Teams eliminated from playoff contention use these last few weeks to look at their options for the future. That mentality produced some interesting quarterback matchups on Sunday, with six rookies starting under center. And even some veterans got the nod because of injuries — or a coach giving up on his six-time Pro Bowl starter that just received a contract extension a month earlier. So here were some unlikely QB battles that may have won some players a future job:
Battle of Resurgence (Jon Kitna vs. Rex Grossman) » Apparently, Kitna has a future in the NFL — at least in a backup capacity. The 38-year-old has led Dallas to four wins in its last six games — losing to the Saints and Eagles by a combined six points. Kitna’s 91.4 passer rating is higher than Matt Hasselbeck and Carson Palmer, two quarterbacks that succeeded the journeyman in Seattle and Cincinnati respectively. Meanwhile, Grossman is best remembered for his mistake-prone role in the Bears’ 2006 Super Bowl run. Grossman threw three interceptions or more in five games during that season. But after passing for four touchdowns against the Cowboys on Sunday, albeit in a losing effort, the 30-year-old may have found a new home in Washington.
Battle for Respect (Tim Tebow vs. Jason Campbell) » The Broncos took a chance on drafting Tebow in the first round when many doubted he could even play quarterback in the NFL. The former Heisman winner had a 100.5 passer rating and rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown in his first start. But the Raiders came away with the win Sunday behind Campbell, who the Redskins traded for a fourth-round pick. Oakland still has a small chance to make the playoffs and Campbell has won seven of the 11 games he’s played in — two more victories than Washington.
Battle for Relevance (Jimmy Clausen vs. John Skelton) » Not sure anyone tuned in to watch John Kasay and Jay Feely exchange field goals in the Panthers’ 19-12 win over the Cardinals. But the game pitted two rookie quarterbacks that have taken completely different paths. While Clausen was highly recruited out of high school, starred at Notre Dame and was selected in the second round by Carolina. John Skelton attended FCS Fordham, was drafted in the fifth round and became the second rookie quarterback to start for Arizona this season. Clausen got his first win Sunday and needs to make a strong case for being the quarterback of the future with the Panthers owning a one-game lead in the race for the top pick in the draft. Skelton’s 46.1 completion percentage doesn’t sound promising, but a young quarterback with starting experience could earn him a backup job somewhere.
