Best & Worst Case Scenarios: Quarterbacks

From back-to-back Super Bowl MVPs for Aaron Rodgers to Graham Harrell being cut at the expense of keeping a third quarterback, we look the best and worst possible outcomes for the quarterbacks this season.

It's time for the fifth annual Best and Worst Case Scenarios for every player on the Green Bay Packers roster, a feature that goes back to the days when Railbird Central had its own domain.

I attempt to take a look at what is the very best possible season a player is capable of producing, and on the other hand, what would happen if a player fell flat on his face (without assuming they suffer a season-ending injury). These are intended to be extreme scenarios on both sides of the spectrum. More than likely, each player is going to fall somewhere in the middle, but every now and then, they just so happen to come to fruition.

As one final note, I also try to take a look at what these scenarios would be from an individual standpoint and not what's best for the team.

Aaron Rodgers

  • Best-case scenario: How does back-to-back Super Bowl MVPs sound? The Packers have a long way to go before they qualify for another Super Bowl, let alone win it, but it's far from being out of the question. Despite sitting on top of the world after last year's Super Bowl win, remember that Rodgers' 2010 regular season was statistically worse than that of 2009. His yards and touchdowns took a slight dip in 2010 while his interceptions rose. In that sense, there's room for Rodgers to improve. In 2011, he'll throw for more than 4000 yards once again, exceed 30 touchdown passes for the first time in his career, throw single-digit interceptions and maintain the highest quarterback rating in NFL history. He'll also be regarded as the best quarterback to hurt you with his legs this side of Michael Vick. After last year's slight, he'll also return to Pro Bowl status and become a first-team All-Pro.
  • Worst-case scenario: As long as he stays healthy, it's next to impossible to imagine Rodgers' season being anything but a success. However, there will be games when he's just not "on." Or maybe a team will come up with the perfect game plan for the Packers. Either way, Rodgers' regular season statistics continue to slightly regress. He'll still have over 3500 yards and throw more than 25 touchdown passes, but those numbers won't quite compare to those put up by the likes of Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. As such, the debates continue whether Rodgers is worthy of being considered being among the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Matt Flynn

  • Best-case scenario: Just like he did with his performance last season in New England, Flynn makes his stock rise with every appearance. He looks especially impressive the remainder of the preseason by leading the Packers on a couple touchdown drives while at the same time protecting the football and not turning it over once the rest of the way. Whenever he receives mop up duty during the regular season, the result is nearly the same. He's regarded as a future starting quarterback in the NFL and is 365 days from now.
  • Worst-case scenario: People start to question Flynn's performance in the preseason when he can only lead the second-string offense to field goals and not touchdowns. And when he gets playing time in the regular season, he throws more interceptions than touchdowns. It may not be fair with such a small sample size, but people start to question whether he has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL.

Graham Harrell

  • Best-case scenario: Harrell looks surprisingly good the rest of the month of August by throwing a handful of touchdown passes. If and when he gets playing time in the regular season, he doesn't turn the ball over, and that's all anyone can ask of from the third-string quarterback. It's enough for the Packers to make him their number two next year after Matt Flynn moves on.
  • Worst-case scenario: With a mix of interceptions and fumbles in the preseason, Harrell just doesn't inspire confidence. There's no appreciable improvement, and the Packers decide once again to go the route of only two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster with Randall Cobb in their back pocket as an emergency. Either because Harrell's claimed on waivers or the Packers decide to go in a different direction, they sign a different quarterback to their practice squad.
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Comments (11)

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Jmac34's picture

August 17, 2011 at 04:20 pm

Sometimes I miss the days when Rail Bird had its own domain.

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PackerAaron's picture

August 17, 2011 at 04:20 pm

I'm sure Brian does too. :)

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Jmac34's picture

August 17, 2011 at 05:15 pm

Though on the bright side Brian moving to this site allowed me to discover this site.

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Mojo's picture

August 17, 2011 at 04:26 pm

Boy Rodgers worst scenario is better than most QBs best scenarios. Agree, if Rodgers doesn't get hurt it's hard to imagine A-Rod not among the top QBs in the league, at least stats wise.

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alfredomartinez's picture

August 17, 2011 at 04:43 pm

best case scenario...matt flynn gets shipped to miami for a 3rd round pick, we release harrell, and resign craig nall!

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Brian Carriveau's picture

August 17, 2011 at 04:45 pm

Why stop there? Bring back T.J. Rubley.

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Jmac34's picture

August 17, 2011 at 05:16 pm

I think the best case scenario is Flynn is traded for Cameron Wake, but that is just me

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redlights's picture

August 17, 2011 at 09:57 pm

I heard that that Hanie guy in Chicago could become available.

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Tommyboy's picture

August 17, 2011 at 10:39 pm

Speaking of Cobb, has he taken any practice reps at qb?

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JL's picture

August 17, 2011 at 11:53 pm

Wait, how is LEAGUE MVP not included in best case scenario for Mr. Rodgers?

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Chris's picture

August 18, 2011 at 01:20 am

I am still a bit worried about concussions for Rodgers though. I hope he and the coaches have a plan to avoid this in the future.
Do you guys realise how lucky we Packers fans are? In my brief time of being a fan of the Packers (15 years now, oh my time flies) I know 2 quarterbacks, and both were franchise guys.

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