NFL Preseason Week 2 Takeaways: Key QB Questions Linger
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- Cleveland Browns face a four-quarterback decision after Shedeur Sanders went 9-of-11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and interception in his first-half start, while Deshaun Watson completed just 5-of-12 for 35 yards with a pick across four second-half drives
- Minnesota Vikings have J.J. McCarthy penciled in as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Kyler Murray but the role isn't settled; McCarthy went 5-of-10 for 81 yards and overthrew two open receivers in the end zone, while Carson Wentz 'was sharper' with the third team
- Atlanta Falcons undrafted rookie Jack Strand (Minnesota State-Moorhead) went 8-for-8 for 155 yards and added a 16-yard touchdown run after replacing Cooper Rush, building a case for a third QB roster spot
- New York Giants have Odell Beckham Jr. on the roster bubble after he caught just two passes for 17 yards on five targets, sitting behind Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Braxton Berrios, Darius Slayton and Calvin Austin III on the depth chart
- Los Angeles Rams split backup QB reps between Stetson Bennett IV (19-of-31, 181 yards, two rushing TDs in the first half) and rookie Ty Simpson, the 2026 No. 13 overall pick (8-of-12, 73 yards in three second-half series)
- New Orleans Saints still have no clear backup QB after Spencer Rattler threw a pick-six and Zach Wilson completed just 50% of his passes for 55 yards with an interception against the Rams
- Severe weather in Jacksonville forced the league to end Thursday's preseason game at the two-minute warning of the fourth quarter because of lightning
Why it matters: With the Aug. 30 cut-down deadline approaching, these QB decisions carry real roster stakes — Cleveland's four-quarterback room forces a release or trade, Minnesota must choose between McCarthy and Wentz for the backup role, and fringe veterans like Beckham face being moved. Atlanta's Strand case adds a roster-math wrinkle: teams must weigh carrying a developmental third QB against losing him on waivers.
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