Who Will Start At Quarterback NFL Week 1 + OTA Battles! | Old-Fashioned Football (Ep. 185)
As the summer heat rises, NFL teams are working through their offseason training activities (OTAs), and speculation swirls about who will secure the NFL Week 1 starting quarterback spots across the league. In this week’s episode of “Old Fashioned Football,” we dive deep into the intriguing quarterback battles of the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Indianapolis Colts. We also touch on the Week 1 starting quarterback odds. Alongside the football talk, we dissect a bottle of Blanton’s bourbon, sharing our thoughts and palate experiences.
New Orleans Saints: A Quarterback Quandary
The Saints are navigating the post-Drew Brees era with a quarterback room that’s up for grabs. With Derek Carr retired, the focus shifts to Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Schuck. Rattler, despite zero wins last year as a starter, has begun OTAs as the presumptive QB1.
Schuck is the fresher face, but Rattler’s experience with the team might give him an early edge. Who will emerge as the true starter for Week 1 remains to be seen, but expect this battle to heat up as training camp approaches.
Giants’ New Chapter with Russell Wilson
The Giants are entering an era with veteran Russell Wilson taking the helm. Despite being the QB1 in OTAs, his performance seems shaky, hinting at possible mid-season changes. Behind him, Jameis Winston and rookie Jackson Dart are waiting in the wings.
As the Giants navigate a challenging division, the quarterback decision could make or break their season. Will Wilson reclaim his former glory, or is it time for the Giants to pass the torch to a younger option?
Browns’ Quarterback Carousel
Over in Cleveland, the Browns’ quarterback situation includes veteran Joe Flacco, newly acquired Kenny Pickett, and two promising rookies. Deshaun Watson’s off-field issues and inconsistent play will open the door for a change.
Our prediction leans towards a surprising Week 1 starting quarterback. However, watch for rookie sensations Dylan Gabriel or Sha Sanders to make a splash if things go south.
Steelers Place Bets on Aaron Rodgers
The Steelers’ bet on Aaron Rodgers brings intrigue and risk. Known for his drama-filled offseason antics, Rodgers hopes to resurrect his career in Pittsburgh. Questions loom about his chemistry with a new set of teammates. He’s expected to start Week 1.
However, will it last? With rookie Will Howard lurking, the leash could be shorter than anticipated. Pittsburgh’s playoff drought and Rodgers’ recent postseason woes add complexity to this high-stakes gamble.
Colts Contenders: A New Direction
Indiana’s favorite, Anthony Richardson, once the face of the Colts’ future, now faces uncertainty with a nagging shoulder injury. This opens doors for Daniel Jones, who brings mobility and a fresh start.
Jones, we speculate, might start Week 1, with Richardson providing dynamic plays in specific packages.
Blanton’s: A Taste of Tradition
As traditional as a game of football, Blanton’s single-barrel bourbon serves as our whiskey of the week. With rich notes of caramel, corn, and oak, it’s a quintessential bourbon. However, some might say its reputation is boosted by the iconic bottle rather than the liquid inside. While it doesn’t quite justify the top-shelf price, Blanton’s is undoubtedly a collector’s gem for its design and heritage.
Final Thoughts
The NFL quarterback battles are a lot like an offseason bourbon tasting: full of anticipation and speculation. As these teams prepare for the regular season, we’ll keep an eye on the swirling rumors and on-field developments.
Meanwhile, whether you’re tuning in for football news, betting strategy, or bourbon commentary, there’s plenty to savor in the convergence of these American pastimes.
Join us next time, where we’ll have more NFL insights and another whiskey to review — a perfect pairing to keep you entertained and informed. Cheers!
