Battling To Start

The quarterback position is one of the most sought after and heralded positions in all of sports. The quarterback is someone who must be able to lead his team effectively and be poised and passionate about success and victory. The quarterback must also be able to execute plays, adjust to audibles and create something out of nothing. That is why, unlike many other positions, the quarterback position is usually one player for the majority of football games. The continuity and flow of a game necessitates one man leading the team through the ups and downs of every contest. As such, training camp is a time where multiple quarterbacks compete for those starting spots. It can be an intense competition between men to rise above the others and claim the starting spot. Different coaches look for different things in their starting quarterbacks, but the result must be the same: the guy that produces, plays.

Many NFL teams are now faced with the difficult decision of deciding who will start the preseason in that starting role. The jets, lions, browns and vikings all have races going for that starting spot. Will it be Anderson or Quinn, Clemens or Sanchez, Culpepper or Stafford?

In my experience with starting spot races, the key is to show the coach that you are the one that is the best fit for the position. I have won some races and lost others, but the competition between quarterbacks is not usually hostile. There is camaraderie and teamwork, as you encourage each other to work harder and perform better. The most successful teams are often ones that have competitive races for the starting spot. Sanchez and Stafford are better off because they must be pushed by the likes of Clemens and Culpepper to perform in practice day in and day out, which will in turn better prepare them for the long and arduous season. It will be interesting to watch each of these races and see who rises above the others. Check out EverydayQB on Monday for a breakdown of these races. Have a great weekend!