The Quarterback Battles: How Are They Shaping Up? How Should They?
Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, Rosterwatch.com

Photo by Alex Dunlap, Rosterwatch.com

New York Jets: Perhaps the most hotly contested of the quarterback position battles coming into the season, I feel that it might be a fight to see who will get to hand the ball off a bunch of times. The Jets offense is known for being rather dull, and I see the team as trying to eliminate errors on-field rather than to change the game plan considerably. In any case, I see rookie Geno Smith as an instant upgrade over Mark Sanchez, who isn’t in any way innovative or particularly adept at holding onto the ball. In fact he’s turned the ball over 52 times over the past two seasons. Smith doesn’t have to be a better quarterback off the bat. He just has to keep the ball in his team’s possession. I think he’s capable of such a feat.

Philadelphia Eagles: Things aren’t looking good for Michael Vick. Initially thought to have an advantage in Chip Kelly’s spread-option offense, Vick is losing ground to Nick Foles according to some sources. Foles has a quicker release, which can go a long way in Kelly’s scheme. Foles is also lead-footed, though, which doesn’t seem to go anywhere in Kelly’s scheme. Kelly does say, however, that Foles is mobile enough having faced him as an opponent in the Pac 12. I have to believe that Vick will ultimately get the nod, despite early reports to the contrary. If he was ever suited for a particular offense, it is this one.

Buffalo Bills: I don’t see how this is a competition in anyone’s mind save Kevin Kolb’s, but it is yet to be seen whether he or E.J. Manuel will be under center come Week 1. It is an extremely influential vote of confidence from Doug Marrone that he considers Manuel to be the best rookie quarterback he’s yet to encounter in the NFL. Really, he just needs to watch any tape on Kevin Kolb to realize that the “veteran” doesn’t need to be in any position to influence the outcome of football games. Despite what Ted Sundquist would have had you believe before getting schooled by the RW staff, Manuel will be the starter sooner than later.

Oakland Raiders: According to the Raiders there isn’t a competition at quarterback in Oakland, but hopefully they figure out they are in dire need of one, before it’s too late. It’s become apparent to anyone who has taken a hard look at Matt Flynn that he’s not the answer for the team. Unfortunately, no one else has looked any better thus far. But rookie Tyler Wilson has a better arm than Flynn, and in the land of inaccurate slingers, the man with the bigger arm should be king.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Blaine Gabbert is expected to be the starter in Florida, but I really hope Chad Henne gets a hard look for the job, before that decision is made. I’m tired of the excuses being made for Gabbert. You have to ween that child from the teet at some point. Henne may not be much more accurate, but he has a better arm, and he’s not afraid to get hit. After last season’s shootout with the Texans, I think Henne could be exciting to watch if nothing else. If we’re talking about fantasy, he’s the guy I want throwing to Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon.