Bad Week For Quarterbacks

Added on Dec 14, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

Brett Favre’s consecutive games played streak finally came to an end last night at 297. Favre hadn’t missed a game since 1992, but a bad shoulder joint (and the Vikings being out of playoff contention) was all it took to send him to the sidelines in street clothes. No. 4 wasn’t the only signal caller to fall victim during Week 14. Injuries and poor play plagued many quarterbacks and left a couple contending teams reeling as the postseason edges closer. Here’s a quick recap of what turned out to be a bloody Sunday in the NFL.

Aaron Rodgers – Suffered a concussion which might prevent him from playing versus the Patriots. Before he was hurt, he wasn’t exactly tearing up Ford Field in Detroit. He finished 7/11 for 46 yards and an interception. Rodgers’ replacement, Matt Flynn, didn’t fare much better: 15/26, 177 yards, 1 INT. Should the Packers miss the playoffs, they can point to this game as the reason.

Brodie Croyle – Matt Cassel’s appendectomy couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Chiefs. Croyle was abysmal in a 31-0 blowout loss to the Chargers. He completed 7/17 passes for 40 yards. Cassel’s availability for Sunday’s matchup in St. Louis in still unclear. If he can’t play, head coach Todd Haley could turn to third-stringer Tyler Palko if Croyle is unable to move the offense. Needless to say, the situation in Kansas City is a mess.

Mark Sanchez – A month ago, Sanchez had the Jets offense rolling. After back-to-back losses to division rivals New England and Miami, Sanchez is officially in a major funk with zero touchdowns in his last eight quarters. Upcoming road games in Pittsburgh and Chicago could spell doom for the self-anointed Super Bowl favorites. Maybe a phone call to Vinny Testaverde is in order.

Chad Henne – The Dolphins won the game on Sunday, but it was in spite of Henne who completed a whopping five passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. It’s hard to fathom a professional quarterback could play so poorly and still come away with a victory. Dan Marino retired eleven years ago. Miami has yet to find a competent heir apparent.

Jake Delhomme – Yes, Delhomme is still in the league, although I’m not sure why. 12/20 for 86 yards and a pick was all he could muster against the Bills 27th ranked defense. The Browns have tried Seneca Wallace, rookie Colt McCoy and Delhomme in 2010. Methinks General Manager Tom Heckert, who used to work for the Eagles, will inquire about Kevin Kolb in the offseason.

Kyle Orton – The Tim Tebow era could begin sooner rather than later in Denver. Orton was magnificent for the first half of the season, but he seems to have come off the rails the last two games. At 3-10, the Broncos have nothing to lose by giving Tebow some reps. Perhaps he can conjure a bit of the magic he displayed at Florida. Yeah, right.

Carson Palmer – Remember when Palmer was considered an elite quarterback? Seems like a long time ago, eh? He tossed another three interceptions on Sunday giving him 18 on the season. He lacks zip on his passes since suffering an elbow injury in 2008. If he can’t regain his velocity he’s destined to become another Chad Pennington.

Jimmy Clausen – No team has endured as many quarterback woes as the Carolina Panthers. Five guys have taken snaps including rookie sixth-round pick Tony Pike and journeyman Brian St. Pierre. Clausen was highly touted coming out of Notre Dame, but he has one touchdown and seven picks thus far. Ugly doesn’t begin to describe his performance.