Over the past two weekends, a very important debate has arisen among those of us in Ohio. After watching Ohio State, the Browns, and the Bengals fall flat on their collective faces offensively, I began to wonder. Who is the best QB in Ohio?

Todd Boeckman 4 Heisman MySpace Page

Todd Boeckman

The case for: Boeckman "led" the Buckeyes to a berth in last year's National Championship game. Through the first ten game of the 2007 season, he was very much in the Heisman mix after putting up numbers comparable to those of Troy Smith in 2006. He performed admirably for a team that thought they were a year away in 2007, throwing for almost 2,400 yards and 27 touchdowns.

The case against: In his last five games against BCS schools, he has thrown two touchdowns to eight interceptions. He eclipsed the 200 yard mark just once in those five games. OSU's record in those games? 2-3. He looked overmatched and incompetent in the National Championship game as well as against USC this past weekend, when he was outperformed by true freshman Terrelle Pryor. He has regressed since the first half of last year and provides no mobility and little escapability when pressured.

Carson Palmer

The case for: Won the 2002 Heisman Trophy at USC. Was on the verge of entering the NFL's quarterbacking elite after a stellar 2005 season when he threw 32 touchdowns and led the league in completion percentage. But a severe knee injury suffered in his first and only playoff threatened his future. The next season, improbably, he performed very well (28 TD, 13 INT), though the Bengals limped to a .500 record. Still, he appeared to be back on the path to super stardom. Palmer has thrown 104 touchdowns to 66 interceptions in his NFL career. He helped to resurrect a moribund franchise and was the main cog in one of the NFL's top offenses for several years.

The case against: In his past 18 games, Palmer has thrown 26 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. The Bengals have continued to sink since his injury in 2005, and the 2008 season is already in jeopardy after terrible performances by a once potent offense. Palmer has a pitiful 37.1 QB rating this season and has yet to find the end zone. Despite having two of the league's top weapons in Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, he has completed under 50% of his passes on the season.

Derek Anderson

The case for: Came out of nowhere to become a Pro Bowler last year. He threw 29 touchdowns and helped turn the Browns' normally ineffective offense into one of the league's most feared attacks. Led the Browns to a 10-6 record, and despite missing the playoffs, made them a sexy pick for the 2008 AFC North title. Anderson has a very strong arm and likes to throw the ball vertically to Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards. Has been effective enough to retain the starting job over former Notre Dame star Brady Quinn, who the Browns traded a 1st round draft pick to acquire.

The case against: Struggles with the short passing game and still makes far too many mistakes. The Browns are 3-4 in his last seven starts, and in those games he has totaled 8 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Much like Boeckman, seems to have regressed as teams get more film on him. Doesn't have the swagger or confidence that a true #1 starter should have. Has elite weapons and a great offensive line, but has struggled mightily since the latter portion of last season. A career 56% passer with a sub-80 QB rating.

THE VERDICT

There's almost no right answer in this battle of badness. All three quarterbacks have declined severely over the course of the last year, and each appears to be a main cause in their team's struggles. Boeckman is probably the worst of the group based on the sharpness of his decline and the embarrassing nature of his recent play. Palmer was once the golden boy, ready to unseat Peyton Manning as the game's best. Now he is an afterthought in a league that features some of the best to ever play the position. I've always found Anderson frustrating and sub-par, but his cannon arm can make up for some mistakes. Still, I don't even think he's the best QB on the Browns' roster. If this were a race, I would have to give the edge to Palmer, who limps to victory by virtue of his incredible 2005 and 2006 season in which he showed that he can play as well as anybody in the NFL. While he may never again achieve that status, he still is a superior player to the other two on this list. He has the greatest longevity and ability of the three, and I think he'll be the only one starting for a football team next season.

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Lloyds Apple said:

	I nominate Terrelle Pryor.
	report abuse vote down vote up

September 15, 2008
Votes: +0

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