Eric Williams
NFC West Writer
During his time as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, legendary offensive guru Mike Holmgren had a simple philosophy for selecting his backup quarterback.
Holmgren wanted someone who could move in that role, because if the backup was in, that meant there were injuries along the offensive line and other positions on offense. As a result, the backup would have to scramble to make plays.
That’s why Holmgren kept a mobile quarterback like Seneca Wallace around in Seattle behind starter Matt Hasselbeck for seven seasons.
But it’s not just mobility that backup quarterbacks need to be successful. It’s also an experienced command of the offense and the ability to make quick decisions on the run.
Last year, 66 different quarterbacks made a start in the NFL. In 2022, 68 made starts. So, it’s certain that several backup quarterbacks will see time as the starter this season. That means teams expecting to make a deep postseason run may need to have someone in the quarterback room they trust to run the offense and win games should the starter find himself in the training room.
With that in mind, we’ve ranked the top 10 backup quarterbacks heading into the 2024 season. (Stats are courtesy of FOX Sports Research.)
1. Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts
Age: 39
2024 Compensation: $4.5 million
Career W-L record: 103-82
Postseason record: 10-6
Career passer rating: 87.9
Career completion percentage: 61.6%
Passing first downs (2023): 60 (T-34th)
Tight window completions (2023): 13 (T-28th)
Total pass EPA (2023): -15.08 (53rd)
Draft status: First-round selection (No. 18 overall) of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2008 draft.
Why he’s on the list: Flacco has a Super Bowl victory and Super Bowl MVP to his credit. He earned Comeback Player of the Year in 2023 after coming off his couch midseason to replace an injured Deshaun Watson, leading the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs. Now, Flacco will serve as a mentor and…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/who-trust-off-bench-nfls-top-10-backup-quarterbacks
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Publish date : 2024-08-21 21:30:26
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