Rookie QBs excel in preseason
The six first-round QBs saw their first NFL snaps this weekend as NFL Preseason kicked off. I thought each QB saw some sort of success but lets go player by player.
Caleb Williams
Statline: 4/7 93 yards. 1 rush, 13 yards
Caleb showed flashes of what everyone is expecting from the number 1 overall pick. He improvised outside of the pocket and made some nice throws on the run. He looked calm, cool, and collected in all of his snaps. My first impression says that he’s going to succeed in this league.
Jayden Daniels
Statline: 2/3 45 Yards. 1 rush, 3 yards, 1TD
I thought Jayden Daniels looked solid in his NFL debut. He showed us that the down-the-sideline throws he made routinely in college translate to the NFL flawlessly with a 42-yard bomb as his first NFL throw. He finished off the drive by using his legs to scamper in for a TD. However, his outside-the-numbers throwing ability, and rushing ability were not my concern for Daniels at the next level. His ability to throw the ball over the middle was, and we didn’t get a chance to see him do it. Still a big question mark to his game
Drake Maye
Statline: 2/3 19 yards.
Drake Maye didn’t really play at all in the Patriots preseason opener. In his limited, he was efficient but made one errant throw. I think Maye is probably the second most talented QB in this class, but the biggest project. Excited to see how he progresses this preseason.
Michael Penix
Statline: 9/16 104 yards
Michael Penix looked like a composed vet in his NFL debut. He made accurate passes, was smart with the ball, and made some big-time throws. People including me hated this pick, but if Penix can continue to look like the future in Atlanta, maybe it wasn’t so bad after all
JJ McCarthy
Statline: 11/17 188 yards 2TDs 1INT. 2 rushes 18 yards.
JJ McCarthy started his first NFL drive by throwing an INT. From there he was flawless. Throwing perfect passes up and down the field including 2 deep TDs. He responded to the pick like a veteran. He didn’t beat himself up or start playing scared, he just stuck to his game plan. I think JJ’s mental toughness is going to be the reason for his success in the league. He’s a baller and he showed that on Saturday.
Bo Nix
Statline: 15/21 125 yards 1TD. 3 rushes, 17 yards.
Bo Nix looked GOOD for the Denver Broncos in his preseason debut. He looked comfortable in Sean Payton’s offense and had command of his teammates. He seemed poised in the pocket often climbing and moving around to make throws. The offense scored on 4 of his 5 drives in his first game, a good sign of things to come in Denver.
