5 Biggest QB Battles to Watch in NFL Training Camp

NFL training camps wouldn't be the same without old-fashioned quarterback competitions. 

Two (or sometimes more) signal-callers battling it out for the starting job under the sweltering summer heat during the greatly anticipated training camps always amuses the masses, especially the storyline-seeking media. 

We're on the verge of observing five major QB training camp battles this summer, one of which will be documented on HBO's Hard Knocks in August. 

Arizona Cardinals: Kevin Kolb vs. John Skelton

The Cardinals' decision to offer Kevin Kolb a five-year, $63 million deal in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason was made with its fair share of skepticism, because Kolb barely had starting experience and had dealt with injuries in the past.

Unfortunately for Arizona, the skeptics proved to be correct in 2011, as Kolb played only nine games, tossed nine touchdowns to eight interceptions and the Cardinals got off to a brutal 1-6 start. 

After again getting injured, backup John Skelton took the reins of the offense, and the team fared much better with him as the starter. 

The Fordham alum went 6-2 down the stretch, including victories over the San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals. 

The 6'6'' QB did throw 11 touchdowns with a disappointing 14 interceptions, but he showed glimpses of his immense potential. 

In early June, at a Cardinals fan fest, Kolb was booed, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

After supremely under-performing following a hefty contract, that's bound to happen. 

So, as the Cardinals hit the practice field for the first time this week, it'll be interesting to see how Kolb and Skelton perform in the throwing drills as they duke it out for the starting job in Arizona. 

Seattle Seahawks: Matt Flynn vs. Russell Wilson vs. Tarvaris Jackson

The Seattle Seahawks went 7-9 in 2011, and they were a pleasant surprise the last half of the season, finishing 5-3 after a disastrous 2-6 start. 

The defense was vastly underrated, due to a lack of household names. They ended the year No. 11 against the pass and No. 15 against the run. 

Running back Marshawn Lynch was outstanding over the last eight games, as it became blatantly obvious the team was handicapped by its starting quarterback, Tarvaris Jackson. 

He was frequently placed in a game-managing role, but his inability to consistently find targets down the field hindered the team's success.

The team signed free agent Matt Flynn this offseason, presumably due to Jackson's limitations, and drafted Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson in this year's draft. 

We know what we'll get from Jackson, but there are many questions surrounding Flynn's viability as a starter, and we certainly don't know if the diminutive yet strong-armed Wilson will be able to acclimate to the professional game. 

In Seattle, a quarterback battle is brewing, one certainly worth watching.  

Jacksonville Jaguars: Blaine Gabbert vs. Chad Henne

Blaine Gabbert started 15 games last year and was downright awful. 

He threw for a pedestrian 147.6 yards per game, barely completed 50 percent of his passes and threw 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions en route to a 65.4 QB rating. 

Not all was Gabbert's fault, however. 

The receiving corps around him was far from stellar, with guys like Jason Hill, Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard and Chastin West hardly striking fear into their opponents. 

Though Jacksonville spent its first-round pick on the former Missouri signal-caller, some think there's a chance he won't even start in 2012. 

The Jaguars signed oft-injured former Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne this offseason. According to Don Banks of SI.com, members of the Jacksonville organization believe Henne will beat out Gabbert for the starting job in late August. 

A battle in mediocrity, that's for sure. 

Tennessee Titans: Matt Hasselbeck vs. Jake Locker

The most interesting quarterback battle this summer resides in Tennessee for many reasons. 

First off, the Titans aren't a bottom-of-the-wbarrel NFL franchise, and secondly, the challenger has astounding potential. 

The Titans, who dealt with a laborious contract dispute with star running back Chris Johnson prior to the start of the regular season, finished 9-7 in 2011, a game out of the final playoff spot in the AFC. 

Matt Hasselbeck was one of the most efficient signal-callers in the league at the beginning of the season, and Jake Locker flashed moments of brilliance when filling in for the injured starter. 

It's hard to say whether the Tennessee coaching staff will lean toward the established yet waning veteran or turn to the exciting yet unproven second-year quarterback. 

Either way, these determined competitors will make for a fun quarterback battle in Nashville. 

Miami Dolphins: Matt Moore vs. David Garrard vs. Ryan Tannehill

The most high-profile quarterback competition will take place in South Beach and on Hard Knocks with the Miami Dolphins QBs this summer. 

Matt Moore's the steady incumbent, a guy who brought the team back to relevance at the late stages of 2011 but who doesn't seem to be oozing with upside. 

David Garrard was acquired this offseason, but he didn't play a down in 2011 for any team. 

Ryan Tannehill's the flashy yet controversial rookie loaded with athleticism, a guy who certainly knows the team's offense after playing under current Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman in college. 

The Palm Beach Post says the QB competition is "up in the air" and quoted head coach Joe Philbin, who said, "It’s been close" at the end of the team's minicamp in June.