Which NFL Backups Will Make Most Of Playing Opportunities?

Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) leaves the field after the Cleveland Browns beat the San Francisco 49ers 24-10 at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

It has been a crazy year in the NFL when it comes to quarterbacks, specifically the backups.  Several have gotten chances for extended playing time in 2015 and the opportunity that extends for them to possibly become starters with another team, if not their own.  So who among them has the best chance?

Brock Osweiler

So far its been a mixed back for Brock Osweiler since he took over for the ailing Peyton Manning.  Things got off to a great start with an efficient win in Chicago followed by a huge comeback victory over the undefeated New England Patriots.  Since then though, the fervor has cooled a bit on the 25-year old.

He managed just 166 yards passing with a touchdown and interception against a 3-9 San Diego Chargers team, then followed it up with a mere 12 points in a loss to the Oakland Raiders, who had been giving up 25 per game for the season.  Word is the team may look back to Manning if he can’t deliver a good performance in Pittsburgh.

A.J. McCarron

The Cincinnati Bengals coaches had insisted from the start that they got a hidden gem when they drafted A.J. McCarron in the 5th round of the 2014 draft.  They continued that stance even after he was lost for the season due to a shoulder problem.  Confidence is high that he has the physical and mental capacity to run the offense every bit as good as Andy Dalton did before he went down with his thumb injury.

His first impression wasn’t terrible:  280 yards passing, two touchdowns, two interceptions.  It’s fair to say the turnovers were a problem but history shows such things often happen when a backup comes into a game with his team trailing.  This coming week will mark his first start and affords him plenty of preparation time.  It will be interesting to see what happens to McCarron if he plays as well or better than Dalton.

It could mean a trade of some kind next year.

Johnny Manziel

Injuries have gotten Johnny Manziel onto the field a few times this season but the Cleveland Browns had stuck by their word that Josh McCown was the starter.  Now the coaches have no choice.  In order to save their jobs they have to get him on the field and hope he can win a couple of games.

He took a great first step by leading the team over San Francisco.  For the season Manziel has actually played pretty well with 1,203 passing yards, six touchdowns and three interception.  He’s 2-2 in games he’s started.  Perhaps this idea of giving him a chance to play consistently isn’t such a bad one.

The impact it would have on their future plans is monumental.