NFL Power Rankings: The Five Worst Starting Quarterbacks in 2011

By (Analyst) on August 7, 2011

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Not everyone can have a Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. There are some teams that would welcome in a guy like Carson Palmer or (dare I even say it) Brett Favre. While some of these guys can still turn it around, it is pretty obvious that they are not the long term solutions at the position.

Some teams are still having quarterback battles in training camp, which almost always qualifies them to have one of their guys in this list. Like the old saying goes, "If you have two quarterbacks, you really don't have any." That couldn't be more true for some of these teams.

Honorable Mention: Alex Smith, 49ers

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16:  Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Harry How/Getty Images

I think everyone realizes that Alex has run out of opportunities in San Francisco. I believe new head coach Jim Harbaugh feels the same way, but he doesn't want to throw Colin Kapernick to the wolves just yet.

Smith may have never had any great receivers to throw to, but he has had plenty of chances to show that he can be the man in San Fran. I don't think he'll still have his starting job at the end of the season, and I think even he has to know that by now.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills fumbles as he is hit by Gary Guyton #59 of the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York.  (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Rick Stewart/Getty Images

I think Fitzpatrick has been okay in his stint with the Bills. He finally has some decent weapons at receiver, but the Bills probably won't be able to contend in their own division. If things get really bad this season, they could have their eye on Andrew Luck for next year.

He isn't a terrible player, but I don't think he'll ever be a starter again in the league after this year. He would be an excellent backup for any team though, in my opinion.

Andy Dalton, Bengals

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 20:  Andy Dalton attends the NFL PLAYERS Premiere League Flag Football Game at UCLA on May 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

Throwing in a rookie at quarterback is always a risky move. It's turned out poorly far more often than it's turned out well. When you're in an organization like the one in Cincinnati, it could end up even worse. There's no more Ochocinco to throw to, but they do have an extremely promising young talent in AJ Green from Georgia.

Thankfully, they were able to keep Cedric Benson, who should really help Dalton out a lot in his rookie year. The Bengals will probably finish last in the division, but a Dalton-to-Green combination could be great in the future.

Colt McCoy, Browns

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02:  Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns fumbles the ball after being hit by defensive end Brett Keisel #99 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio.  (Photo by Mat
Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

Keeping it in the AFC North, we have Colt McCoy. Obviously the Steelers and Ravens will be the class of this division, and having to face those defenses twice a year won't make things easy for Colt. He did okay last season, but it's still too early to tell if he is going to be their future.

It will be interesting to see what Cleveland does if they find themselves in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes at the end of the year. I don't think they'll be quite that bad though, and I think it's possible that McCoy takes a big step forward this year.

Rex Grossman, Redskins

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26:  Quarterback Rex Grossman #8 of the Washington Redskins is pressured by Tyson Alualu #93 and Jeremy Mincey #94 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida.  (P
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Whether it's Grossman or John Beck, neither of them will have success in 2011. The Redskins will be going up against the defenses of the Giants, Eagles, and Cowboys. They will almost surely be playing from behind too, so throwing the ball a lot is going to be hard on whoever ends up under center.

The Redskins have signed roughly 19 wide receivers during the free agent period this summer, but none of them would be considered game-changers. It will most likely be another rough year for 'Skins fans.

Tarvaris Jackson, Seahawks

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Jackson will be replacing Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle, but I still think that's a significant downgrade. Even though he brought Sidney Rice with him, I don't know if he's going to have any success with the Seahawks.

They made that magical run in the playoffs last year, but I don't know if Jackson has the passing skills that this team will need when it comes down to the two-minute drill.

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