Joe Theismann, the legendary Redskins quarterback, was on the Tirico and Van Pelt Show on Aug. 22, stating "No rookie QB should start."
I think I agree with Theismann for the most part.
Below are the four teams in the AFC North: the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. I'll take a look at each of their starters and see if Joe is correct.
Kyle Boller, Baltimore Ravens
This is a prime example of what Theismann was talking about. Drafted in the 2003 draft, No. 19 overall, Boller was named the starting QB almost immediately. Boller was Brian Billick's choice, pushing to draft the Cal quarterback. During his senior year, in 2002, Boller passed for 2,815 yards, 28 TDs, and 10 INTs.
Boller was named the starting QB based on his senior year and the fact that the Ravens didn't have a better option.
In his rookie season, he started the first nine games. He posted a 5-3 record, had a 51.8 percent completion rate, 1,260 yards, seven TDs, and nine INTs. In his ninth game against the Saint Louis Rams, he injured his thigh and was basically sidelined the rest of the season.
During his second season, he showed some improvement. Starting all 16 games, he set career highs of 2,559 yards, with 13 TDs, 11 INTs, and completed 55.6 percent of his passes. He also had his first rushing TD.
His third season, 2005, was injury plagued. He went down in the first game of the season, against the Indianapolis Colts, and then missed the next seven games. In just eight games, Boller posted some of his best numbers: 58.4% completion rate, 1,799 yards, 11 TDs, and 12 INTs. He became the first Ravens quarterback to have a 110+ rating in consecutive games.
The Ravens brought in Steve McNair and demoted Boller to backup. Boller accepted the demotion with dignity and class, never complaining. He finally had someone in front of him on the depth chart that he could learn from.
During a game versus the Carolina Panthers in Week Six, McNair was injured. Boller came in at the end of the first quarter. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 226 yards, three TDs and one INT.
Late in the game, the Ravens were down by nine. Boller led the team to two TDs, but the Panthers ran the clock out and won 23-21.
The Ravens would finish the season 13-3 and make the playoffs, led by both McNair and Boller.
In 2007, McNair was injured in the opener against division rival Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals won the game on a bad offensive-interference call on Todd Heap, which reversed a touchdown.
Boller then started game two and played quite a bit in the third game to give McNair some rest. After sitting for the next two games, Boller was again named the starter for Weeks Six and Seven.
In Week 11, Boller was finally given the starting job. Boller played well but the Cleveland Browns won on what seemed to be a missed field goal. After review, the field goal was called good, and the game went to overtime. The Browns won 33-30.
The next game was against the New England Patriots, who were running through the league on their way to a 16-0 regular season. The Ravens, led by Kyle Boller, played extremely well and almost pulled off the upset.
4 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
Erik Schultz 10 months ago
Very good piece Chad. The divisional connection is a good one to make. I really like the comprehensive series of stats used to analyze each QB's progression over time, especially Palmer. Nice job of looking back on individual game performances as well.
I, as would most Raven fans, agree with you on Flacco. Maybe he can follow the same model of success as Palmer!
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James Senbeta 10 months ago
Chad you have hit on something pretty good here. For the most part I believe a rookie QB shouldn't start unless he is in the right situation. Roethlisberger had two decent receivers in Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress, along with Alan Fanica protecting his blindside and a strong running game from the Bus, Duce, and Willie Parker. Palmer could of started in Cincy given Willie Anderson was on the left side of the line, Chad Johnson and Houshmenzadah were forming a dynamic duo at WR, and Rudi Johnson was becoming a breakout star at the time forcing out Corey Dillon. Pretty much a dependable WR corp., along with strong backside protection and a decent rushing attack could give a capable rookie a chance to, not only develop, but succeed. I would love to see more of this from other divisions.
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chad lamasa 10 months ago
I was thinking of doing all the divisions but this one took me a long time to do so I may just do some of the other qbs around the league..
Thanks for reading.
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John BJ 6 months ago
Matt Ryan, a rookie starter, has just put the Atlanta Falcons into the playoffs. Rookie QB's shouldn't start? Talent is talent and not every drafted QB is meant to be a franchize QB. Every rookie drafted in the first round doesn't always do well, whether they start or not. If a QB is held out his rookie season, it won't make him a pro bowl quarterback 5 years later. If he is good enough to make it in the NFL, starting his rookie season will only give him that much more experience.
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