WILKES-BARRE, PA – Folks, preseason football is finally here.
While most of you might not care until the real stuff rolls around next month, the next four weeks are extremely important.
Not only do they shine light on position battles, but they give fans insight to their favorite team’s depth. Because let’s be honest, this is football and guys are going to get hurt.
Here are a few things to look for in Week 1 of the NFL preseason. Enjoy.
New York Jets QB battle. The Jets held their Green and White Scrimmage at MetLife Stadium over the weekend, and reports have Christian Hackenberg as the top performer from the practice. However, Josh McCown still has the lead for the starting job based on reps.
I give the edge to McCown as well. 
While he isn’t going to win you a Super Bowl, McCown’s done more than enough at times during his career. He’s been effective in both 2015 and 2013, posting a 12-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 93.3 passer rating two years ago and a 14-1 ratio and 109 rating with Chicago in 2013.
The Jets aren’t trying to win the Super Bowl. In fact, they’re probably closer to securing the top pick in next year’s draft. The thought process could be to throw Hackenberg out there to see what he has before taking a quarterback next spring, but Todd Bowles is coaching for his job.
He’s going to try to win. He could care less what quarterback the next head coach has. McCown’s their guy.
Denver Broncos QB battle. Reports out of Broncos camp are not good when it involves Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch.
Both have been unimpressive and Siemian may win the job by default. That is troubling news for Denver.
The quarterback position held them back last year and could do so again. Brock Osweiler looked more than serviceable in a Broncos uniform. You’re trying to tell me that Siemian or Lynch can’t play up to that level?
Not good. Plus, I thought John Elway was supposed to be a quarterback whisper.
Who’s backing up Ezekiel Elliott? Reports out of Cowboys camp are leaning more toward ‘if’ and not ‘when’ Ezekiel Elliott will be suspended.
But who do the Dallas Cowboys turn to if Elliott misses time? Darren McFadden or Alfred Morris? Both are talented veteran backs. But that’s it, they’re veterans.
McFadden’s done it before in this offense and is the safer bet. He’s healthy now too.
But remember the name Rod Smith. Guy impressed in the Hall of Fame game.
Is Christian McCaffery the next rookie sensation? I don’t quite understand why the Panthers drafted both Christian McCaffery and Curtis Samuel this past spring. They’re both basically the same player. But that’s besides the point.
Reports out of Panthers camp are very strong around McCaffery. He’s been used out of the backfield, slot, out wide and in the wildcat. He could be a star this year.
“He’s pretty unstoppable as far as coming out of the backfield running routes,” Stewart told The Charlotte Observer. “I can tell you now there’s not going to be anybody in this league that can cover him 1-on-1.
“He’s a special player. (Offensive coordinator Mike) Shula has definitely found some pretty good ways to put him in positions to win.”
Looks like McCaffery might be worth an add on your fantasy football team.
Come back tomorrow for Ben Whitney and please follow us on Twitter at @ByDJEberle, @MeetTheMatts & @Matt_McCarthy00, Instagram @MeetTheMatts and like our Facebook page, Meet The Matts.
