Let’s be honest, with the exception of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, every quarterback in the NFL could use some improvement. Even Michael Vick, who led the Philadelphia Eagles to a confident victory, seemed to turn back to his former self running the ball for nearly 100 yards. Vick needs to improve on staying in the pocket. Per ESPN’s Sal Poalantonio, if Vick lays off the energy drinks right before game time he can focus better.
There is a common denominator with each of the players I list below–regardless of how talented he is, their team each suffered a loss in week one of the 2011 NFL season . The organizations themselves also have something in common; they’re all (for the most part) upper echelon teams.
With that said, let’s dive in to the list!
Donovan McNabb-Minnesota Vikings
Week 1 stats: 7/15 (passing), 39 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
McNabb is a clear cut case as he played the worst game to date in his career against the San Diego Chargers. He was only asked to throw the ball 15 times–he completed just seven of them. Those completions resulted in an alarming 39 yards…total. Even if you include the 11 yards McNabb lost by getting sacked, he would have still only thrown for 50 yards. If McNabb continues to play at this (non) level, rookie QB Christian Ponder might be forced into the starting position rather than being worked in gradually.
Kyle Orton-Denver Broncos
Week 1 stats : 24/ 46 (passing), 304 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
The chants for quarterback Tim Tebow rang through the Broncos Stadium on Monday night football as starter Kyle Orton struggled against the Oakland Raiders. From fumbles to bad decisions, it was a rough night for the seven-year veteran of the league. If you look at the numbers Orton didn’t play that bad, throwing for 304 yards and a passer rating of 71.3 (verify) percent. The struggle is more in the fashion in which the Broncos lost, and to who they lost to, that has Broncos fans concerned
Kerry Collins-Indianapolis Colts
Week 1 stats: 16/32 (passing), 197 yards, 1 TD (no INTs)
I’m not entirely sure what Colts fans are looking for out of quarterback Kerry Collins, or what he might bring to the organization. In one hand they have a player who once led the Tennessee Titans to a 13-3 record and is now on a very good team. In the other hand they have a player who has done a whole lot of nothing in the past couple of seasons, again, as a member of the Titans. Collins was signed by Indianapolis at the very last minute as a temporary fix to a very big hole. It is a last effort to fill in while Peyton Manning, one of the NFL’s greatest QBs, rehabs multiple neck surgeries. Not knowing how long Peyton will be out is unsettling to Indy fans, Collins could help alleviate their pains on Sunday against the Browns with a win!
Ben Roethlisberger-Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 1 stats: 22/41 (passing), 280 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 2 fumbles
I’m kind of at a loss for words pertaining to how last Sunday’s Steelers/Ravens game went. Not because Pittsburgh lost, Baltimore is a dominating team. It was how badly the Steelers got beaten; I just expected it to be a much tighter contest. However when your quarterback coughs up the ball five times, you can’t expect to win. It’s just that simple. Fear not though Steelers fans, Seattle is up next on your schedule. And if Big Ben and the Steelers can’t beat the Seahawks then they have bigger issues than you want to deal with!
Eli Manning-New York Giants
Week 1 stats: 18/32 (passing), 268 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 1 fumble (recovered)
Manning is in a rough situation. He’s expected to win while lacking his go-to-guy who used to be Steve Smith. Smith joined the fiasco during free agency and signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. But Manning has options at the receiver position, namely Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, and Domenik Hixon. So while he might not have his former favorite target, he’s still surrounded by talent. If you take away Eli’s interception, and add a touchdown or two, he has a great game. And the Giants could have won the game!
Matt Ryan-Atlanta Falcons
Week 1 stats: 31/47 (passing), 319 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 1 fumble
How? How does Matt Ryan produce those numbers with receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones and tight end Tony Gonzalez, and not record a single touchdown? That’s absolutely mind-boggling. Week 2 presents a whole different challenge for Ryan. He is up against a very talented (on paper) Philadelphia Eagles secondary, including veterans Asante Samuel and Nnamdi Asomugha. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie did not practice on Wednesday with a sore ankle.
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