Sam Bradford has best chance to succeed with new team; Josh McCown the worst
The new NFL season is a chance for a fresh beginning. And for these eight quarterbacks making their first starts with new teams, early season struggles could impact their long-term future in new homes.
Some situations are built better for success, while others seem doomed from the start. Here’s a ranking of the quarterbacks starting for new teams, in order of most likely to succeed.
1. Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles
Arguably the most-talented quarterback on this list, Bradford joins an offense under coach Chip Kelly similar to the one he ran in college at Oklahoma. Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor and Riley Cooper are decent receiving options, and as long as he can stay healthy, Bradford could be poised for a huge season in a QB-friendly system.
2. Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He was the most pro-ready quarterback of this rookie class, and Winston has all the tools you would want in an NFL quarterback: strong arm, smarts, touch and a winning pedigree. But can he stay mature on and off the field? An offense loaded with pass-catching weapons helps, though a suspect offensive line might slow the Bucs down.
3. Nick Foles, St. Louis Rams
He had a better chance of success in Philadelphia but falls into a good situation with the Rams. Foles has decent pass-catching options, but the big boost he’ll get should come from St. Louis’ running game. Rookie Todd Gurley and second-year running back Tre Mason should carry a big load and eliminate a lot of pressure.
4. Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills
He won’t be asked to do too much. Buffalo expects to play good defense and run the ball. At some point, however, Taylor will need to make plays. His ability to rush the ball and improved pocket presence, however, could mean Taylor gets off to a strong start.
5. Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans
If we’re basing things on the preseason, he looks ready to run an NFL offense. Though he didn’t put up eye-popping stats, Mariota played mostly clean football and seemed to command the huddle with ease. He has excellent physical tools, but Tennessee doesn’t possess some of the big-play pass catchers other teams on this list have, so some initial struggles won’t be out of the question.
6. Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets
The good news is that he has capable weapons around him in Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Chris Ivory. Fitzpatrick also has experience in coordinator Chan Gailey’s system. The bad? Fitzpatrick lacks arm strength and has a history of being careless with the ball. He could ultimately be a placeholder until Geno Smith returns.
7. Brian Hoyer, Houston Texans
After beating out Ryan Mallett for the starting job, Hoyer will try to do what he couldn’t last season with the Cleveland Browns: Keep his job. He is excellent in film sessions and in the locker room. But Hoyer is just too inconsistent and too inaccurate (career 56.5% completion rate) to be an above-average NFL quarterback.
8. Josh McCown, Cleveland Browns
The Buccaneers signed McCown before the 2014 season and released him just one year later. This offseason, McCown signed with the Browns, who have far fewer playmakers than Tampa Bay. Coupled with his lack of accuracy and general inconsistency throughout his career, it’s difficult to see McCown’s time with the Browns being very productive. Johnny Manziel flashed improved play in the preseason and still could become Cleveland’s choice this season.
***
Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes