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.It was a revelation in Oakland Sunday -- the starting quarterback struggled a bit, but didn't make dumb decisions or do more to beat his team than beat the opponent. Instead, he led his team on a late touchdown drive to tie the score, then got a break to pick up the win.
Oakland Raiders: Bruce Gradkowski and JaMarcus Russell
Gradkowski didn't remind anyone of Brett Favre in his performance against Cincinnati Sunday, but he was good enough to win. He didn't destroy his team with countless inaccurate throws or misreads. Instead, he allowed the Raiders to hang in there against a better team (Cincinnati), and he led a game-tying drive in the final minute to draw the game even.
It was something that it is hard to believe Russell could do at this point. Gradkowski played with confidence and poise, while Russell doesn't inspire much of either trait in his teammates.
It's only one game, but the Raiders appear to at least have a nice stopgap in place until they use another high draft pick and $30 million more to solve their lack of a franchise quarterback.
Status update: Warm
Cleveland Browns: Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson
Yes, this came against the Detroit defense. Quinn threw for over 300 yards, launched some nice deep passes, and led the Browns to five offensive touchdowns. It was something Anderson never came close to doing, and it was easily as good as the Browns have looked.
Of course, Detroit's defense can do that to people.
That said, Quinn threw with poise, he threw long (something he hasn't done much in the NFL), and he looked like an NFL quarterback.
He'll continue to start for the Browns, and maybe they'll win a game or two.
Status update: Warm
Buffalo Bills: Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards
Fitzpatrick nearly led the Bills to a road win Sunday in Jacksonville. He found Terrell Owens nine times, including a 98-yard touchdown, and he used his skill position talent to make plays through the air.
Of course, the Bills scored 15 points and lost by a field goal. So there's that.
Fitzpatrick also threw two interceptions, and he blew three chances to get his team in the end zone from close range in the first half. That is a huge reason Buffalo lost the game late, and Fitzpatrick has to get better at executing his team's offense in the red zone.
It was, overall, a good start to the Perry Fewell era. His team played hard, and there is enough positive there to make one think the Bills can rebound and have a respectable finish. That will likely come with Fitzpatrick under center.
Status update: Lukewarm
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gradkowski is playing WAY better than Russell did in his only start of the season so it is a no-brainer that Bruce should continue to start. He threw as many touchdowns in his one start than Russell did in 9 starts and does hang in there and at least hit the open receivers that Russell was missing all season long. The Raiders need to cut Russell next year ... or renegotiate his contract to much much less (won't happen) and get on with it! They also need to hire a real head coach ... someone like Cowher or Shanahan and Al Davis needs to let them shift the organization to the level it should be at. I know ... I know ... Dream on!