Evaluating Backup QBs: Who's Ready For A 2024 NFL Playoff Push?

David

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Post on May 17, 2025

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Evaluating Backup QBs: Who's Ready for a 2024 NFL Playoff Push?

The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. While star quarterbacks garner most of the headlines, the quality of a backup QB can often be the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason. With the 2023 season underway, let's delve into some of the league's top backup quarterbacks and assess their readiness to step up should the need arise. Can they lead their teams to a 2024 NFL playoff push?

The Elite Tier: Proven Performers

Several teams boast backup QBs with significant starting experience, offering a level of comfort rarely seen. These players aren't just holding clipboards; they're legitimate threats to lead a team to victory.

• Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's unexpected late-season surge in 2022 silenced doubters. While his injury recovery is crucial, his talent and confidence are undeniable assets for the 49ers. His performance last year showcases his capability of leading a playoff contender. He's a strong candidate to propel San Francisco deep into the postseason should anything happen to Trey Lance or Sam Darnold.

• Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush proved his mettle filling in for Dak Prescott in past seasons. His game isn't flashy, but he's efficient and reliable, a key attribute for a backup quarterback tasked with maintaining a team's playoff trajectory. His experience and consistency make him a valuable asset to the Cowboys.

• Marcus Mariota (Philadelphia Eagles): While his recent performances haven't been spectacular, Mariota possesses extensive starting experience. His understanding of offensive systems and leadership qualities provide the Eagles with a solid safety net behind Jalen Hurts. He's a proven veteran capable of stepping in during a pinch.

The Rising Stars: Potential Playoff Game Changers

This group possesses considerable talent but needs more game experience to definitively prove their readiness for a playoff run. However, their potential is undeniable.

• Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed flashes of brilliance towards the end of last season. While still developing, his athleticism and arm talent make him a promising backup with the potential to elevate the Falcons' game. His development will be key to their playoff aspirations.

• Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): A highly touted rookie, Levis is a wildcard. His ceiling is incredibly high, but his lack of NFL experience means there's significant uncertainty surrounding his immediate readiness to lead a playoff push. This will depend heavily on his growth throughout the season.

The Question Marks: Unproven Commodities

Several teams have backups with limited experience, adding a layer of uncertainty to their playoff prospects.

• Many Teams' #2 QBs: Numerous teams are relying on inexperienced backups or players with limited game experience. This creates a considerable risk should their starting quarterback get injured. The success of these teams will heavily depend on the health of their starters.

The Importance of Backup QB Development

The 2024 playoff race will heavily depend on the health and performance of starting quarterbacks. However, teams are acutely aware of the significance of having a capable backup. Effective practice squad management, thorough coaching, and game-day preparedness are vital in ensuring that a backup QB is ready to take over when called upon.

Conclusion:

While some backup quarterbacks offer a clear path to playoff success, others remain largely unproven. The 2023 season will be crucial in determining which backups are genuinely ready to lead their teams to a deep playoff run in 2024. The upcoming games will provide valuable insight into the depth and quality at the quarterback position across the league. Keep an eye on these players; their performance could drastically alter the landscape of the NFL postseason.