Stanley Holditch
Before training camps we began, we looked at camp battles that would have significant impact on superflex and 2QB leagues. Time to revisit those and add a few other notes that could impact your 2QB and superflex drafts this month.
Patriots QB Battle: Cam vs Lil Mac
Those hoping for Cam to go quietly into that good night (guilty) are going to be disappointed. This battle has been fairly even with Cam and Mac trading good and bad days. Belichik has called Newton “consistent” and originally declared Newton the week 1 starter. Reports show that Cam is improving day by day and Mac is having his rookie ups and downs.
Barring a meltdown by Cam in camp or preseason, it’s really hard to see him not starting the first half of the season. It’s Cam’s job to lose at this point, not Mac’s to win.
Saints QB Battle: Slight Edge to Winston
All the reports I have read have said that Winston appears very much improved from his years at Tampa. Both QBs have had wow throws in practice, but Winston has garnered more positive buzz.
My money is still on Winston to start week 1, and Taysom to continue his gadget role.
Bears QB Battle: Fields Is the Obvious Choice
Whenever I think about this “battle” I hear Jimmy Volmer’s (from South Park) voice in my head: “I mean, come on.” Fields is absolutely lighting up camp and forcing Nagy’s hand as I thought he would be. Honestly I think he is the frontrunner for ROY already.
The week 1 game against the Rams may have Nagy cynically thinking that Dalton is the better sacrificial lamb to the Rams front 4, but I bet he’s also thinking that maybe, just maybe, putting Fields under center might just give them a chance to win that game.
The call from Bears Nation to start Fields will be deafening after preseason.
49ers QB Battle: Lance is Ready
Another situation that is becoming more obvious to beat writers and attendees at the 49ers camp is that Lance looks far more ready than most anticipated.
Lance has avoided some of the “down days” that have plagued other rookie QBs not named Justin Fields, but for now we should still expect Jimmy Garropolo to start the season. With every well-timed throw and good decision made in camp and preseason by Lance, Jimmy’s leash gets a foot or two shorter.
Dolphins QB: Tua Trending Up
As I wrote a couple weeks ago, what I am looking for about Tua are superlatives from teammates and coaches. We need to hear things that are not just good, but great.
I don’t know if we are there yet, but things are trending in the right direction for the second-year prospect out of Alabama. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that he is hitting his deep throws, and teammate Myles Gaskin said that he has earned his leadership role. The headlines are good, but always read past the headlines.
Ravens Running Back Battle: Dobbins All Alone
Gus Edwards tested positive and has missed all of training camp thus far, giving all the first team reps to second-year pro J.K. Dobbins. From what I have read, Dobbins is taking advantage, and looks much improved in the pass game as well.
Edwards is not there to catch passes, so if Dobbins can really excel in that department, he creates a valuable safety net for Jackson in the rare instances he can’t juke oncoming defenders and take it himself.
We still need to see how the reps are split once Edwards is back in the mix, but I still think Dobbins is one of the bast RB values in redraft and dynasty, and is still available in the third round. For those looking to take a tier 1 QB anchor to your superflex or 2QB team, Dobbins provides potential top-five RB value that allows for drafting a QB early and not hurting at running back.
Jets: Wilson Development
Name the last really good Jets QB. I’ll wait.
If all you can come up with is Joe Namath, you’re not alone. Therefore we have to view the excitement around Wilson in context: Jets fans and the New York media are desperate for a good story. Even so, reports on Wilson have been mixed, as is expected.
Wilson rarely if ever faced pressure at BYU. They simply didn’t play many good defenses. Given that sacks aren’t allowed in training camp, we probably won’t get a read on Wilson’s ability to face a significant pass rush until week 2 in the preseason.
Rams: Stafford’s Impact on Offense
Stafford has been corking off some deep balls to Rams receivers in practice, and McVay is smart enough to not show too much of his changed offensive style with Stafford under center in preseason. But mark my words, Rams receivers will benefit and increase in value this season.
Jaguars Running Back Battle: Robinson Not Going Away
Local writers are noticing an improved, speedier James Robinson:
I haven’t written much about James Robinson throughout camp but he looks primed for another big season. Robinson consistently wins his reps. During teamwork, Robinson appears to be faster than he was a year ago. That’s a good sign for the Jaguars running game.
Jamal St. Cyr
If there’s one thing we know about Urban Meyer, other than we never really know much about Urban Meyer, it’s that he likes to run the ball. I currently have Etienne ranked higher in PPR leagues simply because I can’t see him catching fewer than 70 balls this year as he is moved all over the field. But I do expect Robinson to retain the bulk of the rushing work, and be a good but not spectacular back this season. RB3 with some RB2 upside in non-ppr leagues.
Broncos QB Battle: Drying Paint Draws Bigger Crowds
No change here, neither QB is showing much. Neither one will start in 2022 and both will start in 2021. Avoid.
