With this NFL season at full steam, teams are taking a closer look at their quarterback situations than any point in recent memory. Recent decisions by franchises such as the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Chicago Bears have sparked discussions about the implications of these changes. The emphasis now shifts to what these changes will mean for a team palleted with seeking answers as they face the real world of a long, arduous season.
The Las Vegas Raiders have largely cemented their status as the team that will provide Kenny Pickett his first NFL start. This decision occurs in the wake of public concern about Derek Smith’s turnover problems. Smith does lead the league in interceptions (10), tied with Tua Tagovailoa. In relocating to Pickett, the staff is perhaps adjusting its approach to playmaking versus turnover generation and efforts to bring more calm and focus to the offense.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ Decision
This decision to begin Pickett could be an outward sign of the league’s general shift toward teams trying to avoid boneheaded plays. Smith’s persistent turnover troubles have haunted the Raiders during this brutal stretch, forcing them to completely strip away their offensive game plan.
The coaching staff believes that Pickett’s presence could provide the team with a fresh outlook and improve overall efficiency on the field. Montgomery’s impact on the game is significant enough that his presence will take pressure off of Smith. This has been especially key all summer long.
Future flow Analysts are split on if this change will produce short-term gains. Many consider change to be a prerequisite of doing better. Sometimes, like in Pickett’s case, it can take time before the quarterback is able to fully settle into his new starting role.
Arizona’s Offensive Turnaround
In Arizona, the Cardinals have experienced a significant upgrade in their offensive production since turning to Jacoby Brissett. Yet over the last two weeks, as the offense has taken on a more efficient character with Brissett at the helm. Now, they are scoring 6.2 more points per game and gaining an added 76.6 yards per game from those weeks beforehand.
During Arizona’s five-game losing streak, Brissett’s leadership has allowed the team to move the ball more efficiently than at any point in the season. This raised questions about the future of Kyler Murray, the team’s $230 million quarterback, who has missed recent games due to a foot injury.
Although Brissett found success, Arizona’s front office is still all in on Murray. Their expectation is that he will return to being their starter again once he gets fully healthy. His full recovery will be key to his eventual return. The team’s directive appears clear: they are not prepared to abandon their investment in Murray just yet.
“We’ll see how he feels as well and on a short week. We’re going to put together the best plan we can, and that also includes the players available to us.”
Chicago Bears’ Challenges
Meanwhile, up north in Chicago, the Bears are just as confused over who should be their starting quarterback. It helps that Justin Fields has special mobility that makes up for the terrible pass protection the Bears have provided. Fields has dealt with some other worldly challenges this season, disappointing 31 times, making Chicago’s offensive front easily one of the most pressured in the league.
One look at the recent statistics shows that Fields has been sacked a whopping 20 times in only the last three games alone. This continuing pressure is destroying his effectiveness in the pocket. Many analysts attribute these sacks to Fields holding onto the ball too long, raising concerns about his decision-making under pressure.
While some fans call for a change at quarterback, others argue that Fields still has potential worth nurturing. His knack for creating plays on the fly might come in handy as the Bears look to find their footing during a rebuilding season.
The Role of Backup Quarterbacks
The value of backup quarterbacks has never been clearer. With significant injuries keeping starters off the field on many teams, players such as Carson Wentz have been thrust into pivotal roles. In Wentz’s execution, he’s been resilient and adaptable in his approach, showing the characteristics often present in a favorable starting quarterback.
He’s adapted well to his new offensive system and showed grit when the lights turned on. While he does not always look like a great franchise quarterback, his play indicates strong potential. He can be a top end backup and low end starter and that’s still a win.
This hasn’t been the case for quarterbacks like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, who have had their own challenges in the form of injuries missing them from practice and game action. McCarthy is coming back from a torn meniscus in his right knee, which already hampered him last season. An ankle injury has sidelined him for nearly a month and his Return To Play Team would like to welcome him back onto the field.
Leave a Reply