As we approach the start of the NFL’s 105th season, teams and fanbases begin looking for hope. A glimmer of it has begun to rear its head for some franchises…
Are We Sure About This?
In the 2024 NFL Draft, we saw a historic run on signal callers in the first round. Half of the first twelve selections were all quarterbacks. There has been a growing stigma around these early selections, as teams seem to be overreaching in an effort to solidify the cornerstone of their franchise. This year is a prime example of what critics are saying, but will they be proven right? Week one of the preseason gave us a glimpse at what the future of the NFL may look like.
Short and Sweet
The top three picks in the draft were given a combined 13 passing attempts this week. While the sample size is microscopic, let’s have fun and overanalyze!
Chicago’s Caleb Williams went 4/7 for 95 yards and added a 13-yard scramble as well. He did have the chance to showcase some of his improvisation skills, though. However, time will tell if his abilities will translate to marks in the win column for this desperate Bears team.
Washington’s Jayden Daniels threw a whopping three passes, one of which was a 42-yard dime down the right sideline to Dyami Brown. To cap off his only drive, the LSU product would hit pay dirt on a 3-yard rush. The 2024 Heisman winner has quickly begun clearing the grey skies in our nation’s capital.
Finally, we head to New England with the former Tar Heel Drake Maye. He would get one drive, going 2/3 with 19 yards. A very typical drive, but the attention was on the Patriots’ other rookie QB, Joe Milton. He shined when given the opportunity with a touchdown and a showcase of improvisation. It’s now in Maye’s hands to turn the camera back to him next week.
Maybe They Weren’t Crazy…
With the twelfth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos surprised many and selected Oregon QB Bo Nix. He is already 24 years old and had been highly scrutinized throughout his college journey. Nonetheless, Broncos head coach Sean Payton said he was the guy. In his preseason debut, he actually had a chance to establish himself and did not disappoint. He went 15/21 for 125 passing yards and a score, as well as tacking on 17 rushing yards. Nix led the Broncos on four scoring drives, which have been hard to come by in Broncos Country. Payton and the Broncos have pledged to be patient with rolling Bo Nix out as the starter, but this is certainly promising for a franchise that has yet to find an identity since Peyton Manning’s departure in 2016.
Wrap Up
The future is bright…for all of us, but maybe even these quarterbacks too! We have a lot of football ahead of us, with many stories to unfold. Caleb Williams will continue working on silencing his doubters, while Bo Nix is proving age is just a number. Stay tuned for more NFL updates, including former National Champion and now Minnesota Viking quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
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