NFC Quarterbacks on the Hot Seat in 2008
June 15, 2008
Our quarterbacks on the hot seat series continues with a look at the NFC. If you plan on doing any football betting this fall, then you need to have as much knowledge as possible under your belt so you can weigh the NFL odds and make the correct bets. Of course we like to make it easy here for you at Info Plays by listing on the top NFL picks from expert handicappers. But if you like to handicap your own games then start out by researching some guys we think may be on the hot seat in 2008.
Donavan McNabb – Philadelphia Eagles
McNabb is taking the brunt of the criticism for the Eagles struggles last year and also how they have struggled to win a Super Bowl during his era. There are other problems of course, but the Philadelphia faithful seem to ignore the obvious like not having a reliable receiver or a spotty defense. Last year, McNabb completed over 61.5% of his passes for 18 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, but the problem was he played in only 14 games last season after he was injured in Week 11.
Even if McNabb is healthy this year, he’s quite as effective under center as he used to be. I don’t really like his leadership ability either.
Alex Smith – San Francisco 49ers
Smith seems to be doomed. He has had quite a few chances to succeed but just hasn’t gotten over the hump. He was hurt for most of last year and played in only 6.5 games, but the future does not look bright for this guy. Coach Mike Nolan’s seat is getting hotter after last year’s disappointment so he’s not going to be too patient, plus add in Mike Martz is the new offensive coordinator and isn’t known to wait it out.
Jake Delhomme – Carolina Panthers
Jake has to deal with coming back from Tommy John surgery, which is going to be pretty unpredictable. He could regain his previous form and he could vanish into the Panther past. However, John Fox is getting on the hot seat as well so he won’t tolerate any mistakes from his quarterback.
Matt Leinart – Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals fans could be quick to turn on Leinart after seeing him party a little too hard in the off-season. When you play only five games, throw four picks when not completing more than ten passes in more than half your games, you should be working a little harder in the off-season. I don’t see this guy ever living up to his hype coming out of USC, and Kurt Warner is more than capable while waiting in the wings.
Tavaris Jackson – Minnesota Vikings
Jackson was a raw project when he made it to the NFL, but if he keeps up his woeful play then he’s going to be shown the door. With plenty of weapons on offense and a defense that is improved with the addition of Jared Allen, this guy is the obvious weak link. Jackson did show some promise at the end of last season, and if he can keep it up then the Vikings will be a surprise team in the NFC.