It's often said that a team with two quarterbacks really doesn't have any. With that spirit in mind, FanHouse will keep you updated weekly on NFL teams facing potential quarterback controversies.
There are some unusual circumstances surrounding the quarterback position as we enter Week 1 of the NFL season. There is still one team that has yet to formally announce its starter for Sunday, while others can expect to face questions about their signal-callers unless things go really, really well.
More Coverage: Is Quinn in? | Fantasy Football
Cleveland Browns: Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn
New coach Eric Mangini wiped the slate clean when he took over in Cleveland. That meant that former coach Romeo Crennel's rather ridiculous decision to name Quinn the Browns' starter for 2009 meant as much as the air it was spoken into. There would be an open competition.
Since then, Mangini has seemingly been trying to screw with the mind of Vikings head coach Brad Childress, who stands on the opposite sideline for Sunday's opener in Cleveland. Mangini thinks it gives his team an edge if no one knows who the starting quarterback will be for the Browns. Of course, this brings to mind the idea that Mangini must really think his team stinks, since he's looking for any competitive advantage he can find to offset an obvious talent gap.
Whether this is true or not, the Browns have not made an announcement, and none is planned. We have preseason games to go off of, and there are reports that Quinn got the gig. While we can't expect any official confirmation of this, it seems the Vikings will enter their game with a pretty good idea who they'll be facing.
Even if they don't, why would there be any genuine concern? The Browns don't have any depth at wide receiver, and they figure to still struggle to run the ball consistently.
Status: White-hot
San Francisco 49ers: Shaun Hill and Alex Smith
The 49ers decided to avoid Mangini's ploy, naming Hill the starter before the preseason had ended. This is going to be a running football team this season, even if Michael Crabtree signs and manages to make a positive impact.
Given the nature of this team (run the ball and play tough, physical defense), it doesn't seem as if either guy would have a long leash on the field.
The need here is for mistake-free football from under center. Hill has to manage the game, avoid taking dumb chances, and make some plays when called upon. If he's not getting it done early in the season, expect head coach Mike Singletary to waste no time seeing what Smith can do.
Status: Warm
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Byron Leftwich, Josh Johnson and Josh Freeman
It looks like a messy season in Tampa. Rookie coach Raheem Morris has named Leftwich the starter on a team full of holes. While the veteran seems to be a good, steady hand to lead this group, a bad start to the season is only going to leave him peeking over his shoulder at his younger backups.
Johnson and Freeman could both see playing time this season, and it probably isn't a good sign for the Buccaneers if they do. While the NFL's youngest head coach tries to rebuild his defense, he's also trying to avoid a revolving door at the quarterback position.
Status: Lukewarm
Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper
Like the Browns, Detroit has a new head coach, and Jim Schwartz has made it abundantly clear that Stafford is his guy.
"This isn't an internship, this isn't a trial basis," Schwartz said Monday. "He's our starting quarterback."
However, it's hard to imagine the Lions tanking another season, and possibly ruining Stafford's confidence, by trotting him out to play when he's clearly overwhelmed. Plus, they know Culpepper looked good throughout the offseason, and has said and done all the right things since Stafford was drafted.
If Stafford just isn't getting the job done, would the Lions consider making a change, or will Schwartz stand by his word?
Whether Culpepper wants to admit it or not, he's going to be quite peeved if Stafford is throwing two picks a game and keeps getting the starting nod.
Status: Lukewarm
Other Teams Worth Watching
New York Jets (Mark Sanchez and Kellen Clemens); Kansas City (Matt Cassel and Tyler Thigpen)
