Thursday, August 31
Better have a backup plan

Damon Huard
The Dolphins fared fine with Damon Huard.

Look around the NFL and check out some of the guys who were taking snaps in Week 6. With the revolving door of quarterbacks in full spin, such household names as Jay Fiedler, Damon Huard and Jeff Garcia were dominating the airwaves. ESPN.com's Brian Murphy salutes the backup QB -- even when it's a dude like Jeff George or Rick Mirer. And in 1999, the backup QB might be the second-most important player on the roster.

  • Week 6 wrap-ups | Infirmary report
  • TJ's Take: Rams still rule the mountain
  • Pick this week's PrimeTime Player

    Tuesday Blitz

    This week's list
    ESPN's Merril Hoge picks the top 10 backup quarterbacks in the NFL:

    1. Neil O'Donnell
    2. Bubby Brister
    3. Erik Kramer
    4. Warren Moon
    5. Ty Detmer
    6. Mike Tomczak
    7. Glenn Foley
    8. Matt Hasselbeck
    9. John Friesz
    10. Cade McNown

    ESPN.com's NFL Power Rankings
    The Rams remain at No. 1, but the Redskins and Chargers make big climbs in the top 10.

    Rookie Report
    Cornerback Champ Bailey helped out the Redskins' shaky defense with a three-interception performance at Arizona.

    Kreidler: QB is hazardous to your health
    As NFL quarterbacks continue to fall, ESPN.com's Mark Kreidler laments the fact that teams are now measured by their backups.

    Unbeaten Rams battering ahead
    After their 5-0 start, the St. Louis Rams definitely have the look and feel of a playoff team.

    Say wow! Seau doing it all
    Junior Seau might be playing better than any defensive player in the NFL, and he's put San Diego in first.

    Broncos showing some kick
    Since they were declared "finished," the Broncos have ripped off two big victories to revive their season.

    Titanic turnaround
    After three consecutive .500 seasons, Tennessee finally is finding ways to win the close games.

    Vikings try to turn ship around
    After a dismal 2-4 start, the powerful Vikings are starting to wonder if they'll even make the playoffs.

    Grounded Steelers take the Bus
    While the passing games continues to struggle, Pittsburgh appears to have its ground game back.

    Week 6 Stats Zone

      Brian Griese
      Griese

    Passing
    Brian Griese, Broncos, 19-for-31, 363 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
    Billy Joe Tolliver, Saints, 28-for-45, 354 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
    Steve Beuerlein, Panthers, 23-for-36, 300 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs
    Erik Kramer, Chargers, 27-for-44, 296 yards, 0 TD, 4 INTs
    Troy Aikman, Cowboys, 20-for-33, 266 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
    Cade McNown, Bears, 17-for-33, 255 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
    Brad Johnson, Redskins, 24-for-40, 248 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs

      Marshall Faulk
      Faulk

    Rushing
    Marshall Faulk, Rams, 18 carries, 181 yards, 1 TD
    Eddie George, Titans, 28 carries, 155 yards, 0 TD
    Curtis Martin, Jets, 23 carries, 128 yards, 0 TD
    Olandis Gary, Broncos, 37 carries, 124 yards, 1 TD
    Jerome Bettis, Steelers, 26 carries, 111 yards, 2 TDs
    Edgerrin James, Colts, 26 carries, 111 yards, 0 TD
    Duce Staley, Eagles, 23 carries, 101 yards, 0 TD

      Marcus Robinson
      Robinson

    Receiving
    Marcus Robinson, Bears, 4 rec., 136 yards, 1 TD
    Randy Moss, Vikings, 10 rec., 125 yards, 1 TD
    Byron Chamberlain, Broncos, 3 rec., 123 yards, 0 TD
    Tony Martin, Dolphins, 7 rec., 118 yards, 1 TD
    Ed McCaffrey, Broncos, 5 rec., 116 yards, 2 TDs
    Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers, 6 rec., 116 yards, 1 TD
    Albert Connell, Redskins, 8 rec., 110 yards, 0 TD