These reps will be most important as I hope to see the progress Fields made throughout his first game to continue in Week 2. I loved that he was calm in the pocket and his ability to escape it but, similar to Lance, I want to see him take advantage of what the play is designed to do. Improvising is great, but can’t be sustainable every play.
Mac Jones
Jones received a standing ovation from the New England crowd when he entered the game against the Washington Football Team. He proceeded to give the crowd glimpse of what he could do in a Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels system. His throws don’t come out with the same velocity that the other rookies throws do but he was able to complete 13 of 19 for 87 yards. Jones made a number of short, quick passes that were delivered on time and provided his teammates space to make things happen after the catch. He had a couple of throws that he underthrew slightly forcing his receivers to reach down to make the grab and reduced the opportunity to extend the play. His final throw was a deep shot that was just past his receiver’s outstretched hands.
Week 2 against the Eagles will allow Jones to continue to showcase what he can do in the Patriots system. I would like to see him continue building on his short passing accuracy and anticipation. He will also need to show he can make the deep throws to keep the defense from crowding the line of scrimmage. I question if he has the arm strength to hit the deep out in the NFL, more deep and intermediate attempts could answer that.
What are you watching for in week two? Continue the conversation with me on Twitter @fftheathomedad.
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