9 teams already changing QBs
Why they’re doing it and what it means for the franchise.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Cassel out, Bridgewater
in: Starter Matt Cassel broke a foot Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, forcing rookie Teddy Bridgewater into the starter’s role indefinitely.
Forecasting the future: Bridgewater, a firstround draft pick, was always going to be the future in Minnesota. Only now, his time comes sooner than expected. In his first action against the New Orleans Saints, Bridgewater completed 60% of his passes for 150 yards. It’s safe to expect bumps early, but with Norv Turner as his offensive coordinator, Bridgewater should improve gradually.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Griffin out, Cousins in: Starter Robert Griffin III suffered a dislocated ankle in Week 2 and is expected to miss at least six weeks. Kirk Cousins has stepped in admirably, completing 64.2% of his passes for 677 yards, five
touchdowns and one interception. His passer rating of 105.8 ranks sixth in the NFL.
Forecasting the future:
There’s a reason Washington traded three first-round picks and a second-rounder to draft Griffin in 2012. Cousins recognizes the expectations in Washington. “This is Robert’s team,” he said recently. As long as Griffin can stay healthy, he’ll have a hold on the starting spot in Washington.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Palmer out, Stanton in: Coach Bruce Arians said Carson Palmer’s nerve issue in his throwing shoulder prevented him from gripping the ball tightly in the last two weeks. Backup Drew Stanton helped the team defeat the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers in Palmer’s absence.
Forecasting the future: Stanton has been a career backup, and that won’t change once Palmer is healthy enough to resume playing. But in the meantime, Stanton has done exactly what he’s supposed to: manage games and avoid mistakes. In two starts he has completed 51.6% of his passes for 411 yards and two touchdowns. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
McCown out, Glennon in: Dealing with a sprained thumb, starter Josh McCown left Thursday night’s game; backup Mike Glennon replaced him.
Forecasting the future: Even before the injury, McCown was struggling. He earned a reputation for being efficient as a backup for the Chicago Bears, but McCown has two touchdown passes to four interceptions this season. In relief, Glennon completed 70.8% of his passes for 121 yards with one touchdown. If he continues to play like that, McCown might be out of a job by the time he returns to full health.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Bradford out, Hill out, Da- vis in: Sam Bradford tore an anterior cruciate ligament for the second year in a row. His backup, Shaun Hill, suffered a thigh injury in Week 1, leaving Austin Davis in charge for the time being.
Forecasting the future: Hill has been recuperating, and once he is cleared to play, the starting job is his. Said coach Jeff Fisher, “I’ve maintained Shaun is our starter and Austin is our backup.” Either way, the Rams will likely struggle through the rest of the season.
COACH’S DECISION
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Henne out, Bortles in: Coach Gus Bradley benched Chad Henne at halftime Sunday and replaced him with rookie Blake Bortles. After the game, Bradley announced that Bortles would start for Jacksonville in the future.
Forecasting the future: Bradley originally wanted to sit Bortles for all of the 2014 season, but three blowout defeats — and Henne’s ineffective play — brought about a change in thinking. The Jaguars have a lot of holes on the offensive line and at wide receiver, so mistakes are to be expected, but it’s clear why the Jaguars decided to make the switch. “He brings excitement,” wide receiver Cecil Shorts said Sunday.