This week was the first regular season week in the NFL in 15 years where at least one starting quarterback including Ben Roelitsberger, Drew Brees, or Eli Manning did not start for their respective teams. That’s nearly as long as most of this years freshmen and some sophomores have been alive. These 3 weren’t the only starting quarterbacks who didn’t start this week due to being injured, benched, or retirement. We saw a number of backup quarterbacks having major shoes to fill due to the absence of their franchise quarterbacks. It’s some sort of epidemic! Here’s some of the changes you will see in this upcoming season. 

Team: Indianapolis Colts Starting QB : Andrew Luck  Replacement: Jacoby Brissett

In a preseason game, shocking news spread across the sports world as superstar quarterback, Andrew Luck, 29, retired from the NFL. Without Luck, the Colts plummeted from a real title contender (15-1 odds to win the Superbowl) into mediocrity (30-1 odds). However, losing Luck hasn’t hurt the Colts who have carried on as a very talented team. Jacoby Brissett has been playing very well and the Colts are 2-1 after defeating the Tennessee Titans (19-17) and Atlanta Falcons (27-24). Their only loss so far was to the LA Chargers (30-24) in overtime. 

Team: New York Jets   Starting QB: Sam Darnold Replacement: Luke Falk

Quarterback Sam Darnold of the New York Jets was diagnosed with mononucleosis (mono) just days after their week one 17-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills. If things couldn’t get worse, the Jets’ backup, Trevor Simiean, suffered a brutal ankle injury early on in a 23-3 loss against the Cleveland Browns. As a result, he Jets were forced to call on Luke Falk. Since Darnold’s diagnosis, the Jets have not scored an offensive touchdown in eight quarters. They are 0-3 after getting dismantled by the New England Patriots (30-14). 

Team: New York Giants Starting QB: Eli Manning Replacement: Daniel Jones

Going into week three, Giants coach Pat Shurmer announced that rookie quarterback Daniel Jones would get the starting nod for the then 0-2 Giants in place of legend, Eli Manning. Jones took the field and shocked his many haters as he scorched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an 18 point comeback win. Jones threw for 336 passing yards and had four  total touchdowns (twopassing and tworushing). Not bad, rook.

Team: New Orleans Saints Starting QB: Drew Brees Replacement: Teddy Bridgewater

In a week two game against the Rams, last year’s runner up for MVP, quarterback Drew Brees, injured his thumb and had to leave the game. As it turns out, the injury was severe and he will be out for several weeks. Backup Quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, had to enter the game, resulting in a 27-9 loss. However, the next week Bridewater played very well as the Saints toppled the Seattle Seahawks 33-27.

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers QB: Mason Rudolph Replacing: Ben Roethlistberger

In week two, while suffering a 28-26 loss against the Seattle Seahawks, future Hall of famer Ben Roethlitsberegr suffered an elbow injury, making him unable to play for the remainder of the season. The new offense led by Mason Rudolph hasn’t looked great as the Steelers record is an underwhelming 0-3. The Terrible Towels are looking quite terrible. 

Team: Jacksonville Jaguars  Starting QB: Nick Foles Replacement: Gardner Minshew

In the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Jaguars suffered a 40-26 loss. Additionally, newly acquired and $88 million dollar man, quarterback Nick Foles, broke his clavicle on a touchdown pass. Rookie quarterback, Gardner Minshew, now has to play for the rest of the season. The Jaguars are 1-1 with Minshew starting and he has taken over the league with his play and his colourful personality. 

Team: Carolina Panthers Starting QB: Cam Newton     Replacement: Kyle Allen

After two poor performances, the Panthers wanted to re-evaluate Cam Newton’s injury and Kyle Allen got the starting nod against the Arizona Cardinals. Allen played fantastic tossing four touchdowns in a 38-20 win, giving Carolina their first win of the season. Maybe a quarterback controversy is starting in Carolina?