This season perhaps has seen the
most backup quarterbacks play a significant role than any in recent
memory.
Entering Week 7, eight teams already
have had their starting quarterback go down with an injury or have
benched their starter due to poor play. That’s 25 percent of the teams
in the NFL.
And more likely will come –
Kellen Clemens is breathing down Chad Pennington’s neck with
the New York Jets; Baltimore’s Steve McNair can’t seem to stay
healthy for consecutive weeks; Tennessee’s Vince Young is hobbled
with a quadriceps injury and could be out this week; and don’t be
surprised if rebuilding Miami gives rookie John Beck a shot under
center before the season’s over.
Let’s take a look at the backups who
have become starters and what you should do with them – start ’em (worth
starting every week), spot start ’em (start only if have a favorable
matchup) and bench ’em (only use if you have no other choice).
START ’EM
Derek Anderson, Cleveland:
Only Tom Brady and Tony Romo have more touchdown passes than Anderson.
He has thrown at least two touchdowns in four of his five starts,
including a five-touchdown performance in Week 2 and a three-TD game
last week. With numbers like that, you can ignore the fact that most
people never heard of him until this season.
Others:
None.
SPOT START ’EM
Brian Griese, Chicago:
The Bears’ running game is struggling and their defense is giving up a
ton, resulting in Chicago airing it out often (122 passes in Griese’s
three starts). However, keep in mind two of Griese’s three games have
come against two of the three worst pass defenses in the league –
Minnesota (32nd) and Detroit (30th).
Others:
Vinny Testaverde and David Carr, Carolina; Daunte Culpepper, Oakland.
BENCH ’EM
Byron Leftwich, Atlanta:
The former Jacksonville Jaguar takes over for Joey Harrington as the
Falcons’ starter. Harrington was sacked 21 times in six games. It only
will be worse for the statue-like Leftwich.
Others:
Cleo Lemon, Miami; Trent Edwards, Buffalo; Tim Rattay, Arizona.
HOT READ
Michael Bennett, RB, Tampa Bay:
The former Kansas City Chief was traded to Tampa Bay, where he should
take over as the Bucs’ starter. Pick him up if he’s still available in
your league – owners should always consider picking up starting running
backs when they become available – but don’t expect huge numbers from
him. He hasn’t been a regular starter since 2002.
BROKEN PLAY(ER)
Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego:
The Chargers acquired wide receiver Chris Chambers from Miami in a
trade. Chambers clearly is better than Jackson and will take over as the
team’s No. 1 wide receiver. With Chambers aboard, Jackson’s
opportunities will take a big hit.
OFF THE BENCH
Nate Burleson, WR, Seattle:
With Deion Branch out last week, Burleson caught six passes for 63 yards
and a touchdown, including 13 looks. Branch is out again this week, so
look for Burleson to have another solid game in the Seahwawks’ home game
against St. Louis.
SAFE BET
Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis:
Bulger returns after sitting out the last two games with broken ribs. If
he can stay healthy, he should rebound from his slow start, especially
when running back Steven Jackson returns to take the pressure off him.
The Rams have a favorable schedule against the pass the rest of the
season, with seven of their last 10 opponents ranking 19th or worse in
passing yards allowed per game.
EXTRA POINT
Philadelphia has been the toughest
defense in the league against tight ends. The Eagles have allowed just
13 catches, 121 yards and one touchdown to tight ends in five games,
including holding the New York Giant’s Jeremy Shockey to one catch and
17 yards. This week, Chicago’s Greg Olson and Desmond Clark likely will
be the latest to struggle against the Eagles.
