NFL QB Competitions: Who Will Start?

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

With this competition far from over, I see it playing out as Shaun Hill starting September 13th in game one.

Detroit Lions (Daunte Culpepper/Matthew Stafford)

It seems like forever ago when Daunte Culpepper was a superstar throwing to Randy Moss in Minnesota, making a Pro Bowl, and being photographed for the cover of the Madden NFL video game.

After short stints in Miami, Oakland, and a flirt with retirement, Culpepper is now in Detroit trying to regain his old form. 

The 11th year quarterback has thrown for more than 20,000 yards and 146 touchdowns in his career with a 63.3 completion percentage. Twice in his career Culpepper has thrown for over 30 scores, including 39 in 2004.

"I'm seeing him make throws that he made back when he was at Minnesota," wide receiver Calvin Johnson said.

New Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said Culpepper has "put the rest of the league on notice that he's back."

Culpepper is not guaranteed the starting job. In fact, there is quite a competition going on in Detroit.

First overall pick Matthew Stafford is pressing for the job.

Stafford threw for 7,731 yards and 51 touchdowns during his time at Georgia. The 21-year old from Dallas, Texas. has a very strong arm that really impressed the Lions.

"There's been some throws he's made that we were like, 'Ain't no way he's getting that ball there,' but he's got the ball there," Johnson said. "He got it in tight. He can throw it in tight spaces. That's a good attribute."

He may have the arm, but will he be mentally ready for NFL action right away?

"Being physically the best doesn't mean you're ready to go on an NFL field and play." Schwartz said of Stafford. "He needs to be the best quarterback on the roster, and he needs to be ready as we view it. And if it's both of those things, then he's gonna start."

This competition has a long ways to go before we know the winner, and each Culpepper and Stafford have a lot to prove. 

I think Culpepper will start the season on top of the depth chart.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Byron Leftwich/Josh Freeman/Luke McCown/Josh Johnson)

Leftwich has the most starting experience. He spent four years and started 46 games in Jacksonville. He started two games in one season with Atlanta and backed up Super Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in one season with Pittsburgh.

Now in Tampa Bay, Leftwich expects to be the starter.

“I’m quite sure Luke McCown and both Josh Freeman and (Josh) Johnson think the same way, and I have no problem with that. I’ve always said this thing will be won on the football field,” he said. “They’ve assured us the best man will be the starter. I’m going to do my best to make sure I’m that guy.”

In six NFL seasons, Leftwich has a completion percentage of 58.6 percent and a touchdown-to-interception ration of 54:38.

McCown has spent four seasons with Tampa Bay, starting three games in 2007. Over the course of his six-year career, McCown has a completion percentage of 59.7 percent, nine touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and seven starts.

For the first time, McCown has a legitimate shot at the starting job.

"It's about getting a real opportunity," McCown said.

First-round pick Josh Freeman is also in the race for the top spot. 

"I want to win the job, but at the same time I know it's about winning football games first," said Freeman, who has yet to sign his rookie contract. "Right now, for me, it's about developing and I'm going to do everything I can to compete for the job."

In 35 starts at Kansas State, Freeman completed 57.1 percent of his passes, threw 44 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions. His threw for a total of 8,078 yards.

"[Josh Freeman] is pushing the envelope and the other guys are pushing back," rookie head coach Raheem Morris stated. "We're not going to give a guy anything. That guy has to take it."

Josh Johnson, the underdog in the competition and 2008 fifth-round draft pick, believes he has a great chance at winning the starting job.

"I don't doubt my abilities," Johnson said. "It's just a matter of time before I can show them off in game situations. It's not frustrating. It makes me hungry. It makes you a better competitor when you know every snap counts."

Johnson spent his rookie season on the Bucs' scout team. Former head coach Jon Gruden really liked what he saw in Johnson.

"When I first got here, guys told me if you can pick up this offense, you can learn any offense," Johnson said. "What I learned last year — the little tips and tricks here and there — it's helped me a lot this year. I appreciate the fact I was able to sit behind those guys last year as far as the preparation goes. I can apply it to the practice field now."

Along with Freeman, Johnson, Leftwich, and McCown, veteran Brian Griese also remains on the roster. However, he likely won't remain on the team.

The Buccaneers coaching staff has their work cut out for them. 

Ultimately, I think Byron Leftwich will be the starter week one against Dallas.

Other QB competitions to think about:

Minnesota Vikings - The QB competition in Minnesota seems moot now as Brett Favre is expected to come out of retirement and join the team as the starter. However, if Favre remains retired, Tavaris Jackson vs. Sage Rosenfels will make for a great competition.

Denver Broncos - After the shocking divorce between Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler and the Broncos, Kyle Orton and Chris Simms are being looked at as potential replacements. Head coach Josh McDaniels has said Orton will be the starter, but he also said Simms still has a chance.

As the start of training camp quickly approaches, continue to keep an eye on these very entertaining and fierce quarterback competitions.

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