Solutions to 4 Team’s Quarterback Controversies

Written by Spencer Egan
August 21, 2017
You probably thought that this was going to be another article about how Colin Kaepernick should be signed to (insert team). Well, no. That is for other websites to debate. There are plenty of interesting quarterback competitions facing multiple teams this NFL season. As Jags fans witnessed last Thursday night, Blake Bortles appears to be playing for a backup position rather than a starter, thus creating another intriguing quarterback competition in Jacksonville. Along with the other teams highlighted later on in the article, this is how each team should settle their respective QB uncertainties.
The Cleveland Browns

“Cleveland Brocks!”
Are you ready Cleveland? It’s time to add yet another name to the infamous window jersey plastered each season all over the internet when the Browns play. While DeShone Kizer outplayed Osweiler in their game against the Saints, it would be wise to not rush Kizer and ruin the kid’s confidence before he can establish himself in the league. He flashes potential without a doubt, but allowing time for Kizer to properly develop and learn the mental aspects of the game would ensure a much better future for the Dawg Pound. I’m positive he will have an oppurtunity at some point this season to prove his value with the inconsistant Osweiler at the helm. For now, the Browns would be wise to focus on their growing defense anchored by #1 overall pick Myles Garret, Jabrill Peppers, and rely on a strong run game featuring Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. By keeping the ball out of Osweiler’s hands and not forcing him to win games, the Browns will be in a much better position to allow Kizer to grow and possibly surprise people this season.
Starter: Brock Osweiler
Houston Texans

Out of all the Quarterbacks drafted this year, Watson looks most prepared for the big stage of the NFL. He lead his Clemson offense to an improbable victory against the goliaths of college football in Alabama earleir this year by being poised, calm, and collected when it mattered most. Watson was far from perfect in his debut against Carolina and New England, but he definitely shows plenty of upside. He is elusive in the pocket, and has flashed some good arm strength. However, Watson has overthrown receivers on a couple of occasions and has floated passes across his body in the red-zone for incompletions. The Texans would be wise to continue to roll the dice with Tom Savage for now as their starter. He out performed Watson in their victory over the Patriots by leading the offense, going 8–9, for 98 yards and a 2 yard touchdown pass to Jaelen Strong. Savage has been in head coach Bill O’Brien’s system much longer than Watson and is quoted as saying he feels really comfortable in the offense. For now, Savage should be the man in Houston.
Starter: Tom Savage
Jacksonville Jaguars

The strong-armed kid from Central Florida just can’t seem to put it all together. Head coach Doug Marrone announced Friday that Chad Henne will get starting reps to compete for the starting job following another disappointing performance from Bortles. The Jags have been patient with their young signal caller, but it appears their patience is wearing thin. They have the talent on the roster to compete in the division, but lack the talent at QB. Fortunately, Bortles in still very young, being only 25 he still has time to turn things around in his young career. The addition of Leonard Fournette should alleviate some of the pressure off Bortles and allow him to be more effective. The Jags will need to pound the ball with Fournette for 20–30 carries a game and keep the ball out of Bortles’s hands to be effective and win games this year. They should stick with Bortles for one more season before washing their hands of their former third overall pick.
Starter: Blake Bortles
New York Jets

To be blunt, the New York Jets are going to be bad this year. The fact that the Browns are going to be more exciting to watch this season is evident of that. Josh Mccown was signed in the offseason to help “mentor” and provide some experience for the young Christian Hackenburg and Bryce Petty in the lockeroom. The journeyman will most likely end up being the opening day starter unless Petty or Hackenburg can prove they are ready to take the reins and handle the team. Look for fans to be wearing paper bags over their heads while in attendance of home games this season while patiently waiting for the loaded quarterback class of next year’s draft to come.
Starter: Josh McCown
