QBattles

Ah, training camp at last. The 2009 NFL season is coming closer, and as the season comes closer, decisions have to be made. The quarterback is the most important offensive position, one can argue, and this year there are a large number of QB battles I find intriguing. Here are some battles and who I think will come out on top.

Minnesota Vikings - Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels
Thanks Brett Favre. Now the Vikings are stuck with a problem they did not think they would have. I think this one is very intriguing, but Tarvaris Jackson played well in the last four games of last season with a total of 8 touchdowns, including 4 in Arizona. Rosenfels has a legitimate shot, but in the six games he played last year, he had an interception every game. Yes, Tarvaris Jackson injured his knee a couple days ago, but it does not seem like it is a huge one. I think we'll see Jackson behind center in Week 1.

New York Jets - Mark Sanchez and Kellen Clemens
This is between a rookie and a veteran. I do not think the Jets will go against the money they spent on Sanchez here. He had a great Rose Bowl and had a lot of hype coming into the draft. Besides, they traded up 12 picks to get him. They aren't going to pay him $28 million guaranteed to have him sit on the bench for a year. Sanchez is who I think they should and will pick to start for them in game 1 in Houston.

Oakland Raiders - Jamarcus Russell and Jeff Garcia
Again, this is between a young guy and an older guy. Jamarcus Russell has not been worthy of a number 1 pick so far in his career, and Jeff Garcia has recently played similar to his years in San Francisco. Nonetheless, once again, money is a huge factor. Jamarcus Russell is not being payed to ride the bench, therefore I think he will be the Raiders starting quarterback when they play the Chargers September 14th, even though I think they definitely should go with Garcia.

Tampa Bay Bucaneers - Josh Freeman, Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown
Another rookie in competition. I think in this situation, Luke McCown is out right away. Freeman and Leftwich is a tough decision. In Freeman's case, I would pick Leftwich because I think Freeman needs some time to watch how it's done. Leftwich had the potential to be a great player, but injuries killed him. I think he can help Josh Freeman by letting the former Kansas State QB watch Leftwich take some snaps if Freeman sits out for a couple of games. I think they'll go with Leftwich.

Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper
This is similar to the Jets case. Matthew Stafford was the #1 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He signed a 6 year, $78 million, a record for a rookie salary. Daunte Culpepper had 39 touchdowns as a Viking just five years ago, but struggled and played just 7 games because of a serious knee injury. I personally think that Daunte Culpepper is the right pick to start, but again, the money comes into play. I think Stafford will be behind center for week one, even though I think it should be Culpepper.

Cleveland Browns - Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn
Another interesting matchup. Just under 18 months ago, Derek Anderson played in his first Pro Bowl. Now, he is competing for the starting job. The Oregon State alum had a terrific 2007 season, but he had a rough start to the 2008 season and an MCL injury kept him from finishing the year. Brady Quinn had a lot of hype when he entered the NFL, but has not done too much to solidify a starting job. I would pick Derek Anderson here because he is fully recovered from his injury, but I think the Browns will choose Quinn, again, because of the money.

San Francisco 49ers - Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and Damon Huard
This one has no clear cut favorite. Alex Smith has clearly not been worthy of the #1 pick in the '05 draft. Damon Huard is 36 and has not proven he is worthy for a starting job, so I think Shaun Hill is the guy to go with. He had 13 TD's in 9 games, and did a pretty decent job as their QB last year. I say Shaun Hill will take snaps in Week 1.