Three Big Training Camp Battles to Keep an Eye On

August 7, 2018 Off By tailgatesports

New York Jets Starting Quarterback: Last season, it was the play of veteran QB, Josh McCown, that lead the Jets to a surprising five win season. His steady play scored them victories over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs and kept them close against the Patriots, Falcons, and Panthers. McCown is back again for his 16th season, but with a former Offensive Rookie of the Year in Teddy Bridgewater, and number three overall pick, Sam Darnold, battling him for reps, what chance does he have of holding onto the starting job? Well, Todd Bowles has made it quite clear that he intends to start the quarterback who gives them the best chance to win, and for the majority of the offseason that was thought to be McCown. However, since Darnold arrived to camp, players and coaches alike have been taken aback by his pose and ability to make throws on time. Even Teddy Bridgewater had nothing but praise for the rookie, stating that he “Seems like a guy you can’t break, and that’s what you want as a quarterback. He’s even-keel. I just watch him — he makes throws, and it’s like man, this guy, he’s the real deal”(Lott, Omnisport). My guess here is that Darnold’s talent and upside are too much for the Jets to pass on and he winds up as the Week 1 starter.

Prediction: Sam Darnold is Week 1 starter

👀 Tavon Austin pic.twitter.com/nE6oC9LlfO

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 6, 2018

Dallas Cowboys No.1 wide receiver: After failing to negotiate a reduced contract with former All-Pro, Dez Bryant, the Cowboys decided it was best to let him walk. That leaves Dallas with Allen Hurns, Terrence Williams, Cole Beasley, Tavon Austin, Deonte Thompson, and 3rd round rookie Michael Gallup competing for the the chance to be Dak Prescott’s favorite target. So far in camp, all of these guys have taken reps with the first team offense and with no true clarity at the moment all we can do is guess as to who will start Week 1. In the Cowboy’s first official depth chart, they have Deonte Thompson, and Allen Hurns listed on the outside with Tavon Austin starting in the shot. Given the history and chemistry between Cole Beasley and Dak Prescott, I’d be surprised if Beasley does not find himself on the field more often than not. Also, if Gallup continues to impress at camp and shows up in the preseason he could quickly become a focal point of this Cowboys air attack.

Prediction: The Cowboys will start Allen Hurns, Terrence Williams, and Cole Beasley in Week 1, but Gallup with start by the end of the season.

Indianapolis Colts starting running back: With ironman running back Frank Gore off to Miami, the Colts will look to a combination of first and second year players to establish a consistent run game. The leading candidate for the starting job is currently 2017 fourth round pick, Marlon Mack. Mack played in 14 games last season, serving as Gore’s backup, a change of pace back, and a third down back from time to time. He only averaged 3.8 yards per carry, but also reeled in 21 of 33 targets for 225 yards. In his brief career, he has shown some promise to be a team’s lead back, but the player people are talking about is, 5th round rookie, Jordan Wilkins. Wilkins is a hard nosed runner with the size and strength to run between the tackles. Like many rookies, he has struggled in pass catching and pass protection drills, but has shown enough promise as a runner to lead me to believe he will at least make the Colts 53 man roster. That brings me to another rookie back, 4th round pick Nyheim Hines. Hines excels in all things Wilkins has struggled in. He is easily their best pass catching back and has performed surprisingly well in pass protection drills. Barring injury, I do not see any way, Hines will not have a role in this offense, but just how prominent a role will that be?

Prediction: Mack is Week 1 starter with Hines as the 3rd down back, but Colts go with a committee for the majority of the season.