Who Should I Start? Cooper Rush or Sam Howell

Wednesday, June 25, 12:10 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Cooper Rush struggled during offseason workouts and put the ball in harm's way far too often as he learns a new offense, according to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec. Rush was thrust into a starter's role during OTAs with Lamar Jackson missing all but one of the team's nine practice sessions, which shortened his learning curve. The former Dallas Cowboy signal-caller will be Baltimore's No. 2 QB with second-year quarterback Devin Leary competing for a spot on the practice squad. If Jackson misses time due to injury during the 2025 regular season, the Ravens will surely be hoping that Rush has cleaned up some of the mistakes that he's showing early on as he learns the offense. The 31-year-old started nine games for Dallas in 2024 with Dak Prescott injured and threw for 12 TDs and four interceptions. He has the experience but lacks the mobility that Jackson has in spades.

Sunday, August 10, 9:40 AM

Quarterback Sam Howell played well in his Minnesota Vikings debut, completing 11 of 13 passing attempts for 105 yards and adding a rushing touchdown in a 20-10 victory against Houston. The former North Carolina star is now on his third team in three years after Minnesota traded for him during the NFL Draft, adding a veteran option behind presumptive starter J.J. McCarthy. Howell has the inside track on the No. 2 job over journeyman backup Brett Rypien and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, and Howell certainly looked the part of a capable backup on Saturday.