2007 NFL Starting QB Landscape (1 Viewer)

[Bob_Magaw]

new QBs (in some cases old faces in new places) could come from group of QBs expected to move (including likes of plummer, leftwich, maybe carr) & also incoming rookies (players like quinn, & juniors russell & brohm... if they turn pro)...

AFC

BUFF - losman (not a lock, but better than 50%, imo)

MIA - ? probably c-pepp, but if he looks like he has in 05-06 all bets are off

NE - brady

NYJ - likely pennington, but reportedly clemens could get a chance to compete

BAL - mcnair

CIN - palmer

CLE - ? frye regressed, this could be destination for a rookie or re-tread

PIT - roethlisberger (off year, but some mitigating circumstances)

HOU - ??? earlier in season i thought carr would be back... he regressed so badly i now think less than 50%... rosenfels? (possible destination for plummer given kubiak connection)

IND - manning

JAX - ? leftwich almost certainly gone... garrard, quinn, maybe somebody not currently on roster

TEN - VY (after ROY campaign, one of safest jobs in NFL)

DEN - cutler

KC - ? green or huard

OAK - ??? probably not brooks... andrew walter? many think quinn (i expect calvin johnson)... FA al's style

SD - rivers

NFC

DAL - romo (though his status more uncertain after past month)

PHI - mcnabb - if he returns to close to good health (like palmer in 06)

NYG - eli manning (he regressed, but they have too much invested in him for anything else but status quo)

WAS - campbell (flashed promise in limited action)

CHI - ? grossman (inconsistent... when he is bad, he is awful), griese

DET - kitna, but he is stopgap (maybe quinn, but marinelli may want thomas or gaines) martz can coach up lesser pedigree QBs

GB - ? favre may be retiring, GB reportedly uncertain if rodgers is starting caliber & QB of the future

MIN - tarvaris jackson (?, but imo its him unless he looks really bad in pre-season)

ATL - vick (slight possibility of schaub?)

CAR - delhomme (some question, but they should be better when OL returns to health)

NO - brees (one of safest jobs here... co-favorite for league MVP with LT, in record shattering season)

TB - simms

ARI - leinart (very promising rookie season, as with VY & cutler)

STL - bulger (though they want to re-sign him past 07)

SF - smith (turned the corner in 06)

SEA - hasselbeck

interestingly, there may only be one serious question in NFC... GB, if favre retires, as i think... CHI question mark could be answered internally, if grossman falters (he could be replaced by griese as soon as the playoffs)

AFC has far more... MIA, CLE, HOU, JAX, OAK (KC could go to huard if green drops out of the picture)

these slots could be filled by aforementioned vets cut loose by former teams, & incoming rookie class (though they may not start right away... warner, collins & plummer started 06 in ARI, TEN & DEN, only to be replaced at varying points in the season by leinart, VY & cutler)...

 

[Blackjacks]

I will go on record right now and say Leftwich will be your stater next year in Carolina and Plummer or Carr in Cleveland. If Carr ends up in Cle than Plummer in Houston. Basically I'm saying Delhomme and Frye won't be starting next year. I think I could have qb'd in Carolina and got that team to the playoffs (but then again I'm pretty good). They are too good and Delhomme just makes to many "BIG" mistakes.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Pretty good list.

But just a note on Losman and the Bills. That's a 100% lock there. The only way that JP isn't the starter in '07 for the Bills is if he gets hurt. He did pretty much everything that was asked of him this season and finished 11th in the league in passer rating. If he can cut down the turnovers by a few more (especially the fumbles) the Bills will be in pretty decent shape.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

i agree delhomme's job security not what it was before 06, but imo he will do better when few OL return from injury & they solidify things there... i also think deangelo williams has star potential & passing attack is more dangerous when running game presents a serious threat... deangelo will be a boon for delhomme in 07... unleashing steve smith again will loosen up run for deangelo, so it could be symbiotic, & self-stoking cycle... deangelo is key piece to the puzzle for fortunes of CAR in 07 & beyond...

 

[Bob_Magaw]

Pretty good list. But just a note on Losman and the Bills. That's a 100% lock there. The only way that JP isn't the starter in '07 for the Bills is if he gets hurt. He did pretty much everything that was asked of him this season and finished 11th in the league in passer rating. If he can cut down the turnovers by a few more (especially the fumbles) the Bills will be in pretty decent shape.

i agree... i would have been more accurate to say 80-90%...i would reserve 99-100% for guys like brady, manning, palmer, etc... surely losman's status isn't THAT secure...

 

[Slinger]

I would change Tampa: C.Simms to Tampa: C.Simms vs. whoever Gruden brings in.

 

[Blackjacks]

i agree delhomme's job security not what it was before 06, but imo he will do better when few OL return from injury & they solidify things there... i also think deangelo williams has star potential & passing attack is more dangerous when running game presents a serious threat... deangelo will be a boon for delhomme in 07... unleashing steve smith again will loosen up run for deangelo, so it could be symbiotic, & self-stoking cycle... deangelo is key piece to the puzzle for fortunes of CAR in 07 & beyond...

I want to say I heard during one of the broadcasts that Delhomme had the lowest 4th quarter completition percentage and qb rating in the league this year and I believe the Panthers lost the lead in the 4th quarter 6 or 7 times this year. While all that can't be blamed on the qb's play alot of it has to. Carolina is very close to having all the pieces for the puzzle (I agree with you on DWILL ) and it would be a shame to lose due to a less than adequate qb. I'm not that biggest supporter of Leftwich but I do think he would definetly get them to the playoffs next year and help be the last piece of the puzzle in Carolina. Can you imagine Steve Smith catching bombs from "Lord Byron" next year. :X

 

[Buckna]

Tampa is a much bigger question mark than you think. They get Simms back but he didn't look good before he went down and now the dude is missing his spleen. I think there were reports that Gruden said he would be considering a QB this offseason.

 

[zamboni]

I would change Tampa: C.Simms to Tampa: C.Simms vs. whoever Gruden brings in.

Agreed, I think it was the Pewter Report that already alluded to Simms not being handed the job. He's likely going to have to earn it.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

I would change Tampa: C.Simms to Tampa: C.Simms vs. whoever Gruden brings in.

if gruden is even back... likely, but his job could be vulnerable...simms job is more tenuous than many on this list... his two year contract not a massive investment & incentive-laden... though they didn't do well with gradkowski, they also did poorly with simms at the helm...

imo, though, simms more likely than the other half dozen places i specifically singled out...

 

[Bob_Magaw]

Tampa is a much bigger question mark than you think. They get Simms back but he didn't look good before he went down and now the dude is missing his spleen. I think there were reports that Gruden said he would be considering a QB this offseason.

is it safe to say that if simms isn't the starting QB in 07, than the starting QB isn't currently on the roster?after initial promise, gradkowski didn't instill a lot of confindence that he could be the man going forward...

 

[Bri]

I don't think the Lions draft a QB

they have http://www.detroitlions.com/bio.cfm?bio_id=368&season=8

and

http://www.detroitlions.com/bio.cfm?bio_id=276&season=8

 

[Bri]

interestingly, there may only be one serious question in NFC... GB, if favre retires, as i think...

Gruden wants a FA QB. I posted a link in the FA thread by fridayfrenzy. He talked for 35-40 minutes almost entirely about that.

 

[renesauz]

Tampa is a much bigger question mark than you think. They get Simms back but he didn't look good before he went down and now the dude is missing his spleen. I think there were reports that Gruden said he would be considering a QB this offseason.

is it safe to say that if simms isn't the starting QB in 07, than the starting QB isn't currently on the roster?after initial promise, gradkowski didn't instill a lot of confindence that he could be the man going forward...

Ummm...wasn't Gradkowski a rookie on a team with many problems? The early success of Leinhart and VY has clouded expectations a little bit here. I'm not a TB fan by any means, but it's ridiculous to say a rookie QB doesn't "have it" after less then a full season.

 

[nightshift]

interestingly, there may only be one serious question in NFC... GB, if favre retires, as i think...

Gruden wants a FA QB. I posted a link in the FA thread by fridayfrenzy. He talked for 35-40 minutes almost entirely about that.

So which of these studs do see Gruden gettin' the warm fuzzies over?Collins, Kerry UFA TitansGarcia, Jeff UFA EaglesGray, Quinn RFA JaguarsHuard, Damon UFA ChiefsJohnson, Doug UFA BengalsLemon, Cleo RFA DolphinsNavarre, John RFA CardinalsRattay, Tim UFA BuccaneersSchaub, Matt RFA FalconsSimms, Chris UFA BuccaneersSorgi, Jim RFA ColtsTuiasosopo, Marques UFA RaidersWright, Anthony UFA Bengals

 

[Bri]

Tampa is a much bigger question mark than you think. They get Simms back but he didn't look good before he went down and now the dude is missing his spleen. I think there were reports that Gruden said he would be considering a QB this offseason.

is it safe to say that if simms isn't the starting QB in 07, than the starting QB isn't currently on the roster?after initial promise, gradkowski didn't instill a lot of confindence that he could be the man going forward...

Ummm...wasn't Gradkowski a rookie on a team with many problems? The early success of Leinhart and VY has clouded expectations a little bit here. I'm not a TB fan by any means, but it's ridiculous to say a rookie QB doesn't "have it" after less then a full season.

He's barely mentioned herehttp://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/sports/16363960.htm

BTW link mentioned earlier

 

[Darth Cheney]

I think people have to take a serious look at Jeff Garcia ending up someplace. While I don't think that he can right a horrible franchise, he could be a valuable addition to a good team that is missing a stable QB. Teams that come to mind would be Miami, TB, Min, or Jax. While I would love to see the Iggles keep him.....I think he still wants to start.

 

[Bri]

interestingly, there may only be one serious question in NFC... GB, if favre retires, as i think...

Gruden wants a FA QB. I posted a link in the FA thread by fridayfrenzy. He talked for 35-40 minutes almost entirely about that.

So which of these studs do see Gruden gettin' the warm fuzzies over?Collins, Kerry UFA TitansGarcia, Jeff UFA EaglesGray, Quinn RFA JaguarsHuard, Damon UFA ChiefsJohnson, Doug UFA BengalsLemon, Cleo RFA DolphinsNavarre, John RFA CardinalsRattay, Tim UFA BuccaneersSchaub, Matt RFA FalconsSimms, Chris UFA BuccaneersSorgi, Jim RFA ColtsTuiasosopo, Marques UFA RaidersWright, Anthony UFA Bengals

I wish some team would give Lemon a genuine chance but nonetheless, Bledsoe or Plummer. Not UFA but seem like they'll be available shortly

 

[Bri]

BTW Simms is not a FA. He signed a two year deal on Dec 27th. Wasn't "big money" either

 

[Bob_Magaw]

Tampa is a much bigger question mark than you think. They get Simms back but he didn't look good before he went down and now the dude is missing his spleen. I think there were reports that Gruden said he would be considering a QB this offseason.

is it safe to say that if simms isn't the starting QB in 07, than the starting QB isn't currently on the roster?after initial promise, gradkowski didn't instill a lot of confindence that he could be the man going forward...

Ummm...wasn't Gradkowski a rookie on a team with many problems? The early success of Leinhart and VY has clouded expectations a little bit here. I'm not a TB fan by any means, but it's ridiculous to say a rookie QB doesn't "have it" after less then a full season.

this take was partially based on report i read (don't have cite so i didn't mention it) that gruden may no longer be as high on him as he appeared to be before... many rookie QBs like aikman & elway struggled in rookie years... than again, gradkowski wasn't meant to start except for simms injury... who knows what the future will bring, but i think it is more likely than not that simms or somebody else starts next few years, & jury is still out on whether he is more than a developmental QB & hard to tell at present time if he is better suited long term to back up role... i'm not saying he is definitely merely a career backup, but the fact that he has relatively low draft pedigree & became a starter due to injury, i'm not automatically assuming he is starting caliber, or will be given the opportunity again soon...

 

[PMENFAN]

interestingly, there may only be one serious question in NFC... GB, if favre retires, as i think...

Gruden wants a FA QB. I posted a link in the FA thread by fridayfrenzy. He talked for 35-40 minutes almost entirely about that.

So which of these studs do see Gruden gettin' the warm fuzzies over?Collins, Kerry UFA TitansGarcia, Jeff UFA EaglesGray, Quinn RFA JaguarsHuard, Damon UFA ChiefsJohnson, Doug UFA BengalsLemon, Cleo RFA DolphinsNavarre, John RFA CardinalsRattay, Tim UFA BuccaneersSchaub, Matt RFA FalconsSimms, Chris UFA BuccaneersSorgi, Jim RFA ColtsTuiasosopo, Marques UFA RaidersWright, Anthony UFA Bengals

On that list I like Garcia and Schaub to run an offense. Garcia can run a short passing, quick decision offense, or West coast scheme. He'd be a great fit. I also love Schaub as a passer. I'd love to see what he can do.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

more on TB -

what would others estimate simms chance of starting in 07... not knowing who gruden may bring in, & it makes sense for him to try, imo it is something like 70-80%... maybe higher?

back to gradkowski, i think gruden is on pretty thin ice, & another season like 06 could spell the end of his tenure in TB... i don't see him wanting to cast his fate with such an inexperienced player...

 

[Kilgore Trout]

I will go on record right now and say Leftwich will be your stater next year in Carolina and Plummer or Carr in Cleveland. If Carr ends up in Cle than Plummer in Houston. Basically I'm saying Delhomme and Frye won't be starting next year. I think I could have qb'd in Carolina and got that team to the playoffs (but then again I'm pretty good). They are too good and Delhomme just makes to many "BIG" mistakes.

Delhomme starts next year. Fox will see this year as an abberation. They may make a move for a veteran backup like a Brad Johnson, but they won't go out and make a big signing at QB. Fox is loyal, maybe even to a fault.

 

[Jason Wood]

Great Idea Bob...here are my thoughts [i'm only commenting on jobs I think are up for grabs potentially]:

*** Atlanta (ATL) will give Schaub a chance to compete in training camp, in my opinion

*** Carolina (CAR) is Delhomme's job to lose obviously. I think the likely scenario is Delhomme returns and the Panthers draft a potential successor this year in the early rounds

*** Cleveland (CLE) actually played a bit better offensively under Derek Anderson at times; I think this could easily be a new starter brought in via free agency; the current Browns regime is getting to the "win now" stage of their lifecycle

*** Chicago (CHI) will almost certainly bring in another option to compete unless Grossman plays strikingly well in the playoffs this month

*** Dallas (DAL) probably stays with Romo, but don't be surprised if Bill brings in Byron Leftwich or someone else to compete

*** Detroit (DET) should be Kitna minding the store for a rookie (Quinn, Russell) but with Millen running the show, nothing would surprise me

*** Houston (HOU) is going to part ways with David Carr, in my opinion; or at least put him in a camp competition with a veteran. My pick here is Jake Plummer

*** Jacksonville (JAX) just axed their offensive coordinators; this could be wide open but I expect Garrard will be given a 50% chance of earning the job during training camp

*** Miami (MIA) is an open book, in my view. With Saban gone and a new GM being brought in, I think this is wide open between Harrington, Culpepper and free agents

*** Minnesota (MIN) could easily bring in someone new; at least to give Tarvaris Jackson someone to compete against

*** Oakland (OAK) will likely have some stiff playing for a few weeks until Quinn/Russell get the nod partway into their rookie year

*** Philly (PHI) will be Jeff Garcia to start the season almost assuredly, with McNabb coming back midway or possibly being shelved for the whole season if his injury isn't recovering to perfection

*** Tampa Bay (TB) probably wants Chris Simms to earn the job; but he's certainly no lock

*** Washington (WAS) likely sticks with Campbell but if a veteran (a la David Carr or Jake Plummer) strike Gibbs' fancy, never count out Danny Snyder's checkbook

 

[Bob_Magaw]

outstanding input, jason... thanx for weighing in...

as mcnabb owner in one league, i was hoping his work ethic would help his rehab & path back to parallel that of palmer, but i've learned to trust your take on PHI matters...

if mcnabb is still viewed as "the franchise", it would make sense to not rush him back... & they appear to be in much more capable hands with garcia than in recent seasons with likes of detmer...

one good thing about having garcia is it has forced reid to run more, & the team has been dangerous with newfound run/pass balance...

i don't know if their defense is good enough to propel them to super bowl this season, but anything is possible in this (relatively) weak NFC playoff field...

* excellent point about CLE (especially FO & coaching staff) being in "win now" mode... this would make them seem more likely to pursue vet FA than rookie... it is probably a generalization that often times teams that need a QB aren't that good... with more pressure than ever to turn things around within a few years (crennell is already in danger of getting fired), teams might seem to be less inclined to go with rookie at such vital position, and go through potential growing pains for a few seasons...

than again, VY, leinart & cutler acquitted themselves very well as a class (jackson could also be starter in 07)... hard to tell if we should read a trend into that of rookie QBs entering league more prepared for pro style offenses & defenses... or just flukey confluence of some very talented players at that position, ala class that had marino, elway & kelly, which may happen every 1-2 decades (not to make too much of comparison... but it could go down as one of best QB classes in a long time)...

back to above subject, a few teams don't fit profile of QB problem almost by definition equalling bad team (QB such an important & critical position, excepting occasional team like super bowl winning ravens, that a void there can be very hard for a team to overcome... it puts pressure on run game, defense, etc)...

CHI comes to mind, although they could be OK with griese if grossman continues to stumble... also JAX, which could potentially be very good if they could get QB position settled...

this time last year, NO appeared to be a very bad team, & brees almost single-handedly elevated the entire team to another, much higher level (payton, colston & bush didn't hurt)... MIA was conversely a team seemingly on the verge, & opting for mcnabb instead of brees had pretty disastrous consequences...

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Great Idea Bob...

Agreed.

*** Cleveland (CLE) actually played a bit better offensively under Derek Anderson at times; I think this could easily be a new starter brought in via free agency; the current Browns regime is getting to the "win now" stage of their lifecycle

Was just looking to see if anyone mentioned the underrated Anderson.

 

[Bri]

*** Cleveland (CLE) actually played a bit better offensively under Derek Anderson at times; I think this could easily be a new starter brought in via free agency; the current Browns regime is getting to the "win now" stage of their lifecycle

Was just looking to see if anyone mentioned the underrated Anderson.

I liked Anderson. A win now attitude because of the coach changes things IMO. I think IF the money is there, they get a FA QB. While that's obvious, I think QB is bumped up on their priority list of what positions to improve/spend money on

 

[snorlax]

If Favre retires, Aaron Rodgers will be the starting qb for the Packers. Sure a rookie and/or free agent will be brought in for competition, and that's probably true even if Favre stays, but Rodgers will be the odds-on favorite for the job.

 

[Z-Dog]

I think people have to take a serious look at Jeff Garcia ending up someplace. While I don't think that he can right a horrible franchise, he could be a valuable addition to a good team that is missing a stable QB. Teams that come to mind would be Miami, TB, Min, or Jax. While I would love to see the Iggles keep him.....I think he still wants to start.

I think Jeff Garcia is going to wind up in Tampa, competing with Chris Simms for the job. I'm reminded of Gannon running Gruden's offense in Oakland, when they went to the Superbowl. The Lions are in a tricky situation. If Quinn gets past Oakland they will take Quinn. If Quinn's gone, they have to wait and take a QB in the second round, if at all. Byron Leftwich must be an intriguing option for Mike Martz - he's a Kurt Warner clone in many ways. I think Jacksonville is a great landing point for Jake Plummer. While Guarrard demonstrated the importance of mobility in the Jacksonville offense, he was not as good a passer as Leftwich. Plummer would be a better passer without sacrificing the mobility.

 

[PahtyTom]

Garcia is going to Min or TB, IMO.

I think Jax is making a huge mistake if they get rid of Leftwich. I know he gets banged up, but they haven't been real serious injuries. He's extremely talented, tough, a winner, and most importantly he is a great leader.

 

[radballs]

I've been a Raiders fan for over 30 years and I just don't see Al pulling the trigger on a QB with that first pick. He'll be looking at FA or see if someone else slips a bit in the later rounds.

 

[The_Borg]

I'm from Wisconsin so I'm interested in what happens in Green Bay. Favre was supposed to have surgery on his right ankle after the end of the season, but postponed it. No one, not even coach McCarthy, knows why. Brett's interview after the Chicago game also has alot of people wondering if he'll return.

The incentives for Favre to return are:

1.) He will earn $11 million next year.

2.) Improved O-line and D-line play toward the end of the year.

3.) Green Bay is in a good financial postion being $30 - $35 million under the cap.

4.) He will pass Marino's TD record next year.

Dis-incentives for Favre:

1.) Team needs to upgrade TE position.

2.) Team needs to resign Green or another starting RB.

3.) His oldest daughter is entering college next year.

4.) Health of his extended family (His wife lost another family member this year - cousin I think).

 

[pigskin pimp]

In the land of 10,000 heartbreaks, the news is:

Childress has Jackson and Bollinger going into camp battling for the starting job.

Brad Johnson wants to be released or traded so he can be the starter somewhere else next year <insertjokehere>.

IMHO, while I won't be in tears if Opie leaves MN, I do think it's a grave injustice to go into '07 with Bollinger as the main competition with TJax. Bollinger just doesn't have "it" and never will.

With the 7th overall pick, I just hope the Vikings do not pass on a top flight QB with that pick. There will be guys that are interesting and will be available at that pick.

To pass on a Quinn, Brohm, or Russell because the new regime believes they have their QB of the future is ridiculous.

If Calvin Johnson is gone and I watch them stretch at WR again after the Williamson debauchle, I will be throwing the closest thing around me at the TV.

I'm not saying that Quinn, Brohm, or Russell is the QB to lead the Vikings to the promise land. But I'm not saying that TJax is that guy either.

A little competition between 2 young gunners is of more value to me, than watching a Jackson-Bollinger battle.

 

[Spartans Rule]

I don't think the Lions draft a QB

they have http://www.detroitlions.com/bio.cfm?bio_id=368&season=8

and

http://www.detroitlions.com/bio.cfm?bio_id=276&season=8

Those two guys threw a combined total of ZERO passes this season. On a team that was out of the playoff race before Thanksgiving, you'd think the QB of the future would at least get a little garbage action.Of course, that may say more about their commitment to Kitna than it does about the backups. I get the impression that even with his age, the Lions see Kitna as the starter for another 2-3 seasons.

 

[msommer]

Jeff Garcia seems to be a hot commodity right now with suitors like TB, OAK, MIN - he'd better not chose OAK - that line will get him killed - maybe he learned his lesson in CLE and DET.

With Jason Wood questioning McNabbs availability you have to throw PHI into the mix. I doubt the Philly FO will spend starter money on Garcia to play half the season an then sit so it would seem that he could easily fly the coop.

Who then does Philly bring in?

Plummer is clarly not a long term answer, would he be willing to take a back seat to McNabb at the end of the yera or 2008?

Could Carr be rescued? Is that the kind of challenge that would turn Andy Reid on? Leftwich does not seem like a fit here

In respect of Vick, Blank paid him a roster bonus of more than 20M in 2005, not a signing bonus so there is no bonus ramification of gettign rid of him (not that they will) - his salary for 2007 is a palatable 6M with a slight rise to 7.5M 2008 and 9M in 2009. He is signed through 2013 but can be traded or cut without significan cap raminfications (other than huge savings).

Still I am not sure I buy Schaub competing here. There will be a new coach who does not know Schaub and I'd not be surprised to see Schaub get a top tender and then be traded before the draft with the Falcons picking up a rookie in the draft and maybe a vet of higher caliber in FA if there is to be a competition or just as injury insurance.

Huard might have earned himself a shot. might he go to WAS and be reunited with Saunders, competing with Campbell, if Brunell is ditched (at 5.2M he's probably too expensive to keep around as back up - and 37 years old). At 34 Huard is not exactly a spring chicken. Green will be 37 next year. Will he be back?

Rattay is an interesting UFA. I always thought he got the shaft in SF. Decent numbers in TB this year, 60% completion, 7.4 ypa, 4 TD, 2 INT, 8 passes 20+ yards in 4 games, 3 of 40+, 2 fumbles, 1 lost. 30 years old when the season starts, 7 years experience. I could see Gruden bring him back to compete with Simms, I could see him as decent in MIN or even PHI on a short contract.

 

[Islander]

Good list.

I think how secure Vick's job will be depends on who the new coach is. It could be 100% secure for day 1, or Schaub might have a legit chance.

Romo: it depends greatly on what happens in the next few weeks (days). If Dallas loses this weekend and Romo looks bad, it will be a totally different discussion than if Dallas goes to the SB.

 

[Godsbrother]

Does anyone think that McNair retires if Baltimore wins the Super Bowl? I know he was considering it a year or two ago so maybe if he got a ring he would feel his career was complete.

Just speculating...

 

[Blackjacks]

I've been a Raiders fan for over 30 years and I just don't see Al pulling the trigger on a QB with that first pick. He'll be looking at FA or see if someone else slips a bit in the later rounds.

I don't know if Al Davis knows when he poops anymore, moe less knows who he should pick with the #1 overall pick.

 

[JaxBill]

The only certainties with the Jags QB situation next year are:

- the team doesn't have confidence in any of the QBs to be the long-term starter

- the team will bring in somebody either thru FA or the draft to at least compete

Personally, I think there's a JDR-Leftwich personality clash so I think he's gone. Plus Leftwich only has one year left on his contract, so the cap hit would be minimal if they traded him.

I think the Jags bring Garrard and Gray into camp to compete with Player X. The free agent market is so thin, I can't see them paying the price for a Schaub or Plummer. Gray is an RFA so it'll be interesting to see what they tender him as.

As far as Leftwich, a huge part of the problem is that he refuses to alter his huge windup which leads to more sacks, fumbles, batted balls, etc.

 

[JaxBill]

If this year has shown anything , it's that Garcia is a great fit for a WCO with a very good offensive line.

If you don't have both of the above, tough...

 

[Banger]

The jobs I see up for grabs are...

Mia - who knows now with a new regime coming in what direction they will go but I think Culp will be given the 1st shot.

Clev - I think Anderson emerges here. In his short stay he played better with the same tools than Frye did all year IMO. He's big, has a good/quick/decisive release which makes it more difficult to blitz/sack him even though he's not that mobile.

Hou - Agree that the Carr experiment is over and Plummer is the logical choice to be reunited with Kubiak.

Jax - Don't sleep on Q. Gray. I think the Garrard love has substantially cooled off after seeing him play 1/2 a season. Too many mistakes. Gray is the next Garrard in that he showed flashes and people will be calling for him.

KC - Although Herm came out and said Green is his starter in '07, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if they resigned Huard and he was their starter next year. Like Anderson in Clev, I thought he looked better than Green when he got his shot.

Oak - who knows, can go rookie QB, Leftwich, etc.

Chi - if Carr gets cut do they sign him? Otherwise I'm not too sure who'd they go after. They'll likely want a vet that will minimize mistakes so Carr may not be such a good fit afterall.

Car - Delhomme gets the nod but with a short/tight leash.

TB - 85% Simms is the starter. Looks like I'll be avoiding TB players again next year.

 

[JAK Straw]

How about Schaub throwing to Moss in OAK? Might ATL move him in exchange for the 2.01?

 

[msommer]

Oak - who knows, can go rookie QB, Leftwich, etc.

Leftwich would have to be suicidal to accept to play behind that line...

 

[Banger]

Oak - who knows, can go rookie QB, Leftwich, etc.

Leftwich would have to be suicidal to accept to play behind that line...

agreed but someone is going to have to play there unless they put Walter out there again as a tackling dummy.

 

[gildawg]

To all the guys hyping Anderson in Cleveland from a Browns fan....

No No No. He had something like 8 turnovers in his last two games before getting injured, there couldn't have been a closer clone to Kelly Holcomb if they tried. I see the Browns making a play for Schaub, a RFA and Leftwich if he is available. I don't think they should or will go after Carr. Cleveland is bringing in almost an entire new offensive staff, so if they go WCO style, look for them to go after Schaub or hell even resign Garcia, that would be hilarious, but in a WCO he can get the job done. I wouldn't be upset if they got Russell in the draft but most Browns fans are on the Troy Smith wagon and we would be in for another long year if that were the case.

 

[msommer]

Oak - who knows, can go rookie QB, Leftwich, etc.

Leftwich would have to be suicidal to accept to play behind that line...

agreed but someone is going to have to play there unless they put Walter out there again as a tackling dummy.

I think they go cheap. Rattay?Are the Raiders going to let Brooks go? where does he wind up? his salary is only 720K but there is probably a bonus attached and if so he's gone.

 

[roadkill1292]

Does anyone think that McNair retires if Baltimore wins the Super Bowl? I know he was considering it a year or two ago so maybe if he got a ring he would feel his career was complete. Just speculating...

I think there's a small chance of this happening but I think it more likely that he'll play in 2007. After that, I think the Ratbirds will be dismantling the veteran nucleus of the team and going into rebuilding mode a la 2002.

 

[Banger]

Does anyone think that McNair retires if Baltimore wins the Super Bowl? I know he was considering it a year or two ago so maybe if he got a ring he would feel his career was complete. Just speculating...

I think they give Boller another shot if that happens. He had some decent stats in limited opportunities this year. Maybe he's learned by working under a pro like McNair.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

To all the guys hyping Anderson in Cleveland from a Browns fan....

No No No. He had something like 8 turnovers in his last two games before getting injured, there couldn't have been a closer clone to Kelly Holcomb if they tried. I see the Browns making a play for Schaub, a RFA and Leftwich if he is available. I don't think they should or will go after Carr. Cleveland is bringing in almost an entire new offensive staff, so if they go WCO style, look for them to go after Schaub or hell even resign Garcia, that would be hilarious, but in a WCO he can get the job done. I wouldn't be upset if they got Russell in the draft but most Browns fans are on the Troy Smith wagon and we would be in for another long year if that were the case.

I couldn't agree more on Anderson. He may have shown enough to be a good back-up going forward, but how low are your expectations if you were really impressed by Derek Anderson's play in the games he started? Or did you miss the last two games he started?No way the Browns go into next season with Derek Anderson having a chance to start. I actually agree that this is the most likely destination for Byron Leftwich.

The other situation I disagree with the majority take: no way is Simms 80% chance to start in TB. As has been pointed, Gruden has gone on and on about bringing in a veteran in addition to Simms. Once that veteran (Garcia, Plummer, Huard, David Carr, Bledsoe, Seneca Wallace, Aaron Brooks) gets into camp, it won't take long for everyone to realize that whoever he is, he is a much better bet to put points on the board than Chris Simms. I say 40-50% chance to start.

NFL football games are precious to each franchise. You can't keep entering NFL seasons without giving your team a chance to compete. Tampa Bay did that in '06 when they couldn't get points on the board and sabotaged their whole season by running Chris Simms out there to start the season. Would they really do that to their franchise again in '07? Historically, if you lose your first three games (and look awful doing it), your whole season is shot and the franchise is set back another year. Just as importantly, this isn't a franchise that can get by solely on its defense anymore. Their defense is below average now and not looking to get much better anytime soon. They need a QB who can put points on the board, not just a project QB whom Gruden can try to groom to manage a game and minimize mistakes.

Finally, I agree that Carolina will enter '07 with Delhomme as the starter and will look to bring in a promising young QB via the draft.

 

[culdeus]

Bledsoe is gone in Dallas. I wonder who the backup QB will be? There isn't another on the roster, but Parcells toyed with the idea of trying out Maddox in the season.