Commentary

Page 2's Backup Quarterback Rankings!

Originally Published: September 21, 2011

ESPN.com Illustration

It's only Week 3 of the NFL season, but injuries are already mounting.

Most notably, the statuses of Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (concussion) and Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (fractured rib, punctured lung) are uncertain heading into this weekend.

More than ever, teams should be relying on the unquestioned metric of quarterbacking depth: Page 2's Backup Quarterback Rankings.

Agree with the rankings? Disagree with the rankings? Want to nominate your favorite clipboard carrier? Prefer to slam the entire article without reading any of it? Feel free to do all of those things in the comments section!

Without further ado, we proudly present this week's rankings:

1. Vince Young

Team	Upside	Downside	Intangibles	Tangibles	"It" factor	Buzz
	8	-1	10	10	27

Young is currently dealing with a situation in which a man is allegedly impersonating him in public settings for personal gain. Coincidentally, if Michael Vick isn't good to go on Sunday, Young might be asked to impersonate a starting quarterback.

2. Matt Flynn

Team	Upside	Downside	Intangibles	Tangibles	"It" factor	Buzz
	10	-1	8	8	25

As many readers pointed out, Page 2 made a gross oversight by ignoring Flynn's clipboard-carrying heroics last week. While filling in for the injured Aaron Rodgers last season, Flynn not only almost beat the Patriots, he also almost beat the Lions!

3. Charlie Whitehurst

Team	Upside	Downside	Intangibles	Tangibles	"It" factor	Buzz
	7	0	7	7	21

Also riding a wave of strong public support is the Clipboard Jesus. But we prefer to be inclusive to fans of all beliefs in this space. So for the purposes of this column moving forward, Whitehurst will be referred to as "Clipboard Barry Gibb."

4. Curtis Painter

Team	Upside	Downside	Intangibles	Tangibles	"It" factor	Buzz
	6	-1	8	7	20

Another Painter doubter surfaced this week, when 43-year-old Jeff George publicly offered his services to the Colts. Clearly, George believes he's better equipped to lead Indy to an 0-16 record and victory in the Andrew Luck Sweepstakes. Who are we to disagree?

5. Derek Anderson

Team	Upside	Downside	Intangibles	Tangibles	"It" factor	Buzz
	9	-5	8	7	19

Anderson, a sixth-year pro from Oregon State, successfully wrestled the clipboard away from wunderkind prodigy Jimmy Clausen prior to the opener. Sounds like Clausen isn't taking this s--- serious. Maybe somebody is still living off the glory of the 2008 Hawaii Bowl.

6. Stoney Case

Team	Upside	Downside	Intangibles	Tangibles	"It" factor	Buzz
	7	-2	7	5	17

Case quarterbacked Odessa Permian to the Texas 5A championship and a mythical national title in 1989, the year following the season described in the book and movie "Friday Night Lights." Too bad he didn't go out and make many memories in the NFL. Texas forever!

7. Brady Quinn

Team	Upside	Downside	Intangibles	Tangibles	"It" factor	Buzz
	8	-6	7	6	15

Quinn was acquired from the Browns in March 2010 for Peyton Hillis and other considerations. A month later, the Broncos drafted Tim Tebow. However, Kyle Orton is Denver's starter ... which basically explains why Josh McDaniels is offensive coordinator of the Rams.

8. Tim Tebow

Team	Upside	Downside	Intangibles	Tangibles	"It" factor	Buzz
	7	-2	1:15	8	14

Tebow has completed 41 passes for 654 yards, with five touchdowns and three interceptions, and currently sits at No. 3 on Denver's depth chart. He has endorsements with Nike, Jockey, FRS and EA Sports. His autobiography, "Through My Eyes," was released in May.

9. Brian Hoyer

Team	Upside	Downside	Intangibles	Tangibles	"It" factor	Buzz
	4	-5	6	8	13

Hoyer once combined with Drew Stanton, this week's emergency QB, to throw a Big Ten-record seven touchdown passes in one game. If that's not enough, he has a degree in interdisciplinary studies in social science-community relations from Michigan State!

Emergency QB: Drew Stanton

Team	Upside	Downside	Intangibles	Tangibles	"It" factor	Buzz
	3	-4	5	3	7

Stanton is a local boy who made good. He starred at Harrison High in Farmington Hills, Mich., before moving on to Michigan State and ultimately to the Lions. So he already has his share of local support. He's also getting his share of support from the local media outlets.

Promoted to starter from last rankings: None.

Dropped out of rankings: Jimmy Clausen, Panthers; Garrett Gilbert, Longhorns; Gale Gilbert, three teams; Caleb Hanie, Bears; Mike Kafka, Eagles; Shane Lechler, Raiders.

Thomas Neumann is an editor for Page 2.

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