NFL Catchup: Browns, Falcons Name Preseason Starting QBs; Bears HC Bold Goals

On the eve of Week 1 of the preseason games, Wednesday brought more clarity to quarterback battles across the league and bold expectations from a second-year head coach. The Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns made official announcements regarding their preseason starting quarterbacks. In the NFC North, Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson outlined lofty offensive goals, while Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reacted to losing out on the starting job to Kyler Murray. Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, meanwhile, suffered a minor injury during joint practice. Catch up with all the updates across the NFL: Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken announced that Deshaun Watson will start the preseason opener on August 15 against the Chicago Bears. Shedeur Sanders is scheduled to start the team’s second preseason contest on August 22 against the Buffalo Bills. “I’m super excited,” Watson said in comments to reporters. “All the hard work that I put in with the training staff, with my team, my personal team, to get to this stage has been tremendous for me. So, I’m super excited for those opportunities and can’t wait for it.” Monken explained that both quarterbacks are expected to play a half in the opener so each caller can manage a two-minute drill. “I have my reasons for how it’s going to go, and it’s still a competition,” Monken said. “We’re excited to watch guys practice today, let alone on Saturday, and then next week against Buffalo, and we’ll get a chance to see them both.” Watson and Sanders have alternated first-team reps throughout training camp. The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for Friday’s preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Wednesday. Stefanski clarified that the designation applies strictly to the preseason opener and does not confirm Tagovailoa as the regular season starter. “We’re just now entering Week 1 of the preseason with this game on Friday night. Obviously, Tua is going to play in that game, and I think that’s great to get game action with our guys,” Stefanski told NFL Network. Most Falcons starters will play approximately one series before Cooper Rush and Jack Strand take over under center, Stefanski added in comments to reporters. Michael Penix Jr. remains unavailable for full team drills while continuing his rehabilitation from an ACL tear. “From a preparation standpoint, these guys are on top of it, learning the new system, understanding what’s important on each given play,” Stefanski said. “So I’m very pleased with where we are. I just know in the calendar where we are. We’re not there yet in terms of naming somebody a starter.” Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is setting goals beyond a championship heading into his second season with the franchise. Johnson outlined his vision for the Bears to field the highest-scoring offense in NFL history, surpassing the 2013 Denver Broncos team that averaged 37.9 points per game. “I want to have the highest-scoring offense ever, which happens to be the 2013 Denver Broncos. I know how many points per game they scored, and I want to surpass them. I want shutouts. I want blowouts,” Johnson told The Athletic. Johnson also referenced the 2003 and 2004 New England Patriots teams that won 21 consecutive games between the regular season and postseason. “Why can’t we do that?” Johnson said. Nick Wright isn’t surprised by the comments, given the confidence Johnson has exuded in his coaching career. ‘It’s hubris to the highest degree,” Wright said on Wednesday’s edition of First Things First. “This is who he’s always been. He has always, at every opportunity, wanted to be, if not the lead actor, the co-star of his team’s offensive movies.” Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy addressed reporters following head coach Kevin O’Connell’s decision to name Kyler Murray as the team’s starting quarterback. “A decision was made that was out of my control, and obviously every competitor wants to play,” McCarthy said. “But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number’s called.” When asked what he needed to do to win the job, McCarthy deferred to the coaching staff while keeping his focus on personal growth. “That’s a question for Kevin and the staff,” McCarthy said. “I feel like just me continuing to develop and improve in many different aspects is the only thing I’m worried about.” McCarthy added that Minnesota is still the place he wants to be.