Chad Pennington: Ranking the Stability of Every NFL Team's QB Situation

It appears that Chad Pennington is the answer to the Miami Dolphins' QB situation. This decision represents the latest scenario in an NFL season that has seen plenty of instability at the quarterback position.

So at this point, it's worth going through the rosters and determining which NFL teams don't have issues at quarterback.

So that's what we did. Here you will find a ranking of the stability of each team's quarterback situation, order from least stable to most stable.

Note: once you get inside the top 10, consider it a tie.

32. Carolina Panthers

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball against the chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Record: 1-7

Starting Quarterback: Jimmy Clausen

Backups: Tony Pike

With Matt Moore out for the season with a torn labrum in his shoulder, John Fox announced today that Jimmy Clausen, the rookie out of Notre Dame, will get the nod at Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Fox had considered starting Pike, however, so Clausen's job is far from being set in stone. Either way, this is a train wreck.

31. Arizona Cardinals

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 7: Quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 7, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings won 27-24 in overtime. (Photo by Steph

Record: 3-5

Starting Quarterback: Derek Anderson

Backups: Max Hall

How bad have Derek Anderson and Max Hall been this season?

Well, Ken Whisenhunt isn't likely to admit it, but I bet he regrets ditching Matt Leinart right now.

Only the Vikings, Cowboys, and Panthers have thrown more interceptions than the Cardinals, and these two are likely to keep adding to that number, no matter who gets the start each week.

30. Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (L) of the Seattle Seahawks sits on the bench next to backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst #6 during the game against the New York Giants at Qwest Field on November 7, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. White

Record: 4-4

Starting Quarterback: Matt Hasselbck

Backups: Charlie Whitehurst

Hasselbeck was spared any involvement in the Seahawks' beatdown at the hands of the Giants thanks to a concussion suffered against Oakland a week before. He will start if he practices well this week, and will have a rather easy test against Arizona.

But if he can't go, it'll be Whitehurst again. The same Whitehurst who had 113 yards and two picks against the Giants.

Yikes.

29. San Francisco 49ers

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Troy Smith #1 of San Francisco 49ers in action during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium on October 31, 2010 in London, England. This is the fourth occasion w

Record: 2-6

Starting Quarterback: Troy Smith

Backups: David Carr, Alex Smith

Troy Smith is going to be the starter. For now.

This is about as tricky as it gets when it comes to quarterbacks. Troy Smith equaled Alex Smith's 2010 win total with his win as the starter against Denver in London. But he only really had one good quarter in that game, and it's going to be hard to keep him ahead of Alex Smith in the depth chart once he gets healthy.

Gotta love the quarterbacks in that NFC West.

28. Detroit Lions

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Shaun Hill #14 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Record: 2-6

Starting Quarterback: Shaun Hill

Backups: Drew Stanton

You have to feel bad for the Lions at this point. Their inability to protect Matthew Stafford led to another shoulder injury, and this one could keep him out for the season.

Shaun Hill himself suffered a broken arm earlier this season, so he also is damaged goods. This has the potential to become a revolving door situation that has Jim Schwartz scouring Detroit for anybody with a healthy arm.

27. Minnesota Vikings

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates as he leaves the field after the game with the Arizona Cardinals at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 7, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings won 27-

Record: 3-5

Starting Quarterback: Brett Favre

Backups: Tarvaris Jackson, Joe Webb

Brett Favre is not going to be benched unless he gets hurt. He may be having a pretty lousy year, but he's earned the right to never be disgraced like that.

That being said, I simply don't trust Brad Childress this year, and Favre is one more hit away from shattering into a million pieces.

26. Washington Redskins

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 31: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washigton Redkins warms up prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 31, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Record: 4-4

Starting Quarterback: Donovan McNabb

Backups: Rex Grossman, John Beck

You know you have an unstable quarterback situation when your coach calls the starter an out-of-shape fatty and then brings in JaMarcus Russell for a tryout.

In fact, the McNabb situation could become a ticking time bomb, if it hasn't already of course.

25. Miami Dolphins

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 02: Quarterback Chad Pennington #10 of the Miami Dolphins walks off the field against the Dallas Cowboys during a preseason game at Cowboys Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Imag

Record: 4-4

Starting Quarterback: Chad Pennington

Backups: Chad Henne, Tyler Thigpen

Chad Henne has started all eight games for the Dolphins so far this season. But after totaling just 8 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and compiling a 78.2 quarterback rating that ranks 24th in the NFL, the Dolphins announced today that they would be making the switch to Chad Pennington, the veteran.

Now in his 11th NFL season, Pennington first signed with the Dolphins in 2008 and promptly won the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year Award in a season that saw him throw for over 3,600 yards and lead the Dolphins to an AFC East division title. He has yet to throw a pass in the 2010 season.

24. Dallas Cowboys

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GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 07: Jon Kitna #3 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 7, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Record: 1-7

Starting Quarterback: Jon Kitna

Backups: Stephen McGee, Tony Romo (Injured)

The Cowboys are going to be doomed for the rest of the season no matter who they throw out there. They could do worse than Jon Kitna, though, even if he does need some help from his receivers, offensive line, running backs, coaching staff...

23. Cleveland Browns

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CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns leaves the field after their victory over the New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Record: 3-5

Starting Quarterback: Colt McCoy

Backups: Brett Ratliff, Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace

The Browns are probably rather pleased that Jake Delhomma and Seneca Wallace went down with injuries this year, as Colt McCoy has been pretty darn good in his three games as the Browns' starting quarterback.

In leading the Browns to a 2-1 record, the rookie out of Texas has thrown for 529 yards, and currently boasts a 83.5 rating, which places him in Carson Palmer territory. It's going to be hard for Eric Mangini to pull McCoy as a starter if he plays well against the Jets, especially after he's already won against the Saints and Patriots.

22. Denver Broncos

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Kyle Orton #8 of Denver Broncos gives instructions during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium on October 31, 2010 in London, England. This is the fourth occasi

Record: 2-6

Starting Quarterback: Kyle Orton

Backups: Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow

Orton is second in the league with 314 passing yards per game, but you get the feeling that his job is hardly the safest in football. That has a lot to do with highly touted college quarterbacks Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow riding the pine behind him, with the latter or which being the object of the fans' desire.

Orton is definitely the best option, but don't be surprised if Tebow gets more and more reps.

21. Oakland Raiders

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders passes against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 7, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Record: 5-4

Starting Quarterback: Jason Campbell

Backups: Bruce Gradkowski, Kyle Boller

Tom Cable insisted for the longest time that Gradkowski was his guy, but it looks like he finally came to terms a couple days ago with the reality that Campbell has been at the helm during his team's turnaround, one that's been in the waiting since 2002.

Cable will go with the hot hand. And right now, that hand belongs to Campbell.

20. Buffalo Bills

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 07: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass against the Chicago Bears at Rogers Centre on November 7, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. Chicago won 22-19. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Record: 0-8

Starting Quarterback: Ryan Fitzpatrick

Backups: Brian Brohm, Levi Brown

The Bills started the season with Trent Edwards as their starting quarterback, but made the switch to Fitzpatrick after two games. Edwards was later released on September 27th.

Fitzpatrick has played relatively well given the fact that his team doesn't have a win. Since taking over for Edwards, the Harvard grad has thrown for 1,499 yards and 13 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. That amounts to a 85.8 rating, which is 18th among NFL quarterbacks.

19. Chicago Bears

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 07: Jay Cutler # 6 of the Chicago Bears readies to pass against the Buffalo Bills at Rogers Centre on November 7, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. Chicago won 22-19. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Record: 5-3

Starting Quarterback: Jay Cutler

Backups: Todd Collins

Jay Cutler is never going to be an elite NFL quarterback, is he?

Probably not. But the Bears are 5-3 with him and his erratic qualities, so they'll probably take it.

Cutler followed up his awful effort against Washington with a pretty good effort against Buffalo, and he's going to be safe as long as Todd Collins is the best thing the Bears have to replace him with.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 7, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Record: 5-3

Starting Quarterback: Josh Freeman

Backups: Josh Johnson, Rudy Carpenter

Freeman has been under center every step of the way for the resurgent Bucs, a team that head coach Raheem Morris is overly confident in. But hey, as long as he's comfortable, then you have to imagine Freeman is as well.

Freeman's having a decent season. He has 10 touchdown passes, and is 17th in the NFL with an 85.8 rating, just ahead of Ryan Fitzpatrick.

17. Tennessee Titans

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to pass against the San Diego Chargers in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Titans 33-25. (Photo by

Record: 5-3

Starting Quarterback: Vince Young

Backups: Kerry Collins

This situation is stable in that Young is the clear-cut starter, but it's unstable in that Young has had injury troubles this year. He's missed parts of two games with leg injuries, and didn't play at all against Philadelphia in Week 7.

That being said, he's performed very well when he's played. Only Michael Vick has a better rating this season.

The good news for the Titans is that they might have the best backup quarterback in football in Kerry Collins.

16. Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts on November 7, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Colts 26-24. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/

Record: 5-3

Starting Quarterback: Michael Vick

Backups: Kevin Kolb, Mike Kafka

In games in which Mike Vick has gotten the bulk of the work, the Eagles are 3-1. He has seven touchdowns, no interceptions, and a league-leading 105.3 rating.

He'll be the man as long as he can stay healthy. But then again, given his style of play...

15. Kansas City Chiefs

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HOUSTON - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws passes during warm ups before playing the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Record: 5-3

Starting Quarterback: Matt Cassel

Backups: Brodie Croyle

Cassel is a pretty good general for a team that thrives on the run. He's not spectacular, but his team doesn't really need him to be either.

The only concern about Cassel is that this past week's game against Oakland basically served to show that Cassel probably won't beat you if you can stop Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones.

14. Cincinnati Bengals

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CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 08: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on November 8, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Record: 2-6

Starting Quarterback: Carson Palmer

Backups: Jordan Palmer, Dan LeFevour

Given the embarrassment of riches Palmer has at wide receiver, you'd think he'd be having a better season. But with 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions to his name so far, his 2010 season belongs squarely in the "meh" category.

That being said, the other problems concerning the Bengals make his job pretty safe. That and the rather unimpressive options on the bench, of course.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars passes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Record: 4-4

Starting Quarterback: David Garrard

Backups: Trent Edwards

Garrard's stats are slightly skewed by his monster game against Dallas two weeks ago, but he's still a very solid NFL quarterback. He's actually fourth in the NFL with a 98.8 rating.

Edwards, the former Buffalo Bill, is no threat.

12. St. Louis Rams

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TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks for an open receiver against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Records: 4-4

Starting Quarterback: Sam Bradford

Backups: A.J. Feeley

You have to think that the Rams are plenty happy with their selection of Bradford right about now. He's giving the Rams around 200 yards a game, and is good for at least one touchdown every week.

If the Rams can get some more talent around him, he could become a star. Right now though, he's solid.

11. New York Jets

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 7: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets warms up prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 7, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Record: 6-2

Starting Quarterback: Mark Sanchez

Backups: Mark Brunell, Kellen Clemens

Now in his second season as the Jets' starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez is essentially living up the the billing that he created with his mediocre rookie season. He had a horrible debut, was very good in the Jets' five game winning streak, and has been just okay in the last two weeks. His 79.4 rating is 23rd in the league.

He's not great, but his job will be safe as long as the Jets defense continues to be studly.

10. Houston Texans

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Matt Schaub #8 of Houston Texans throws a pass during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Record: 4-4

Starting Quarterback: Matt Schaub

Backups: Dan Orlovsky, Matt Leinart

Schaub has hardly been lights out in 2010, but he does a fine job commanding what has turned out to be a very balanced offense. The Texans would probably prefer to see more separation between his touchdowns (10) and interceptions (7), but they won't make a switch either.

He took a nasty shot to the gut against San Diego this past Sunday, but it's not going to keep him out against Jacksonville.

9. Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 24: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens passes against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Bills lead the Ravens at the half 24-20. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Record: 6-2

Starting Quarterback: 6-2

Backups: Marc Bulger

Flacco, the third-year quarterback out of Delaware, is in charge of a Ravens team that many around the league consider to be the best in the NFL. 

Flacco himself is doing just fine. Take away his four-interceptions effort against Cincinnati in Week 2, and he's had a brilliant season. Even if he starts to struggle consistently down the stretch, you have to figure that the Ravens will be none too eager to switch to Marc Bulger.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

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CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 08: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws throws against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 8, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Steelers defeated the Bengals 27-21. (Photo by Matthew

Record: 6-2

Starting Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger

Backups: Charlie Batch, Byron Leftwich

You get the feeling that Big Ben is still working off the rust after four games, but he's actually put up pretty good numbers. He's thrown for 917 yards in four games, and has twice as many touchdowns (6) as he does interceptions (3).

Now that he's back, it's hard to imagine anything but an injury putting Roethlisberger on the bench.

7. Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 07: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field on November 7, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 45-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Im

Record: 6-3

Starting Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers

Backups: Matt Flynn

I think we all thought Aaron Rodgers was going to be the best quarterback in the NFL this season, but the only people who have any right to complain about him at this point are disgruntled fantasy owners.

The former Cal great is as good as they come. Only four players have more touchdown passes than he does, and he's likely going to lead his team to an NFC North title. The only reason he's not higher on this list is because of that concussion.

6. Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Georgia Dome on November 7, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Record: 6-2

Starting Quarterback: Matt Ryan

Backups: Chris Redman

The Falcons are in first place, and their quarterback does not lose at home. Ryan has been as steady as they could have asked ever since they drafted him third overall in 2008. In short, it'll take an injury to put him on the sidelines.

5. New York Giants

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 7, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 41-7. (Photo by O

Record: 6-2

Starting Quarterback: Eli Manning

Backups: Sage Rosenfels

Eli Manning is the captain of quite possibly the NFC's best team. No drama here.

4. New England Patriots

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CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Record: 6-2

Starting Quarterback: Tom Brady

Backups: Brian Hoyer

I think Tom Brady's job is probably safe, and the Patriots are going to succeed because of him alone. Brady is currently sixth in the NFL with 14 touchdown passes, and has thrown just four interceptions. His 95.7 rating is good for sixth in the league.

3. New Orleans Saints

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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints calls a play against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Record: 6-3

Starting Quarterback: Drew Brees

Backups: Chase Daniel

Brees may be having a down season compared to his 2009 campaign, but he's one of the smartest dudes at his position. Nobody else can run that offense, including Chase Daniel.

2. San Diego Chargers

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HOUSTON - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Philips #17 of the San Diego Chargers gives a thumbs up to he bench after a touchdown against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Record: 4-5

Starting Quarterback: Phillip Rivers

Backups: Billy Volek

The Chargers may be mediocre, but Rivers is a beast. He leads the NFL in both yards and touchdowns.

Next slide, please.

1. Indianapolis Colts

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts in action against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 7, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Record: 5-3

Starting Quarterback: Peyton Manning

Backups: Curtis Painter

He's the best there is, and he's started 200 consecutive games.

Stable? I think so.