Wednesday, August 21, 2019

NFL Backup Quarterbacks Battle Across the League | Ticket King Green Bay


For those of us in Wisconsin, the time discussing the current backup quarterback battle going on in Packers camp between DeShone Kizer and Tim Boyle have taken up all the airspace. However, there are plenty of other backup and third-string quarterback battles going on across the league. Let’s highlight some of them.

Vikings:  This is an organization that has never been to keen on handing the backup quarterback position to a player who has never taken an NFL snap but that is what they are currently considering. Sean Mannion was chosen to be the backup, but Kyle Sloter, the former undrafted free agent, has been nothing but impressive. In his first couple of seasons with the Vikings, during the preseason and practice, Sloter has looked confident and poised. The Vikings could very well hand him the backup quarterback position and cut Mannion. That would probably mean that Jake Browning would head to the practice squad.

Saints: Teddy Bridgewater, the former Vikings first-round draft choice who was signed last year to be the backup, is losing his grip on the role to Taysom Hill. This former undrafted free agent has gotten better and better with each passing day. The Saints could very well elect to trade Bridgewater at the end of camp to a backup quarterback-needy team, recouping a draft choice, and signing somebody they like off of somebody else’s scrap heap to be on their practice squad.

Steelers: This could very well be Big Ben’s final season. If that is the case, the Steelers need to find his replacement. Neither Joshua Dobbs or Mason Rudolph are really the future. They are, however, in a heated battle to be the backup quarterback. Joshua Dobbs’ interception this week didn’t help his cause. This one is really tight.

Chargers: The Chargers backup quarterback battle is between Cardale Jones and the veteran Tyrod Taylor. They are going to have to cut one at some point, as rookie Easton Stick is going to require being kept on the 53-man roster. Right now, the advantage goes to Jones.

Raiders: It should be noted that Jon Gruden has said that Nathan Peterman is growing on him. However, Mike Glennon has been better. In fact, he threw two touchdown passes this week in a very impressive performance that all but solidified his back up job.

Buccaneers: This is a battle between a pair of veterans with some serious game experience. Ryan Griffin is in his sixth season, and in extended play this week he went 14 for 21 for 201 yards and a touchdown pass. Blaine Gabbert meanwhile did not look good, completing 5 of 12 passes, for just 42 yards.

Saturday, August 3, 2019

Packers Family Night Recap 2019 - Ticket King Green Bay


The Packers held their annual Family Fun Night on Friday, which is a glorified scrimmage to help prepare them for preseason play. Let’s go through a rundown of what happened.

Aaron Rodgers- This was our first chance to see Rodgers in this new offense, and he looked very  comfortable. He found the likes of Jake Kumerow, Davante Adams, and Geronimo Allison for big gains down the field and looked sharp on smaller throws as well.

Davante Adams- Adams looked solid when he was on the field, specifically on that big catch from Rodgers. He and Rodgers should be just fine in this new offense.

Geronimo Allison- This was our first chance to see Allison, after missing most of the season a year ago. Allison will be the team’s number two receiver in this new offense. He looked in rhythm with Rodgers early, especially on a quick slant.

Trevor Davis- He has a lot of work to do this preseason to keep his roster spot. It was a case of “So far, so good.” He was the best player on the field Friday night, making big plays and leaping catches downfield for big gains. Still, it was just a glorified practice and we will see how he does in preseason play.

Jake Kumerow- If Kumerow wants to be the third receiver he sure helped his cause Friday night. He made a big catch downfield from Rodgers and showed off his footwork along the sidelines as well.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling- The second of three receivers battling for the slot job, Scantling looked solid, nothing impressive though.

J’Mon Moore- Moore struggled in front of the friendly crowd, and will be taking a seat on the back of Packers wide receiver bus soon.

Deshone Kizer/Tim Boyle- The backup quarterback battle got a lot more interesting Friday Night. Kizer strubbled when outside of the big rush, and that is not a measurement of NFL quarterback success. His worst moment was the interception and run back by Tony Brown. Boyle didn’t look spectacular, but he he made up ground, based on Kizer’s performance.

Sam Ficken- This backup kicker had the moment of the night, finishing Family Night with a 64-yard field goal.