NFL Catchup: Browns Name Preseason Starting QB; Falcons, Bears HC Set 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 NFL preseason always brings its fair share of excitement, as teams and coaches continue to evaluate their rosters and make key decisions about their depth charts. In the world of the National Football League, the preseason is a critical period where teams can test out their new additions, develop their young players, and make the necessary adjustments to go all the way to the Super Bowl.

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. The preseason is not just about evaluating individual players, but also about getting the entire team on the same page. With many experienced players returning, the Falcons and Browns have high expectations from their respective franchises. For Atlanta, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will start their preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, while Cleveland has named Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the same matchup.

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has outlined the team's plan to split playing time between their top two quarterbacks, with Watson set to start their preseason opener on August 15 against the Chicago Bears. "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." 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.

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.

Johnson's goal is indeed an ambitious one, but given the team's progress last season, it's not entirely implausible either. The NFL is a highly competitive league, with many talented players and teams, but Johnson believes that his Bears offense has the potential to rewrite the record books. "Why can't we do that?" Johnson said. "I know what we're capable of. I know what these guys are feeling. They want to go to the Super Bowl. They want to win a championship. We've set our sights high, and now it's time for us to go get it," he continued. The question is whether Johnson's vision will become a reality or remain a lofty goal that the team falls short of.

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," he said. McCarthy added that Minnesota is still the place he wants to be.