A Great Year for NFL Backup QBs

During the preseason, many fans can't even name their backup and certainly not the third-stringer. But this year, backups have spent an inordinate amount of time on the field, and for the most part, have distinguished themselves from the mediocrity many associate with that roster spot. It's time to give credit where it's due. Guys like Aaron Rodgers probably think they might as well be golfing during the team's meetings. When are they going to see the field? This year, they have showed that they really do pay attention and earn that paycheck (frequently league minimum).

It all began with the sudden release of Byron Leftwich, allowing David Garrard to take over (0 INTs the team's first 12 games). Then, in week 2, Derek Anderson took over the lowly Browns and turned them into a playoff team overnight (8-5 as a starter). Trent Edwards, Kellen Clemens, Brian Griese (99 yard drive to end the game and win at Philly), and Brodie Croyle all became the starters at various points in the season.

Many others got spot starts and surprisingly won. Shaun Hill and Trent Dilfer (1 win each) have as many wins as Alex Smith (2). Sage Rosenfels beat the Broncos last week. Quinn Gray won at NO. Todd Collins outplayed #1 pick Eli Manning in the wind at the Meadowlands. AJ Feeley played great against the Pats. Kyle Boller has outplayed McNair, though the record doesn't show it. Daunte Culpepper's comeback lasted long enough to paste the hapless Dolphins.

Others didn't know their turn was coming, which makes it that much more impressive. Aaron Rodgers looked great in a primetime game at Dallas filling in for Brett. Todd Collins beat the Bears after not having played in years. Sage Rosenfels took over against the Titans and led a stunning comeback, only to be surpassed by Kerry Collins doing the same for the Titans.

While we see many performances like Orton's gem on MNF, we should acknowledge and respect the talent of our backups, and maybe next year everyone will pay attention to who the #2 QB is. My apologies to the backups I've forgotten that have played well this year (not you Kelly Holcomb or Kyle Orton or David Carr or Gus Frerotte who fumbled on 4th down from the 2 down 4 with 30 seconds left).