The Greatest NFL Backup Quarterback Ever: A Deep Dive

The question of ldquo;Who should be ranked as the best NFL Back-up QB Ever?rdquo; is a contentious one. While players like Case Keenum and Earl Morrall have made notable impacts, only a handful have reached legendary status as backups. With the question in mind, we delve into the career of Earl Morrall, dissecting his performances and the impact he had on the league. Interestingly, Case Keenum's superlative performance in the ldquo;Minneapolis Miraclerdquo; and his career highlight (though he did not fully qualify as a backup) also deserve discussion here.

The Earl Morrall Legacy

Earl Morrall's career as a backup quarterback is nothing short of remarkable. He managed to achieve numerous milestones that are impressive even by today's standards. Morrall's performance with the Baltimore Colts in the mid-1960s ultimately paved the way for his legendary status. Let's explore the various highlights of his career and how he became one of the unsung heroes in NFL history.

Earl Morrall the Colts

In 1966, Johnny Unitas suffered an injury during a Colts game against the Houston Oilers. When Morrall stepped in as the backup, he didn't disappoint. His heroic performance helped lead the Colts to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, where they lost to the Jets. Nonetheless, Morrall's efforts didn't go unnoticed, as he became the first backup to be named NFL Player of the Year in 1967 for his outstanding performance in the offseason.

Two years later, when Unitas was injured again, Morrall seized the opportunity once more. This time, he led the Colts to another Super Bowl appearance, where they defeated the Dallas Cowboys. Morrall's second consecutive Super Bowl appearance was particularly remarkable, achieved after the Colts switched leagues, which must have added an extra layer of complexity to his role.

Despite these achievements, Morrall's journey came to an end in 1972. He was released via waivers after a team switch, marking the end of a chapter in NFL history. However, his career took a significant turn when he joined the Miami Dolphins under the coaching of Don Shula. Morrall's experience with the Colts allowed him to seamlessly integrate with the Dolphins, where he played a significant role in the team's record-breaking 14-game unbeatable season in 1972, leading the team back to the Super Bowl.

However, his journey with the Dolphins was not straightforward. Morrall was eventually replaced by Bob Griese, who recovered from his injuries and became the starting quarterback for the championship game. Despite this, Morrall's contributions to the team's success and the 1972 unbeatable season remain unparalleled in NFL history.

Memorable Performances and Impact

Morrall's performances in the Super Bowls not only added to the legacy of the Colts but also left a lasting impact on the league. His ability to take a potentially mediocre team to two consecutive Super Bowls, play a pivotal role in a historic unbeaten season, and achieve the honor of being a Player of the Year despite not being the starter speaks volumes about his skill and character. These achievements make Morrall a strong candidate for one of the best backup quarterbacks in NFL history.

On the other hand, Case Keenum, while not a traditional backup, captivated the league with his performance in a playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Known as the ldquo;Minneapolis Miracle,rdquo; Keenum's dramatic fourth-quarter rally not only gave his team a significant boost but also secured his place in NFL lore. His performance was nothing short of extraordinary, earning him the title of one of the best players to come off the bench in the NFL.

Conclusion

The debate over who the best backup quarterback in NFL history is likely to continue. While both Earl Morrall and Case Keenum had remarkable performances, Morrall's contributions to multiple teams and his ability to lead the Colts to Super Bowls twice solidify his place in the top echelon of NFL backups. However, Keenum's extraordinary performance in the ldquo;Minneapolis Miraclerdquo; adds another layer of complexity to the conversation.

Ultimately, the title of the ldquo;bestrdquo; backup quarterback is subjective and can be influenced by various factors. Nonetheless, the performances of both Morrall and Keenum highlight the importance of backups in the NFL, often playing critical roles that can turn a team's season around.