Backups rule this week in NFL

The story coming out of Week 11 was all about back-up quarterbacks. While under most circumstances, starting QB's gain most of the media's attention, after a week where the Philadelphia Eagles, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Diego Chargers lost their offensive leaders, the ability of the team to reach the playoffs now rests in the hands of second string quarterbacks.

With the loss of Donavan McNabb on Sunday, the Eagles suffered arguably the greatest loss of all NFL teams, though they did manage to defeat the Arizona Cardinals. The entire Eagles' offense was centered around McNabb who was in the midst of another MVP caliber season.

After suffering a broken ankle in the first quarter, McNabb remained in the game for the rest of the afternoon, but his pain was visible and he rushed for zero yards and barely left the pocket for the remaining three quarters. Despite his injury, McNabb finished the afternoon with 255 yards on the day including four touchdown passes. The performance may have been McNabb's last of the season, however, as his injury may limit him to cheerleading duty for the next six to eight weeks.

While the Eagles' sit atop the NFC East with a 7-3 record, the team's reliance on McNabb's offensive ability along with the recent surge of the New York Giants does not bode well for Philly's division title hopes. But, the weakness of the NFC conference in general all but assures that the Eagles will clinch a playoff spot.

The team now puts its fate in the hands of Koy Detmer. If Koy's Eagles debut bears any resemblance to his brother's past performances with the team, the Eagles may as well kiss hopes of a Super Bowl run goodbye. Though it is possible that McNabb would be ready to return late in the playoffs, with Koy guiding the offense, the odds that the Eagles will get that far are slim.

The Pittsbugh Steelers' quarterback, Tommy Maddox, also suffered a devastating blow last Sunday. Maddox was tripped up by Tennessee Titans' safety Lance Schulters and was then hit hard in the shoulders by linebacker Keith Bulluck. Maddox suffered from a neck sprain and was carried off the field in a stretcher. While he was able to regain full range usage of his arms and legs only two days after his injury, the timetable for Maddox's return is still unknown.

Similar to the Eagles' dependence on McNabb, the Steelers' offense is likewise dependant on Maddox. Playing in an AFC central division where the Cleveland Browns sit in second place though, the Steelers should be okay in the hands of backup QB, Kordell Stewart, until Maddox is able to rejoin his team. While winning the division shouldn't pose too great a task for the Steelers, a strong playoff run without Maddox back in the pocket seems unlikely.

In some instances, however, the loss of a starting QB has proven to be just what the doctor ordered. After the St. Louis Rams began the season 0-5 under the guidance of their starting quarterback Kurt Warner, a broken finger in Warner's fifth loss opened the door for backup Mark Bulger. Since Bulger became the starter the team has evened its record at 5-5.

Perhaps unfortunately for the Rams, Warner has recovered and Mike Martz now expects Bulger to reassume his position on the bench this Sunday against the Washington Redskins. It is interesting to note that when the New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe suffered an injury last season, which opened the door for Tom Brady, the Pats stuck with Brady even after Bledsoe had recovered.



The Good

With their win over the Redskins on Sunday, the Giants brought themselves within one game of the NFC East leading Eagles. In an ugly offensive game where the Giant's leading rusher, Tiki Barber, ran for only 64 yards, the Giants still found a way to secure their third straight win.

Coupled with the loss of McNabb to the Eagles, the Giants now have a valid shot at taking over the division's top spot and winning the title.



The Bad

In a rematch that was hyped up all week, Tom Brady's quarterbacking skills once again lost the game for the Patriots as they fell 27-20 to the Oakland Raiders. Passing for only 182 yards on the day with no touchdown passes, the Patriots' offense was once again held back due to Brady's inability to fight off the Raiders' pressure.

After an emotional come from behind Week 10 victory against the Chicago Bears the Patriots were unable to carry their momentum into Oakland.



The Ugly

Sitting at 1-9 on the season, the worst record in the NFL, this week's winner is once again the Cincinnati Bengals. With a worse record than even the expansion Houston Texans, the Bengals are on their way to securing themselves the top draft pick for next season.