Washington Football Team: Early training camp observations

1. There is no Quarterback competition

Ron Rivera likes to remind reporters and fans in his press conferences that there is a competition at every position. That is a good philosophy to have. As the old saying goes, “Iron Sharpens Iron.” And having competitions makes it so no player can get too complacent.

However, at some positions, there simply isn’t competitions. And at the most important position, quarterback, there certainly is not one in Ashburn. In an interview on 106.7 The Fan following the 2020 season, Rivera spoke about how he regrets not having an authentic quarterback competition entering the season.

That comment made fans and reporters alike believe there would be a true quarterback competition. However, as the offseason waned on, that competition has begun to seem like one that is in name only. For starters, Ryan Fitzpatrick’s salary cap hit, $10 million, is around five times more than the other three quarterbacks on the roster combined.

When in doubt, follow the money. And through one week of training camp, that theory has proven to be true. Fitzpatrick has looked sharper than the other quarterbacks, as he is already gaining a noticeable rapport with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Fitzpatrick has gotten almost all of the first-team reps, which, again, is another key trend to follow when discussing position battles.

Taylor Heinicke has had some good moments in training but nothing to truly challenge Fitzpatrick for the QB1 crown. And with Kyle Allen re-aggravating his injured ankle, that all but takes Allen out of the QB competition.

For Ryan Fitzpatrick to not be the starting quarterback come Week 1, something unforeseen would have to happen. Either Heinicke would have to be so good in preseason that the coaching staff cannot possibly make him the backup, or Fitzpatrick will have to completely fall on his face in the coming weeks.

Both of those are rather unlikely. Write it in pen: Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the Washington Football Team’s starting quarterback against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1.