2021 NFL Preseason Week 2 Recap
After the NFL Preseason’s fist week, it’s apparent teams aren’t going to wait on starting first-round draft pick quarterbacks. The Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars and even the San Francisco 49ers must think hard about whether to leave their prized rookie quarterbacks on the bench. Doing so could end up wasting a quality season.
We take a look at the top stories from the 2021 NFL Preseason Week 2. Check out an update on how the rookies performed in Week 1 as well as where the Saints are with their quarterback battle. Don’t forget to check out the latest 2021 NFL Preseason odds at out online Bitcoin sportsbook.
2021 NFL Preseason Week 2 Recap
Cam + Mac balled out in #NFLPreseason Week 2:@CameronNewton: 8/9, 103 pass yards, 1 TD@MacJones_10: 13/19, 149 pass yards pic.twitter.com/FVaFE5MeV7
— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2021
- When: Thursday, Aug. 19 – Monday, Aug. 23
Jones and Newton Both Play Well in the Patriots Second Preseason Contest
Rookie Mac Jones looked fantastic in New England’s 35-0 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Alabama quarterback completed 13-of-19 for 146 yards. He didn’t throw a TD, but he also didn’t throw an interception.
Cam also played great. He completed 8-of-9 for 103 yards and a TD. If Newton can prove he can complete passes at 60% or higher, it will be tough for McDaniel to start Jones. Newton is a former league MVP. It looks as if Cam has made the necessary changes to his game to be more efficient, which has to make Belichick and McDaniel happy. The fans won’t be because they expect Mac Jones to start.
Let’s be honest, though, when has Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniel ever cared about what the fans thought?
Bills Are Loaded and, Maybe, the Wise Guys Are Right About the Denver Broncos
Whether the Patriots start Newton or Jones, it won’t matter. Every team in the AFC East, New England, the Miami Dolphins, and the New York Jets, will have to play for a wildcard once the season starts.
Buffalo, unless massive injuries strike, should roll to an AFC East division title. The Bills blasted the Bears 41-15. Yes, it was a preseason game, but Chicago should have a decent enough defense to stop a guy like Mitch Trubisky.
Trubisky, the former Bears’ quarterback, completed 20-of-28 for 221 yards and a TD. Josh Allen didn’t even play and the Bills still dominated on offense, which tells us Buffalo’s system has made Trubisky a better quarterback than he was in Chicago.
Another AFC favorite, the Denver Broncos, proved again why wise guy future bettors have backed the Ponies to win the Super Bowl. The odds on Denver to win the AFC currently stand at +1800. Their odds to win the Lombardi Trophy are at +2200.
Denver’s defense held Seattle to 3 points while Teddy Bridgewater starred in a 30-3 win over the Seahawks. Bridgewater completed 9-of-11 for 105 yards. He threw for 9.5 yards per completion, which is fantastic.
The Broncos’ defense will keep them in games. With a couple of starting quarterbacks, it’s looking like Drew Lock, last year’s starter, will back up Bridgewater this season, the Broncos may have enough to challenge the Chiefs in the AFC West, which would make them a playoff team.
Zach Wilson Shows He’s Ready to Start for the Jets
Right before last April’s draft, rumors swirled that some pro football scouts favored Zach Wilson over Trevor Lawrence. Maybe, those scouts were right. Wilson provided a fantastic performance in the Jets 23-14 win over Green Bay. Zach completed 81.7% of his passes for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Jets won’t be as good as the Dolphins or Bills in the AFC East. But NYJ might be as good, or even better, than the Patriots. New England’s annual 2-game sweep over the Jets may not happen this season because Wilson is more polished than any other rookie quarterback in the NFL.
On Monday Night, Pay attention to the Saints’ Quarterback Battle and How Well Jaguars’ Rookie Trevor Lawrence Performs
The Saints and Jaguars throw down on Monday night. If you get a chance to watch the game, pay attention to a couple of things. First, make sure to see how Jacksonville rookie Trevor Lawrence is developing. Lawrence was okay, not great, in his first NFL action, completing 6-of-9 for 71 yards. Second, see which of the Saints’ quarterbacks, Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston, plays best. Sean Payton said he’s not sure which signal-caller he’ll go with as the starter in Week 1.
Most NFL analysts believe it’s Jameis, but if Hill shows up on Monday night and Winston doesn’t, Payton will lean towards Taysom. Hill started four games for the Saints last season, and New Orleans didn’t miss a beat. Payton may trust Hill more than he does Winston, which gives Hill a slight edge in the quarterback battle.
