Photo by Keith Allison (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Quarterbacks who didn't start in Week 1 are 6-0

Through the first three weeks of the current campaign, signal-callers who began the year on the bench have posted a flawless record when stepping into starting roles. Six different reserves have guided their respective squads to victory after drawing their first assignments of the season.

Carson Wentz triumphed in Chicago, Drew Lock emerged victorious in Arizona, Michael Penix Jr. secured a win in Green Bay, Jameis Winston prevailed at home against the Titans, Marcus Mariota captured a victory hosting the Seahawks, and Case Keenum defeated the Eagles.

As the season progresses into Week 4, two additional substitutes are projected to make their initial starts, with Tyson Bagent facing the Jets and Jalon Daniels taking the field against the Packers.

This early trend highlights the critical value of maintaining depth at the most important position on the roster. Franchises must rely on multiple capable signal-callers to sustain success when injuries or other absences force changes under center.

Over the course of a long campaign, picking up victories with backup players can ultimately determine whether a team qualifies for the postseason or falls short of the playoffs.

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