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2016 NFL Season: Which Former Backup QBs Can Keep Starting Job?

By Erik Lambert

Dec 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) throws during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) throws during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) drops back to pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) drops back to pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Barkley (Chicago Bears)

Jay Cutler was supposed to finally erase the doubts about his viability as starter in 2016 after a rebound 2015 run. Instead he fell right back into his old habits, threw interceptions, took sacks and inevitably got injured. Now his run with the Chicago Bears appears done. His backup Brian Hoyer didn’t fare much better, breaking his arm against Green Bay. Given no other choice the team had to turn to Matt Barkley, who was on their practice squad to start the year.

His numbers aren’t too great with 1,163 yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions but the tape shows different. Barkley has played with more poise than anybody had right to expect. He has put the Bears in position to win each of their past four games. If not for a dropped touchdown, two bad penalties and a poor coaching decision away from being 4-0 in those games. He’s not a lock for anything, but he’s done enough to earn calls for being in a competition next year.

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