NFL's Best Backup QBs: Who Could Spearhead A 2024 Playoff Run?

David

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Post on Jun 20, 2025

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NFL's Best Backup QBs: Who Could Spearhead a 2024 Playoff Run?

The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and injuries are an inevitable part of the game. While star quarterbacks grab headlines, the unsung heroes—the backup quarterbacks—often hold the key to a team's success or failure. With the 2024 season looming, several backup QBs possess the talent to potentially lead their teams to a playoff run if called upon. Let's examine some of the league's most promising understudies.

The Top Contenders: Experience and Potential

Several teams boast backup quarterbacks with significant experience and proven capabilities. These are the players who could realistically step in and maintain, or even elevate, their team's performance:

• Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy's late-season surge in 2022, culminating in a playoff appearance before injury, solidified his status as one of the league's best young backups. His performance showcased impressive arm talent, decision-making, and poise under pressure. While his recovery from injury is crucial, a healthy Purdy provides the 49ers with unmatched security.

• Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Rush has consistently proven his ability to manage games and keep the Cowboys competitive when called upon. While not known for his explosive playmaking, his game management skills and experience within the Cowboys' system are invaluable assets.

• Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): Minshew brings a unique blend of experience and a gunslinger mentality. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make improvisational throws could be a significant asset for a team needing a spark. His journeyman career demonstrates adaptability, a crucial quality for a backup quarterback.

• Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins): Bridgewater’s extensive experience starting in the NFL provides the Dolphins with a calm and capable backup option. He's proven his ability to lead an offense, showing poise in high-pressure situations. His experience could prove invaluable if Tua Tagovailoa faces injury.

The Dark Horses: Potential for a Breakout

Beyond the established names, a few backups possess the potential to surprise and lead their teams to unexpected success:

• Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans): Willis' athleticism and arm strength offer intriguing upside, though he still needs to refine his decision-making. A full season of development under center could catapult him into a genuine contender for starting roles in the future, possibly even leading the Titans to a playoff berth should the opportunity arise.

• Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): Ridder showed flashes of potential in his limited starting opportunities last year. Further development and improved consistency could elevate him into a dependable starting quarterback in the future. A strong pre-season and solid training camp could place him among the league's more reliable backups.

Factors Beyond Talent: Coaching and Team Dynamics

While individual talent is crucial, a successful backup quarterback also needs a supportive coaching staff and a strong team around him. The offensive line's performance, play-calling strategy, and the overall team chemistry will significantly impact any backup quarterback's success. A strong running game, for instance, can significantly lessen the burden on a backup QB.

Conclusion: The Importance of Depth

The importance of having a reliable backup quarterback cannot be overstated. The 2024 season will showcase the depth and talent present at this crucial position. While the starting quarterbacks often dominate the headlines, the performance of these backup quarterbacks could significantly shape the playoff race. Who will rise to the occasion and lead their team to unexpected success? Only time will tell.

Further Reading: For more on NFL quarterback rankings and injury reports, check out resources like ESPN and NFL.com.