The importance of a reliable backup quarterback

Justin Fields, Jacoby Brissett and Jacob Eason are part of the group that had to come off the bench in the face of injuries to starters
Week 2 of the NFL was marked by multiple injuries at the most important position in the game: quarterback.

Now more than ever, the importance for teams to have a reliable backup quarterback to take the reins of the team in a time of need became evident.

This new reality will be temporary for many, however, for others it could be something permanent that will force them to rethink their strategies for the rest of the 2021 season.

The Chicago Bears faced this scenario when Andy Dalton had to leave the field during the 20-17 win over Cincinnati Bengals due to a knee injury, which forced the entrance of rookie Justin Fields, who had a discreet performance completing only six of 13 passes for 60 yards with an interception, in addition to suffering two receptions, on the ground his contribution was more important with 10 carries for 31 yards.

Fields saw limited action in Week 1 in special packages while waiting behind Dalton to continue his development, but now circumstances could leave him in charge of the team for an extended period.

The Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans were not as fortunate as the Bears and ended up falling in their respective games.

First, Tua Tagovailoa left the Dolphins after throwing only four passes due to a rib injury. Jacoby Brissett came in his place and was unable to ignite the offense in a 35-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Brissett finished with 24 passes completed on 40 attempts for 169 yards with one interception and was never comfortable in the face of constant pressure from the Buffalo defense, which finished the game with four catches.

If Tagovailoa misses significant playing time, Miami will have to activate Reid Sinnett from the practice squad because it has no other quarterback on its roster.

Brissett has six years of NFL experience and has a 12-20 record in 32 starts, however, his last win was in 2019.

The Colts lost near end Carson Wentz to an ankle injury and Jacob Eason had to be finished in a 27-27 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Wentz, who remained on the field after leaving the game, has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career, including an ankle issue that sidelined him in the preseason.

Should Eason have to continue as the starter next week, Indianapolis will have to activate Brett Hundley from the practice squad, the team’s other quarterback is rookie sixth-round draft pick Sam Ehlinger, but he is on the injured reserve list.

The Texans were threatening the Cleveland Browns until Tyrod Taylor was injured and rookie Davis Mills couldn’t keep pace in an eventual 31-21 loss.

Taylor had been nearly perfect with 10 passes completed on 11 attempts for 125 yards and a touchdown, but a hamstring injury took him off the field before the end of the first half.

Mills finished the game with eight pass completions on 18 attempts for 102 yards with one touchdown and one interception, in addition to suffering one catch.

The Texans’ case is more complete because they have active roster Deshaun Watson, who has not been activated in the first two weeks as he deals with multiple legal issues. Houston is unlikely to turn to Watson, so the most viable option is to keep Mills as the starter if Taylor must miss playing time and elevate Jeff Driskel from the practice squad.

In that same game, the Browns dodged a bullet when Baker Mayfield avoided further injury after landing hard on his left arm, Mayfield was slow to recover and after getting up headed to the locker room, but returned shortly thereafter and didn’t miss any Cleveland offensive plays.

The Las Vegas Raiders also suffered a scare in their 26-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers when Derek Carr was laid out on the field with an apparent ankle injury after connecting with Foster Moreau for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Carr was able to get to his feet without assistance from medical personnel and returned to the field on Vegas’ next offensive series. Had he had to come off the field, the inexperienced Nathan Peterman would have entered the picture after backup Marcus Mariota was placed on the injured reserve list this week.

Earlier in Week 2 on Thursday night, Washington had success in Taylor Heinicke’s first game this season in a tight 30-29 win over the New York Giants.