The quarterback class of 1999 has arrived. Five of the six sophomore signal-callers (Tim Couch, Daunte Culpepper, Shaun King, Donovan McNabb and Cade McNown) made their debut as opening-day starters on Sunday with McNown and Culpepper putting up the most impressive numbers. Akili Smith begins his season this Sunday.
Which quarterback is currently at the head of the class? We asked ESPN's experts.
Who is currently at the head of the Class of '99 quarterbacks?
John Clayton |
Donovan McNabb
To be a successful quarterback in your second year, you have to be surrounded with good talent, and McNabb is. Even though he doesn't have the most potent receivers in the league, they are a good group that knows him. Plus, with a great back in Duce Staley and an offensive line with a nasty attitude, McNabb has time to drop back and will make fewer mental mistakes. | |
Mike Golic |
Donovan McNabb
Tim Couch may turn out to be the best, but he is playing in the worst surroundings. McNabb is the most impressive. It seems like he has progressed the most from last year to this year. I'm still not sure about Daunte Culpepper because he didn't play last year, while everyone else played. McNabb took control of the Eagles offense in the offseason, and his leadership shows on the field. He is the best offensive leader of the quarterbacks from the '99 class. | |
Merril Hoge |
Cade McNown
He has gotten more quality playing time, and the Bears' system is more friendly to developing his skills. The offense is diverse in that it allows him to throw the quick, short passes and the intermediate ones. So far he's had success in that system. At this stage he is more apt to beat teams from in the pocket than the other quarterbacks are. McNown looks like he is sure of where he is throwing the ball; the Bears just have no running game to help him out. | |
Andrea Kremer |
Donovan McNabb
He's off to a pretty good start, and he's made the most improvement as a passer both physically and mentally as a decision-maker. McNabb has already begun transforming a poor offense into a dangerous one. | |
Mark Malone |
Donovan McNabb
They all put in such great performances last week that you could make an argument for any of them. But McNabb has made the most progress. Daunte Culpepper was obviously very effective running the football, and Cade McNown looked great in a complicated offense. What I like about these quarterbacks is their ability to make plays both passing and running. At an early stage in their careers, they have adeptly taken on a leadership role after only one week in the regular season. All of them in general, and McNabb in particular, command the huddle, lead the team and have everyone believing in their ability.
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Sean Salisbury |
Daunte Culpepper
It comes down to Donovan McNabb, Cade McNown and Culpepper. McNabb has made great strides, and I love McNown's moxie and ability. But Culpepper, with his size and running ability, will make defenses change the way they play the Vikings. Culpepper has Randall Cunningham type of running ability and is capable of an 800-yard rushing season if he keeps it up. A year ago he would have been last on the list.
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Marty Schottenheimer |
Cade McNown
McNown is at the head of the class because he was the most prepared to play when he came out of college. Even in the loss, McNown did a nice job Sunday against the Vikings. He made a couple of big plays and ran around a lot; probably more than the Bears' brass would have liked to see because he took a number of hits. He missed a couple of throws, but in total his performance, he was solid and mature.
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