Quarterback is the most scrutinized position in sports. NFL QB changes are commonplace. In the past several days, significant news has been made about several teams’ present and future.
The Falcons switching from Kirk Cousins to Michael Penix Jr. was the first domino. Other moves have been made and they will have an immediate and long-term impact on how games and teams are assessed.
Titans Bench Will Levis
The Titans are benching quarterback Will Levis in favor of backup Mason Rudolph.
Despite Tennessee rookie head coach Brian Callahan’s protestations to the contrary, Levis is not his type of quarterback.
Given Callahan’s lineage as the son of former Raiders head coach Bill Callahan, that the elder Callahan made his name working with one of the most intelligent decision-making quarterbacks in recent years, Rich Gannon, and that the younger Callahan was the Bengals offensive coordinator during Joe Burrow’s formative years, it’s clear he wants someone who does not make the mistakes Levis does.
When assessing the Titans, this makes little difference in the short term. From his years in Pittsburgh, Rudolph sticks to game plans better than Levis. But with Tennessee 3-11, this is more about jockeying for draft position so they have myriad options with the QBs coming out.
Browns Bench Jameis Winston
The Browns benched backup Jameis Winston for the backup’s backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Since dumping Baker Mayfield, Cleveland has started the following QBs: Jacoby Brissett, Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, P.J. Walker, Thompson-Robinson, Jeff Driskel, and Winston.
The on-field results have reflected the upheaval while Mayfield leads Tampa to the playoffs for the second straight season.
Winston is a turnover machine. But benching him in favor of Thompson-Robinson does not move the needle much. If anything, the Browns will be worse. Thompson-Robinson has thrown one touchdown pass in his career against seven interceptions.
Meet the Good Soldier…Aaron Rodgers(?)
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, amid the worst team season in his life, is suddenly agreeable about potentially staying in the green and white for 2025.
In the past, Rodgers was reluctant to help his understudy in Green Bay, Jordan Love. Contrary to popular belief, mentorship is not part of the QB’s job description when, just like any form of employment, nobody in their right mind will willingly train someone to take their job unless they are on the verge of retirement or moving on.
Rodgers’ situation with Love was different than it was for Brett Favre when Green Bay took Rodgers in the first round of the 2005 draft. Favre repeatedly retired and unretired. Rodgers fell to them when he was expected to be selected in the top 10.
Rodgers, at 41, sounds like he plans to play in 2025. But there are not many options for him at his age and with his reputation sullied. Plus, he can be a pain.
The Jets’ defense is good enough that they could conceivably contend for the playoffs in 2025 with the right brain trust. Drafting a quarterback is a necessity, but playing a rookie failed for them with both Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson. It does make logical sense to have a young player learn behind Rodgers for a year or two.
But it’s the Jets. And that needs to be factored in with all it entails before making any determination.
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