There’s an unreported epidemic in our country, one which threatens to harm the very core of our national pastime. This infection must be stopped before its damage is irreversible. I’m, of course, referring to the current futility at football’s most imperative position: quarterback.
The following are forecast to suit-up as starting signal callers for their respective teams: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Orton, Kerry Collins, Luke McCown, Chad Henne, Donovan McNabb, Jason Campbell, Alex Smith, Tarvaris Jackson, Matt Hasselbeck and Rex Grossman. That’s an abundant amount of pedestrian, washed-up nonsense. Throw in the unknown entities of Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, Colt McCoy, Matthew Stafford and Kevin Kolb, you have a whopping 16 field generals, or HALF of the quarterbacks in the league, owning question marks heading into the season. And that’s not counting Eli Manning, Jay Cutler or Mark Sanchez, all of whom have faced their fair share of criticism.
Which begs the question: why is there a shortage of adequate arms for the most important role in America’s most popular sport? Some argue enhanced and improved scouting has separated the so-so from superlative, while others contend the advancements in the modern athlete’s physicality have made defenses faster, shiftier and stronger.
Whatever the case, a reliable quarterback has become a rarity. In deeper leagues or two-QB formats, the men behind center will be at a premium. If you have the luxury of owning two capable quarterbacks, avoid trade proposals in the early weeks of September as a) the price for a quarterback will rise once owners panic at the prospect of an entire season without a proficient passer and b) to give yourself some leeway in the off chance on of your quarterbacks go down. Once this juncture passes (pun intended), parlay one of the QBs into an area of concern on your fantasy lineup.
