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Matt Hasselbeck Ranked as NFL’s 3rd Best Backup QB

By Luke Schultheis

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According to John Clayton of ESPN, the Indianapolis Colts Matt Hasselbeck ranks as the 3rd best backup quarterback in the entire NFL. The 39 year old is entering his 3rd season playing for the Colts:

"3. Matt Hasselbeck, Indianapolis ColtsEven though he’s 39, Hasselbeck is still a quality quarterback. This might be his last year, but he’s the perfect option if something happens to Andrew Luck."

Having had 16 seasons of prior NFL experience, Hasselbeck provides a wealth of NFL knowledge from the Colts sideline. He’s been a 3x Pro Bowler, First-Team All NFC, and even played in a Super Bowl during what’s been a highly impressive NFL career.

Dec 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) drops back to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. The Colts beat the Titans 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Still, Hasselbeck has shown that he can still play quarterback at a respectable level just short of his 40th Birthday. In limited action last season, he was 30 for 44 (68.2%) in pass attempts for 301 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 102.6. In fact, one could make the case that he’s the 2nd best quarterback in the AFC South not named Andrew Luck, pending Marcus Mariota‘s potential impact with the Titans.

As far as Clayton’s list, Hasselbeck trails just the New York Jets Ryan Fitzpatrick at #1 and the Philadelphia Eagles Mark Sanchez at #2 for backup quarterback supremacy. If it were me, I’d place him ahead of Fitzpatrick, who didn’t exactly wow me anytime I saw the Texans play last season. However, Sanchez did have a fairly impressive rebound season under head coach Chip Kelly in relief of then starter Nick Foles.

Whatever the case may be, there’s no question that Hasselbeck is among one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL. While he has one of the cushiest jobs in the NFL in holding the clipboard for Luck on the sideline, there’s no doubt that he provides extensive knowledge and a high character mentor for the Colts aforementioned young superstar quarterback.

If asked to play in a pinch, Hasselbeck could likely still keep the Colts afloat and win some games. However, here’s hoping it never actually comes to that.

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