Analysis of Croyle, Quinn, Clemens, Jackson and more

The Chiefs selected Brodie Croyle in the third round of the 2006 draft. Walter Dixon/Icon SMI

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Brodie Croyle is not ready to be the starting quarterback for the Chiefs.

After watching Croyle's uneven performances in the Chiefs first two preseason games, it's obvious he is not ready to be their starting quarterback. Despite having great physical gifts, his questionable decision-making and penchant for turnovers doesn't fit the Chiefs' conservative offense at this time. Maybe his flaws were magnified without Larry Johnson in the lineup, but his miscues are still cause for concern. It is common for young starters to make mistakes as they go through their growing pains, but the Chiefs have a veteran quarterback on their roster in Damon Huard, who gives them a better chance of winning this season.

Brady Quinn should start for the Browns, soon.

Despite missing most of training camp because of a contract holdout, Quinn should take over before long. He outplayed his veteran competitors versus the Lions on Saturday. While it would be easy to dismiss his production in garbage time, Quinn's ability to direct the offense successfully after only a week of training camp speaks volumes about his ability to absorb the offense quickly. Quinn will have his struggles as the starter, but based on the uninspiring performances of his competitors and the offense under their direction, the Browns would be better served with the rookie under center.

Vince Young is likely to experience a sophomore slump.

Young's surprising success as a rookie starter has led to high expectations this season, but after watching him struggle versus the Patriots last Friday, one has to worry about VY. While many will point to a lack of quality receivers or an inconsistent running game as the reasons behind his struggles, I'm more concerned about his inconsistency in the pocket.

For all of the highlights Young generated last season, that doesn't mask the fact he was a 50-percent passer who struggled with accuracy and touch for most of the season. His improvisational skills and athleticism allowed him to be successful with a low-completion percentage, but depending on broken plays to sustain drives is not the best way to direct a pro offense.

Defenses have spent all offseason devising ways to keep Young in the pocket and force him to beat them with his arm. The Patriots used various blitz/coverage combinations to throw off his rhythm and he was unable to make them pay with accurate strikes. Until Young can make defenses pay from the pocket, the Titans' offense will struggle moving the ball consistently.

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