Preseason Week 2: Sanders and Bennett solidify roles in quarterback competitions
Shedeur Sanders outperformed Deshaun Watson in Cleveland, while Stetson Bennett IV strengthened his claim to the backup role for the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2 of the NFL preseason.
Week 2 of the NFL preseason provided critical data points in two high-profile quarterback competitions, with Shedeur Sanders and Stetson Bennett IV emerging as the standout performers. According to reporting from Fox Sports, both players delivered performances that have significant implications for their respective teams' rosters as the regular season approaches.
In Cleveland, the Browns' internal competition for the starting position saw Sanders take a notable step forward against the Buffalo Bills. The second-year quarterback completed eight of 11 passes for 74 yards, including a touchdown and an interception. His most impactful sequence came on the team's first drive, an 11-play, 65-yard march that concluded with an eight-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Luke Floriea.
Sanders' performance contrasted sharply with that of Deshaun Watson, who started the second half and finished five of 12 for 36 yards with an interception. Watson also added two rushes for 13 yards but drew boos from the crowd in a 31-7 loss. The veteran later described the fan reaction as "personal" and "disrespectful," a comment that Sanders addressed by calling for mutual respect within the locker room.
On the West Coast, the Los Angeles Rams' backup quarterback battle shifted decisively in favour of Bennett IV. Against the New Orleans Saints, the former University of Georgia star completed 19 of 31 passes for 181 yards and added two rushing touchdowns. Bennett started the game and played into the second half, demonstrating a level of command that surpassed Ty Simpson, who had impressed in the team's opener.
Simpson, who entered the game in relief, completed eight of 12 passes for 73 yards, providing a solid performance but failing to displace Bennett from the lead in the competition. The Rams' offensive line and skill players responded well to Bennett's presence, with running back Jarquez Hunter recording 12 carries for 68 yards and rookie wide receiver CJ Daniels catching eight passes for 68 yards.
Beyond the quarterback positions, the weekend featured other notable individual efforts. In the Chiefs' matchup against the Buccaneers, safety Alex Cook intercepted Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. Additionally, kicker Harrison Butker successfully kicked a 69-yard field goal, a distance that would have set a new NFL record had the game been part of the regular season.
