QBs on the Hot Seat
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QBs on the Hot Seat
Chris Simms
Coach Jon Gruden and quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett publicly ripped Simms for his three-interception performance against the Ravens. They didn't want to let the fourth-year QB off the hook just because Baltimore's defense was so good ... and neither do we. Simms had better shape up, or the Bucs will fall apart against a brutal schedule this season.
Jake Delhomme
He had a million excuses last Sunday -- WR Steve Smith was out, the line was bad, there was no running game -- but the quarterback deserved some of the blame for the Panthers' loss to the Falcons. He tossed three picks, one of which came when he was trying to throw the ball away. Delhomme faces a Vikings defense that was impressive in a Week 1 win over the Redskins.
Damon Huard
He will fill in for Trent Green, who is recovering from a severe concussion he suffered against the Bengals in Week 1. Before last week, Huard hadn't completed a pass since December 2000. Now he'll lead the Chiefs into Arrowhead, where Denver completely dominated them last season. And if Huard gets in trouble, his only backup is rookie Brodie Coyle, who wasn't impressive during the preseason.
Mark Brunell
He was OK on paper -- 17 of 28 for 163 yards -- but didn't do much to get Redskins fans excited in their 19-16 loss to the Vikings. Brunell doesn't seem like he'll provide a consistent deep ball, which could be a problem. If the Redskins start out 0-2, expect a quarterback controversy in Washington.
Charlie Frye
He completed 16 of 27 passes for 132 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and was sacked five times in the Browns' loss to the Saints. Although the line is at fault, Frye could have made better decisions. He'd better improve soon, because New Orleans isn't the toughest defense he'll face by a long stretch.
Drew Bledsoe
The Cowboys have huge expectations this season, so Bledsoe is on a short lease. His three-pick performance against the Jaguars drew criticism from coach Bill Parcells and the media. Whispers about backup Tony Romo replacing Bledsoe are growing louder in Dallas.
Brett Favre
He was shut out last week for the first time in his 16-year career, prompting some members of the media to call for his immediate retirement. Favre completed 15 of 29 passes for 170 yards and two interceptions in the 26-0 loss to the Bears. Believe it or not, he didn't look all that bad; his offensive line, however, is terrible, and there's no reason to believe it will get better. At least this week's opponent, New Orleans, isn't quite as ferocious as Chicago. Out of respect, the Packers won't pull Favre, but he may decide to retire midseason if things stay bleak.
Jake Plummer
He made all the same mistakes we thought he had outgrown in the Broncos' 18-10 loss to the Rams. He made terrible choices, threw off his back foot and was inaccurate at the wrong times. Plummer has a great track record in Denver, but if he keeps this up and the Broncos start losing, they'll turn to rookie Jay Cutler by midseason.
Kerry Collins
He completed 17 of 38 passes for 223 yards and threw two picks in Tennessee's 23-17 loss to the Jets. The Titans face a much bigger challenge this week against a Chargers defense that terrorized Oakland in Week 1, so it's hard to imagine that the veteran quarterback will suddenly get his act together.
Aaron Brooks
No other quarterback in the league has a tougher job than Aaron Brooks. He was chased on nearly every down and sacked seven times during the Raiders' 27-0 loss to the Chargers. Next up, the Ravens, who look like the scariest defense in the NFL this year. Even though it might not be Brooks' fault, he'll take the fall with another horrible performance this week.