The second week of the NFL preseason is always a chance for some of the league’s top storylines to come to the forefront.
Quarterback battles, questionable coaching decisions, and a rash of injuries have continued to stir up some of the bigger storylines into action.
We have the five biggest storylines to keep an eye on during week two of the NFL preseason here.
Rookie Quarterbacks look to continue to prove everyone wrong
Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, and even Sam Howell all played well in their first preseason action. Consistently talked about as the worst quarterback class in recent memory, the young signal-callers all will look to prove people wrong throughout the season and beyond.
Kenny Pickett probably looked the best over the rest of the rookie crew and should get much more reps throughout the entire game. Willis, Ridder, and Howell are looking to also continue their solid play as well.
Arguably the worst of the rookie quarterbacks was Matt Corrall. The Panther’s third-round pick will get most of the reps for the team in their contest against the Patriots.
This entire class has a chance to continue to help improve their storylines throughout the season.
A QB controversy storyline in New York?
Brian Daboll created a storyline this week when he said that Tyrod Taylor would get first-team reps eventually for the Giants. Sunday night could be a major point in Daboll’s scheme. While the Bengals won’t be sitting their starters, it reportedly looks like all Giant starters will play.
That means Daniel Jones will have an opportunity to improve on last week’s performance against the Patriots. If he doesn’t, and Taylor plays well, the top quarterback storyline in football that wasn’t a thing a month ago could be the most talked about the question in sports.
Is there a quarterback controversy currently in New York? Definitely not. But if Jones struggles and Tyrod plays well, it could open the door thanks to Daboll’s comments.
Are the Cowboys THAT undisciplined?
After 2021’s showing in which they led the league in penalties, you would have thought the Cowboys would come into 2022 more disciplined.
That wasn’t the case last week. The Cowboys committed 17 penalties (yes, 17) in the preseason opener against Denver. Part of Dallas’ problem is a lack of accountability. When the team lost their first playoff game last season, Mike McCarthy and several Cowboy players blamed the refs for their poor showing.
Instead of taking accountability, the Cowboys did the same thing last week which shows they haven’t learned anything from last season.
The lack of accountability is astounding, but Saturday’s game against the Chargers could very well see if any improvements are made.
Can Baltimore continue their historic streak?
The Baltimore Ravens haven’t lost a preseason game since 2015. It’s been six years since their last preseason loss. It’s a big reason why the Ravens have started strong consistently over the last few years.
Baltimore plays Arizona on Sunday night which could very well make it 22 straight. Baltimore is a team filled with depth at almost every position and continues to show they have the right front office to continue their quest for another championship.
Baltimore is favored by 5.5 for Sunday’s game, and it’s an easy bet to put money on a team that is trying to win these meaningless games.
As long as the Ravens continue to win, they’ll be the top storyline of the preseason.
Veteran Quarterbacks continue to add separate Storyline
Quarterbacks that may or may not be playing have their storylines going into this weekend.
There’s Tom Brady, who has been away for the Buccaneers for personal reasons and won’t be with the team until after the game against Tennessee. Dak Prescott is being booed during practice even though Stephen Jones has repeatedly said he’s had a good camp.
There’s Deshaun Watson being suspended for the first 11 games of the season and Jacoby Brissett potentially playing in Sunday’s contest against Philadelphia. Or how about the quarterback battle between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold? Pittsburgh’s Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph also will look to continue to fight for a starting role for the Steelers.
Some of the top quarterbacks won’t play throughout the weekend, but their storylines will only grow as the season gets closer.
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