Would you rather be a starter on a crappy team or backup on a good one

[CodeMonkey]

A backup on a good team is much easier on a body, particularly an aging body, of a QB.

[RyanC883]

Winners want to start.

 

I thought winners wanted to win ? Rather be on a team that will go to the Playoffs, even if a backup. Injuries are common to the QB position, and if your a solid player you could be the one winning the Super Bowl, like Hostletler (sp) in Super Bowl 25.

 

A backup on a good team is much easier on a body, particularly an aging body, of a QB.

 

there is also this. If your 38, this is a much better option.

[ndirish1978]

It absolutely depends on my age. If I were in my 20s, it's a no-brainer you start and then say thank you very much and sign as a FA with a better team. 30+ look for a ring as a backup.

[NoSaint]

 

You get the same "much bigger paycheck" playing the last couple years. Believe me, I understand both sides, and both sides have their pluses and minuses. I just think I would rather play. Obviously, if you knew you were going to be a back-up on a playoff team but still get in the games, I would opt for the playoff team. But in the Hasselback example, where he is going to a team where there is a good chance Luck will play all 16 games, I think I would rather play.

 

i was pointing at your "just become a qb coach" sentiment. obviously you get paid to play. but if you step back to qb coach, or offensive assistant its peanuts by comparison. good backup qbs can out earn head coaches.

 

definitely not clear cut, and obviously totally hypothetical, but just talking the flip side of the coin for your arguments a bit.

Edited March 19, 2013 by NoSaint

[Billsrhody]

Hmm.. I answered this before I realized it pertained to Hasselbeck. If I were a young QB I'd want to be starting on a crappy team. As Hasselbeck I'd look for a ring.

[Kelly the Dog]

Hmm.. I answered this before I realized it pertained to Hasselbeck. If I were a young QB I'd want to be starting on a crappy team. As Hasselbeck I'd look for a ring.

I was really just using Hasselback as an easy to understand recent example. It didn't mean only him, I was thinking of more of a generic question. But the answer to the question does deserve some context. If you're really beat up and have bad knees and can't throw anymore or avoid hits, then maybe you opt for the back-up job.

 

i was pointing at your "just become a qb coach" sentiment. obviously you get paid to play. but if you step back to qb coach, or offensive assistant its peanuts by comparison. good backup qbs can out earn head coaches.

 

definitely not clear cut, and obviously totally hypothetical, but just talking the flip side of the coin for your arguments a bit.

Oh, I understand. But I only gave two options: Play in games or be back-up. You mentioned helping out on the sidelines and being mentor and helping in film room, etc. I mentioned that if that is what you really wanted to do, play for a year or two -- make the money -- and THEN become a QB coach where you can do those things.

 

Again though, I understand both sides of the argument, I personally would likely rather play, and I wouldn't really want a Rob Johnson Ring where I didn't really add anything to the team. Sure you can say running the scout team et al adds to the team, but also pretty much anyone could do that.

Edited March 19, 2013 by Kelly the Dog

[Mr. WEO]

Curtis Painter lived a good life.....

[dpberr]

Coffee is for closers.

 

I wouldn't want a quarterback that *wanted* to be a backup.

[BuffBill]

If you are referring to the QB position with your question, if you are a starting QB on a crappy team you are most often a big part of the crapiness.

[MarkyMannn]

when i watch all these sports networks and I see ex-NFL players talking they all seem to say the same thing...All players want that ring, that superbowl win

 

No they go to the highest bidder. Seriously, Mario Williams came here to get a ring? He tanked his post season career to come here for the dollar, a lot of them. He'll never see the playoffs as long as he is a Bill

[erynthered]

I'd rather play, and play for my second contract. Cha-Ching!!

[KDIGGZ]

backup QB is the best job in sports. think about it...you make millions of dollars for doing nothing, there's not a lot expected of you so when you go into the game and do good you are a hero, you don't have the pressure and scrutiny that the starter has to deal with, and you can retire healthy and without brain damage from numerous concussions. sign me up for that!

Edited March 19, 2013 by kdiggz

[eball]

I get the feeling everyone voting "backup" just doesn't understand the mentality of a professional athlete -- and particularly an NFL QB. These aren't guys looking for the "easy" job for a paycheck -- that's schlubs like you and me. They are ultra competitive, and I guarantee you Matt Hasselbeck still believes he can get the job done.

[Kelly the Dog]

I get the feeling everyone voting "backup" just doesn't understand the mentality of a professional athlete -- and particularly an NFL QB. These aren't guys looking for the "easy" job for a paycheck -- that's schlubs like you and me. They are ultra competitive, and I guarantee you Matt Hasselbeck still believes he can get the job done.

I heard, and it seems reasonable, that The Bills were interested in him and he was interested in the Bills, but he wanted the Bills to offer him the starting job. They wouldn't do that, and knowing that he would likely be in a fight with TJax and a #1 or #2 pick for the starting job through training camp, he turned them down and picked the sure thing on a contender.

[NoSaint]

I get the feeling everyone voting "backup" just doesn't understand the mentality of a professional athlete -- and particularly an NFL QB. These aren't guys looking for the "easy" job for a paycheck -- that's schlubs like you and me. They are ultra competitive, and I guarantee you Matt Hasselbeck still believes he can get the job done.

 

i get it - but right now if he signs with a team thats sans qb, he will likely see one drafted and find his way to the bench anyway. no ones making a real starting commitment to a 38 year old hassleback. if thats the case you want to contribute to a championship. theres a lot he can still do, and frankly its a nice paycheck and situation still even if you arent starting

Edited March 19, 2013 by NoSaint

[machine gun kelly]

• How much are you paying me is the missed component to that question?
  

[Kelly the Dog]

• How much are you paying me is the missed component to that question?
  

Not really, considering I said "for the same money" in the initial question.