MidValleySports.Com

By Tim Byrnes

Every franchise approaches preseason differently. It’s more evaluation than competitive for most while some coaches trying to build a winning culture, may play starters longer than others. After Week 2 of preseason, teams are starting to finalize depth charts and make roster cuts and while just preseason, losses still make coaches angry.

Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott has sat most of his starters in preseason but was less than happy with the effort of his backup players. The Bills (0-2) look to improve as they plan on sitting quarterback Josh Allen and nearly all starters in the final game this weekend. Another surprising 0-2 start is the Kansas City Chiefs, who were ran over by the scary Seattle Seahawks 33-16. In their defense, the Chiefs sat Mahomes, Kelce, and most every starter while it rained but the Seahawks ran for a dominant 268 yards and showed that they aren’t relying solely on a Darnold to Kupp connection. Last week the Seahawks tied the Las Vegas Raiders and the defense shined so the depth in Seattle may translate to fighting for an NFC West Title.

“You want to do what, with Stetson Bennett? “Since being drafted in 2023, Bennett has been MIA, and little has been revealed as to why. The Rams fans have trusted in McSnead but with Stafford having back issues, the calls to see Bennett have been loud. Bennett followed up a nice Week One game where he went 16 of 24 for 188 yards, 2 TD’s/1 int, by leading a 23-22 Rams come from behind win. Bennett threw 28 of 40 for 324 yards, 3 TD’s/1 Int and showed the leadership that won Georgia two National Championships. So what do the fans start saying? Trade him? Why would the Rams hold his spot two years only to trade him after we see he can be a successful future quarterback? He is showing that McVay made a good decision in keeping him.

“Cleveland…where quarterback careers go to die!” The Browns have a long history of bad QB decisions. From drafting Tim Couch in 1999 to giving up on Baker Mayfield in 2021, the Browns never seem to get the position right. In spite of trading for Kenny Pickett, drafting Dillon Gabriel in the 3rd, and Shedeur Sanders in the 5th round, the Browns are handing the team to Joe Flacco. While a former Super Bowl MVP and a top 20 QB all-time, Flacco hasn’t hit 2,000 yards passing since 2018 and will likely be replaced at the first sign of trouble. Gabriel, third on the depth chart, had 143 yards while going 13 of 18 against the Philadelphia Eagles and took a shot at Sanders this week saying, “There’s entertainers and there’s competitors…my job is to compete.” Only Cleveland would have a 3rd stringer throwing shade at the 4th QB on the depth chart.

Can one throw secure a starting quarterback spot? New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is doing everything possible to show he is a starter. The Ole Miss graduate went 14 of 16 for 137 yards and a TD, adding another score on the ground, and coming away with a 117.7 rating. For the preseason, Dart is completing almost 75% of his passes and his play screams starter. Then Russell Wilson drops an 80-yard teardrop pass and people forgot Dart in spite of the fact he is being called the best rookie quarterback in preseason. Russell hasn’t instilled confidence in his coaches, being on his third team in as many years, so expect a possible change if he struggles.

Standouts:-New England rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III (12 rec-121-2 TD’s)-receptions total leads preseason.-Philadelphia rookie Andrew Mukuba (fumble rec/75 yd Int TD)-in loss to Cleveland.- New Orleans 2nd yr player Mason Tipton (6 rec-100 yds)-in tie versus Jacksonville.-Denver backup QB Jarrett Stidham (30 of 38 376 yds, 4 td’s-143 rating)-this preseason.-Baltimore rookie Tyler Loop replacing Justin Tucker, who is accused of alleged Deshaun Watson-like behavior. (5 of 6 field goals)-in 31-13 win over Dallas.