NFL training camps are open, and with that come training camp battles. In this series, we will examine what to watch position by position. First up is quarterbacks.
Anthony Richardson vs. Himself vs. Gardner Minshew
When the Colts are ready, Richardson will be the guy without question. But when is that time?
The first part of this battle is simply on Richardson's development curve.
The second part of this battle is Minshew's comfort starting in the NFL and familiarity with Shane Steichen's scheme after spending the last two years with him in Philadelphia. We do have a roadmap for this. In 2020, Steichen served as offensive coordinator on a Chargers team that intended to keep Tyrod Taylor starting at quarterback in Justin Herbert's rookie season. Before Week 2, a fateful doctor's needle punctured Taylor's lungs and removed him from the start. The rest is history. We never got an entire runway on how long the Chargers would start Taylor over Herbert, but Herbert's instant success also has to be a factor.
Given that Richardson is considered a raw prospect and Steichen is implementing a new system. Playing the veteran, allowing the support pieces to gain comfort in the system, and aiding in Richardson's success when the time comes is wise. But Richardson could force the team's hand.
Sam Howell vs. Jacoby Brissett
On the surface, there are similarities between Richardson and Minshew. Young vs old. Brissett has experience on his side, starting 48 games in his career. Howell has started one. But Howell has a year of experience with Ron Rivera in Washington, and both are starting fresh with Eric Bieniemy's arrival as offensive coordinator.
If Howell and Brissett are remotely close, expect the Commanders (for now) to give Howell his shot. The team has been vocal in supporting him this offseason, stating they would not pursue Lamar Jackson when that appeared possible, sticking at their 16th pick in the draft, and selecting cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.
View Brissett as more of a safety net than active competition to be the Week 1 starter.
Will Levis vs. Malik Willis
The Titans trading up to secure Levis early in Round 2, just one year after selecting Willis, is a definitive statement about this battle. Rumors had the Titans and Bills deep in trade talks to move up into Round 1 until Dalton Kincaid fell to a position the Bills could secure him. Willis had his shot in 2022 and failed.
Willis's second opportunity with another team may be a victim of NFL rule changes. The new ability to keep a third emergency quarterback as an extra gameday option will mean almost every team keeps three quarterbacks. Unless Willis became a locker room issue, the Titans have little reason not to keep him. Willis's rookie contract creates minimal savings on a release.
Willis still has a chance to beat Levis for the spot, but every benefit of the doubt will go to the rookie now. Because of the pre-draft valuation on Willis, he is likely still sitting on many dynasty rosters. But players are likely better served to grab an available running back who is in line for injuries to increase their values.
Mac Jones vs. Bailey Zappe
Reckless speculation time. If you believe the rumors coming out of the Patriots at the end of last season, this represents a battle between Bob Kraft and Bill Belichick.
To be clear, this is Jones' team, and this battle is not real.
But rumors stated Kraft had pushed internally to play Zappe at the end of 2022, wanting to catch lightning twice with another overlooked later selected quarterback. The Patriots have added multiple players this offseason to aid Jones's strengths, particularly Mike Gesicki and JuJu Smith-Schuster, who excel over the middle, where Jones feels comfortable operating.
Zappe should be rostered in deeper superflex dynasty leagues, as he had good moments as a rookie. The future of this job and franchise is still being determined.
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