Replacement quarterbacks are the rage in the NFL. Here’s five and how they did Sunday, ranked from worst to best.
5. Brady Quinn (Chiefs) » Does it really matter who plays quarterback for the dreadful Chiefs (1-10)? In 58 throws, Quinn (52.9) has been even less effective than Matt Cassel (66.7). On Sunday he had John Beck-like numbers (13-for-25, 126 yards) in a 17-9 loss at Denver.
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4. Ryan Lindley (Cardinals) » Arizona won Kevin Kolb’s first three games as a starter but has lost six in a row since he was hurt. Lindley, a rookie, made his first start Sunday, throwing four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns by Janoris Jenkins in a 31-17 loss to the Rams.
3. Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins) » The rookie entered the preseason as a backup and ranks 30th in passing efficiency (70.8) but has shown the ability to lift the Dolphins (5-6). When his rating has been 91.0 or better, Miami is 4-0, including Sunday’s win over Seattle in which he went 18-for-26 for 253 yards.
2. Chad Henne (Jaguars) » The replacement for Blaine Gabbert has shown big-play potential the last two weeks, averaging 18.6 yards per completion in guiding Jacksonville to a near-upset of Houston and a 24-19 win Sunday over Tennessee.
1. Colin Kaepernick (49ers) » He had a tough act to follow, replacing Alex Smith, who had a 20-5-1 record in his last 26 starts. But Kaepernick was solid in a 31-21 win Sunday at New Orleans, completing 16 of 25 passes for 231 yards and running for a touchdown.
– Kevin Dunleavy