Watch these names–Hoyer, Mariota, Rudolph, Dalton, and Walker. Here’s why.
The 2020 NFL offseason had a lot of movement, especially at the quarterback position. With some teams set on a starter and others in the middle of decision-making, here are five current backup QBs who could be starters sooner rather than later.
Brian Hoyer, New England Patriots
Courtesy: NBC Sports
Many saw Bill Belichick passing on Cam Newton and Jameis Winston as a sign of confidence in Jarrett Stidham. However, the Patriots have other QBs on the roster, most notably Brian Hoyer. While Stidham had success in preseason games last year, he has yet to make a splash in the regular season. Hoyer, on the other hand, has started 38 NFL contests, and he has played in a total of 69 games.
Although it’s unlikely that Hoyer will beat out Stidham, don’t be surprised if Stidham struggles early. Proof of the pudding will be how Stidham performs against the Seahawks in Week 2. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hoyer take over against the Raiders in Week 3.
Marcus Mariota, Las Vegas Raiders
In a significant off-season acquisition, the LA Raiders acquired former 2nd overall pick, Marcus Mariota, to backup Darrick Carr. While Carr is a shoo-in to start, that doesn’t mean he’ll stay there. Mariota was a large contract with tons of incentives to take over the starting position.
Another reason is that Carr has a tough assignment to start the season, playing the Panthers, Saints, Patriots, Bills, Chiefs, and Buccaneers consecutively. Any sign of struggle, and I think you’ll see Mariota under center.
Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger is returning, but Big Ben will be 39 years old by season’s end. His O-line is getting older, too, and losing Ramon Foster (retirement) complicates that situation even more.
Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert didn’t sign or draft additional QBs–and those moves may open the door for Rudolph to get more playing time, especially if Roethlisberger’s protection breaks down consistently. It will be no surprise here if Rudolph enters the starting scene before 2020 is done.
Andy Dalton, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ Andy Dalton
Dak Prescott’s contract is in question. Yes, 2020 is assured with a franchise tag, but the size of Dak’s 2021 contract may be significantly more than the Cowboys will be willing to accept. So don’t be surprised if Andy Dalton gets more than his share of playing time this year.
While Dalton played in only 13 games last year for the Bengals–and had a lackluster total of 3500 yards–he was sacked 37 times. The Cowboys have much better O-line and a superior running back in Ezekiel Elliot. Both factors give Dalton an opportunity to return to his Pro Bowl form.
P.J. Walker, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have two new QBs on the roster: former Saints backup, Teddy Bridgewater, and former XFL MVP and Colts’ backup, P.J. Walker. Many people assume Bridgewater will get the starting nod. After all, he was 5-0 last year as a starter while relieving Drew Brees. But don’t count out Walker. In five XFL games, Walker gained 1338 yards and completed 65% of his passes for 14 TDs with only four INTs.
The Carolina Panthers aren’t even close to naming a starter. In fact, the fight for the job is ready to begin.
