QB Issues Haunt Teams in Offseason

The most important position on the field is quarterback. It's not a cliche it's truth.

The quarterback is the leader, the man who knows the offense or at least should now the offense, better than anyone.

This offseason several playoff-caliber teams are facing quarterback issues that could profoundly effect their 2007 season.

Chicago

No team lost more because of inconsistent quarterback play than the Bears. A solid running game and defense lifted Chicago to a 13-3 regular season record and a berth in the Super Bowl. On the other side of the coin, it was the on-again, off-again performance of Rex Grossman that cost this team a Super Bowl championship.

The Bears hierarchy will be looking to bring in a solid quarterback to challenge Grossman. Eagles free agent to be, Jeff Garcia, may be that man.

Minnesota

The Vikings offense was dismal last season despite one of the top rushing attacks and defenses in the NFL. To put it bluntly, Minnesota's quarterbacks and wide receivers suck. The Vikings are another player in the suddenly in demand Garcia sweepstakes and even if they don't get him - a QB and a game changing wideout are the the top priorities. The Purple and Gold could be a playoff team provided the quarterback issue is solved.

Minnesota surely knows it cannot win with Brad Johnson, Travaris Jackson or Brooks Bollinger under center. And if the Vikings brass doesn't understand that - fire them instead.

Philadelphia

I know it's odd seeing the Eagles here with Donovan McNabb on the roster, but he's coming off a serious knee injury and was only 5-5 this season even when he was healthy. Garcia came on late and led Philadelphia to a 6-2 record and it's sixth NFC East title in seven years.

Garcia will not be back in an Eagles uniform. Philly fans have to get over it and move on. McNabb makes too much money and would be too much of a cap hit to let go. Garcia proved he still has something left, provided he's in the right system. One thing is certain, he won't re-sign and be a backup to McNabb. He wants to start. Look for Chicago, Tampa Bay and Minnesota to be the front runners.

That leaves A.J. Feeley as the backup and the Eagles believe that he can do the job. If McNabb can't come back in time to start the season, the front office will find out if they made the right decision or not.

Atlanta:

There are many in the Atlanta organization that secretly believe that Michael Vick is not the right man to quarterback the Falcons. Guess what? They're absolutely, 100 percent correct.

Vick is an amazing athlete, that can't be denied, but as a quarterback, he's one of the worst. His run first pass later mentality, terrible completion percentage and a lack of true leadership ability - make him a liability not an asset. The reason Atlanta won't trade or cut him is because of the huge $109 million dollar contract he signed a couple of years ago. If the Falcons get rid of Vick it would cost them a $23 million hit on the cap. Ouch!

Here's the solution - insert Matt Schaub (a better quarterback) in the starting lineup and move Vick to running back. If the Falcons do that, they may start winning again.


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