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It is inevitable that every year teams will run into the dreaded quarterback controversy. It's always been a widespread notion that if you have a quarterback controversy, then you don't have a quarterback. Occasionally, that is not the case, and one team this year appears to have two capable starters. Coaches will often jump the gun and switch quarterbacks once their season starts going bad, so let's take a look at some of the examples from 2010 and see who should really have the reins.
Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Vick — Before the season started, no one thought Vick had much of a shot of playing, let alone starting, for the Eagles. Once Kevin Kolb was injured and Vick stepped in, he proved that he has evolved as a QB under the Philadelphia staff. The biggest difference between old and new Vick is his accuracy and touch on the ball. He was more known for running in Atlanta, but has now proved he's a dual threat. Defenses need to game-plan for his scrambling ability, but now also need to be aware of his passing. Vick has cut down on mistakes as well and with the new accuracy that accompanies his very good arm strength, he may have finally fully arrived as a QB.
Kevin Kolb — It's sad how quickly things have changed for Kolb. After being anointed the heir to Donovan McNabb, a quick injury and solid, but unspectacular play has pushed him back to the bench. Kolb has been criticized for his constant check-down throws, but they seem to work in the Philadelphia because of the receivers' ability after the catch. His deep ball has been inaccurate this year, and he doesn't always progress through his reads. Kolb can be a very effective quarterback, though, as he knows when to take what the defense gives him and when his accuracy is on, we've seen him carve up defenses.
Suggested Starter — Kolb has been too up-and-down and for the big-play Philadelphia offense. Vick appears to be the better start. With his scrambling ability and new-found accuracy, teams will have problems stopping him.
Arizona Cardinals
Derek Anderson — Anderson has evolved into a typical NFL gunslinger, but not a great one. He is a capable veteran who has had success in the league at times, but commits far too many mistakes to be considered a quality starter. Anderson has a big arm and throws one of the better deep balls in the league, but will also get caught trying to force balls downfield into double coverage. His accuracy isn't great on the intermediate routes and he won't always make the best reads. Anderson can, however, move an offense and come up with the occasional home-run play. On the other hand, his costly mistakes can really kill a drive.
Max Hall — The Cardinals apparently love the kid, but when watching him it's quite evident why he wasn't drafted. Hall is known more for his accuracy and touch and not his arm strength, but he hasn't shown it. He's staring receivers down, not anticipating throws, holding the ball too long, disregarding proper footwork, and not using the middle of the field. These are all typical rookie mistakes, but some rookies can overcome them. Hall looks like he needs time to learn.
Suggested Starter — If the Cardinals have any plans of going to the playoffs this year, then Anderson has to be their man. Hall looks lost and not close to ready to being ready. Anderson is far from great, but at least he can move the offense and make plays.
Carolina Panthers
Matt Moore — Moore was supposed to keep the quarterback seat warm until Jimmy Clausen was ready, but no one expected the change to come in Week 2. Moore's early lackluster play forced John Fox's hand to make the switch. Some say Fox pulled the plug too fast, because Moore wasn't terribly bad. He displays very calm pocket presence and good footwork. He understands the timing of the passing game and anticipates throws well. Moore doesn't have the strongest arm and will float deep patterns, but most of all his accuracy, which was supposed to be his strong part, was extremely inconsistent early on. He has a tendency to force balls as well, which results in costly turnovers — he'll need to cut down on those to be considered a viable starter.
Jimmy Clausen — Clausen was regarded as the most pro-ready quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft because of the offense he played in at Notre Dame. During his starts this year, he proved he could grasp the pro offense, but struggled reading defenses. Clausen has the arm to make all the throws, but his accuracy disappears at times and he will float balls. He is a confident young quarterback who has tried forcing some throws he used to make in college, but they aren't as easy in the pros. Once he progresses his knowledge of defenses and takes what they give him, he'll be much better off.
Suggested Starter — Clausen needs some more time to develop, so Moore seems the better choice for the time being. Once the season is truly lost (if it isn't already), it wouldn't be a bad idea to get Clausen some more game experience.
Oakland Raiders
Jason Campbell — The Raiders brought over Campbell from Washington and hoped to watch him blossom into a solid QB. Campbell is the type of quarterback who needs help around him, and he hasn't gotten much of it in Oakland. He is a big, athletic quarterback with very good footwork and a smooth release. Campbell has a lively arm that can make the throws required and the accuracy to go along with it, when given time. Unfortunately, the O-line hasn't given him great protection and he's working with a less-than-stellar wide receiver group.
Bruce Gradkowski — Gradkowski has always used his intangibles to succeed in the NFL and brings great leadership to the table. Unlike Campbell, he can work with less and create plays. He ultimately doesn't have the greatest arm or accuracy and will take too many chances. His chances pay off at times, as he will go down the field more, but he struggles in reading the defense and knowing when to attack the deep secondary. You get what you see with Gradkowski … a solid quarterback who will make mistakes.
Suggested Starter — The Raiders traded for Campbell in order to solidify the quarterback position and he still has room to grow, so they need to give him time to succeed. Gradkowski appears to be nothing more than a game manager, and the Raiders are far off from needing just a manager.
Cleveland Browns
Jake Delhomme/Seneca Wallace — Delhomme was signed as a bridge who could make the offense competent until a young QB was found. Unfortunately, he brought his recent turnover-filled play with him. He no longer seems confident in his throws and forces too many balls. The Browns also brought in veteran backup Wallace. He has moved the offense, but doesn't appear to be the long-term option because he lacks accuracy on his deep ball and flees the pocket too quickly.
Colt McCoy — After McCoy was drafted, many thought it would be a long time before he would be game-ready, if ever. He was thrust into action after injuries to Delhomme and Wallace and has preformed well. McCoy isn't the biggest quarterback, nor does he have the strongest arm, but his accuracy is excellent in the short passing game — perfect for the Browns' offense. People have raved about his intangibles and he has proved he has the leadership and even-keeled demeanor to succeed. Against an aggressive Steelers defense, he stayed in control in the pocket and made throws. He will throw his share of interceptions and make rookie mistakes, but he's shown capable.
Suggested Starter — Throwing a rookie quarterback into the fire right away isn't always the best option, but McCoy has proven he can handle it. It's obvious that Delhomme and Wallace aren't the long-term answers, so as long as McCoy isn't getting killed, the Browns might as well see what they got.
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