Students discuss NFL quarterback headlines

Following the massive headlines created during week two of the NFL season, Kyle Clem, ’21, talked with juniors Carston Saelzler and Bryson Graham about their thoughts from the week, Sept. 17. Among the various high-profile headlines around the league, one of the most anticipated moments came that morning.

The New York Giants benched their incumbent starting quarterback, Eli Manning, in favor of the No. 8 overall draft pick, Daniel Jones. Following the controversial selection of Jones in the 2019 draft, he began to quiet the doubters through his consistent play in the preseason. Jones takes over for an 0-2 Giants team, equipped with a lethal run game led by second year running back Saquon Barkley.

Another quarterback who found themselves in the headlines this week came following a thumb injury. Drew Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, tore a ligament in his thumb during his match against the Los Angeles Rams. Brees requires surgery on his thumb and is expected to miss the next six weeks. Meanwhile, his backup, Teddy Bridgewater, assumes command of the New Orleans offense.

The quarterback injury plague hadn’t finished spreading through the NFL. Pittsburgh Steelers signal caller, Ben Roethlisberger, came out of the week two contest with a non-contact elbow injury. Following surgery, Pittsburgh expects Roethlisberger to miss the rest of the season. During his time out, the 2018 third round pick Mason Rudolph takes over as the starter.

In another Steelers related headline, the Miami Dolphins traded the 2018 first round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick to Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2020 first round pick. The deal also includes mid round selections from 2020 and late round pick swaps in the 2021 season. This move comes during a historically bad opening for Miami, with the team getting outscored 102-10 through the first two weeks. In comparison, the Cleveland Browns finished their 2017 campaign with an 0-16 record. During this season, the team finished their first two games with a combined score of 45-28.

Stay tuned to The Feather next week for a review of week three of the NFL season.

For more articles read National Constitution Day celebrates American democracy, Sept. 17 and Blake Burdan tackles final football season.

Kyle Clem can be reached via Twitter @KyleClem5 and via email.