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The NFL is widely known as a quarterbacks’ league and quarterback rotations are very important in Preseason NFL handicapping. With about a week of training camp completed it is a great time to take a look at the progress of some new faces in new places and old faces facing new challenges as signal callers prepare for a new season. AFC
Oakland: Aaron Brooks saw very limited action in the Hall of Fame Game to open up the preseason. However, the word out of Raiders’ training camp is that he has looked very solid and is quickly grasping the Oakland offense. Brooks may be challenged in camp by Andrew Walter but, with his advantage in experience, Brooks is very likely to win the starting job.
Buffalo: No teams quarterback situation may be more up in the air than the Buffalo Bills. Three players – J.P. Losman, Kelly Holcomb and Craig Nall are all battling for the starting job. So far Losman has looked to have the strongest arm and has been the most accurate in camp. He also has shown a much better grasp of the offense than the other two quarterbacks have.
Miami: There is definitely a new Big Fish in town. Daunte Culpepper caught the attention of many by being ready for Day 1 of training camp. He appears to have recovered from last season’s knee injury. Culpepper not only is ready physically but has shown a contagious enthusiasm in camp that has rubbed off on the team.
N.Y. Jets: This battle for the number one signal caller might be the most contested in the league. Chad Pennington has looked very shaky so far while recovering from shoulder surgery. Patrick Ramsey has not silenced any critics with his play either. So far both quarterbacks have split time with the number one offense and neither has jumped out ahead of the other.
Baltimore: It hasn’t taken Steve McNair long to find a favorite receiver and he has picked a good one. So far in camp about 75% of McNair’s passes have found their way to All Pro TE Todd Heap. NFC
Detroit: Jon Kitna and Josh McCown were both brought in as free agents to fight for the starting job but in order to avoid any controversy from the start, new Lions coach Rod Marinelli penciled Kitna in with the first team. The veteran has looked good so far but Marinelli is far from ready to put Kitna’s name in ink yet.
New Orleans: As much attention as Reggie Bush has gotten, first year coach Sean Payton knows that the success of the season revolves around the play of newly signed Drew Brees. With that in mind, Payton has been very cautious so far with Brees and his surgically repaired shoulder. So much that he has had Brees sit out the second practice of their two-a day practices.
Arizona: Cardinals coach Dennis Green has made it clear from the beginning that Kurt Warner will be his starter. Any potential controversy has been easily avoided thanks to the late start from number one pick Matt Leinart.
Tampa Bay: There is also no controversy here as Chris Simms has the confidence of head coach Jon Gruden but based on his play so far he has turned the heads of the other players with how comfortable he looks in the role of number one.
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