For the second consecutive year, the Browns led the NFL in most number of different starting QBs. They had 5 in 2023. After Deshaun Watson went down with a torn achilles, Jameis Winston got the first crack at the starting gig. Following too many interceptions, the Browns turned to Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who, quite frankly, has no business being in the NFL. In 118 pass attempts, he threw 0 TDs and 8 interceptions.
In Week 18, teams experiment. The Browns gave Bailey Zappe a shot at starting. He threw a touchdown, which is better than DTR. Well, technically, he threw two of them. Unfortunately, one was to the other team.
Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance (19) throws during the first half against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
After the 49ers gave up on Trey Lance, it seemed unlikely the former No. 3 overall pick would ever start again. With the Cowboys season over and it being no secret who Cooper Rush is, the Cowboys gave Lance a chance in Week 18. He threw for 244 yards, ran for 26, but didn't throw or run in any scores in a close loss to the Commanders.
It's probably unfair to judge Carson Wentz based upon his Week 18 performance. The Chiefs very clearly did not care. Sure, they were resting starters, but there was no effort put into winning this game. Wentz threw for just 98 yards on 17 attempts in a 38-0 blowout loss.
The only thing more surprising about the Falcons entering 2023 thinking there was any chance Desmond Ridder was their answer at QB is the fact that he stumbled into making a start in 2024. Opening the year on the Cardinals practice squad, the Raiders claimed Ridder after losing Gardner Minshew for the season. When Aidan O'Connell also got hurt, Ridder was forced into action. In his lone start, he led the Raiders to a whopping 9 points.
Jake Haener opened the season as the backup, but when Derek Carr went down, it was Spencer Rattler who got the start. After a series of poor performances, the Saints gave Haener a shot in Week 15. He completed 4 of 10 passes for 49 yards before getting benched for Rattler.
Jan 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (16) reacts after drawing the New York Giants offsides during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
With the Eagles having nothing to play for in Week 18 and Kenny Pickett dealing with fractured ribs, the Eagles let third-stringer Tanner McKee make a start. He threw for 269 yards and 2 TDs without throwing a pick. Not bad.
One of the most inexplicable roster decisions you will ever see is the Dolphins entering the 2024 season with Skylar Thompson as their QB2. He made one start in place of an injured Tua Tagovailoa in Week 3, threw for 107 scoreless yards, leading the Dolphins to 3 points, and never threw another pass, giving way to Tyler Huntley as the primary backup.
In Week 12, Brandon Allen took the field in place of an injured Brock Purdy. It marked his first start since Week 18 of the 2021 season. Allen threw for 199 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. The 49ers scored 10 points against the Packers.
In the final week of the season, the 49ers had no reason to push Brock Purdy to play through an elbow injury. Rather than have journeyman Brandon Allen start again, they gave Josh Dobbs the chance. Dobbs played reasonably well, throwing for 326 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs.
