The starting quarterbacks of the NFC West have been ranked. Obviously, Russell Wilson leads the way. However, what about each team’s situation at backup quarterback? How do they stack up?
No. 4: C.J. Beathard/Nick Mullens, 49ers
Beathard and Mullens are neither experienced nor very good. Mullens put up some solid numbers briefly but, as we saw the last two years, when these two play, the team is bad.
No. 3: Paxton Lynch/Geno Smith, Seahawks
It is not yet known who will be Russell Wilson’s backup. That will be determined in training camp and the preseason. Smith is experienced, having been in the league since 2013. He has not been good but has been a reliable backup for a while. Lynch has been a disappointment in the league.
No. 2: Brett Hundley, Cardinals
Hundley is experienced but it doesn’t feel like it because he played behind Aaron Rodgers and then Russell Wilson. He wasn’t great in his nine starts in 2017 but he now will be in an offense that should feature his skillset more.
No. 1: Blake Bortles, Rams
Bortles is a running joke in the league but if he is a team’s backup, they are in good shape. Bortles has had turnover problems but he has been a starter for years and has had years with big production. He also led the Jaguars deep into the playoffs two years ago. With Sean McVay, he probably would be very good as a starter. The Rams have the best overall QB situation in the division. Jared Goff and Blake Bortles really aren’t too far apart in terms of talent, and that’s not a bad thing in this case.
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