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Billy Volek was not good enough to be a full-time starter. But he found his niche as a backup, a role in which he excelled when he was called upon. You may recall Volek coming in for Rivers in the 2007-08 divisional playoff game against Peyton Manning and the defending SB champs Indy Colts. Volek led the Chargers on a game-winning scoring drive late in the game that put the Chargers in their only AFC Championship game of this century.
Who is going to be Herbert's Billy Volek? Let's not kid ourselves, if they have to rely on Chase Daniel in relief of Herbert even for a few series, there is not chance Daniel is going to do what Volek did in relief of Herbert.
Knock on wood...hopefully we never have to find out what the team would do if Herbert can't go for whatever reason. If he were lost for the year, the season would be over. But if Herbert has to come out of a close game, or has to miss a few games, I think it's foolish not to have a backup who gives the Chargers a chance to win in Herbert's absence. Daniel is not that guy. I know they like having him in the locker room to help Herbert prepare, but if they like him in that role, why not hire him as QB coach? Because IMO he's not really a back up QB. If he were a veteran who had a lot of playing experience, then maybe. But he's not even that. Herbert has more playing experience than Daniel.
I wonder if they have an eye on Stickman as the real back up, a QB who gives the offense a chance in Herbert's absence. I guess that would explain why they keep keeping him around.
For this team to be complete as a consistent title contender as Herbert enters the prime of his career, I think they have to find a legit back up QB, a legit player who can be Herbert's Volek. And there are some possible, suitable candidates, including some recent 1st round draft choices who have played well at times but have not been consistent enough to be starters. These include:
Daniel Jones. He's going to have one more season in NY to prove he's a legit starter. But I doubt he's going to turn it around and suddenly be that guy. He seems to me destined to be a career backup. But he has talent and the measurables and has had his good moments in the NFL. But he's not consistent, and probably never will be, but as a backup where the pressure is not constantly on to be a world beater every week, he might be suited for that role.
Sam Darnold. Same as Jones. Has the talent and has had his moments. But not consistent enough to be a full-time starter. I see him as a career back up as well.
Jared Goff. I think he's going to end up a career back up as well. I think the Lions will draft a QB in 2023 and Goff will never have a starting job again. He would be a great back up QB.
Other possibilities are Mitch Trubisky, Josh Rosen, or, yes, even Drew Lock.
I would not rule out guys like Baker Mayfield or Jimmy GQ as possibilities a few years down the road if/when their opportunities to be starters have disappeared.
Who is going to be Herbert's Billy Volek? Let's not kid ourselves, if they have to rely on Chase Daniel in relief of Herbert even for a few series, there is not chance Daniel is going to do what Volek did in relief of Herbert.
Knock on wood...hopefully we never have to find out what the team would do if Herbert can't go for whatever reason. If he were lost for the year, the season would be over. But if Herbert has to come out of a close game, or has to miss a few games, I think it's foolish not to have a backup who gives the Chargers a chance to win in Herbert's absence. Daniel is not that guy. I know they like having him in the locker room to help Herbert prepare, but if they like him in that role, why not hire him as QB coach? Because IMO he's not really a back up QB. If he were a veteran who had a lot of playing experience, then maybe. But he's not even that. Herbert has more playing experience than Daniel.
I wonder if they have an eye on Stickman as the real back up, a QB who gives the offense a chance in Herbert's absence. I guess that would explain why they keep keeping him around.
For this team to be complete as a consistent title contender as Herbert enters the prime of his career, I think they have to find a legit back up QB, a legit player who can be Herbert's Volek. And there are some possible, suitable candidates, including some recent 1st round draft choices who have played well at times but have not been consistent enough to be starters. These include:
Daniel Jones. He's going to have one more season in NY to prove he's a legit starter. But I doubt he's going to turn it around and suddenly be that guy. He seems to me destined to be a career backup. But he has talent and the measurables and has had his good moments in the NFL. But he's not consistent, and probably never will be, but as a backup where the pressure is not constantly on to be a world beater every week, he might be suited for that role.
Sam Darnold. Same as Jones. Has the talent and has had his moments. But not consistent enough to be a full-time starter. I see him as a career back up as well.
Jared Goff. I think he's going to end up a career back up as well. I think the Lions will draft a QB in 2023 and Goff will never have a starting job again. He would be a great back up QB.
Other possibilities are Mitch Trubisky, Josh Rosen, or, yes, even Drew Lock.
I would not rule out guys like Baker Mayfield or Jimmy GQ as possibilities a few years down the road if/when their opportunities to be starters have disappeared.
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