The NFL’s Quarterback Competitions: Separating Reality from Facade

Sometimes, quarterback competitions are merely a smokescreen. Take the Jacksonville Jaguars’ situation in 2021, where Urban Meyer pretended there was a competition between Trevor Lawrence and others, despite the fact that everyone knew Lawrence would start Week 1. This season, there are a few genuine competitions, but others seem to be more of the same smoke and mirrors.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers’ quarterback competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields appears to be more of a formality. Despite Wilson’s calf injury, which gave Fields valuable time with the starters, it’s hard to imagine Fields winning the job by Week 1. Steelers general manager Omar Khan emphasized the importance of winning now, and Wilson’s experience gives him the upper hand.

In Minnesota, the Vikings seem committed to starting Sam Darnold in Week 1, with J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings. Despite reports of McCarthy’s impressive camp performances, Darnold has been taking the majority of the first-team reps.

The Broncos’ quarterback competition is more open, with Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham vying for the top spot. Nix’s experience and first-round pedigree give him an edge, but Stidham could still make a push with a strong preseason.

Of the six first-round quarterbacks, three seem unlikely to start in Week 1. Michael Penix Jr. won’t start for the Falcons, and the Vikings are set on making J.J. McCarthy wait. Meanwhile, Drake Maye’s chances of starting for the Patriots are dwindling, with Jacoby Brissett looking like the favorite.

In Las Vegas, the Raiders’ quarterback competition between Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell is still up in the air. While Minshew has had some good moments, O’Connell has been accurate in camp. The preseason will likely determine who gets the start in Week 1.

As the NFL preseason heats up, it’s clear that some quarterback competitions are more genuine than others. While some teams are truly evaluating their options, others are just going through the motions. Only time will tell which quarterbacks will emerge as starters in Week 1.