Why the backup QB role is now one of the most important in the NFL today

2023 has been a ground-breaking year for the backup quarterback, with an unprecedented number of No.2’s being elevated to start for their team at some point during this season.

Just on Monday, Drew Lock, starting a game for just the second time in as many seasons, helped his Seattle Seahawks overcome the current Super Bowl runners-up with victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, leading a 92-yard touchdown drive to secure the win.

That result has saved the Seahawks’ season, and potentially Lock’s own career, as he’ll be on the market as an impending free agent after 2023. You could see just how much that performance and victory meant to him in his post-match interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters.

It’s great to see backups who have have stood up when called upon and taken their chance this year. Some moves have gone poorly, but the majority have excelled, and we’re now in a position where a good amount will be taking their teams into the playoffs.

The good, the bad and the ugly

Similar to Lock, you saw just how much a late Cincinnati Bengals win over the Minnesota Vikings meant to backup QB Jake Browning, who again pulled the strings to secure victory for his team. That performance came against the team that had cut Browning three times in the past and, like Lock in Seattle, saved Cincinnati’s season, for now.

Backups are being asked to do a lot this year; infact, only six AFC teams have started the same quarterback in every game so far this year, and up to six teams in the conference who are in playoff contention could start backup QBs in Week 16. The likes of Joe Flacco, Case Keenum, Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew all secured big wins last week, and with Mitch Trubisky included for the Steelers, all have a chance to play in the post-season.

It’s been quieter story in the NFC, but Josh Dobbs had a good, albeit short, ride with the Cardinals and then a feel-good transition to the the Vikings. And despite being benched after a few games, he could be in-line for a decent landing spot as a backup next year.

But while some moves have worked, contrast this with the situation with teams such as the New York Jets. Their emphasis and sole commitment on building around Aaron Rodgers in the offseason, and not properly securing a ‘Plan B’ for when the inevitable happened, ultimately ruined another year when their defense has been playing at a genuine championship level. The Jets season seemed over after just a few snaps with Rodgers’ injury, and never looked like recovering

Backup Zach Wilson was never expected to play this year. Instead, he’s been forced to play in a system he’s clearly uncomfortable, and has been benched, re-instated and openly mocked by the fans and press alike. His own backup, Tim Boyle, proved to be even worse, but the damage that this season has had on Wilson looks definite.

The rate of injuries this year feels higher than ever, and as starters drop like flies, teams with quality backups seem to have more of a chance. The roster composition at that position has never been more under the microscope, and this year has highlighted just how important it is to have a good backup.