Handicapping Five Quarterback Battles in Training Camp: Jake Locker Taking the Lead, Kevin Kolb Leaving the Door Open
By Jason Lisk
That leaves only five situations where the starting quarterback is at least in doubt. Here’s my assessment of the likelihood of each quarterback starting in week 1.
5. Cleveland Browns. This one barely qualifies as a battle, as the Browns are likely to turn to first round pick Brandon Weeden in the opener, and appear to have moved on from Colt McCoy. Weeden could struggle in the preseason, I suppose, and lead the Browns to start with him on the bench with an eye toward working him into the lineup later. Absent a disaster, though, Weeden should be the opening day starter. (Chances of starting week 1 if healthy: Weeden 95%, McCoy 5%)
4. Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks made some noise with the drafting of Russell Wilson in the third round, and early suggestions that he could be in the competition. Right now, that appears like a long shot. The most likely scenario is that Matt Flynn, who was signed by the Seahawks in the offseason, will be the opening day starter. It would be an upset if Tarvaris Jackson started, and that probably wouldn’t go over well with the fan base after adding two others. According to 12th man rising, Flynn has been getting progressively more reps, a sign that he has the clear advantage. (Chances of starting week 1 if healthy: Flynn 80%, Wilson 10%, Jackson 10%).
1. Tennessee Titans. We know that Jake Locker will get an opportunity to start in 2012, it is just a matter of when, and whether that will be in the season opener. I expect Locker to play at least half the games. He may now be the favorite, though, to start right away after looking impressive early and having good practices over the weekend. I already projected Locker’s numbers on a per game basis, but if he is the opening day starter he should shoot up fantasy boards. He will have a lower completion percentage but make more big plays, and also be a factor running the ball. I think Locker will be given every opportunity to earn the job right away, but the Titans are in good shape if they have to turn to veteran Matt Hasselbeck instead for the first month. (Chances of starting week 1 if healthy: Locker 60%, Hasselbeck 40%)
[photos via US Presswire]