Preseason - Standout Players - QB

Chad Kelly – Denver Broncos – QB

Chad Kelly started the week listed as the 3rd string quarterback, he ends the week as Case Kennum’s back-up, pushing Paxton Lynch aside. Chad Kelly played roughly a half during the Broncos and Vikings game, and he made every snap count. Lynch had played a number of snaps before Kelly took to the field, and he showed his lack of mental toughness and capacity to play this game at the NFL level. His pocket awareness was non-existent, his accuracy is questionable, and his decisions are terrible. But, Kelly took to the field and instantly rejuvenated the Broncos offense. In the half that Kelly played, he attempted 21 passes and completed 14 for 2 touchdowns and 177 yards. He finished the game with a passer rating of 104.7. In comparison, Lynch attempted 11 passes and completed 6 for 22 yards and 0 touchdowns. He finished the game with a passer rating of 22. One pre-season game has already changed Kelly’s position within the Denver Broncos organisation. Could this be the next Broncos franchise quarterback once Kennum is done?

Baker Mayfield – Cleveland Browns - QB

There is so much hype surround Mayfield that going into his first pre-season game was always going to be a big deal. And it was. He came on in the 2nd half and played like he played at Oklahoma. However, having said that, he also looked more mature with his decisions and choose wisely when to use his feet to extend the play. That was one knock on Mayfield coming out of college, his overall decision making. But, it looked like he had been listening intently to his coaches and to the criticism he had received coming out of college. Mayfield and Callaway, both 2018 draft picks for the Browns looked like they had played together forever, the connection Mayfield had with Callaway was fantastic to see and made for some incredible plays. Mayfield attempted 20 passes and completed 11 for 212 yards and 2 touchdowns. Mayfield finished the game with a passer rating of 125.4. After seeing what Mayfield has, there is no doubt that if given the right amount of time to mature even more and become even stronger in the pocket, that he will one day be the Browns franchise quarterback.

Sam Darnold – New York Jets - QB

Darnold took to the field after Teddy Bridgewater, who also played well. I had never really seen much from Darnold during his college career as I simply didn’t watch him enough, so I was unsure how he would do with the Jets. As soon as he threw, I was captivated. There was something about Darnolds ability to throw the ball on target in the smallest of windows that was just incredible to watch. One thing that was evident to me though, was his mechanics. He doesn’t have what I would call, textbook mechanics. He stands in a stance that is opposite to where the ball is snapped, making it look like he would find it difficult to switch his feet around on the drop back, but that isn’t the effect. He drops back perfectly and has great pocket presence. His hands are positioned wide out in front of him as the ball is snapped when he is in the shotgun, which again looks slightly awkward, but in reality, works for Darnold. Darnold attempted 18 passes and completed 13 for 96 yards and 1 touchdown. He finished the game with a passer rating of 103. I believe we will see Darnold named the starting quarterback, at some point in the 2018 season.

#QB #2018 #Preseason