One of the most important positions on any roster is the backup quarterback. Given what we know about positional value, how well a quarterback plays has a strong correlation to winning games in the NFL. It’s why there is no such thing as “over-investing” at the quarterback position.
The Raiders are a prime example of this as they did not have an adequate backup in the 2016 season after Derek Carr went down with a broken leg. They were forced to start a rookie fourth-round pick in Connor Cook for a playoff game. As expected, the Raiders couldn’t move the ball on offense and were bounced from the first round.
The Raiders want to be sure that doesn’t happen to them again and that is why they made it a point to upgrade their backup quarterback spot this offseason. The team signed former No. 2 overall pick in Marcus Mariota to a lucrative deal to be Carr’s backup.
But how well does the Raiders’ backup quarterback situation compare to the rest of the NFL? In a recent article by Ian Hartitz of Pro Football Focus, he ranked each team’s backup quarterbacks heading into the 2020 season.
Surprisingly, the Raiders did not finish at the top with Mariota and Nathan Peterman. Instead, they finished at No. 6, behind the likes of the Browns, Dolphins and Colts. Here is a snippet of Hartitz’s thoughts on Mariota entering the year:
Don’t get it twisted: Carr has been the much better player recently. With that said, Mariota has the clear rushing advantage and for the first time will enter an offense not committed to establishing the run at all costs.
It’s unlikely either Carr or Mariota emerges as a high-end starter anytime soon, but clearly there are much worse No. 2 options throughout the league.
There is no doubt that Mariota is an upgrade over what the Raiders have had at the position over the last few seasons. However, he just isn’t as dynamic as one would think given his draft position.
If the Raiders need Mariota, they likely already know what kind of performance they are getting. He is a rock-solid passer who can make plays with his legs when needed. While he may not be the type of quarterback to take over games and elevate his teammates, he has proven that he can win in the NFL.
Even if Mariota doesn’t take a single snap this season, it was a wise move by the Raiders to address the backup quarterback situation given its importance.
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