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.You can't predict injuries. Even the most injury-prone players are often able to run seven yards without being broken in half, so it's unfair to say that a major lost-time injury doesn't come as a surprise. This week, we find quarterback situations around the league impacted by injuries, ineffectiveness, checkdowns, and interceptions.
More Coverage: Kolb Temporary Starter for Eagles
Yes, Jake Delhomme threw four interceptions in 17 throws against Philadelphia. Yes, Donovan McNabb was injured, sending Philadelphia into scramble mode after their first game. No, Matthew Stafford didn't light the world on fire Sunday. Oh, and we all saw what Jay Cutler did. With all of that in mind, this week starts in the same place last week did.
Cleveland Browns: Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson
The argument could be made that Quinn didn't play poorly on Sunday against an elite Minnesota defense. However, this should be looked at a bit differently.
Did Quinn's constant checkdowns and insistence on avoiding any risks downfield help or hurt his team's chances of winning?
It's been shown numerous times in the past, even by a team like the Bears that everyone insists doesn't have any passing talent. The best way to gain any serious footing against the Vikings defense is by spreading the field and attacking in all areas.
You can't make a living taking five-yard checkdowns when you don't have much depth at receiver, especially when you're up against one of the league's best defenses.
Unless the Browns find a consistent running game, Quinn is going to have to take the shackles off himself. He can't afford to play the short passing game, as defenders are just going to collapse on the short game.
That's one advantage Anderson has over Quinn. He's not as accurate with his shorter throws, but he's lethal throwing deep. This isn't a change that can be expected immediately. However, it's going to be very difficult for Quinn to keep this job for 16 starts if he plays like he did Sunday.
Granted, not all defenses are like the Vikings, but the bottom line is that Quinn has to be willing to take more chances down the field.
Status update: Very warm
Carolina Panthers: Jake Delhomme, Matt Moore, and A.J. Feeley
Welcome to the list, Jake. Nine interceptions over your last 51 passes (in games that count, that is) will start a quarterback controversy virtually anywhere, even if the backups are rather pedestrian.
Delhomme was a butcher Sunday against the Eagles. While he'll start this week against Atlanta, hot-seat head coach John Fox can't be too patient.
Give Feeley a couple weeks to get acclimated to the offense, and if Delhomme hasn't turned things around, this situation is bound to heat up.
Status update: Very warm
Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, Jeff Garcia
While injury-driven quarterback controversies are typically not as much fun, there is some real juice to what is going on in Philly.
It has nothing to do with McNabb's play. He helped engineer a 38-10 lead at Carolina Sunday before he was injured, and there is no reason to think his job is in any kind of jeopardy. However, the rib fracture he suffered in the game does complicate things somewhat.
The Eagles signed Garcia this week as insurance. He should have no trouble learning the offense, as he played for the Eagles in 2006. The concepts now are basically the same.
In the meantime, Kolb will start this week against New Orleans if McNabb can't go. Remember, Michael Vick is on suspension for one more week, and is not eligible to play until next week.
Status update: Warm
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Byron Leftwich, Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson
This has nothing to do with Leftwich. In fact, he was pretty good Sunday. It wasn't his fault the Bucs defense gave up too many big plays and couldn't make key stops.
However, this leads us to a larger issue. A struggling Tampa Bay team gets no benefit from having Leftwich continue to take snaps. The season is too young to give up on, but there will come a point where the Bucs have to decide whether they want to win games or give Freeman or Johnson some game experience.
Of course, if Leftwich has an awful day at some point, this decision could be made quicker than expected.
Status update: Lukewarm
Other Teams Worth Watching
Detroit Lions (Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper); San Francisco 49ers (Shaun Hill and Alex Smith)
