Final preseason weekend could decide these 3 quarterback battles

Most established starters will spend the final preseason weekend watching from the sideline, but several quarterback battles remain unsettled. One rookie is chasing a starting job, while two intriguing backup competitions could carry consequences well beyond August.

Raiders must choose between Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders knew this decision was coming when they selected Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. The only question was whether the rookie would be ready immediately or benefit from watching Kirk Cousins open the season.

Mendoza has not supplied a simple answer.

He followed a promising preseason debut with a rougher performance against the Houston Texans, completing 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards and throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown. He has generally looked comfortable with a clean pocket, but pressure has exposed some predictable rookie problems.

Cousins, meanwhile, completed 5 of 6 attempts for 50 yards and a touchdown during his only preseason drive. Las Vegas has protected the 38-year-old since then, which could quietly reveal which direction the coaching staff is leaning.

Head coach Klint Kubiak has refused to name his Week 1 starter. If Mendoza receives another extended opportunity against San Francisco, his response to that ugly interception could make the final decision considerably harder.

Cowboys’ quarterback battle is suddenly close

Joe Milton entered the preseason known mostly for possessing an absurdly powerful arm. Apparently, someone finally informed him that quarterbacks are allowed to do other things.

Milton has completed 21 of 28 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns through two games. He has also added a rushing score without committing a turnover. More importantly, he has shown improved pocket movement and better control of the offense.

That surge has created one of the weekend’s closest quarterback battles.

Sam Howell entered camp as the favorite to back up Dak Prescott because of his starting experience. However, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer called the competition “neck and neck” before Friday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.

Howell does not need to produce a highlight reel. He does need to answer Milton’s consistency. Another clean performance from Milton could leave Dallas with little reason to hand the job to Howell based on experience alone.

Rams have an expensive backup decision

The Los Angeles Rams used the 13th overall pick on Ty Simpson, making him their eventual plan behind Matthew Stafford. That does not guarantee Simpson will begin his career as the immediate backup.

Stetson Bennett remains in the picture after completing 14 of 31 passes for 181 yards during the Rams’ shutout victory over New Orleans. The numbers were uneven, but Bennett settled down after a poor beginning and operated the offense effectively enough to keep the competition alive.

Simpson has displayed accuracy and composure during his first NFL preseason. Los Angeles still needs to see whether he can consistently attack defenses downfield instead of leaning on safer throws underneath.

The Rams could keep both quarterbacks, but the order carries real significance with Stafford entering his age-38 season. Simpson will receive another opportunity against the Chargers, and a strong finale could convince Sean McVay that his rookie is ready to become QB2 immediately.

These games will not count in September’s standings. For the quarterbacks still fighting for jobs, however, they may determine who actually gets onto the field once the games do count.