With the NFL evolving into a pass-heavy league where a quality quarterback is the No. 1 necessity, teams search far and wide every offseason in hopes of putting the best possible passer under center.
Evidenced by the last four No. 1 picks in the NFL Draft being spent on quarterbacks, the quality of gunslinger can make or break a franchise. When high draft picks are spent on a bust – i.e. JaMarcus Russell – a team can be set back several seasons.
Unfortunately, not every team finds their franchise quarterback. Some teams are forced to settle on subpar passers who rely heavily on – or don’t take advantage of – their supporting cast. That’s why the quarterback position is a revolving door in the NFL, as several starters get the ax each season.
Here’s a list of five NFL quarterbacks who will be backups in 2013.
Mark Sanchez, New York Jets
One play, Sanchez is making a smart, accurate pass that keeps the dream of him being a quality starter alive. The next, he holds onto the ball way too long before lobbing a duck into double coverage. Interception or not, his lackluster passing has held the Jets back for the past three seasons and will continue to do so in 2012. Unless he consistently shows the type of passing he displayed in Week 1, Sanchez should be out of a starting job in 2013.
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
The NFL’s most infamous choke artist, Romo has failed to make the most of golden opportunities since taking the reins in Dallas back in 2007. Although his skills and pass abilities are among the league’s best, Romo always finds a way to squander promising situations that set the franchise back time and time again. Even with his standing as a second-tier NFL quarterback, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys can only handle so many letdowns before they opt to take another route.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills
Even though Fitzpatrick might just be the best quarterback the Bills have had since Drew Bledsoe‘s first season under center in Buffalo, that doesn’t mean he’s still worthy of the starting spot. For almost every touchdown pass, Fitzpatrick follows it up with an interception. Above all, he has a tendency to lose a grip on leads and can’t find the rhythm when big plays are needed most. Fitzpatrick always manages to fall just short and should find himself on the outside looking in by next season.
Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
Cutler is the definition of inconsistency. Somewhat like Sanchez, Cutler is on point one game and looking like a lost cause the next. What really makes him not worth a starting quarterback spot in the NFL, though, is his poor attitude and tendency to pout when things don’t go his way. The NFL is a league of men; similar to the sport’s approach to crying, there’s no pouting in football. Cutler has never been able to capitalize on his physical tools and seems like a better option off the bench at this point.
Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs
If it wasn’t for Jamaal Charles and the rushing attack, Cassel would have been benched a long time ago. Cassel has struggled to carry the Kansas City passing attack, often depending on Charles or the uber-talented Dwayne Bowe to bail him out. He has trouble with taking advantage of his available weapons and never seems to maximize the potential that his offense possesses. If he keeps playing this way, Cassel could be benched in favor of Brady Quinn by midseason.
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