ESPN: NFL Backup Quarterback Plan - A Look at the AFC East

Yesterday, ESPN published a look at the backup quarterbacks around the NFL, grading each team on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the most confident. Each of the 32 teams were graded by their respective ESPN Division blogger, with the AFC East being graded by James Walker.

The Miami Dolphins took the top spot in the AFC East, ranking third in the NFL, with an 80. Of the grade, Walker wrote: "Matt Moore is the incumbent and probably a slight favorite [to start]. But some feel veteran David Garrard may have an inside track because he's more experienced and played in a West Coast offense before." The team was only behind the Dallas Cowboys (with backup Kyle Orton) and the Tennessee Titans (Matt Hasselbeck or Jake Locker).

The Buffalo Bills claim the second spot in the division with a 70 rating. "Buffalo feels the team is in position to make a playoff push in 2012 following a flurry of solid offseason moves," Walker wrote. "That is the primary reason the Bills signed veteran quarterback and former first-round pick Vince Young this offseason."

Third in the AFC East are the New York Jets, with Tim Tebow backing-up Mark Sanchez. Of the situation, and the team's 68 rating, Walker explained, "This is one of the most publicized quarterback situations in the NFL. Sanchez is the clear No. 1, but he will be pushed by the popular Tim Tebow throughout the season.

Finally, the New England Patriots bring up the rear of the division with a 61 score. "The biggest concern with New England's quarterbacks is that Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett have zero career starts combined," Walker wrote.

And, just for general knowledge, the Green Bay Packers took the 32nd spot, with a rating of 10. NFC North blogger Matt Williamson wrote, "Green Bay has Graham Harrell and B.J. Coleman behind Rodgers. That is a far cry from having Matt Flynn and frankly, they should be keeping their eyes open for another option before training camp starts."