Athlon Sports built the NFL’s Ultimate Quarterback [20] in the September issue of our monthly magazine. Now we take a shot at building the NFL’s Worst Quarterback, pulling together the worst attributes from the league's QBs.
Toughness
Blaine Gabbert, Jaguars
As a rookie, Gabbert was labeled “scared” by many in the national media, notably NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi. The Jags organization has since declared Gabbert’s toughness to be a “non-issue,” with several teammates declaring that their quarterback is “not scared.”
Size
Russell Wilson, Seahawks
Weighing in at 5’11” and 206 pounds, Russell can barely see over his O-line. Russell is a toy poodle compared to big dogs like Ben Roethlisberger (6’5”, 241), Peyton Manning (6’5”, 230), Tom Brady (6’4”, 225) and Eli Manning (6’4”, 218).
Contract
Sam Bradford, Rams
The last No. 1 overall pick to sign prior to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, Bradford’s rookie deal is a six-year, $78-million anchor compared to the four-year, $22-million contracts signed by his top pick successors, Cam Newton and Andrew Luck.
Mind
Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins
Although HBO’s “Hard Knocks” showed off Tannehill’s smoking hot wife, Lauren, the reality show also exposed Tannehill’s lack of football knowledge. The rookie had no idea what teams were in which divisions and came across as a clueless meathead.
Temper
Philip Rivers, Chargers
Nobody throws a temper tantrum quite like Rivers, who learned early on from the master, Marty Schottenheimer, before coming to a rolling boil during a ring-less run under coach Norv Turner.
Body Language
Jay Cutler, Bears
Whether he’s sulking while injured on the sideline during a playoff loss against the Packers or barking-slash-blaming teammates during a Thursday night loss to the Packers (and the subsequent press conference), Cutler has proven to be a master of bad body language.
Style
Tony Romo, Cowboys
There’s nothing quite like Romo’s backwards Starter cap, which is a permanent fixture during pregame introductions, on the sideline and probably even at swanky parties thrown by Jerry Jones.
Off-field History
Michael Vick, Eagles
After Vick’s dog-fighting ring was uncovered, he pleaded guilty to federal felony charges and served 21 months in prison in Aug. 2007. Then, the former face of Nike football and $100-million man filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2008.
Playoff Record
Matt Ryan, Falcons
“Matty Ice” carries an 0–3 record in the postseason, being outscored 102–47. Ryan has thrown for just 584 yards, three TDs and four INTs, while taking 10 sacks and losing two fumbles.
Age-to-Experience Ratio
Brandon Weeden, Browns
Only a rookie, Weeden will turn 29 years old on Oct. 14. Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Aaron Rodgers already has a Super Bowl ring and MVP award. And Cleveland’s former favorite son, LeBron James, is a three-time MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist and NBA champ at only 27.
Job Security
Mark Sanchez, Jets
It must feel good when Sanchez reads Jets owner Woody Johnson declare, “I think you can never have too much (Tim) Tebow.” And with a cancerous Gang Green locker room already divided, Sanchez is in no man’s land.
Arm
Tim Tebow, Jets
A lefty prone to throwing wounded ducks way off target, Tebow has completed 167-of-353 career pass attempts for a 47.3 completion percentage. While throwing may not be his forte, the jacked up Tebow is probably an All-Pro arm wrestler.
