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NFL Quarterback Battle Update: Hoyer-Mallett Dead Even

By Erik Lambert

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Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) gestures against the San Francisco 49ers in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If there is one thing to find entertaining about preseason football when the games don’t matter, it’s in the individual roster battles that take place on every team.  None more so than the quarterback positions.  Several are up for grabs in 2015 and could determine playoff fates.  How did things shift following Week 1?

Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer remain deadlocked

Easily the most interesting showdown of the preseason, Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer didn’t disappoint in their bids for the Houston Texans job.  Hoyer fired the first shot with an impressive 58-yard touchdown pass in the 1st quarter.  However, Mallette turned in the more efficient game on 10-of-11 passing for 90 yards.  Unfortunately none of his drives resulted in points with his best ending at the 49ers 1-yard line.

True to form, Texans head coach Bill O’Brien announced the two would switch positions for next week with Mallett getting the start.  Based on the way this is going it could go down to the wire.

Tyrod Taylor leaps ahead of Cassel and Manuel

Several sources have indicated for weeks it was not wise to count out Tyrod Taylor in the bid for the Buffalo Bills quarterback job.  The former Baltimore Ravens backup had showcased talent both in college and prior preseasons.  It was just a matter of getting his opportunity, and he’s making the most of it.

Against Carolina, he showcased his tantalizing versatility by completing 5-of-8 passes for 49 yards and also rushing six times for another 47.  As a result two of his offensive drives ended in touchdowns.  Regardless of the competition he faced it was enough of a sign for head coach Rex Ryan to give him the start in Week 2 over Matt Cassel and E.J. Manuel.

Josh McCown maintains lead on Johnny Manziel

There weren’t a lot of points put up, but the overall performance at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns was steady in their opener.  Johnny Manziel did his best to remind everybody that he has a legitimate stake for the starting job by completing over 60% of his passes and also executing a nifty 12-yard touchdown scramble.

Still, McCown didn’t seem phased on the moment.  He conducted a solid 75-yard drive to open the game, completing all five of his passes including the one for a touchdown.  Not overwhelming, but efficient.  That is what the Browns want, and until Manziel shows he can do it consistently, McCown is the man.

Kirk Cousins gaining on Robert Griffin III

The Washington Redskins may continue to insist there is no battle here, but there is.  Robert Griffin III has done nothing since his rookie season to show he deserves to start for the team.  His opening preseason showing did little to change that has he completed half his passes for just 36 yards.

Meanwhile, for all his deficiencies backup Kirk Cousins showed he understands how to run an offense like a professional.  His passes were accurate and on time and when he could find open receivers he created opportunities with his legs.  RGIII should be able to do that too, but he hasn’t.

That is why Cousins is quietly gaining on him.

Next: NFL Backup Quarterback Stock Watch: Brock Osweiler Shines

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