Futility
Footballguy
I'm hoping to have a good discussion regarding 2nd string QBs that have been thrust into a starting job. Some of these quarterbacks have a good shot at taking over - others, not so much. I'll give my brief take and vote of STARTS (will start 2007 as starting QB) or SITS (will start 2007 as a backup). I'm assuming that Leinart and Young are considered QBs of the future with no immediate threat. As a disclaimer, I'm not an expert of a lot of these situations (thus, the discussion). Homer input, as always, is much appreciated.
Joey Harrington - Above average career backup. Assuming Culpepper recovers without any serious setbacks, I think it's a pretty safe bet that CPep starts the 07 season. SITS.
Damon Huard - Has played at a pro bowl level after two shaky games. A healthy Trent Green has the endorsement of Herm Edwards, however. Assuming Green plays adequately for the remainder of this season and comes back for 2007, I see him retaining the job without much fuss. Green's contract status could play into the situation, though, and I don't have those numbers. Regardless, I can't see the Chiefs going into next season with Damon Huard at QB. SITS.
David Garrard - All Garrard seems to do in Jacksonville is win. A guy named Byron Leftwich has been pretty good at that too, though. Leftwich has Del Rio's endorsement as recently as last week, but you have to wonder if a high enough level of play - or enough winning - will change Del Rio's tune. IIRC, Leftwich can opt out of his deal after this season. Also, whispers around the league are that Garrard may be starting for good, but part of me wonders if this media speculation grew out of Del Rio's frustration with Leftwich playing (too) hurt. SITS.
Bruce Gradkowski - Similar to Garrard (again, IIRC), Chris Simms is a restricted free agent after the season. Gradkowski has had his ups and downs, but is performing about as well as you can ask a 6th round rookie to play. After Simms' shaky and shortened season, it's likely that both he and teams interested in signing him will be looking for a very short term deal. Simms will hope to prove himself and then sign a lucrative long-term deal a year later. Assuming that Simms' recovers fully (and quickly), I see the Bucs offering him the max tender and keeping him for a year. From there, I see he and Gradkowski competing in camp. At this point, I give the edge to Gradkowski. STARTS.
Tony Romo - Poor performance by a veteran QB gave him a shot. Parcells isn't one to waiver with QB swaps, so Romo will definitely finish the season, barring injury. After a few games, it already appears that he is a better fit for the team and is set as Dallas' QB of the future. STARTS.
Seneca Wallace - Has played surprisingly well in his limited chances so far. Still, Hass is entrenched as the starter and isn't in a position to lose his job. SITS.
Andrew Walter - Aaron Brooks didn't get much of a chance to show what he can do in Oakland, but one thing is clear: Walter isn't able to do any better on a consistent basis. Maybe he'll be a player in a few years (and with something that resembles a functional offensive line), but for now, he's not ready. SITS.
Joey Harrington - Above average career backup. Assuming Culpepper recovers without any serious setbacks, I think it's a pretty safe bet that CPep starts the 07 season. SITS.
Damon Huard - Has played at a pro bowl level after two shaky games. A healthy Trent Green has the endorsement of Herm Edwards, however. Assuming Green plays adequately for the remainder of this season and comes back for 2007, I see him retaining the job without much fuss. Green's contract status could play into the situation, though, and I don't have those numbers. Regardless, I can't see the Chiefs going into next season with Damon Huard at QB. SITS.
David Garrard - All Garrard seems to do in Jacksonville is win. A guy named Byron Leftwich has been pretty good at that too, though. Leftwich has Del Rio's endorsement as recently as last week, but you have to wonder if a high enough level of play - or enough winning - will change Del Rio's tune. IIRC, Leftwich can opt out of his deal after this season. Also, whispers around the league are that Garrard may be starting for good, but part of me wonders if this media speculation grew out of Del Rio's frustration with Leftwich playing (too) hurt. SITS.
Bruce Gradkowski - Similar to Garrard (again, IIRC), Chris Simms is a restricted free agent after the season. Gradkowski has had his ups and downs, but is performing about as well as you can ask a 6th round rookie to play. After Simms' shaky and shortened season, it's likely that both he and teams interested in signing him will be looking for a very short term deal. Simms will hope to prove himself and then sign a lucrative long-term deal a year later. Assuming that Simms' recovers fully (and quickly), I see the Bucs offering him the max tender and keeping him for a year. From there, I see he and Gradkowski competing in camp. At this point, I give the edge to Gradkowski. STARTS.
Tony Romo - Poor performance by a veteran QB gave him a shot. Parcells isn't one to waiver with QB swaps, so Romo will definitely finish the season, barring injury. After a few games, it already appears that he is a better fit for the team and is set as Dallas' QB of the future. STARTS.
Seneca Wallace - Has played surprisingly well in his limited chances so far. Still, Hass is entrenched as the starter and isn't in a position to lose his job. SITS.
Andrew Walter - Aaron Brooks didn't get much of a chance to show what he can do in Oakland, but one thing is clear: Walter isn't able to do any better on a consistent basis. Maybe he'll be a player in a few years (and with something that resembles a functional offensive line), but for now, he's not ready. SITS.
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