Benching your team’s starting quarterback is all the rage in the NFL these days. Brady Quinn was benched by the Browns in favor of Derek Anderson. JaMarcus Russell was mercifully pulled for Bruce Gradkowski. Shaun Hill got the hook in favor of Alex Smith.
Which NFL Quarterback Will Be Benched Next?
In each of those cases the change didn’t immediately help the team as all of the teams went on to lose their games. San Francisco gets partial credit for a great second-half comeback attempt, but we’ll have to reserve judgment on whether or not the Smith-for-Hill move was a good one for now.
One benching is unusual, but three benchings is a trend. Let’s review which quarterbacks in the NFL should be looking over their shoulder.
Josh Johnson, Buccaneers - I don’t think it’s a question of whether or not Johnson will be benched, it’s a question of when. The announcement could come at any time, before the game, during the game, or before you finish reading this post. The Bucs are paying first round pick Josh Freeman big money and sooner or later they’ll need to give him his chance...no matter what Head Coach Raheem Morris says. Odds of Benching: Very High
Jason Campbell, Redskins - If you want to know which buttons to push with Washington owner Dan Snyder, look for one that says “Lose to Eagles on National TV”. The Redskins are becoming an embarrassment to the city and it’s gotten so bad that the Nationals are making Redskins jokes now. I’d be surprised if backup Todd Collins isn’t starting within two weeks. Odds of Benching: High
Jake Delhomme, Panthers - When you throw 13 interceptions in only six games, you should start polishing up the old resume. The Panthers have been patient with Delhomme but he’s clearly not getting it done. He’s been plagued by bad play-calling from the sidelines and a porous offensive line -- neither of which is his fault -- but I don’t think he has long to last as the starter. Expect to see Matt Moore or A.J. Feeley (remember him?) behind center before too long. Odds of Benching: High.
Kerry Collins, Titans - The Titans are playing very, very poorly but you can’t lay all the blame on Kerry Collins. Collins has thrown more interceptions in 2009 than he threw all of last season, but he’s not the one giving up 59 points to the Patriots. Still, they can’t bench the entire defense so Collins might be the sacrificial lamb. The counterargument is that backup Vince Young is probably worse than Collins so the Titans wouldn’t be gaining anything. Is it possible to finish worse than 0-16? Odds of Benching: Moderate.
Matt Cassel, Chiefs - Don’t laugh. The Chiefs are looking at a 2-14 season, Cassell is completing less than 55% of his passes and he’s on pace for a career-high 13 interceptions. He’s also averaging almost a fumble a game. The 24 points the Chiefs scored when Brodie Croyle started is still their highest scoring game of the season. Odds of Benching: Low (but not Impossible).
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