While any team like the Baltimore Ravens, who thrives on elite quarterback play from perennial MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, would be turn to ash if they lost that starter due to injury, the usually sharp Eric DeCosta has put the Ravens in a very tough situation due to the lack of quality behind No. 8.
The Ravens signed wholly uninspiring former Dallas Cowboys backup Cooper Rush, who looks like a Plymouth Belvedere compared to the Maserati that is Jackson, to serve as the No. 2 quarterback. Former sixth-round pick Devin Leary is still hanging around and competing.
The preseason has been a nightmare for both Ravens quarterbacks. Rush has thrown one touchdown while being intercepted three times, while Leary has completed a pathetic eight of 22 passes after picking up an interception of his own.
The Ravens will be thrilled if neither one of these players end up getting any meaningful snaps. However, the fact that both of them have struggled so noticeably in the preseason has to be setting off alarm bells for a Baltimore team well aware of the fate that awaits them if Jackson needs to miss some time.
Baltimore Ravens made a huge offseason mistake by signing Cooper Rush as backup QB
While the 31-year-old Rush did throw 12 touchdowns against just five picks in eight starts (4-4 record) with the Dallas Cowboys last season, his 6.0 yards per attempt and comically weak arm will do plenty to take some of the excitement out of that particular run. Leary didn't play at all, and he appears to be regressing.
Not only is Rush much worse as a passer than Jackson, but his mobility is not even in the same stratosphere. The shape of the entire offense would have to change on a dime just to accommodate Rush, which would have adverse effects on the overall offense.
Longtime Ravens backup Tyler Huntley was unsigned for the longest time, but he has since latched on with the division rival Cleveland Browns for the second time in as many seasons. Carson Wentz is the best available of what has quickly become an underwhelming free agent pool.
Todd Monken can whip up some exciting passing games with even some very limited players under center, but both Rush and Leary's struggles could be so egregious that DeCosta likely has to be kicking himself for not investing more wisely in the position.