If the quarterback position is viewed as the most important in football, then the backup should receive special attention in the team-building proce s. After all, the second-string quarterback is just a play away from having to step into the spotlight and lead his squad. Just think back to last season. In Philadelphia, subbed in for an injured and proceeded to play at an all-star level, carrying the to the playoffs. In Chicago, when couldn't go, veteran held down the fort -- and kept the in the NFC North race. The teams that were prepared to deal with the lo s of a starter were able to navigate through rough waters. As the 2014 campaign approaches, I thought I'd take a look at the talent and depth in each of the quarterback meeting rooms acro s the NFL, in an attempt to determine which teams have the best situations at the position. Remember, while the starter is ultimately the biggest player in this determination, the potential of the backup to sustain a high level of play is undoubtedly a crucial factor. Thus, teams with quality players at both the QB1 and QB2 spots ranked ahead of teams with just a single marquee signal-caller on the roster.Without further ado, here's how I rank the quarterback situations entering the 2014 season: 1) Indianapolis ColtsStarter:Backup:Outlook: It's uncommon for a team to have a three-time er backing up a budding elite signal-caller, and the fact that this is true in Indianapolis speaks to the depth of talent in the ' quarterback room. General manager Ryan Grigson wisely selected Luck with the top pick in the , then added Ha selbeck as a veteran mentor in 2013 -- the latter decision helped the team make its second consecutive playoff appearance.Battista: Golden age for quarterbacksIt's a pa sing league, Judy Battista writes, and DrewBrees has a notion that should terrify defensive coordinators. 2) New Orleans SaintsStarter:Backups: and Outlook: Brees has topped the 5,000-yard mark in Edwin Rios Jersey four of the past six seasons, exhibiting the accuracy, ball placement and anticipation that scouts covet in elite quarterbacks. Despite first entering the NFL in 2004, McCown has made just nine career starts, the last one coming in 2011. Still, he's a trusted veteran capable of guiding the through a rough patch under the tutelage of .3) San Diego ChargersStarter:Backup:Outlook: The have one of the few elite signal-callers in today's game in Rivers, who played like an MVP candidate under last season. Clemens has an upside-down career record as a starter (8-13), but his experience gives the Bolts a decent chance to survive a short-term absence of their franchise quarterback. 4) Green Bay PackersStarter:Backups: and Outlook: When healthy and ready to roll, is arguably the best quarterback in the game. Although the ' offense struggled without Rodgers at the helm for seven contests in 2013, a combination of Tolzien and Flynn kept the ship afloat in his absence. Given another offseason to master the nuances of 's up-tempo scheme, the should be better positioned to handle an injury to Rodgers this season.5) Denver BroncosStarter:Backup:Outlook: Whenever a team has a five-time league MVP at QB1, that team has to feel good about its quarterback position. With Manning at the controls, the should be in good shape to make another run at the title. Osweiler remains a question mark due to his lack of experience, but the third-year pro has flashed capable skills during limited action in Denver's quarterback-friendly system.6) New England PatriotsStarter:Backup:Outlook: With his three rings and 31 career fourth-quarter comebacks, Brady is as clutch as they come. Not only is he the model of consistency at the position, but he's a durable playmaker, having mi sed time in just one season (he sat out the final 15 games of the 2008 season after tearing his ACL in Week 1) since taking over the No. 1 spot in New England in 2001. Garoppolo is an unproven commodity, but the are so good at getting their quarterbacks ready to play (see: 's performance in Brady's stead six years ago) that there should be little concern about the rookie serving as their primary backup.7) Cincinnati BengalsPredictions for the 2014 NFL seasonWho will win major awards? Which teams will make the playoffs? Who will lift the Lombardi Trophy? Our analysts weigh in. Starter:Backup:Outlook: Dalton doesn't stand out as one of the top quarterbacks in the game, but he has led the to a 30-18 regular-season record and three straight postseason berths. Campbell, meanwhile, had the poised to reach the playoffs under coach in 2011, compiling a 4-2 record as a starter before prematurely ended his season. He is a solid backup with valuable experience directing Cincinnati's new offensive scheme. 8) Seattle SeahawksStarter:Backup:Outlook: Wilson has been a superb leader and game manager for the since his arrival as a third-round draft pick in 2012. He guided the 'Hawks to a title last season with efficient Trea Turner Jersey play in the pocket (100.6 career pa ser rating) and sneaky improvisational skills. Jackson has been a .500 starter in the NFL (17-17 career regular-season record) and offers the team a capable veteran to lean on in a pinch.9) Philadelphia EaglesStarter:Backups: and Outlook: Foles is coming off an eye-popping campaign (27 touchdowns against two interceptions in 2013 with a 119.2 pa ser rating and an 8-2 regular-season record) that puts him in the conversation about the elite talents at the position. However, he must prove he can sustain his strong play heading into his second season as the ' starting quarterback. Despite his unceremonious departure from the , Sanchez did, we must remember, guide Gang Green to back-to-back appearances in the AFC Championship Game. After watching him light it up in the preseason in coach 's scheme, the should have few reservations about sending him out on the field.10) Kansas City ChiefsStarter:Backups: and Outlook: While some dismi s Smith as strictly a game manager, it must be noted that he has the third-highest winning percentage (.763) in the NFL over the past three seasons, behind and . He also has the lowest interception percentage (1.5 percent) of any quarterback during that span and has helped his teams reach the playoffs three straight times. Daniel is a trusty backup with the skills to thrive in coach 's system. He played well , completing 21 of 30 pa ses for 200 yards against the in his only career start thus far, showing a knowledge of the scheme that inspired confidence throughout the organization.11) Atlanta FalconsStarter:Backups: and Outlook: Yes, the took a step back in 2013, but Ryan, who's won nearly 64 percent of his starts and mi sed just two in his career due to injury, is a model of consistency and durability at the position. Yates has been in the league for just three seasons, but he gained valuable experience as a spot starter during his time with the , which included winning in franchise history.12) Pittsburgh SteelersStarter:Backups: and Outlook: Roethlisberger is an elite quarterback, as indicated by the 23 fourth-quarter comeback wins and two victories on his resume. Most importantly, he is the ' unquestioned leader in the locker room and one of the reasons that the offense remains effective despite the shakine s of the line. Gradkowski is a blue-collar quarterback with valuable experience as a ninth-year pro. He hasn't started a game since 2010, but he does have 20 career starts under his belt and is a quality option as a backup.13) Carolina PanthersStarter:Backups: and Outlook: Newton has certainly lived up to the hype after the made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 . The two-time er helped guide Carolina to the postseason in 2013, ending a four-year franchise drought -- and he has the team primed to make another run at the playoffs this year. He is coming off offseason ankle surgery and did sustain a fractured rib in the preseason, but he's also never mi sed a game in his career and he'll start . Still, were Newton to mi s any time, Anderson would be a suitable replacement. The one-time er is not a running threat or dynamic playmaker, but he is experienced and has demonstrated a decent football IQ.14) Washington RedskinsStarter:Backups: and Outlook: about Griffin's fit in new coach 's offense after the 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year struggled to find the Maury Wills Jersey mark in the preseason. Now, I'm fully aware that preseason stats and standings don't count, but the amount of progre s made does matter, and fans should be worried about the play of their starting quarterback. Cousins is a high-level backup who appears to be terrifically suited for the team's scheme. While he struggled down the stretch in 2013 when given the starting role, Cousins might be the best option to run Washington's quick-rhythm attack this season.15) New York JetsStarter:Backup:Outlook: Smith's alarming turnover total in 2013 (21 interceptions and four fumbles lost) put a damper on a somewhat-solid rookie campaign in which he led five game-winning drives despite a conspicuous lack of star power on the perimeter. With free-agent addition joining the receiving corps this offseason, Smith could enjoy a breakthrough 2014. Vick is a dynamic playmaker capable of energizing the ' locker room with his improvisational skills. While health always remains a concern with the veteran, he is the ultimate super sub.16) Baltimore RavensStarter:Backup:Outlook: It's hard to poke holes in Flacco's game, considering his resume includes a MVP award and a 62-34 regular-season record. Although his inconsistencies have kept him from joining the ranks of the elite, Flacco could make that jump under new offensive coordinator this season. Taylor has been a productive gadget player for the , but the jury is still out as to whether he can get things done as a fill-in.17) Dallas CowboysStarter:Backups: and Outlook: The occasional big-moment gaffe aside, Romo has been a standout performer for the . The veteran has shined, showing he can carry the offense on the strength of his right arm -- as is expected of a franchise quarterback. That said, he's to correct an injury that , meaning his backup is potentially the most important player on the team. Weeden might not inspire confidence in fans, but his solid preseason play suggests he could be a better fit for Dallas' scheme than his previous career performances would indicate.18) Detroit LionsKaplan: The perfect NFL road tripWanna see all 32 teams in just 47 days? Max Kaplan's computer algorithm reveals a path to fulfill this football fantasy in 2014. Starter:Backups: and Outlook: Stafford is an A-plus talent with the potential to be an elite quarterback, but he needs to dramatically reduce his turnover totals (109 touchdowns against 73 picks for his career) and become a more efficient game manager. When he plays according to the script, the have one of the most explosive offensive attacks in football. Orlovsky is a reliable veteran capable of getting the through a game. But observers should have concerns about his inexperience, based on his career performance as a starter (2-10 regular-season record, including an 0-7 mark with the 2008 ).19) Arizona CardinalsStarter:Backups: and Outlook: Palmer is clearly on the back nine of a solid NFL career, but he still offers value as a strong-armed veteran. While turnovers can be an i sue with him, the ' impre sive supporting cast makes it hard for Palmer to screw it up from the pocket. Stanton is a mobile quarterback with some experience as a substitute. He is capable of guiding the ship in Palmer's absence.20) Chicago BearsStarter:Backups: and Outlook: Cutler could be the most naturally gifted quarterback in the league, but injuries have kept him from fulfilling his potential as a leader in Chicago. The vet has mi sed 13 starts over the past four seasons, and his absences have derailed the ' title hopes. This year, coach will make it a point to keep Cutler upright in the pocket, to maximize the ridiculous talent on the perimeter ( and ). Clausen failed miserably as a starter in Carolina in 2010 (52.5 percent completion rate, 3:9 touchdown-to-interception ratio, 1-9 record), but he offers some upside as a young pocket pa ser with solid physical tools.21) Minnesota VikingsStarter:Backups: and Outlook: Ca sel is playing at an all-star level heading into the regular season, which makes the a dark-horse contender in the NFC North. If he continues to perform well in new offensive coordinator 's system, he could give Minnesota plenty of time to develop Bridgewater on the practice field. The rookie has shown outstanding poise, composure and confidence while directing the offense during the preseason. He must continue to work on his footwork, but he is an intriguing option who looks ready for a prime role.22) New York GiantsStarter:Backup:Outlook: Manning seemingly gets a free pa s from criticism despite having led the NFL in picks three times during his career, including last season. While his supporters point to his two rings as proof of his elite status, the numbers suggest he's an inconsistent playmaker prone to turning the ball over. Na sib took a major leap in his development during the preseason, but who knows if the second-year pro can handle the pre sure of starting at the NFL level? 23) San Francisco 49ersStarter:Backups: and Outlook: Kaepernick is unquestionably one of the most dynamic players at the position, but questions about his efficiency from the pocket make it tough to fully buy into his potential as a franchise player. Regardle s, he's effectively guided the to back-to-back appearances in the NFC Championship Game (and to XLVII), and that's enough to earn kudos -- and -- from team officials. The backup situation, however, is a huge question mark, with Gabbert manning the QB2 spot. He was unable to get it done as a starter in Jacksonville, which sparks concerns about his ability to succeed in San Francisco.24) Tampa Bay BuccaneersStarter:Backup:Outlook: McCown was a fantastic fill-in for Cutler in Chicago last season, but a talented cast of receivers masked his deficiencies as a pa ser. He has similar threats in Tampa, with rookie receiver and first-year tight end joining veteran on the perimeter, but it will take some Duke Snid Jersey time for the veteran to adapt to offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford's system. Glennon flashed intriguing potential as a rookie in 2013. He needs a little seasoning, but it's po sible that he offers more potential than the veteran this season.25) Miami DolphinsStarter:Backup:Outlook: New coordinator Bill Lazor's fast-paced offense could help Tannehill put up big numbers this season. The third-year pro has teased fans with his arm talent and athleticism, but he needs to get the ball out of his hands more quickly in order to exploit the aggre sive defenses that will be attacking him from exotic formations. Moore is a quality veteran with valuable game experience. He has some limitations as a player, but he is certainly good enough to navigate the through a rough patch if needed.26) Jacksonville JaguarsStarter:Backup:Outlook: The could rank higher on the list come late December, based on the potential shown by Bortles this preseason. The rookie, who was spectacular directing the offense against backups, looks like the franchise quarterback the team has coveted for years. Henne is a veteran signal-caller with adequate management skills and leadership ability. He won't wow evaluators, but he understands how to play the game in a winning fashion.27) St. Louis RamsStarter:Backup:Outlook: With former No. 1 overall pick , has handed the ball to Hill as the attempt to make a run at a playoff berth in the tough NFC West. Hill has been just OK as a starter (13-13 career record over 12 seasons), but he is a superb game manager with the luxury of playing behind a stellar defense. He is a capable leader with enough skill to win games, provided he avoids making costly mistakes. Davis is an unproven commodity; no one knows if the third-year pro can survive under pre sure.UPDATE: After the publishing of this column, . The quarterback had been waived by the .28) Tenne see TitansStarter:Backups: and Outlook: Locker is a talented athlete with impre sive physical tools. However, the 2011 first-round pick has struggled with injuries, and his absence has kept the from developing consistency on offense over the past two seasons. It's hard to get excited about a player who is rarely available when it matters. Whitehurst, who seemingly has bounced around the NFL forever, has failed to deliver when given chances, and I'm not sure anyone knows if he has the tools to succeed as a short-term starter.29) Oakland RaidersBattista: What it means to be QB2Backup quarterback: It's a thankle s job, but someone has to do it. Judy Battista explores what it's like to be forever standing by. Starter:Backups: and Outlook: After talking up Schaub for much of the offseason, the now . The rookie created plenty of buzz in the Black Hole with his spectacular preseason performance, energizing the stadium in Oakland with . Sure, he will endure some growing pains, but Carr is a more talented player than the veteran Schaub, and that should be enough to spark the team. Schaub, , is a two-time er, but his penchant for throwing pick-sixes would make it hard for the team to rally behind him. 30) Houston TexansStarter:Backups: and Outlook: The ' quarterback Chris Taylor Jersey situation has been shaky throughout the preseason, with Fitzpatrick, Savage and struggling to find consistency under center. The veteran Fitzpatrick, in particular, hasn't looked good throwing the ball to receivers on the perimeter, and his perpetual turnover woes are always a problem. Mallett, who to solidify the backup quarterback spot on Sunday, has limited experience and was outplayed by the rookie Garoppolo in New England. 31) Cleveland BrownsStarter:Backup:Outlook: Hoyer fended off a challenge from the rookie for the starting job, but it's hard to get fired up about his potential, based on his play this preseason. The veteran struggled to string together completions, and his suspect accuracy kept the team from getting on a roll. Sure, he led the to a pair of wins last season, but he is coming off a torn ACL and might need some time to find his rhythm in the pocket. Manziel is an unorthodox playmaker capable of delivering spectacular highlights, but he has been inconsistent as a pa ser and was unable to move the ' first-team offense down the field with regularity.32) Buffalo BillsStarter:Backup:Outlook: Buffalo is primed to make a postseason run, based on a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, but Manuel's shaky preseason has sparked concerns about his readine s as a starter. There is already a feeling around the NFL that veteran -- brought in to stabilize the backup position -- could unseat the second-year pro in a few weeks. Given the overall instability at the position, the are in a bit of a quandary.Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter .