Heath Shuler
SPEED KILLS
Matt Schaub has best Super Bowl shot among QBs without title
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d829ebd37/article/matt-schaub-has-best-super-bowl-shot-among-qbs-without-title?campaign=Twitter_writers_jeremiah
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d829ebd37/article/matt-schaub-has-best-super-bowl-shot-among-qbs-without-title?campaign=Twitter_writers_jeremiah
There are currently six starting quarterbacks in the NFL who have won a Super Bowl: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers have combined to win 10 championships. And it wouldn't be much of a surprise to see any of those six men hoisting the Lombardi Trophy following the upcoming season.
However, just for kicks, let's examine which quarterback is most likely to become the seventh member of that elite club. I've taken the 26-plus eligible candidates and narrowed the list down to the seven quarterbacks who are closest to winning their first Super Bowl.
1. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
If not for Schaub's injury last season, he might already be a Super Bowl champion. The Texans were playing outstanding football before Schaub suffered a foot injury that forced him to miss the final six games of the regular season and the playoffs. Despite his absence, the Texans won their division and picked up their first playoff win by defeating the Bengals in an AFC wild-card game. In the divisional round, they did something that very few teams have ever done: physically whipping the Ravens on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Arian Foster rushed for 132 yards and the Texans' defense held the Ravens' offense to 227 total yards. Despite three costly interceptions by backup quarterback T.J. Yates, the Texans only lost 20-13. It's hard to imagine the Texans losing that game with a healthy Schaub in the lineup.
Despite allowing some big names to depart via free agency, the Texans still have a stacked roster. Foster is one of the top three running backs in the league, Andre Johnson is still a freak and the offensive line is one of the best in the league. On defense, Wade Phillips is one of the top coordinators in the NFL and has a bevy of talented pass rushers at his disposal. Brian Cushing is one of the top three inside linebackers in the league and a big play waiting to happen. Overall, if Schaub can stay healthy, this team is ready to contend for a championship this season.