With preseason games underway and camps in full swing fans are getting their first look at 2021 rosters and draft picks. A handful of first-round quarterback selections are expected to see quite a bit of time in the preseason, and a chance to win starting jobs.
NFL News – Jones Looks Sharp
The first of those to get into action was New England’s Mac Jones. The Patriots first-rounder did not disappoint on Thursday night against Washington as the former Alabama star took over for Cam newton and played the better part of two quarters.
Jones completed 13-of-19 passes for 87 yards and directed the offense up and down the field. Jones executed a no-huddle drive in the third quarter as the Pats replicated a two-minute situation.
The Patriots won the game 22-13 with Newton starting and Brian Hoyer finishing the game at quarterback. Newton was 4-for-7 for 49 yards while Hoyer was 2-for-4 for 13 yards.
Jones has the chance to see significant time this season if Newton doesn’t improve over his 2020 numbers. He has the sixth-best odds to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year at +1000. The Patriots are +350 to win the AFC East, behind Buffalo (-150).
NFL News – Jaguars, Steelers Make Trade
The Pittsburgh Steelers were busy on and off the field Thursday. On the field, they went across the state and beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-16 in their second preseason game. Off the field they traded for former Pro Bowl linebacker Joe Schobert, sending a late-round draft pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Schobert began his career with the Cleveland Browns, going against the Steelers in the AFC north. He was a member of the 2017 Pro Bowl while leading the Cleveland defense.
Before the 2020 season, Schobert signed a five-year, $53.8 million deal with Jacksonville and he is owed $7.3 million in 2021. Schobert led the Jaguars in tackles last season with 141 but didn’t fit into the plans of new coach Urban Meyer in Jacksonville.
With the Steelers defense, Schobert will compete with Robert Spillane at inside linebacker. Devin Bush starts at the other inside spot while Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt on the outside. Watt is in camp but isn’t practicing as he negotiations for a new contract.
The Steelers are +500 to win the AFC North behind Baltimore (+115) and Cleveland (+150). Their win total is 8.5 with the under at -140 and the over at +120.
Giants, Jets Faceoff Saturday
The New York Giants and the New York Jets face off Saturday night in preseason action. The Jets are expected to start first-round pick Zach Wilson and have him play around a quarter.
The Jets will have wideout free agent Corey Davis in uniform but rookie Elijah Moore left practice Thursday with a quad injury and will likely not play.
The Giants will not play quarterback Daniel Jones and it is likely a majority of their starters sit. With Jones in street clothes, veteran signal-caller Mike Glennon will get the starting nod.
The running back carousel is interesting for the Giants as Devontae Booker, Corey Clement, Alfred Morris, and Gary Brightwell all battle to backup injured Saquon Barkley.
Kickoff on Saturday is set for 7:30 p.m. ET with the Jets -2. The game total is 35 points with both sides at -110.
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