NFL Trends

The Monday night game got me thinking about the different NFL teams, and how McNabb and and Romo were staples to each respective team at the quarterback position. Then I started thinking about all the different changes for teams' qbs. Let's go through the list.

Brett Favre - New York Jets
It's no secret he was the talk of much of the offseason after his text message. Apparently Brett runs his operations just like the Mets, which means he'll fit well in New York. Anyway, this is a good change for the Jets, but I don't think it will bring them a Super Bowl. Granted the division is looking a little less bumpy now that Brady is out, and the fish still look bad, but they have a long way to go.

Matt Ryan - Atlanta Falcons
Falcons' fans probably weren't too happy to see them lose after the display shown in their first game. If Atlanta wants to survive and make the playoffs they better hope Turner can run wild like he did in game one. It is tough to win with rookie quarterbacks... really tough.

Joe Flacco - Baltimore Ravens
Speaking of rookie quaterbacks, Baltimore has one as well. Honestly, I didn't know where this guy went to college till I looked it up (It's Delaware - that team with the Michigan-looking helmets; they got beat by Appalachian State in their championship game. Yeah, them. Rich Gannon also went to school there.) Well you can say his team is still undefeated (no game on Sunday), and expect him to do alright in his playing time, because he has a lot of assets and is your prototypical NFL quarterback. The Ravens won't ask him to do too much, and that is a positive thing for this rookie.

JaMarcus Russell - Oakland Raiders
Here is a guy that is practically a rookie, even though he started a game last season (where he thre three interceptions). This year he is expected to progress as the season goes along. Oakland's ground attack should help out J-Marc, but J-Marc will have start proving he can make the tough pass, as well as get some finesse in his throws. He has the ability to throw it deep, but his accuracy will be challenged this year.

Kerry Collins - Tennessee Titans
Well guess who's back in the powder blues, it's Kerry Collins. The Titans are fortunate to have a backup like Collins to help resurrect the offensive woes. Collins is a journeyman, to the likes of a Jeff George, or a Jeff Hostetler, but he knows his way around the game. Mobility is certainly his weakness, but he'll make up for that with his knowledge of the game.

Chad Pennington - Miami Dolphins
Well Chad is not exactly setting the world on fire, and I truly feel Pennington would make for a nice backup, but not a starter that could lead you to the Super Bowl. Granted the Dolphins are just trying to win a few games, but maybe they could do better at quarterback.

Matt Cassel - New England Patriots
Can you believe this guy made his first start last week since high school? That is crazy to think of, and makes you wonder how good he really is. Coach Hoodie will keep Cassel in position to win his games, and with Randy Moss, that position is good.

Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers
Now that the Packers have moved on, and Aaron is no longer in the shadow of a legend, he can just go out and play football. Rodgers has proven that he can handle the big stage, and he looks very comfortable running the Packers' offense. I'm excited to see how far Rodgers takes the Packers. I think he will be another great Green Bay quarterback.

Jeff Garcia, or Brian Griese, or... - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
So who's it going to be Gruden, Griese or Garcia? I think maybe Luke McCown starts Week 3. Chalk one up to La-Tech. Seriously though, changing the order around with two quarterbacks can be a dangerous thing, particularly when there was nothing wrong. The one saving grace may be the switch coming this early in the season.

Quarterback is a tough position, and it takes physical and mental strength, but one thing to remember is the system that each qb plays in goes a long way in the attribution to success. Sometimes the guy who messes up the least is the guy that wins the most. We'll see how these shakeups go as the weeks pile on.

In other news not related to this thread...

... Ohio University cheerleader Kristine Mayle is Sports Illustrated's Cheerleader of the week. Props to Kristine. Click for the story.

It's always good to see the Bobcats represent.