AFC Quarterbacks on the Hot Seat in 2008
June 15, 2008
If you are going to be betting on football this fall then you need to make sure that you know both the strengths and the weaknesses of all of the teams (or at least pick up a package of NFL picks from our top handicappers). The quarterback position always gets a lot of attention, and it should. If a player is taking heat under center then it’s a major distraction for the team. We take a look at some different teams that could have problems with their quarterbacks in 2008 and how it could affect that team’s NFL odds.
Here are a couple of guys that you won’t have to worry about:
Jamarcus Russell – the Raiders aren’t going to have a short leash on their no. 1 draft pick.
Trent Edwards – Expectations are low, but he’s a pretty good player.
Jay Cutler – He’s Shannahan’s boy.
Vince Young – Sure his numbers aren’t great, but who is he even throwing too? Nobody good that is for sure.
Now here are the guys that you should be worried about.
Derek Anderson – Cleveland Browns
Anderson had a career year in 2007 with 3,787 yards passing to go with 29 touchdowns and only 19 interceptions. The Browns also went out and added another weapon in Donte Stallworth to give Anderson more options other than Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards.
This means that Anderson won’t be able to make any excuses. Brady Quinn is right there waiting in the wings for any kind of mistake, and he wants to take the reigns. Browns management spent a top draft pick on him two years ago, so they aren’t going to shy away from throwing him under center if things don’t start out well.
Chad Pennington – New York Jets
I really don’t even know how Pennington has made it in the league as long as he has. He can’t throw the ball more than 20 yards and seems to get picked off when a receiver tries to run an out route. Pennington’s gift is how smart he is and how he manages the game. Kellen Clemens has talent, but he threw twice as many interceptions as touchdowns last year. However, if the offense sputters, Clemens will get another shot.
Kyle Boller - Baltimore Ravens
Boller was terrible last year when McNair was gone but he might be the one who takes over yet again. However, Troy Smith is the one who played well at the end of the season to give himself a shot. Smith is a smart player, who overcomes his small height problems by having a quick release on his passes, and good footwork. Smith could surprise some people this year if he gets the chance, and with how Boller has played as a starter in the past, should happen sooner rather than later.
Philip Rivers – San Diego Chargers
I still can’t believe this guy has made a Pro Bowl. With all of the talent around him he’s the weakest link on a team that should be competing for Super Bowls. The Chargers are loaded with LT and several big names on defense, and he remains the big question mark. Last year when Rivers went down Billy Volek came out and led the Chargers past the Colts, which signalled to me that a change may be a good move.