Benched- New Starting QBs

Possibly the biggest story in the NFL right now is the re-emergence of Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.  Everybody is familiar with his story.  After serving almost two years for a federal dog fighting conviction, Vick was release by the Atlanta Falcons.  He was given a second chance in Philadelphia as the third stringer last season behind Donavon McNabb and air apparent Kevin Kolb.  One off-season in division trade and Kolb concussion later, Vick was given the oppurtunity to show his skill set in the second half of an almost come from behind win against the Green Bay Packers.

In Week 2, with Kolb not being cleared to play, Vick was given the start against the Detroit Lions.  Vick impressed everyone by throwing for 284 yards with 21 completions while leading the Eagles to a 35-32 victory.  Then in the most interesting coaching decision (or indecision) I can remember Andy Reid said that Kolb is still his quarterback barring his healthy return.  Then the next day (I guess after breaking down film) Reid said that Vick is playing at such an accelerated rate, he is now the starter.

A couple QBs have less inspiring stories that will lead to them not starting Week 3.  Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore, like Kolb, also suffered a concussion in Week 1.  He went on to start against division rival Tampa Bay on Sunday in a 20-7 loss, where he only completed 6 of 16 passes with an interception.  Rookie Jimmy Clausen came in to relieve Moore and didn’t have world beating numbers, with seven completions and also threw a pick.  But, Clausen will get the start against a Bengals defense which baited Baltimore QB Joe Flacco into throwing four interceptions in Week 2.

The Buffalo Bills have a lot of offensive deficiencies.  One of them is named Trent Edwards.  Edwards threw two interceptions in a blowout loss to the Packers, where he only had 102 passing yards.  Ryan Fitzpatrick will start against New England  and played down the stretch last year for the Bills after Edwards was benched with concussions.  Unfortunately for Fitzpatrick he will not be able to have the Jets defense or the Bengals receiving core to help him try to defeat the Patriots playing with a grudge after losing to New York.

Vince Young was benched after the first game in the 2009 season.  Backup Kerry Collins went on to tank the Titans to an 0-6 start.  Young then went on to win 8 out of the last 10 games for Tennessee to finnish the season.  Even with that great stretch run last season, Young was again benched by head coach Jeff Fischer in an unimpressive 19-11 loss to the Steelers on Sunday. Collins is still in the league and was 17 for 25 with 149 yards a touchdown and a pick.  Young completed 7 of 10 passes before being benched, but was herassed by the Steelers defense into throwing two interceptions.  Young will start against the Giants on Sunday, but he will have to be efficient to avoid talk of the dreaded QB controversy.

The Raiders are also no strangers to poor quarterback play.  After releasing former number one overall pick/bust Jamarcus Russell, the Raiders made a draft day trade for then Washington QB Jason Campbell.  It looked to be a match made in heaven for both Campbell and the Raiders, after Washington had traded for McNabb.  But, now there is trouble in paradise.  After a blowout loss to Tennessee and a first half struggle against the Rams (yes the Rams), Campbell was benched in favor of NFL journeyman Bruce Gradkowsi. Neither had extremely impressive numbers in a 16-14 victory, which required Darren McFadden to run 30 times for 145 yards to pull out the win. The Raiders will name the starter on Wendseday.  I think they should start Andrew Walter or Rich Gannon (where are they now).