2011 NFL Preseason: Biggest Quarterback Story Lines

The 2011 NFL Preseason has provided some very intriguing quarterback story lines and on some of the league's most elite teams. From QB competition on teams to injuries and everywhere in between, this season is proving to be another big one for the quarterback. 

Here are the biggest quarterback stories to follow. 

Old Faces, New Places

Several quarterbacks are settling into new homes this season. Here are the most intriguing:

1. Donovan McNabb is now a Minnesota Viking. 2009 saw the resurgence of Brett Favre as a Viking followed by his demise in 2010. Now Donovan McNabb takes leadership of the team still expected to be in contention this season. McNabb has a lot to prove after a disappointing year with the Redskins.

2. Matt Hasselbeck has left the Seahawks to join the Tennessee Titans. While in Seattle, Hasselbeck led the team to the playoffs from 2003-2007 and in 2010 with one Super Bowl appearance in 2006. Should the Chris Johnson holdout end in time for the season, the addition of Hasselbeck could prove to be a huge boost for the franchise.

3. Tavaris Jackson is finally a starter, on the Seahawks. After riding the sidelines behind Favre, Jackson finally has the opportunity to lead a team on his own. Jackson joins the Seahawks along with fellow former Viking Sidney Rice. The two should link up many times this season under the guidance of head coach Pete Carroll. 

4. Vince Young is the back-up to Michael Vick in Philadelphia. The Eagles stacked up on nearly every big name free agent on the market, and did well signing Young as the back-up. Young has had an up and down NFL career but should fit in well as a back-up. 

Musical Quarteracks in Denver

The Denver Broncos have no idea who to place where in the quarterback chain in the 2011 season. 

Tim Tebow, Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn have been moved around so much on the depth chart, there is no telling who is going to end up where.

Orton is coming off a career season in 2010 which has granted him the starting position so far, but not after a tug of war between those in favor of him or Tebow. 

Neither quarterback has drastically outplayed the other this preseason, nor has Brady Quinn risen to the occasion. 

Most recent news reports have Tim Tebow at his lowest on the depth chart at third-string. 

Impressive Back-Ups

Back-up QB's around the league have been impressive so far this preseason. 

Greg McElroy was very impressive for the Jets in a loss to the Texans in Week 1 of the preseason. McElroy completed 23 of 39 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown.

Ryan Mallett of the New England Patriots completed 12 of 19 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown in a win against Jacksonville in Week 1, but had less success in Week 2. The decline in numbers is expected from a rookie who did so well in Week 1 so look for Mallett to be the No. 2 in New England.

Tyler Palko has been by far the most impressive QB on the Chiefs this preseason, out playing starter Matt Cassel by completing eight of 13 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens. 

Colt McCoy Is Silencing the Critics

The Browns are definitely feeling much better about their 2010 Draft selection of Colt McCoy.

Through two preseason games, McCoy has completed 68 percent of his passes with a passer rating of 132.6. He has looked physically impressive and seems to be much more comfortable in the Cleveland system.

This year, the Browns will be choosing McCoy as their starter. A good decision following the preseason so far and his performances last season against the Patriots and Jets.  

No Sign of Brett Favre...Almost

Brett Favre hasn't shown up to any training camps or preseason games this summer, which is a first in over a decade.

There is that one appearance with the Browns where Favre is seen giving McCoy some tips, however, it is unlikely it will go much further. 

Peyton Manning Is Still Injured

In the biggest quarterback story line of 2011, Peyton Manning is still yet to play a down or practice.

Manning is coming off neck surgery and still has not suited up for a preseason game. His status for Week 1 of the regular season is uncertain and that is extremely worrisome for the Colts. The back-up quarterbacks have not impressed this preseason which is evident in the signing of Kerry Collins. 

Manning has never missed a regular season game.