2017 NFL Preseason Week 3 Humbles The Rookie QB Class

NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 26: Deshaun Watson /

The rookie quarterback class was having plenty of fun throughout the first half of the 2017 NFL preseason. Some started to think it was a renaissance.

Then the other shoe dropped. Preseason week three is notorious for being the one where teams take it almost as seriously as an actual regular season game. Starters play longer than any other and limited game plans are installed. It’s often here where rookies can be exposed and that seems to be what happened this time as well, especially for the quarterbacks.

It was bound to happen sooner or later. It does for even the best. For all of it to happen at the same time isn’t a coincidence. This is the tradition smack back to reality rookies receive that they aren’t the head honchos of college anymore. This is where the big boys play. It’s time to see which of them will learn from their lesson. Safe to say most of the top names receives one.

Patrick Mahomes vs. Seattle

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There is no denying that Patrick Mahomes has the sort of skill set Andy Reid hasn’t seen since Brett Favre. The rocket arm and uncanny improvisation make him so much fun to watch. However, that also comes with a downside. If put under pressure by a good defense, he’s prone to making mistakes. Despite playing the backups of the Seattle Seahawks he managed just 8-of-15 passing for 70 yards. He was harassed constantly and gave up a sack. He was prone to holding the ball too long, a symptom of his time at Texas Tech that no doubt needs work.

Deshaun Watson vs. New Orleans

The reigning NCAA national champion is figuring out that NFL speeds are nothing like what he feasted on at Clemson. While he remains a dangerous runner, Deshaun Watson had an ugly night passing. Considering it was against a questionable secondary in New Orleans didn’t help. He went 11-for-21 with 116 yards and an interception. He should’ve had another interception but it bounced off the defenders’ hands. His ability to process the field remains a work-in-progress.

DeShone Kizer vs. Tampa Bay

He had a couple really nice throws, but DeShone Kizer can’t cover up his uneven performance against the Buccaneers. He completed just 6-of-18 passes for 93 yards and an interception. This hasn’t stopped the Cleveland Browns from proclaiming him their opening day starter. Given their other options it’s hard to blame them. At the same time the hype train must be kept at a reasonable speed. Many of the problems stated about Kizer coming out of Notre Dame are still present.

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