Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or Kyle Allen

Sunday, August 10, 8:51 PM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Taylor Heinicke had a very rough outing in his first preseason game, leading all three drives in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints. The 32-year-old is competing with Trey Lance to be Justin Herbert's backup, looked inaccurate and stiff, and sailed the ball multiple times. He finished with only one completion for five yards and also took a safety that was later overturned. Heinicke's 2024 season as a backup with the Chargers saw him complete just three passes for 28 yards, and this performance does little to cement his hold on the backup role.

Saturday, August 9, 8:45 AM

Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen completed seven of eight pass attempts for 120 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions in his team's 17-10 preseason win over the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night. He entered the game in the second quarter, replacing Hendon Hooker at quarterback. Allen and Hooker are competing for the backup quarterback job in Detroit behind Jared Goff. Both players struggled in the team's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, but Allen significantly outplayed Hooker against Atlanta. The Lions' usage of their two reserve quarterbacks will be something to monitor in the team's third preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on August 16.