NFL Quarterbacks On The Hot Seat

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jun 8, 2006

NFL Quarterbacks On The Hot Seat

Jake Plummer

He had a strong 2005 season but couldn't get the job done against the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. Although he's clearly No. 1, there are whispers that the team isn't thrilled with him and that first-round pick Jay Cutler is the future of the franchise. If the Broncos struggle, they may turn to the future sooner than expected.

Aaron Brooks

He has the added pressure of dealing with the wrath of Randy Moss if the Raiders' offense doesn't click, and management is eager to give youngsters Marques Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter a shot. The Raiders haven't officially handed the starting job over to Brooks, but they will, even though he'll have a very short leash.

Kurt Warner

He has serious weapons around him, so Arizona's offense will be expected to produce immediately. The Cardinals added running back Edgerrin James to join talented young receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Arizona also drafted Matt Leinart with the No. 10 pick, and many experts considered him the most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft.

Rex Grossman

Assuming he can stay healthy, Grossman will be the Bears' starter, but he'll have to hold off Brian Griese and, to a lesser extent, Kyle Orton. Grossman has shown flashes when he's healthy, but he struggled against the Panthers in the NFC Championship Game and hasn't proven he can be a consistent starter. Griese is one of those quarterbacks you forget about, and suddenly he comes out of nowhere with an excellent season.

Mark Brunell

He was solid last year, but he's going to have more pressure this year as expectations rise. The Skins' defense is strong and the team has a strong running game with Clinton Portis. If Brunell gets off to a slow start, coach Joe Gibbs may turn to last year's first-round pick, Jason Campbell.

David Carr

The Texans easily could have drafted a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick and not paid Carr an $8 million bonus, but management thinks he has more talent than he's shown in his four-year career. The top pick in the 2002 draft, Carr hasn't developed any level of consistency. If the QB can get it going quickly under new coach Gary Kubiak, the Texans will be in business.

Byron Leftwich

Everyone knows about his toughness. But questions remain about the fourth-year quarterback's effectiveness. His numbers have been OK in Jacksonville, but he needs to take another step forward for the Jags to be a Super Bowl team. Backup David Garrard was 5-1 as a starter when Leftwich hurt an ankle last season and is considered by many to be good enough to start in the NFL.

Billy Volek

With Steve McNair out of the picture, Volek will get his shot at being a starter. The Titans drafted Vince Young with the No. 3 overall pick, so they clearly aren't convinced that Volek is their quarterback of the future. The Titans' coaching staff will have pressure from the public and the front office to get Young on the field the second Volek stumbles.

NFL Quarterbacks On The Hot Seat