Anyone Need A Quarterback?...Part Four

Finally, the last part is here. Strangely enough, I'll be starting a new series very shortly, buty that is then.


NFC South

Atlanta Falcons
Starter: Matt Ryan
Backups/Challengers: Joey Harrington, Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley?
Analysis: Sorry to all those Redman or Harrington fans (are there any?) but Ryan will be the starter, and likely right away. This was all but sealed when he signed his record contract last week, but they may not want to rush him into action. He has good size, a great arm and smarts to be successful right away. Redman and Harrington have the same two problems: no talent or consistancy. And, for the record, Shockley is kind of like Mike Vick, and the Falcons want to get away from that sort of thing. Expect Ryan to start early and not look back.


Carolina Panthers
Starter: Jake Delhomme
Backups: Matt Moore, Brett Basanez
Analysis: Delhomme is a gem, when he is healthy. His accuracy is top-notch, and he can throw a decent deep ball. He has struggled with injuries, and the Panthers surprisingly did not address the position in the draft. This must mean that they were content with the play of Moore, who saw some starts last year in the injury plagued season. He looked erratic and unfocused in the pocket, and will have to improve if he wants to be Delhomme's successor. Basanez hasn't seen
any action, and could struggle to make the final cut.

New Orleans Saints
Starter: Drew Brees
Backups: Mark Brunell, Jamie Martin, Tyler Palko, Travis Lulay
Analysis: There is no question about Brees, who continued to shine last year (after a slow start). He was clearly affected by the lack of a solid running attack, but that should be better this year. Brees has excellent accuracy, and can throw it with the best of them. Brunell was brought in to provide a solid veteran backup, who can mentor the younger QBs on the roster. Brunell is getting up in years, but is still fairly mobile, and his arm hasn't diminished that much. Palko will be a developmental back up who could be the number two QB in a few years. Martin and Lulay will likely not make the team.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Starter: Jeff Garcia
Backups/Challengers: Brian Griese, Chris Simms, Bruce Gradkowski, Josh Johnson, Luke McCown (Jake Plummer?)
Analysis: The QB farm that is Tampa Bay. It seems as though there may be an open competition here, but Garcia should remain the starter. He continues to win, despite the fact that he is not all that talented. They added another playmaker in the draft at WR, so more oppourtunities will be there. After that, what a mess. Griese has been a solid backup/fill in the past couple years, and could be successful if needed. Still has a good arm, and knows how to get the job done. Gradkowski showed potential in his rookie year, but could be an afterthought. This also applies to McCown, who saw some action last year, but has never been all that good. Johnson is a developmental QB, who showed great promise in a division two conference. If developed properly, he could be the QB of the future. Simms will likely be traded at one point in either the offseason or before the trade deadline. The Bucs also stil own the rights to Jake Plummer, who could still make a comeback, however unlikely that is.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals
Starter: Matt Leinart
Backups: Kurt Warner, Tim Rattay, Tim Hasselbeck, Brian St Pierre
Analysis: Leinart is still the future, but we could see more two headed QBs from the Cards. Warner appears to have gotten his second wind, and could challenge for playing time with his poise and skill set. Leinart hasn't showed the promise he did in college, but his development has been set back due to injuries. They have a loaded offence, so Leinart could (and should) be successful. Rattay saw some action last year, and didn't look bad. A good fill in when needed. Hasselbeck and St Pierre won't see the field, and could be moved elsewhere.

San Francisco 49ers
Starter: Alex Smith
Backups/Challengers: Shaun Hill, Trent Dilfer, Chris Weinke, Drew Olsen
Analysis: Smith has one last chance to prove he can lead this team. He hasn't showed much promise, but has had to learn three different playbooks in his career. He has a good arm, but his work ethic has been questioned. Hill showed great promise last year, and many think he should be starter this year. However, he will remain the backup until further notice. Dilfer is a great mentor, but he still wants to play. He won't with the Niners. Weinke is a former starter, but has never really showed enough to merit a starting job. Olsen has bounced around, and likely won't make the team.

Seattle Seahawks
Starter: Matt Hasselbeck
Backups: Saneca Wallace, Charlie Frye, Dalton Bell
Analysis: Hassler's job is safe. He has been very effective over the years, and should continue to do so. He is another QB who needs to stay healthy, and he needs the running game to take the pressure off. Wallace filled in very well last year when Hasselbeck was hurt, and might start looking for a starting job somewhere else. He has great athletisism, and a solid arm, but struggles with accuracy. Frye was a bum in Cleveland, and barring injuries to the two guys in front of him, he won't be seeing any action after September 1st. Bell is a rookie who could be groomed.

St Louis Rams
Starter: Mark Bulger
Backups: Trent Green, Brock Berlin
Analysis: Bulger's job is safe, but he needs to stay healthy (gee, where have we heard that before?). He has a great arm, and he is very smart with the football. When he plays, the Rams are automatically contenders. Green comes back after starting for years with the Chiefs and Dolphins. He is coming off two sever concussions, however, and he needs to prove he is back to full health. He is dead accurate, but is a statue in the pocket. Berlin had success in NFL Europe, and has never translated that to the NFL.

Now that this series is done, be back tomorrow with news updates and the like.