Ranking the NFL's backup quarterbacks

[supafly]

Ranking the NFL's backup quarterbacks

• By Marc Sessler
• Around the League Writer
• Published: July 10, 2013 at 05:27 p.m.
• Updated: July 10, 2013 at 07:43 p.m.

In May, we ranked the NFL's starting quarterbacks from top to bottom. Now it's time to rate the guys behind the guys, the clipboard-holders paid to swoop in when disaster strikes.
When we listed the first-stringers, the ugliest of the bunch were categorized as JAGs (just another guy). These backup types? They dream of JAG status.


To be fair, some have bright futures, but for now, the task is clear: Keep the ship afloat in days of crisis.

Heading into training camp, here's my top-to-bottom list of who I'd want at the ready:

Pair of aces
1. Kirk Cousins, Washington Commanders
2. Kyle Orton, Dallas Cowboys


Cousins won't play backup forever. Robert Griffin III is franchise gold, but I wouldn't be surprised to see another team pursue a trade for Cousins down the line. He capably led the 'Skins to a critical late-season win over the Cleveland Browns as a rookie, and he's shown tremendous leadership as RGIII heals from knee surgery. We've seen enough from Orton to peg him for what he is: A sturdy but unremarkable fill-in. A veteran who probably won't be viewed as a starter again but reliable enough to keep Dallas afloat if Tony Romo meets his doom.

The rest of the rankings here:

Ranking the NFL's backup quarterbacks - NFL.com
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap10...nfls-backup-quarterbacks?campaign=Twitter_atl

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Man, I hope so.

 

[Doomsday101]

Man, I hope so.

me too. However I do think Orton is capable to come in and keep the team afloat over a short period.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

me too. However I do think Orton is capable to come in and keep the team afloat over a short period.

If his arm is not gone, then I probably like him over just about anybody. If it's not, then we are in trouble, however short the duration. JMO

 

[Doomsday101]

If his arm is not gone, then I probably like him over just about anybody. If it's not, then we are in trouble, however short the duration. JMO

True but at age 30 I doubt his arm is gone.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

True but at age 30 I doubt his arm is gone.

There are no guarantees on things like that. I mean, he wasn't exactly getting the ball out there very well in those Minis.

 

[Doomsday101]

There are no guarantees on things like that. I mean, he wasn't exactly getting the ball out there very well in those Minis.

I agree there are no guarantees, we will get a better chance of seeing what he has in training camp and pre season.

 

[Sarge]

lol - this season can't start fast enough . . . .

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

lol - this season can't start fast enough . . . .

No lie there Sarge. Your statement would be true if the season had started yesterday!

 

[Califan007]

Might be interesting to see a game between the Commanders and Cowboys with Cousins and Orton starting.

 

[gimmesix]

There are no guarantees on things like that. I mean, he wasn't exactly getting the ball out there very well in those Minis.

I'm curious to see if he was doing something different during the offseason or possibly even during OTAs/minicamp, whether it was something mechanical he was toying with or something physical, such as altering his workout routine.

I have trouble believing his skills have suddenly eroded.