NFL Quarterback Battles: Winners and Losers

The NFL preseason is here, and the training camps will come to a close before we know it. So the time has come to name your starting QB.

There are many quarterback competitions going on around the league, and most of them are very close.

Most of the teams aren't serious playoff contenders, but the future of the franchise depends on who the coach decides to hand the keys to.

Here's my take on who should get the jobs that are up for grabs this preseason.

Bucs: Byron Leftwich vs. Josh Freeman vs. Luke McCown

Winner: Josh Freeman

Why:
Freeman is not as experienced as the other two, but for a rebuilding Tampa Bay team, he might be the answer. After looking at what Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco did last season as rookies, the Bucs will try their luck at the same thing.

Leftwich might still be hurt from his last injury and surgery, and isn't very mobile. McCown is unproven as well, so Freeman's big arm wins out here. He will rely heavily on his new tight end, Kellen Winslow.

49ers: Alex Smith vs. Shaun Hill

Winner: Shaun Hill

Why:
Alex has had enough time to show if he would be the franchise player or not. He has shown flashes of improvement, but for the most part he is still timid in the pocket and indecisive.

Hill played well during the final games of the season last year, and looks to continue to grow and establish himself as the leader. With new weapons at the WR position, he will look to be more efficient in his throws.

Raiders: JaMarcus Russell vs. Jeff Garcia

Winner: JaMarcus Russell

Why:
Garcia has shown he can still play, but the fact is, he is just too old (Kurt Warner is a different breed). Russell is getting his weight down, and with many new toys on offense, he looks to improve.

He has yet to show that he can be the franchise quarterback, but this could be his make or break year. Oakland has the running game to help him out, and playing in the worst division in football also doesn't hurt.

Vikings: Sage Rosenfels vs. Tarvaris Jackson

Winner: Tarvaris Jackson

Why:
Jackson was the starter last season, and has shown at times that he can be a good quarterback in this league. Rosenfels' embarrassing game against the Colts last season in which he practically handed the game away won't help his case.

Sage is better suited for the backup role, and Jackson will have his chance to prove himself. Although he has suffered many injuries, any defense will shake in their boots with Jackson and Adrian Peterson on the field at once. Two incredible athletes.

Jets: Mark Sanchez vs. Kellen Clemens

Winner: Mark Sanchez

Why:
This one is one of the closest battles right now. Both have shown that they are capable of taking over the offense. Sanchez is savvy and poised, while Clemons is used to training camp battles.

Sanchez provides the Jets with more of a deep threat, and is able to hit the receivers in stride. With the Jets not looking like Super Bowl contenders this year, look for Sanchez to see a lot of playing time.

Lions: Matthew Stafford vs. Daunte Culpepper

Winner: Daunte Culpepper

Why:
This was one of the hardest choices to make. With Stafford getting all that money, it's hard to tell him to hold a clipboard. The Lions don't want to rush this one, and Culpepper has shown he is healthy and able.

Culpepper was once one of the premier quarterbacks in the league, and looks to return to form. The Lions are still the Lions, and they will probably make the wrong decision no matter who they choose.

Browns: Derek Anderson vs. Brady Quinn

Winner: Brady Quinn

Why:
Perhaps the most interesting quarterback battle out there. These two have both proven to be good, and whoever gets the starting job probably won't be giving it up unless an injury occurs.

If Braylon Edwards can get back to being a great receiver, Quinn will show everyone he does have talent. Anderson is a good quarterback, and other teams would be smart to go after him, but if he sits on the bench, he will be the best backup in the league.

Eagles: Donovan McNabb vs Michael Vick

Juuuuust kidding....