Brady Quinn to the New York Jets: Is There a Silver Lining?

Dec 30 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brady Quinn (9) on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 38-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

It appears to be a pretty good chance that the guy above is going to be a New York Jet, come the opening of the new league year on March 12th. Take a look at this tweet from our friends at “Flight 5”:

Sources tell Flight 5 that the #Jets & Brady Quinn have “already ironed out contractual details” & deal should be done when FA period opens.

— Flight 5 Live (@5NLive) March 1, 2013

So, assuming this comes to pass, let’s see if there is a silver lining to this situation. Not too many people are happy about this guy coming in, as he hasn’t performed better than anyone on the team now. I decided to go deeper into the stats to find a positive in all of this. I also like to keep a positive attitude. So, go with me, and let me show you what I found:

Brady Quinn started 8 games last season, and he wasn’t good, recording 2 TDs vs 8 INTs, and a putrid passer rating of 60.1. He also recorded an overall PFF grade of -12.8, although it was better than Mark Sanchez’s grade of -22.1. But, there isn’t a lot of evidence there that he can be any good.

But, to find that silver lining, we are going to take a look at a couple of games, where Quinn showed the world there is “something” in there. First we look at week 13 against the Carolina Panthers, a game the Chiefs won, 27-21. That afternoon, Quinn completed 19-23 passes for 201 yards and 2 TDs, a 132.1 passer rating. That week, Brady’s PFF grade was a 4.1, a grade that Mark Sanchez has NEVER recorded.

Next, we go back to 2009, when Brady Quinn was still with the Cleveland Browns. Week 11, his Browns travelled to Detroit to face the Lions. Although the Browns lost the game, 38-37, Brady Quinn was terrific. He completed 21-33 passes that day for 304 yards, 4 TDs and no INTs.

How often do we see a performance like THAT around here? Not too often, that’s for sure.

No, these two opponents that Brady Quinn performed well against, aren’t the best teams in the league. There is no doubt about that. But the point is, a quarterback can’t perform that well against ANYBODY unless SOME talent is in there. Brady Quinn does have ability. Maybe I am trying to stay as positive as possible, but he can play.

If David Lee can get him to be consistent, he could help in a pinch.

Or I am just Mr. Positive.