NFL Preview: QBs That Should Start or Sit in 2011

In order for a team to have success, it is important to have a signal-caller that can lead the offense.

Of the 12 playoff quarterbacks from last season:

• All of them threw for at least 3,000 yards.

• Seven were in the top 10 in passing touchdowns.

• Seven threw less than a dozen interceptions.

• Seven were top 10 in passer rating.
  • Matt Ryan and Drew Brees were 11th and 12th, respectively.

• 10 completed at least 60 percent of their passes.
  • Matt Hasselbeck completed 59.9 percent.

Let's see which QBs deserve another chance to lead a huddle and which are better off holding the clipboard.

Start 'Em: Tim Tebow

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 2: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown pass to Eric Decker during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jus

Age: 23
Team: Denver Broncos

The consensus is that Tebow will become the starter at some point in the 2011 season. He proved many critics wrong at the end of last season by playing relatively well for a rookie.

There is nothing wrong with Tebow holding the clipboard next season and Kyle Orton remaining the starter for all of 2011.

It takes pressure off of the former first-round pick and allows him to get more comfortable with the system in place.

If Tebow does not start, expect him to get on the field occasionally as a gadget and for goal line situations.

Sit 'Em: Jimmy Clausen

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers is sacked by Brett Keisel #99 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Age: 23
Team: Carolina Panthers

In his rookie season, Clausen was completely overwhelmed. It doesn't help that Carolina was the worst team in 2010, but the Panthers still have hope.

It looks like Clausen needs a year or two of holding the clipboard before he is ready to become a full-time starter, if ever.

Chances are Matt Moore will be the starter again next season, but he is not much of an upgrade.

Start 'Em: Colt McCoy

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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)

Age: 24
Team: Cleveland Browns

Although his last two performances were bad (one TD, six INT), McCoy has shown he can lead the Browns offense.

Unlike Jimmy Clausen, McCoy does not look overwhelmed on the field. Around the line of scrimmage, he actually looks like he knows what he's doing.

He is clearly the future of the Browns.

Even though Cleveland re-signed Seneca Wallace, he is a career backup.

Expect Wallace to continue backing McCoy up.

Sit 'Em: Any QB Named Smith

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by defensive end Luis Castillo #93 of the San Diego Chargers in the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by

Alex and Troy should not be starting for the 49ers anymore. It is not due to a lack of talent, even though everybody labels Alex Smith as a bust.

As the former No. 1 overall pick, Alex has shown flashes of brilliance in the Bay area despite just as many bad moments.

Troy still has some growing up to do as a person. He is immature and does not handle adversity well. That's not the kind of guy you want leading your offense.

Give him the clipboard.

Alex Smith is now a free agent. New coach Jim Harbaugh wants him as his starter in 2011. If Smith returns and underperforms, he might become a career backup.

Both sides should move on. There is still a possibility Alex can succeed as an NFL-starting QB, but it would probably be best if he does it elsewhere.

Best Fit: Tennessee, Miami

Start 'Em: Ryan Fitzpatrick

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills stands at the line against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laha

Age: 28
Team: Buffalo Bills

Fitzpatrick quietly had the best season for a Bills QB since Drew Bledsoe in 2002. Since Trent Edwards was cut early in the season, Fitzpatrick played in 13 games and ended up with the following stats:

• 23 touchdowns
• 15 interceptions
• 57.8 completion percentage
• 3,000 passing yards
• 81.8 QB rating

The Harvard graduate still has room for improvement, especially against New England, but he gives Buffalo the best chances to win.

He knows the system, and if Fitzpatrick builds on his 2010 performance, then it's tough to even think of an upgrade in Buffalo. Ryan has some young receivers to work with and the addition of a pass-catching tight end should give Buffalo an underrated but rounded aerial attack.

The Bills should be content with how their once horrid quarterback situation turned out.

Sit 'Em: Vince Young

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans watches during a game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on September 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Age: 27
Team: Tennessee Titans

Despite indications that the Titans would part ways with Vince Young, he is still with the team. This may be due to the whole CBA ordeal, but it would be surprising to see Young in Tennessee by training camp.

Young's personal issues and immaturity may prevent him from being one of the great quarterbacks in the NFL. He should hold on to the clipboard until he gets himself together.

However, there is no denying his talent. Several teams will be interested in Vince Young as a starter if Tennessee puts him on the trading block.

Best fits: Minnesota, Miami, San Francisco

Start 'Em: Marc Bulger

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BALTIMORE - AUGUST 28: Marc Bulger #9 of the Baltimore Ravens passes against the New York Giants in a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Giants 24-10. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Age: 33
Team: Free Agent
Previously: Backup with the Baltimore Ravens

Surprising? Many might view Bulger as nothing more than a backup, but he is a guy capable of lighting it up. His misfortunes in St. Louis were not because he lacked talent. The Rams were not a good team, and the offensive line he had was horrendous. As a result, he suffered multiple injuries.

But now, he has had a full year of rest while holding the clipboard for the Ravens and mentoring Joe Flacco. Baltimore coaches have done nothing but praise Bulger in his time there, citing his work ethic and quickly learning the system.

Any team desperate for an upgrade at QB should take a hard look at Bulger. Whether he can be consistent as a starter again remains to be seen, but the man deserves a shot. If he does turn out to be good, it will be a huge bargain for the team that signs him.

Best fits: Arizona, Miami, San Francisco

Sit 'Em: The Entire Desert

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback John Skelton #19 of the Arizona Cardinals talks with Derek Anderson #3 on the sidelines during the NFL game against the St. Louis Rams at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona.

John Skelton, Derek Anderson and Max Hall combined for 10 touchdowns, 19 interceptions and a 60.5 QB rating.

That will not get it done.

Hall and Skelton were both rookies that only saw the field because of the Cardinals' desperate situation. Skelton looked more promising of the two last season.

Derek Anderson was supposed to be the answer but has been terrible since having a Pro Bowl season in 2007 with Cleveland.

As it stands, training camp may feature an open QB competition with Skelton as the favorite to win the starting nod, and Anderson is not likely to return. However, it is no secret that Arizona needs to upgrade.

Everyone knows Larry Fitzgerald wants an upgrade.

Arizona needs to search free agency and any trade possibilities to stop the bleeding. Fitzgerald is not willing to sign an extension with the Cardinals unless they do.

Start 'Em: Kevin Kolb

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 02: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Dallas Cowboys on January 2, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Age: 26
Team: Philadelphia Eagles

One thing is certain: Kevin Kolb wants to start.

Another thing is also certain: it won't be in Philly.

Andy Reid has the luxury of two quality starting-caliber quarterbacks. It is no knock on Kolb that he is the Eagles' backup. Michael Vick made the most of his opportunity and played out of his mind in 2010. If not for Tom Brady, Vick would've won the regular season MVP award.

For the second straight season, the Eagles are contemplating trading a quality quarterback in a league that is short on such a commodity.

Every team that needs a starting quarterback will be trying to get their hands on Kolb.

Best fits: Arizona, Tennessee, Miami

Sit 'Em: Chad Henne

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 28: Miami Dolphins Chad Henne #7 fumbles the ball after being stripped by New Orleans Saints defensive end Sedrick Ellis #98 during the second quarter of their final preseason game at the Louisiana Superdome on August 28, 2008 in New

Age: 25
Team: Miami Dolphins

Chad Henne is likely to be the starter again unless the Dolphins go after a veteran this offseason.

Henne is still young, and he possesses all the physical tools one looks for in QB. However, Henne made bad decisions on the field. Many fans are unsatisfied with his performance.

If his 2010 stats are compared to his 2009 stats, it looks like he has improved overall, but the 19 interceptions have been costly to Miami. He regressed after a promising 2009 campaign.

There is still time for young Chad to right the ship, but anything short of a breakout season will be a disappointment. The Dolphins need him to perform well in order to succeed. Otherwise, he may be holding a clipboard for a long time.

The pressure will be on in 2011, especially after claiming the new system is "QB friendly."

Start 'Em: Joe Webb

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Joe Webb #14 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after play against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 28, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Age: 24
Team: Minnesota Vikings

If Minnesota does not obtain a veteran or draft one of the top QB prospects, Webb is almost certainly the starter.

Webb played well against Philly in that infamous Tuesday night game. Besides showing off his athletic ability, he made some good decisions on the field.

However, Webb starting would be due to Minnesota lacking better options more than anything.

He still has to convince the world he is a legitimate NFL QB with more than just athletic ability. Otherwise, Vikings fans have seen this before in the form of Tavaris Jackson.

Honorable Mentions: Donovan McNabb and Carson Palmer

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines against play against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Whatever happens with Donovan McNabb and Carson Palmer, they should be starting. The only way they don't start is if they retire, as Palmer might do.

Out of the two, McNabb is the better choice.

Although he is older, McNabb has had more success, is more of a leader and is a classier person.

Palmer has forced the issue too much. It has led to unnecessary interceptions.

Both are likely to be traded. Although both are veterans clearly past their prime, they should still be an upgrade for any team seeking QB help.