Quarterback Switches

This week four NFL teams made quarterback switches for all different reasons: injury, experiment, turnovers, pure pressure.

OAKLAND RAIDERS: INJURY

Jason Campbell -------> Carson Palmer

On Sunday, Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell broke his collar bone ending his season. Long time back up Kyle Boeller stepped in but the 4-2 Raiders know he isn't the answer. Yesterday, the Raiders front office made a very risky decision trading for "retired" quarterback Carson Palmer. Palmer has not played this year as he clearly stated this off season he would not play another football game until he was traded off of the Bengals. The Bengals refused to trade him but since rookie QB Andy Dalton has led the Bengals to 4-2, the Bengals realized it would be smart to sell Palmer now. They were stunned when the Raiders offered thm a first round pick in this and next years draft. Palmer expects to start Sunday and the Raiders are praying he does well because they gave up a lot for him. This proves the Raiders are taking themselves very seriously and think they have a shot at winning the Super Bowl.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS: EXPERIMENT

Donovan McNabb ------> Christian Ponder

The Vikings acquired McNabb this off season hoping he could lead them back to the playoffs. Well, McNabb is playing the worst football of his career right now as the Vikings passing game ranks second to last in the league. A 1-5 start has basically ruined their chances of doing anything this year so the only positive that can happen is developing their rookie quarterback Christian Ponder. The drafted him extremely high in the draft tso they must have seen something special in him. The chance to prove himself will come faster then I bet he even expected as he will make his first NFL start this Sunday. As for McNabb, his role now is to be a mentor for Ponder and help teach Ponder all he needs to know on how to be a successful quarterback in the NFL.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS: TURNOVERS

Rex Grossman -----> John Beck

Going into preseason, the quarterback position was up in the air for the Redskins. After Beck got hurt, Grossman took command of the Redskins offense and to many peoples surprise, Grossman somehow got the starting spot opening day. Everyone knows Rex may be the worst quarterback to ever reach the super bowl (starting QB for the Bears in 2007) as he is known for a weak arm and throwing interceptions. Even though the Redskins are 3-2, Grossman has turned the ball over 11 times in those five games which leads the league for quarterbacks. This past Sunday versus the Eagles, Grossman threw for four interceptions which tied his career worst. He was benched midway through the game and Beck almost led the Skins to a fourth quarter comeback. It is a very risky move switching quarterbacks when the team is in the playoff hunt, but Mike Shanahan is convinced Beck gives the Skins a better opportunity to win.

DENVER BRONCOS: PURE PRESSURE

Kyle Orton ------> Tim Tebow

I dont know why, but ever since Tebow got selected by the Broncos three years ago, he has been the fans favorite in Denver. His jersey is the 3rd highest sold jersey in the league. He is a backup on a scrub team! His awful mechanics have prevented him from starting so far, but the coaches see the heart and determination he plays with on every snap. He knows that he isn't the most talented quarterback, but he will not let anyone out hustle him on any play. To the fans dismay, Kyle Orton was selected to be the quarterback to start the season. After a poor start, the Broncos have decided to switch to Tebow so that they can keep their crowds happy, and they believe he gives them a better shot to win. I am very interested to see how he does as he has a lot of pressure to perform well.

Sunday, all eyes will be on Tim Tebow as he will make his first start of the 2011/2012 campaign.