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Two of the more intriguing Week 1 matchups in the NFL involve quarterbacks facing their old teams, including Russell Wilson’s visit to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night (8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN/ESPN+).
Nine teams will have a new starter under center this season, and how those QBs fit in will be one of the most compelling storylines of the season.
Wilson spent his first 10 years in Seattle before being traded to the Denver Broncos on March 8 in one of the biggest deals in NFL history.
Baker Mayfield played only four seasons in Cleveland, but they were eventful. He led the Browns to their first playoff victory in 26 years in 2020, before falling out of favor in Cleveland last season. Mayfield was traded on July 6 to the Panthers, who host the Browns on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
There was some drama added to Mayfield’s reunion game when it was reported how badly he wanted to beat the Browns.
Not all of the QB change was based on someone switching teams. Trey Lance’s ascension to San Francisco 49ers starter was announced when it appeared Jimmy Garoppolo would be traded, but Garoppolo ended up staying in San Francisco, and he will be Lance’s backup.
NFL Nation reporters break down the floors and ceilings of the quarterbacks in new roles, or new cities, and ESPN NFL fantasy analyst Mike Clay provides a statistical projection for the season.
The QB switch: Marcus Mariota replaces Matt Ryan
What prompted the change: The Falcons were pursuing Deshaun Watson, who was facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions. During that process, Atlanta allowed Ryan to pursue potential trade partners, and Ryan felt comfortable with the Colts. When Houston traded Watson to Cleveland, the Falcons then dealt Ryan to Indianapolis. The same day, the Falcons signed Mariota, who played under Atlanta coach Arthur Smith when Smith was the offensive coordinator in Tennessee. In this year’s draft, the team also selected rookie…
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Source : espn
