Quarterback Changes and Controversies --- Already

Week 2 of the 2010 NFL season has just been completed and there are a plethora of quarterback changes and controversies. I realize there have been changes so early in the season in the past, but this many after just 2 games? I can't remember anything like this happening.

Let's check out what's up with teams changing quarterbacks and those teams with controversies.

The teams with quarterback changes:

Buffalo Bills

It's taken Head Coach Chan Gailey just 2 weeks to figure out what everyone else already knew. Trent Edwards is not an NFL starting quarterback. Edwards has been given more than ample opportunity the last 3 seasons to establish himself as a serviceable NFL starting quarterback and at each turn he has either failed miserably or been injured.

With Edwards now riding the pine, career backup Ryan Fitzpatrick takes the reins of the floundering Buffalo offense.

Carolina Panthers

Quarterback Matt Moore played very well in the stead of now departed Jake Delhomme late last season and earned himself the starting nod heading into 2010. After playing poorly in the first 2 games this season (pulled both games),highly touted rookie signal caller Jimmy Clausen takes the helm for the Panthers.

While Clausen struggled in both relief appearances, Carolina boss John Fox will give him every opportunity to succeed. Carolina's strong running game should help Clausen settle into the job.

Teams with quarterback controversies:

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders brought in Jason Campbell, a former 1st Round pick of the Washington Redskins, to fill the quarterback position when it was finally realized that Jamarcus Russell was deemed a bust. Campbell, while not playing awful, was unable to move the Raider offense consistently. In Week 2, Campbell was benched in favor of veteran Bruce Gradkowski, who lead Oakland to a touchdown in a win over the St. Louis Rams.

As of this post, both Campbell and Gradkowski have split time with the 1st team in practice. Stay tuned.

Tennessee Titans

Vince Young was pulled from Sunday's game against the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers' defense for throwing 2 interceptions, one killing a drive at the Pittsburgh goal line.

Kerry Collins did manage a scoring drive late in the game to pull the Titans close, but otherwise was not much more effective than Young.

Longtime Tennessee Head Coach Jeff Fisher maintains that Young is the starter for the Titans but the question is has VY's confidence been shattered permanently? We'll have to see next week.

My opinion is that Young should not have been yanked by Fisher. Pittsburgh's defense will make any quarterback look bad on any Sunday. I truly believe that Vince Young gives the Titans the best chance at winning football games...he has proven that in the past. I'm rooting for Vince.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles shuffled longtime starter Donovan McNabb to Washington in favor of youngster Kevin Kolb to run the potent Eagle attack. Kolb did not play well in pre-season nor did he fare well in the Eagles opener, throwing for only 25 first half yards before being concussed and replaced by Michael Vick.

Vick moved the team effectively and efficiently in the 2nd half against the Green Bay Packers in a loss and was brilliant in the defeat of the Detroit Lions.

Long tenured Philly coach Andy Reid has named Kolb the starter for this coming Sunday, although he has stated that the Eagles have a great situation to have 2 quarterbacks that can win games.

How long a leash will Kolb have? I think Reid will allow Kolb at least 2 weeks to show that he has the game to lead the Eagles to victory. Should Kolb fail, Vick will lead the way for the remainder of the season.

Injuries have forced teams to change gears at quarterback. Detroit Lions young gun Matthew Stafford injured a shoulder in the season opener to open the door for journeyman Shawn Hill while the Cleveland Browns have had to replace veteran starter Jake Delhomme with Seneca Wallace due to a foot injury.

Then there's the saga of Ben Roethlisberger, and his 4 game suspension. Dennis Dixon started the first 2 games, became injured and was replaced by retread Charlie Batch. In the interim, The Steelers re-signed Byron Leftwich for insurance until “Big Ben” returns.

* NEWS FLASH* --- Michael Vick has been named the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles this coming Sunday versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Dick

Send email to dlafrance2@207me.com

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