Poll: How many QBs?

When I asked the Edelman question the other day, my thought was that he might be a useful 3rd option on gameday. Furthermore, I wondered if they would consider designating O'Connell the "emergency QB" so that they could use Edelman on special teams, at receiver, or in wildcat packages. If Brady got hurt, O'Connell comes in which means, by rule, putting Edelman on the bench.

Ultimately, I think the decision about a #3 QB will come down to how valuable Belichick thinks Gutierrez and Hoyer are, regardless of their plans for Edelman. If he thinks that Gutierrez or Hoyer are valuable players that he doesn't want to risk losing, then he'll keep them (eg. Brady as a 4th QB in 2000). My suspicion is that he's willing to risk at least Gutierrez since he already cut him once. So I vote 2.

I would like to keep 2 since there are just so many good players on the team this year, but I think it will come down to how confident BB is with Brady not getting hurt again.

Mike, I thought the 53rd position was specifically for a 3rd QB, and if you don't have one, you can't use a 53rd player. I was under the impression that the rules are very specific in that regard, could you clarify? I seem to remember this coming up last year with regards to Guttierez (sp?) status last year.

I vote - 3. let the coaches make those decisions based on their knowledge of what's best for the team and I will show up to be a fan when they play.

Mike - I think the key to this question is whether or not BB has a veteren QB on his speed dial to call up. As I recall, the year he went with 2 QBs(Troy was the 3rd), he eventually called up a veteren(either Flutie or Vinnie, as I recall) when he had an available roster spot. Last year, he actually had 4 QBs when you count Gutierrez on the PS. And many last year were surprised he was able to get Gutierrez through waivers and on the PS. So if he only goes with 2 QBs, I think BB is fairly certain he will be able to get either Gutierrez or Hoyer on the PS and he will have the veteren available(but we won't know about that until it happens).

The best solution the Pats had was Tom Tupa as a great punter and decent #3. Saved a roster spot and provided insurance....

This may strike some people as a dumb comment, but I'm going with 2 based on this thinking....

Last year they relied on their backup QB for the first time since 2001. That is 7 years after the last time they relied on their backup QB, so I'm just playing the numbers and saying while you will need your backup QB every so often, it isn't every year.

Mike, as a former coach, I'd consider it coaching malpractice to go into an NFL season with only 2 active qbs; whatever their plans may be for Edelman.

This idea of using Edelman as the #2 quarterback actually allows them to keep 4 qb's, not 3. And allows them an additional player for special packages and special teams. I like it. The only negative is the minor bump to Brady means you get a couple of snaps to edelman, not O'connel. Also, in a blow up either way you would only have the choice of Edelman in mop up duty or O'connel with Edelman and Brady done for the day by rule.

I'd have to think that you could hide somebody on the PUP for the first few weeks until you're sure Brady is healthy. Use the spot vacated by the guy on the PUP for a third QB, then if Brady is healthy, cut the third QB, see if you can get them to the practice squad, and reactivate the player on the PUP. You'd obviously need someone with a legitimate injury...but I'm sure you could find someone who probably could play, but maybe shouldn't right away and use them.

Andy M,

How can anybody be confident in someone not getting hurt????? You can't think that way... Anybody can go down on any play no matter what their injury history is.

adam - don't follow how using edelman as the #2 quarterback allows the pats to keep 4 qbs? they still only have x roster spots and y practice squad spots. am trying to understand your point - could you clarify? thanks

Veeve - I wonder what you think of #5 (Steve's Boy) thoughts. I just wonder who that Pats system vet might be this season.

After all, Flutie, Testaverdi and Tom Tupa aren't walking through that door any time soon and if they do, they'll be old men.

I wager one number not on BB's speed dial: Drew Bledsoe

Thanks again to MikeR for instigating the discussion.

I think Edelman will officially be a Wide Receiver, so the 3rd quarterback rule won't apply to him.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Patriots start the season with just two QBs if 1) they were confident that Gootz or Hoyer (if Hoyer shows promise) will clear waivers, and 2) Edelman (who still has to make the roster as a WR and special teams) shows he can hold his own at QB if they need him to for a short period of time.

Since Edelman has quite a road ahead of him just to make the final 53, I'll say the Patriots start the season with three QBs.

4 quarter backs(sort of).
brady
edelman
o'connel
guteriez/hoyer on PS
heaven for bid you loose brady for season you IR him and promote guteriez/hoyer.

Admit you are not counting on edelman being a quarterback but he can throw in a pinch

If you have to play your 3rd QB does it really matter. At that point you need someone who can take a snap and hand the ball. Stock the other positions and let it ride on Brady & O'Connell and have your 3rd QB also be a positional player.

Gutierrez to PUP with bruised pride and Hoyer to PS

mikeinNH -- I think Steve's Boy has an interesting idea but I don't think Guttierrez makes it past waivers this year. Quite frankly, I think he has much better pocket presence and arm strength than guys like Tavaris Jackson and Kyle Orton. I would bet that McDaniels snaps him up. You kind of got to feel for a guy like Guttierrez. He was a top qb prospect that ran into a wall of talent at the spot at Michigan; much like Cassel did at USC. Unlike Cassel, he did transfer to Idaho State and get some playing time. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he made a push for the #2 spot behind Brady.

...Of course, if Hoyer has some upside and there is interest for Guttierrez after a solid pre-season, I'd always be open to flipping a rookie free agent for a mid round draft pick.

Veeve - is there any position in all of pro team sports harder to predict than NFL QB? Think of all the collegiate sure-fire misses vs. the unknowns who had solid careers (Romo, Garcia) and even greatness (Bart Starr and Brady). (RIP and thank you again to the man principally responsible for drafting TB: Dick Rehbein)

As you detail, this summer - more than I can remember - so much to watch for this Pat's pre-season. Brady needs pre-season game snaps like never before, so interesting to see how much time Guitterrez, O'Connel, Hoyer and maybe even Edelman get.

NFL-wide, the wildcat also complicates the nature of the position and competition for practice time further. I might even watch an entire pre-season game for once!