Tag: quarterback

Dec 18, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

New Titans GM insists team will keep Ryan Tannehill

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The Tennessee Titans are moving forward with Ryan Tannehill as their starting quarterback in 2023.

So says general manager Ran Carthon, who didn’t sound sold during his introductory press conference last month. Carthon said then that he needed to further evaluate Tannehill, who turns 35 in July.

It was a different tune at the NFL combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday.

“Ryan is under contract,” Carthon said. “I know everybody wants to make a big deal out of the quarterback position and whether he will or won’t be here, but you guys just have to accept the fact that Ryan is under contract for us. Right now, he’s a Titan and he will be a Titan.”

Part of what’s fueling speculation of a departure is Tannehill’s $36.6 million cap hit for 2023. The Titans could save roughly half that amount by releasing the 10-year veteran.

But Carthon likes what he has been seeing in the team facility since taking over the GM duties.

“He’s been a diligent worker, been in the building every day rehabbing and getting his work in,” Carthon said. “So he is under contract and I am excited about moving forward with him and have a ton of respect for him.”

Tannehill is slated to receive a $27 million base salary after being limited to just 12 games last season due to a season-ending ankle injury.

But perhaps part of the decision process revolves around the poor showing by 2022 third-round pick Malik Willis, who looked overmatched by the speed of the NFL.

Willis went 1-2 as a starter but passed for just 276 yards while completing a paltry 50.8 percent of his passes. He was intercepted three times and didn’t throw a touchdown pass.

In fact, when Tennessee was facing two pivotal games late in the season, they plucked Joshua Dobbs off the Detroit Lions’ practice squad and immediately started the journeyman.

Tannehill passed for 2,536 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions prior to his injury. The 2023 campaign would be his fifth with the Titans after he spent six campaigns with the Miami Dolphins.

New Tennessee offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said he is looking forward to working with Tannehill.

“He’s a great pro,” Kelly said. “He checks every box in terms of what you’re looking for from that position. I’m excited to continue to work with Ryan.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 2, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Auburn Tigers helmets sits on a crate during a game against LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Four-star 2024 QB Walker White commits to Auburn

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Walker White, a four-star 2024 quarterback prospect, committed to Auburn on Friday.

White, from Little Rock (Ark.) Christian Academy, is ranked as the No. 8 quarterback and the No. 92 overall prospect by 247Sports. He chose the Tigers over Baylor and Clemson.

“As soon as I stepped on that football field my heart (jumped),” White told 247Sports about his January visit to Auburn. “I said this is the place.”

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound White said he is excited to play for new head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff.

“When I go to Auburn, I know I’ll be developed to my full potential,” White said.

“They are geniuses about offense and the quarterback position,” he continued.

In his junior season, White passed for nearly 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, per 247Sports. He added 837 rushing yards and 16 scores on the ground.

–Field Level Media

Jan 29, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates after winning the AFC Championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Mahomes on Black QBs starting Super Bowl: ‘It’s special’

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Patrick Mahomes didn’t mince words on Thursday when asked about the importance of having two Black quarterbacks start a Super Bowl for the first time in the history of the game.

That’s precisely what will happen on Feb. 12 when Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs tangle with Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Ariz.

“To be on the world stage and have two Black quarterbacks starting in the Super Bowl, I think it’s special,” Mahomes said. “I’ve learned more and more about the history of the Black quarterback since I’ve been in this league and the guys that came before me and Jalen set the stage for this. And now, I’m just glad that we can set the stage for kids that are coming up now.”

Mahomes, 27, said he envisions Super Bowl LVII as an opportunity to continue moving the needle forward.

“I think you’ve seen over time, whenever a guy like Doug Williams, or Michael Vick, or Donovan McNabb go out and play great football, it gives other guys like me and Jalen chances to have this platform and to have this spot on an NFL team,” Mahomes said. “And so, if we can continue to show that we can consistently be great, I think it’ll just continue to open doors for other kids growing up to follow their dreams and to be a quarterback of an NFL team. And it’s good that we have guys like Jalen on the other side because he’s a great person and obviously a great quarterback.”

Doug Williams, Russell Wilson and Mahomes are the lone Black quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl.

Williams guided the Washington franchise to a 42-10 victory over Denver in Super Bowl XXII and Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks to a 43-8 win over the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.

As for Mahomes, he fueled the Chiefs to a 31-20 triumph over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.

The status of his ailing ankle could go a long way toward his bid to win a second ring. On Thursday, Mahomes said he didn’t aggravate the injury in Kansas City’s 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game this past Sunday.

“My whole body was sore after the game (but) I don’t think I took any steps backwards,” Mahomes said.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) throws a pass against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Ravens to play both Tyler Huntley, Anthony Brown

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With an injured Lamar Jackson out, the Baltimore Ravens reportedly plan to use both backup quarterbacks during Sunday night’s AFC wild-card game against the host Cincinnati Bengals.

Multiple reports said the Ravens will deploy the unusual strategy with Tyler Huntley and Anthony Brown, despite challenges with each.

Huntley, 24, is dealing with tendinitis in his right shoulder as well as a wrist injury. He was listed as questionable on the official injury report.

As a starter in his career, Huntley is 3-5. His injured shoulder hampered his performance this season, with Huntley completing just three passes of at least 20 yards in four starts.

When asked at Friday’s practice if he’s ready to return to the field, Huntley reported he has “no nerves.”

“Just excited to get back out there after missing one week,” Huntley said. “It’s a privilege to go out there and play football and I appreciate it.”

Meanwhile, the Ravens’ other backup quarterback, Brown, 24, is an undrafted rookie who’s made only one career start, last Sunday’s 27-16 loss to the Bengals. In that game, he threw for 286 yards with two interceptions and a fumble.

The two QBs have different strengths, with Brown the better passer while Huntley is more proficient at using the same run-oriented offense as Jackson.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh has been tight-lipped about the situation, declining to name a starter after Friday’s practice.

“We’ll see when the time comes,” Harbaugh said.

Jackson, who was ruled out for a sixth straight game with a left knee injury, “suffered a PCL Grade 2 sprain, on the borderline of a strain 3” and his knee “remains unstable,” according to Jackson’s own tweet on Thursday.

The Ravens enter Sunday night’s matchup against the defending AFC champion Bengals as a heavy underdog.

–Field Level Media

Aug 22, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jets waiting until Wednesday to name QB for opener

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New York Jets coach Robert Saleh said the team won’t name its Week 1 starting quarterback until Wednesday.

After Zach Wilson went through a workout Monday morning, Saleh said the Jets will see how his surgically-repaired right knee responds.

If Wilson can’t go, backup Joe Flacco will be under center Sunday against his former team when the Jets host the Baltimore Ravens.

Wilson, 23, had arthroscopic surgery on Aug. 16 after sustaining a meniscus tear and a bone bruise on a non-contact injury in the Aug. 12 preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wilson, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft, missed time last season with a torn PCL in the same knee. He was 3-10 as a starter with nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Flacco, 37, won 96 regular season games and a Super Bowl championship over 11 seasons with the Ravens (2008-18). He passed for 338 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in two games last season with the Jets.

–Field Level Media

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Cade McNamara celebrate a touchdown against Iowa during the first half of the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. Syndication Detroit Free Press

Jim Harbaugh on Michigan’s two-QB system: ‘It’s really biblical’

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Jim Harbaugh is doing things by the book at Michigan.

In granting the Wolverines’ top two quarterbacks each a start to begin the regular season, Harbaugh delayed naming a No. 1 quarterback after considering biblical guidance.

Cade McNamara will start for No. 8 Michigan against Colorado State on Saturday. Sophomore J.J. McCarthy gets the nod Sept. 10 against Hawaii.

Harbaugh said both quarterbacks will play in each game.

“No person, that’s biblical, no person knows what the future holds,” Harbaugh said Monday. “It’s a process and it’s going to be based on performance, but we’re not going to withhold any good thing. Both have been tremendous quarterbacks. We think that both are capable of leading our team to a championship.”

McNamara was the starter for the Wolverines in 2021 on the way to Michigan’s outright conference championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Harbaugh said McNamara was “arguably one of the most improved players on the team” following a season in which he amassed 2,576 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions.

McCarthy was a top-25 overall recruit but an injured throwing shoulder limited his availability this spring. He came off the bench to play in 11 games in 2021.

The quarterbacks made a decision difficult on the Wolverines’ coaching staff, Harbaugh said, adding he believes both are ready to lead the team to a championship if their number is called.

“Some people have asked, ‘How did you come to that decision? Was it based on some kind of NFL model?’” Harbaugh said. “No, it’s really based biblical. Solomon, he was known to be a pretty wise person.”

–Field Level Media

New York Jets defensive end Micheal Clemons (72) sacks New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) in the first half of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, August 28, 2022. Taylor was slow to get up and left the field soon after. Nfl Giants Vs Jets Preseason Game Giants At Jets

Giants QB Tyrod Taylor leaves game vs. Jets with back injury

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New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor sustained a back injury and left the team’s preseason finale against the New York Jets.

The Giants later ruled Taylor out for the remainder of the game.

Taylor was hit as he threw a complete pass to tight end Daniel Bellinger during the first quarter. After struggling to get up, he eventually jogged off under his own power, but he rode a cart to the locker room after being evaluated under the medical tent.

Taylor is the second-string quarterback on New York’s depth chart behind Daniel Jones. He started the preseason finale and completed 2 of 4 passes for 29 yards with one interception before exiting.

The journeyman joined the Giants, his sixth NFL team, on a two-year, $11 million deal this offseason. A Pro Bowler for the Buffalo Bills in 2015, Taylor has thrown for 10,736 yards, 59 touchdowns and 25 picks in 78 career games (53 starts) since 2011.

–Field Level Media

Nov 27, 2021; Stanford, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame names Tyler Buchner its starting QB

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Sophomore Tyler Buchner will start the season at quarterback for Notre Dame.

Coach Marcus Freeman made the announcement on Saturday.

“It was time to give the offense clarity on who is the starting quarterback,” Freeman told reporters, adding Buchner’s running ability was a benefit.

A San Diego native, Buchner had been in competition with junior Drew Pyne. Both backed up Jack Coan last season.

In 2021, Buchner appeared in 10 games and completed 21 of 35 passes for 298 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran for 336 yards and three touchdowns.

“He’s continuing to grow,” Freeman said. “He is an alpha male in that room. A confident guy and knows the answer.”

Buchner will be tested immediately. The Irish open the season Sept. 3 at Ohio State.

–Field Level Media

Jul 28, 2021; Englewood, CO, United States; Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) talks with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during training camp at UCHealth Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos GM, coach unified in mission to address QB spot

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Denver general manager George Paton and new head coach Nathaniel Hackett are singing the same tune regarding the No. 1 goal for the Broncos this offseason — get a quarterback. Preferably a franchise cornerstone.

They have 11 picks in the upcoming draft to play with. They have the qualities they’re looking for. Now all they need is the right guy.

“We work through it. We just want the best guy,” Paton said Tuesday from the scouting combine in Indianapolis. “We don’t care if it’s free agency; we don’t care if it’s the draft; we don’t care if it’s a trade. We’re going to exhaust all options to try to get the best guy for the Broncos.”

Hackett mentioned looking for a QB with that “it” factor, and 2019 second-round pick Drew Lock doesn’t appear to be it. Lock is 8-13 as the starter and lost the starting competition to Teddy Bridgewater in 2021. Bridgewater is a free agent.

The Broncos have been linked to Aaron Rodgers, but the Green Bay Packers will have the final say about trading away their future Hall of Famer.

“You want a quarterback that when he’s out there, he’s going to make other people better around him,” Hackett said. “In the end it’s about that intelligence. It’s to be able to get out there and process quickly because it’s the hardest position in all of sports, in my opinion. It’s unbelievable.”

His boss agrees.

“I think it’s always a priority. It’s the most important position in sports, so we’re always looking,” Paton said, acknowledging Lock and Brett Rypien. “No stone unturned to find that guy. We know we need better play out of the quarterback position. So we’re going to be aggressive.”

The 2022 quarterback draft class is considered weak. The Broncos, who have the No. 9 overall pick, reportedly had formal interviews Monday night with Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral and Malik Willis, among others.

“I went to all of their live games, and you get to know them a little bit there. Then the ones who showed up at the Senior Bowl, that’s another look there. This is just another step in the process,” Paton said. “This class is an interesting class. You have five or six talented guys, and they’re all different. So we just really need to hone down and sort it out and stack them, and see who’s best for the Denver Broncos if we go that direction in the draft.”

–Field Level Media

Jun 8, 2021; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay smiles during mini camp held at the practice facility at Cal State Lutheran. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Rams coach Sean McVay ‘in a better mood’ since Matthew Stafford trade

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Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay gladly acknowledges that the team’s acquisition of quarterback Matthew Stafford in exchange for Jared Goff is keeping him in high spirits.

“I think I’ve been very happy,” McVay said when asked Thursday about the March swap. “Everybody says, ‘Man, you just seem like you’re in a better mood this offseason,’ and I said, ‘Damn right I am.’”

The Rams made it to Super Bowl LIII after the 2018 season behind Goff, a two-time Pro Bowler and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft. However, Goff’s play declined since then, and reports after the 2020 season indicated that the McVay-Goff relationship had splintered.

Earlier this year, the Rams decided to replace him with Stafford, who had mutually agreed with the Detroit Lions to part ways.

McVay talked up Stafford at a news conference Thursday arranged by the committee running next year’s Super Bowl in Inglewood, Calif.

“This guy, he’s a special guy,” McVay, 35, said about Stafford, 33. “I think one of the best ways that I can describe him when you hear people that have been around him, there’s a known confidence where when he walks into a room, you feel his presence, but he’s got a great humility about himself. Everybody loves being around him, and he’s one of those guys that’s a true igniter. He makes everybody around him better.”

Los Angeles sent Goff, two first-round picks and a third-rounder to Detroit to land what it saw as a quarterback upgrade. At the time, Goff seemed a bit blindsided.

“I’m just excited to be somewhere that I know wants me and appreciates me,” Goff told NFL Network after the trade.

Stafford will seek a fresh start in Los Angeles after spending the first 12 seasons of his career with the Lions. For his career, Stafford has thrown for 45,109 yards and 282 touchdowns versus 144 interceptions — almost a 2:1 TD-to-INT ratio. However, Detroit only managed to make the playoffs just three times and post double-digit wins twice during the Stafford era.

–Field Level Media