Full contact practices are underway as teams look to improve during mandatory training camp. Which NFL quarterbacks are making the most of their new opportunities in 2022?
NFL coaches and players have officially taken the field and are preparing for the upcoming season. New game plans and strategies hold the focus for most franchises who expect to produce better results – but players are ready to put on a show.
Early off-season transactions positioned some of the league’s developing talent in better career scenarios.
With the kickoff of preseason football beginning this week, here are a few quarterbacks who will make the most of a new opportunity this season.
NFL QB no. 3: Mac Jones is ready to continue his hot start in New England
Bill Belichick has seen his fair share of legendary quarterbacks throughout his career as a head coach. Grooming Tom Brady into a nightmare for opposing defenses has helped New England’s coach gain the respect of his colleagues.
Belichick’s newest field general has shown interest in keeping the New England quarterback tradition of success alive.
Mac Jones’ performances on the field so far this off-season have caught the eyes of analysts. Accurate passing and leadership qualities have helped the former first-round pick develop into one of the league’s most impressive young gunslingers.
His 22 passing touchdowns last season set the record for most touchdowns thrown by a rookie in Patriots history. Jones’ 3,801 yards passing finished 13th best among active QBs last season.
New England’s coaching staff can find comfort in knowing that their second-year quarterback is prepared to continue his success from the previous season.
With Jones at the helm, New England ranked 6th in the points per game in 2022. With additions like Baylor’s Tyquan Thornton and veteran Ty Montgomery, Jones should make the most of his sophomore year.
NFL QB no. 2: Trey Lance is ready to take over in San Francisco
Deciding not to trade veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo may have been the best move the 49er’s front office made all off-season.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan’s plan to play behind their sophomore year quarterback – giving Garoppolo the role of veteran backup for the upcoming season.
This decision required an enormous amount of faith in sophomore Tre Lance’s ability to make things happen under center. After one year as an understudy, the former first-round pick is due to show his worth.
The 49ers’ front office spent time and resources to ensure that Lance could put his best foot forward. An agreement between the team and star wide receiver Deebo Samuel will give the 22-year-old quarterback another weapon to target on the field.
No.19 was an important part of the offense in 2021. His 1,405 yards receiving and 18.2 yards per reception finished in the top five in both categories among receivers.
Fans in San Francisco feel optimistic about the upcoming season. Their plan to groom their second-year gunslinger will only help the team develop in the upcoming seasons.
Unlike some quarterbacks in his class, Lance has shown that he is prepared to make an impact on his new team.
NFL QB no. 1: Marcus Mariota looks for redemption with Atlanta Falcons
Marcus Mariota’s journey as an NFL quarterback has had its ups and downs. In his second year in the league, he finished with 3,426 yards passing and 26 touchdowns. As Mariota’s career progressed, his opportunity to remain a starting quarterback began to dwindle.
Injuries including pectoral strains and leg strains have cost the former Oregon standout 10 games in the last two seasons.
Despite his history of injuries, Mariota has displayed enough talents to earn a home in the NFC South. A two-year deal worth $18.75 million turned the former Raider into an Atlanta Falcon – hopeful of obtaining a starting spot on the team’s offense.
Offensive coordinator Dave Ragone and his squad have work to do before they host the New Orleans Saints on September 11.
Reports from the team’s training camp have praised Atlanta’s newest man under center for his leadership and play-making ability. Decision-making and mobility have given the seventh-year veteran a slight advantage in the quarterback competition between himself and Desmond Ridder.
Multiple teams have chosen to change their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. As players compete in training camp drills, analysts watch closely to analyze the next best talent.
The future of quarterback play in the NFL looks promising for years to come and these gunslingers have all intentions of making the most of their new opportunities.