week 5 QBR: Quarterback reaction part one

Part 1 in my season QBR (Quarterback Reaction) where I evaluate the most popular and talked about position on the field, the QB. This week I am analyzing the teams with sudden "controversies" at the Quarterback spot, and what I believe (in my opinion) that the team should do in each particular situation. I will break down who is the starter heading into 'Week 5', Whether the GM, Owner, or Coach made the decision, and the controversy behind the decision.


Team: Bills

Week 5 Starting QB: Kyle Orton

Who made the call?: Coach (Doug Marrone)

Who should really be starting?: EJ Manuel

Why the controversy:

The Bills began the season 2-0 before crashing down to reality. However, they have the fortunate ease of schedule due to the less than formidable AFC East. The defense is great, the running game is solid, and EJ had the required tools to lead this team to the playoffs. Throwing the towel in on a young quarterback so early in the season is a bad sign for Coach Doug Marrone. It was clear that the Coach made this move in a desperate hope to save his job.

Team: Jets

Week 5 Starting QB: Geno Smith

Who made the call?: GM (Jon Idzik)

Who should really be starting?: Mike Vick

Why the controversy:

The Jets are a dismal 1-3 competing in the worst division in the league. Geno has showed improvement but not enough to remain as a starter with the current level of talent that appears to surround him. Rex Ryan has publicly admited that he has no control over the depth chart when it comes to the Quarterback position. IT appears as though Idzik the GM is setting Rex up for failure. By leaving Geno Smith in as the starter, the season will end as a “wash”, and both the head coach and quarterback(s) will be gone next season.

Team: Dolphins

Week 5 Starting QB: Ryan Tannehill

Who made the call?: Coach (Joe Philbin)

Who should really be starting?: Ryan Tannehill

Why the controversy:

The Dolphins, another mediocre team in the mediocre AFC East has solid components to its roster. The running game got off to a good start and his been up and down due to injuries. Ryan has not looked spectacular but he has not looked bad enough to be replaced by an even more ordinary back up player in (Matt Moore).

Team: Vikings

Week 5 Starting QB: Christian Ponder

Who made the call?: Coach

Who should really be starting?: (Depending on health status) Teddy Bridgewater

Why the controversy: Matt Cassel was lost to injury and Teddy Bridgewater upset an impressive Atlanta Falcon ball club from start to finish. I am not sure how hurt Teddy actually is, but there are worse injuries to play through then a high ankle sprain. I do not want to cast early aspersions on Teddy, but either the coach is being super cautious or this is a sign to come for Vikings fans. Teddy should re-insert himself as the starter in Week 6.

Team: Browns

Week 5 Starting QB: Brian Hoyer

Who made the call?: Coach (Mike Pettine)

Who should really be starting?: Johnny Football

Why the controversy:


The Browns are playing GOOD football, unfortunately that same quality football has only netted 2 wins. The AFC North is one of thee toughest divisions this year, maybe second to only the NFC West. With the Bengals and Ravens, the Browns chances to make the playoffs seem distant. Why have an older quarterback who is NOT your franchise player, remain as the starter in meaningless games. Hoyer has shown enough to get a job elsewhere, but this starting QB job belongs to Johnny. Put him in now, so that he can get over the typical growing pains. Maybe next year, with the return of Josh Gordon the Browns will be ready to make some noise.