Top NFL Position Battles That Will Become Distractions

Tim Tebow versus Mark Sanchez is just one of numerous position battles that will take place during training camp.

Battles occur anywhere from kicker to quarterback because players are simply competing for an opportunity to get on the field. 

Here, though, we look at position battles that will become a distraction before and/or during the early part of the season. So along with the Tebow and Sanchez, let's see who else will be competing for a spot on the field in 2012.

Seattle Seahawks: Quarterback Trio

With a sound receiving corps and proven running back in Marshawn Lynch, the Seattle Seahawks just need to find their starting quarterback.

The good news is that coach Pete Carroll appears patient and is going to let the preseason decide for him. In an article by Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times from mid-June, Carroll stated:

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"It's going to take us until we start playing games to where we'll see something happen," Carroll said. "At this point they're doing everything they can do with the opportunities, and they look good."

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The bad news is that there's only so much evaluation that can occur throughout the preseason, and having three contenders in the running to be the starter significantly reduces the amount of time to break down each player.

Considering that Seattle competes in a tougher NFC West, the Seahawks can't afford to use the early parts of the regular season for evaluation. Fortunately, some time still remains before training camp, so the potential distraction could be limited prior to Game 1 of the preseason.

Nevertheless, the longer this drags out, the more difficult it will be for the Seattle offense to find a rhythm.

Arizona Cardinals: Kolb-Skelton

There's a lot of pressure on Kevin Kolb to win the starting job in Arizona. Then again, John Skelton played well in 2011, but he too will feel the pressure if given the starting role.

Interestingly enough, both quarterbacks put up similar numbers last season.

Through nine games, Kolb had 1,955 yards with nine touchdowns to eight picks. Skelton, on the other hand, tossed for 1,913 yards and 11 touchdowns to 14 picks in eight games.

Also, the Cardinals went just 3-6 when Kolb appeared and 6-2 with Skelton at the helm (both appeared in the 21-19 win over San Francisco, though Skelton played the majority of the game).

So right now you could give the nod to Skelton, but Kolb has more experience and is less turnover-prone.

If anything, the Cardinals should just consult Larry Fitzgerald because the man deserves to have an input. Arguably the NFL's best receiver, Fitzgerald's best quarterback was Kurt Warner. Now, with rookie Michael Floyd, Arizona cannot miss on making the correct selection.

Regardless of who wins the starting role, it will be distracting if the passing game fails to be enough of a threat. The consistency on the ground will improve if the right quarterback is under center. If not, the Cardinals will have another disappointing start in a year where they could be a postseason sleeper.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Martin-Blount

After compiling over 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie in 2010, LeGarrette Blount took a step back with only 718 yards in 2011.

Rookie running back Doug Martin, on the other hand, was a first-round selection by Tampa Bay and presents a complete repertoire to contribute in 2012.

While at Boise State, Martin rushed for over 3,400 yards and gained 715 receiving yards on 67 receptions. In addition, Martin returned 27 kickoffs for 739 yards.

All together, the consistently reliable Brahma Bull scored 48 touchdowns and possesses unlimited potential as a pro. As for the Buccaneers, they upgraded the offensive line with Carl Nicks and the receivers with Vincent Jackson this offseason.

And although a two-back system has become the norm in pro football right now, having a true No. 1 ball-carrier for every down is a better formula. Take guys like LeSean McCoy, Maurice Jones-Drew and Frank Gore for example.

Tampa Bay has an excellent opportunity in 2012 to fight for a playoff spot. The NFC South is a pass-happy division, but with a strong ground game the Bucs have a distinct advantage. Blount's proven he can carry the load, but his inconsistency is concerning.

Martin is also only a rookie, and there comes a lot of pressure in being a first-round selection.

San Francisco 49ers: Receiving Corps

The San Francisco 49ers are an interesting bunch on offense because there lies an abundance of talent at the wide receiver and running back positions.

As for the positional distraction, the receivers will be a bit more intense because the running backs primarily consist of Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs and rookie LaMichael James. With Jacobs past his prime and James being a rookie, we can expect the 'Niners to run a one-back set.

On occasion they might use a two-back system or a fullback, so the debacle at receiver comes from how and when San Francisco utilizes the ground game. One ball-carrier in the backfield would allow for a three-receiver and one tight end.

Randy Moss and Mario Manningham are the newbies but also the most well-established. Michael Crabtree still has to prove his ability, and A.J. Jenkins is a rookie who was selected sooner than expected.

In a three-receiver set Jenkins would likely be the odd man out, and, even in a four-wide look, Vernon Davis is the next best option in the slot. Now, in a two-back set the conundrum shrinks to three targets, but the 49ers can get flexible by using all receivers or having two with one tight end.

The distraction from all this comes from playing time, personnel in certain game situations and each player's production. With so much talent existing, there are only going to be so many opportunities to make plays.

As long as no one gets frustrated, then the 49ers will find a balance. Then again, we've seen receivers get frustrated plenty of times before for not getting the rock. And Moss has certainly been a part of that drama.

Miami Dolphins: Moore-Garrard

Ryan Tannehill may have been the No. 8 overall selection in the 2012 NFL draft, but it looks like the Miami Dolphins quarterback battle will be between Matt Moore and David Garrard.

In an article by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:

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Look for a tight competition between David Garrard and Matt Moore for the starting job, with RyanTannehill likely to begin the season on the bench.

“I would probably agree with you on that,” Reggie Bush told me. “Ryan can watch the veterans and learn. When he gets the call, he’ll be ready.”

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This comes as expected, as Moore and Garrard are two quarterbacks capable of leading under center and both have the NFL experience to prove it.

Garrard is the more experienced of the two and has enjoyed more success, but he also missed the entire 2011 season.

On the flip side, Moore showed development last year after taking over for the injured Chad Henne, throwing 16 touchdowns to nine picks and almost 2,500 yards in 13 games played.

The Dolphins don't have any standout receivers (Chad Ochocinco is past his prime) and it'll be up to Garrard or Moore to take everyone to the next level. With the pressure of a new head coach in Joe Philbin, Miami has to make the right selection.

The rest of the AFC East has made improvements, and the Dolphins will remain at the bottom if they can't decipher this potential quarterback controversy sooner rather than later.

New York Jets, Tebow-Sanchez

Folks, Tim Tebow will be at it again, and you can only anticipate the magnitude of Tebowmania in New York City.

Take into account all the criticism that Mark Sanchez has been through, the Giants' success and Tebow's popularity, and a distraction here is a foregone conclusion. The only difference between Tebow heading into the 2012 season compared to last season is when the hype begins.

In 2011, Tebow wasn't expected to compete with Kyle Orton for the starting role, and his opportunity didn't happen until almost midseason. As for 2012, Sanchez has been under more scrutiny, and Tebow is a more developed and more prepared player for training camp.

Through the Jets first couple preseason games, any minute mistake by Sanchez will only benefit Tebow. And if Tebow has any minuscule mishaps, the attention will revert back to Sanchez.

It's virtually deja vu from last season in Denver, as Sanchez is the pocket passer still needing to prove he can play while Tebow's improvisation draws excitement. The only manner in which the Jets can avert a massive distraction is to get Tebow time at tight end or halfback.

At least in that sense he'd be on the field. Unfortunately, that still keeps the pressure on Sanchez to make plays. It's the Big Apple and it's Tim Tebow—the distracting began once the polarizing quarterback arrived.

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