Backup quarterback in the NFL is an interesting concept.
Backups need talent, patience, concentration, plenty of cool and mountains of confidence, because when the starter goes down – pulled hamstring, shoulder separation or, say, victim of some team's bounty – the demands on the backup are immediate.
Way back when, old salts like George Blanda and Earl Morrall helped their teams win championships coming off the bench. Jeff Hostetler was a Super Bowl-winning sub for the New York Giants before becoming the Raiders' starter. Doug Flutie was unconventional – at least by NFL convention – but effective, and Marc Bulger started at No. 3 on the St. Louis Rams' depth chart before going from nice surprise to starter.
Of course, the 49ers had capable backups such as Matt Cavanaugh and Jeff Kemp behind Joe Montana before Steve Young showed up, and Young was backed up by Steve Bono and Jeff Garcia.
Needless to say, Tim Tebow assumes an important role with the New York Jets after signing on to back up Mark Sanchez. Tebow is a bona fide celebrity, so his position behind Sanchez, the criticism of whom seems to be somewhat harsher than his performance and statistics deserve, adds Gotham-flavored spice to news and talk show assessments.
Tebow's job, though, will be the same as every other backup: Be ready. How the Jets choose to define that job might be uncertain, but it should be fun watching Tebow make the most of it.
– Brian Blomster
What to do, watch
NBA, San Antonio at Kings, 7 p.m., Power Balance Pavilion, CSNCA, NBATV: The Spurs are one of the hottest teams in the NBA – again.
Today's poll
Who is your all-time favorite backup quarterback?
• George Blanda
• Matt Cavanaugh
• Jeff Garcia
• Earl Morrall
• Tim Tebow
• Other
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; Or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Tuesday's results
Which NBA star would be the best player-coach?
• Kobe Bryant: 49%
• LeBron James: 9%
• Kevin Durant: 34%
• Dwight Howard: 8%
Total votes: 224
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