Already the Falcons and Jets are asking themselves: What do we have in our backup quarterback? With Mike Vick and Chad Pennington forced into observer's roles, the NFL's other 30 teams are asking themselves that same question.

 

In Doug Johnson and Vinny Testaverde, the Falcons and Jets have players who have proven capable at different junctures in their careers, albeit careers headed in opposite directions.

 

What do most teams look for in a No. 2?

 

"A guy that has a lot of talent and has been successful is ideal," Ron Wolf, former Packers general manager said. "But you often settle for the best you can afford."

 

The majority of NFL clubs have either a former starter on the downside of his career or a youngster being groomed for an expanded role as their second-stringer.

 

Forget the gladbagging many coaches throw at the media when starters are injured -- there are no more than five teams who are fully comfortable that their backup quarterback can win on a consistent basis. Most teams see handing the starting QB job to the next man on the depth chart as being comparable to driving up a mountain using a reserve gas tank. What each of the other teams hopes it has is an experienced player, preferably a one-time starter -- or a young guy with an underdog's personality who can overcome his limitations.

 

With the help of an NFL scout from each division, we ranked the league's best backups.

 

1. Marc Bulger | St. Louis Rams

Could start on 10 NFL teams. Will start in 2005, if not sooner.

 

2. Trent Dilfer | Seattle Seahawks

Won a Super Bowl, meshes with personnel and is a fine field general; health has become a concern.

 

3. Tim Couch | Cleveland Browns

Scouts expect former No. 1 pick to respond well when second chance comes.

 

4. Brian Griese | Miami Dolphins

Has won with more talent around him but won't remind Dolphins fans of Dan Marino.

 

5. Koy Detmer | Philadelphia Eagles

Doesn't feel pressure. Treated playoff run like a sandlot game. With A.J. Feeley behind him, the Eagles are comfortable with the backup situation.

 

6. Charlie Batch | Pittsburgh Steelers

Has 46 career starts, but he's more Johnny on the Spot than Johnny U.

 

7. Shaun King | Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Can start but needs consecutive weeks to reach comfort level. He was horrible in reserve last year.

 

8. Jake Delhomme | Carolina Panthers

Accurate, system QB who may never be a great starter, but could be a good one. We may found out after Delhomme led comeback win.

 

9. Gus Frerotte | Minnesota Vikings

Never has been into mentoring starting QBs, but he can win as a sub.

 

10. Steve Beuerlein | Denver Broncos

Capable of getting you a win; system suits him.

 

11. Doug Flutie | San Diego Chargers

Still capable of being comeback kid, not starter.

 

12. Rob Johnson | Washington Redskins

Better No. 2 than No. 1. Tough, mobile guy, but often responsible for his own beatings.

 

13. Chris Chandler | Chicago Bears

Fragile former Pro Bowler still throws good deep ball.

 

14. Chris Redman | Baltimore Ravens

Good accuracy, intangibles, but has a below-average arm.

 

15. David Garrard | Jacksonville Jaguars

Has tools, but facing dead-end Jacksonville.

 

16. Todd Bouman | New Orleans Saints

Efficiency gap is far too great between hot and cold streaks, but maverick attitude is a plus.

 

17. Alex Van Pelt | Buffalo Bills

Knows offense extremely well. Could skate by in a pinch despite physical limitations.

 

18. Carson Palmer | Cincinnati Bengals

Talent beyond his years, but failure would find him as a starter in this division.

 

19. Mike McMahon | Detroit Lions

Mobility, competitive nature are pluses, but McMahon completes less than 44 percent of his passes.

 

20. Doug Pederson | Green Bay Packers

Decent athlete, below-average quarterback.

 

21. Rohan Davey | New England Patriots

Strength is his big arm, but Patriots' system calls for quick release, decision-making and accuracy, Davey weaknesses.

 

22. Chad Hutchinson | Dallas Cowboys

Looked like a warrior, but can he get burn back after having job taken away?

 

23. Billy Volek | Tennessee Titans

Up-and-comer turned the corner last season, displayed acumen this summer.

 

24. Tony Banks | Houston Texans

Too turnover prone for extended starting role, but OK reserve because of experience.

 

25. Jamie Martin | New York Jets

Not just a warm body, a warm body with experience.

 

26. Todd Collins | Kansas City Chiefs

Has wares to succeed with Oscar-worthy supporting cast.

 

27. Brock Huard | Indianapolis Colts

Only Brett Favre's backup, Pederson, is more of a lock not to start.

 

28. Tim Rattay | San Francisco 49ers

Reminds some of a young Matt Hasselbeck. Like Seattle starter, Rattay may take time to grow out of preseason hero stage.

 

29. Jason Garrett | New York Giants

Though Garrett is listed at No. 3 on the depth chart, the Giants would turn to the experienced Garrett in the case of a Kerry Collins injury. Garrett is heady, but limited athletically. With the weapons surrounding him, Garrett would only have to avoid crucial turnovers, something fellow backup Jesse Palmer has been unable to do.

 

30. Kurt Kittner | Atlanta Falcons

Johnson has proven capable; Kittner has struggled to assimilate to pro game.

 

31. Marques Tuiasosopo | Oakland Raiders

Weakest link on loaded team. Can you lead a playoff team into battle if you aren't battle-tested?

 

32. Josh McCown | Arizona Cardinals

Drafted because of his measurables, test numbers, not QB skills.

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Delhomme is the new starter in Carolina, we'll see what he can do for 4 quarters this time.

Carson Palmer is the 18th best backup in the NFL? That's pretty good for the Bengals 3rd string QB. I love this "countdown to Carson" stuff when he's not even going to be active for games. Shane Matthews is the backup (and a pretty good one at that).

Actually, I'd move Rob "ow, my shoulder" Johnson down and move Van Pelt up. Yes, i'm from the Buffalo area.

One would think Garrard would be Top 10 :confused . Also where is AJ Feeley?

One would think Garrard would be Top 10 :confused . Also where is AJ Feeley?

Well, I think Feeley is 3rd String, so they may not consider him an actual "backup". Being a Jags fan, I noticed Garrard's placement, but I think it's pretty fair. He doesn't have a lot of experience and he's on his way to becoming 3rd string.

i think the best backup qb is the Packers one because since brett favre is always playing, he can never cost them a game coughray lucascough. :thumbup