10 NFL preseason Week 2 winners
By Ian Wharton
8. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, New York Jets
As rookie counterpart Sam Darnold failed to impress with his first start, veteran Teddy Bridgewater showed he’s capable to start in 2018. Bridgewater went 10-of-15 for 127 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the second-half against the Washington Redskins. He appeared to be fully recovered from his devastating knee injury.
Bridgewater’s not the flashiest downfield passer, but he’s one of the most consistent and precise quarterbacks in the league. His short and intermediate touch and timing allows an offense to continue moving the chains in unison with a healthy running game. The last full season he played in 2015 also showed a solid red zone quarterback despite a terrible supporting cast, boasting nine touchdowns and one interception.
The Jets should start Bridgewater. If he plays well, they can either stick with him throughout the season and explore retaining him in the offseason, or they can deal him by the deadline if the team’s record isn’t playoff-caliber. There’s no need to play Darnold if Bridgewater continues to show franchise-quarterback potential.
If they’re dead-set on moving him, though, then there should be a handful of suitors.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the most obvious fit as Blake Bortles is still not good enough. The Buffalo Bills make sense but it’s doubtful the Jets would move him within the division. Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants and the Denver Broncos each make sense as well, and more teams could join the list if injuries strike.