2016 NFL Preseason: Stock Report For 5 Quarterbacks

Week two of the 2016 NFL preseason is off and running. There was plenty of action already, including some interesting updates on the quarterbacks.

The following is a stock report that will detail which names had good performances to help their standing with their teams and which ones might by in trouble after bad games or injuries.

Robert Griffin III:  UP

Maybe it’s time to start taking the Cleveland Browns seriously regarding their decision to gamble on Robert Griffin III. Most felt he was a lost cause, but head coach Hue Jackson saw the 26-year old as a reclamation project. Given enough time and proper TLC, he might be able to recapture the form that made him a Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2012. His solid performance against Atlanta (6-for-8, 96 yards and 2 TDs) showed there may yet be some magic left in the former #2 overall pick.

Landry Jones:  DOWN

The backup situation is becoming an issue for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t have the cleanest injury history, so having an able reserve behind him is key. Landry Jones didn’t settle any mind with his ugly showing against Philadelphia. A game where he accomplished a rare feat by throwing four interceptions in one quarter. Never mind the backup job. Jones may not even stick on the roster with performances like that.

Jimmy Garoppolo:  UP

Things didn’t start well for the third-year quarterback against Chicago, but as the game progressed he seemed to grow more comfortable and began to showcase some of the talent that made him a 2nd round pick. He missed on just five passes (16-of-21) and finished with 181 yards and a touchdown. There is still plenty of work for him to do before he’s ready for the opener but this can be called a step in the right direction.

Brett Hundley:  DOWN

The battle for the backup job behind Aaron Rodgers looked like a slam dunk this year for Brett Hundley, whom the Green Bay Packers have developed steadily. That was put in jeopardy against Oakland. He didn’t play a bad game on the stat sheet, but he did end up leaving with an ankle injury. It’s the same one he has hurt before. Initial belief is he’ll be fine but this reaffirms how iffy the Packers remains at quarterback behind their MVP.

Jay Cutler:  UP

It’s not easy playing against a defense coached by Bill Belichick. So to see Jay Cutler rebound from his rough week one outing to play with considerable poise and efficiency in New England was a welcome sight for Chicago Bears fans. He led two scoring drives in the 1st quarter, going 8-of-12 for 83 yards and never really put the ball in harms way. It’s a continuation of the form he showed in 2015. Provided his weapons stay healthy this time, that’s a very good thing.