I love that scene in "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" when Will Ferrell saunters up to Christina Applegate and calmly says, "I don't know how to put this, but, I'm kind of a big deal."
You know who else is a big deal? Quarterbacks.
It's the most important position in the NFL. If you don't have a good one, then enjoy your top 10 pick and sullen fan base. So, who are the five most QB needy-teams in the NFL?
1. New York Jets
Man, I feel bad for Jets fans. For six years they've had to deal with the likes of Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith at quarterback with a smattering of Michael Vick and Tim Tebow thrown in. Those are not the types of names you want to see atop your depth chart. Both Vick and Smith are under contract for 2015, but it's clear that the Jets are in desperate need of an upgrade under center.
2. St. Louis Rams
The Rams could really be just a decent quarterback away from playoff contention. They've got a strong front seven on defense and some decent skill position players; all they're missing is a competent signal caller. It's likely that St. Louis moves on from former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford in the off-season. Austin Davis and Shaun Hill are merely stopgaps, not long-term solutions. For the Rams to make the next leap as a franchise, a move for a quarterback would be well advised.
3. Buffalo Bills
Fourteen games. That's how long it took for the Bills to give up on EJ Manuel. Ouch, that's got to hurt. Even though Kyle Orton has led the team to a 7-5 record this season, he's 32 years old and hasn't been the overall solution for any of the five teams he's played on in his career. Unfortunately for Bills fans, the team doesn't have its first-round pick in 2015 thanks to the Sammy Watkins deal. That means another year of waiting for a potential franchise savior. Considering that Manuel was also a first-round pick, I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you, Buffalo.
4. Washington Redskins
Three different quarterbacks have started a game for the Redskins this season and yet all three may be playing elsewhere next year. Robert Griffin may be traded or released thanks to poor play, injuries and a frosty relationship with coaches over the last two years. Kirk Cousins is like a Terminator, but instead of being sent back through time to kill John Connor, he kills the hopes and dreams of Redskins fans. Colt McCoy has filled in admirably this season, but he's no one's idea of a quarterback to build around. No matter what they do, the Redskins just can't seem to get anything right.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josh McCown parlayed five could games last season into a two-year, $10 million contract with Tampa Bay. That hasn't worked. Second-year passer Mike Glennon has shown flashes, but clearly hasn't impressed new head coach Lovie Smith enough to hold onto his job. Bottom line: none of the Bucs decision makers believe they have a strong starting option on the roster right now.
