Quarterback Changes On the Horizon

Added on Nov 12, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

The NFL has and always will be a what have you done for me lately league. No matter how many wins on a resume, coaches still get fired. No matter how many career touchdown passes, quarterbacks still get benched. It’s a cutthroat existence, but it’s the one they sign up for. With Week 10 nearly in the books, there are a few signal-callers losing grip on their starting jobs.

Mark Sanchez (Jets) – At 3-6, the Jets hopes of reaching the playoffs are dwindling fast. The decision to not adequately replace Plaxico Burress and the season-ending injury to Santonio Holmes has depleted an already weak receiving corps. While Sanchez isn’t completely to blame, a so-called franchise quarterback can’t have four games with under 140 passing yards. He’s accounted for 13 turnovers and appears lost at times. Tim Tebow isn’t the answer, but it’s safe to conclude that Sanchez isn’t either.

Michael Vick (Eagles) – Andy Reid is as good as gone at season’s end and Vick’s bloated 2013 salary will likely follow him out the door. The same deficiencies that plagued Vick as a Falcon have not been corrected. He still can’t diagnose defenses or consistently adjust pre-snap protections. When he’s not holding the ball too long, he’s careless in his decision making. The concussion he suffered on Sunday might end his days as an Eagle. Rookie Nick Foles was hardly stellar in relief, but management would be wise to give him a long look before they enter 2013 draft preparations.

Alex Smith (49ers) – Smith isn’t really in jeopardy of losing his job this year. He’s in the midst of a career season and fits Jim Harbaugh’s low risk, high reward offensive scheme. That said, backup Colin Kaepernick offered a glimpse of the future on Sunday after Smith exited with a concussion. Kaepernick totaled 183 yards from scrimmage and scored on a 7-yard scamper. He is very much a work in progress, but should Smith falter in the playoffs, the lanky playmaker may be given a shot to seize the gig next summer.