Green Bay Packers: With Graham Harrell's Continued Poor Performance, Packers Should Consider Colt McCoy, Tarvaris Jackson

By Kris Knox
Senior Writer

Another preseason appearance yielded another poor performance for Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Graham Harrell.

In five series against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night, Harrell completed just five of 12 pass attempts for 26 yards, while being sacked three times.

Factor in Harrell’s numbers through the first two weeks of preseason (27 of 51 for 235 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions) and it’s safe to say that the third-year man out of Texas Tech has struggled, which puts Green Bay in unfamiliar territory.

For the past four seasons, the Packers have had little reason to worry about the backup quarterback position. Starter Aaron Rodgers had been mostly healthy during that span, and backup Matt Flynn appeared as capable as any backup in the league.

With Flynn now battling for a starting job in Seattle, the Packers have turned to Harrell, giving him every opportunity to prove that he can provide a reliable second option.

Unfortunately, Harrell has done virtually nothing to instill confidence in that ability.

Anyone with questions regarding the importance of a capable backup quarterback in the NFL needs only to look to last season. With star quarterback Peyton Manning sidelined, the Indianapolis Colts fell from a 10-6 record in 2010 to a league-worst 2-14 in 2011.

Meanwhile, the Houston Texans, who lost starter Matt Schaub for the season in Week 10, rode rookie quarterback T.J. Yates to a franchise-first playoff appearance and Wild Card round victory.

While the Packers have no need to turn to their backup as long as Rodgers stays healthy, the presence of an effective backup should be a priority as every pro player is just one play away from injury.

Unfortunately for Green Bay, Harrell’s play appears to mirror that of Curtis Painter much more than it does Yates.

Rumors have already circulated throughout the offseason that the Packers may look to trade for a new backup quarterback. Recent reports that Green Bay is considering cutting ties with Harrell before the start of the regular season have only increased such talk.

Two names that have repeatedly come up in discussion this offseason are Cleveland Browns backup Colt McCoy and Tarvaris Jackson of the Seattle Seahawks. Both players have something to offer the Packers as a potential backup option, and obtaining either player should come at a reasonable price.

At 25 years of age, McCoy offers both youth and upside at the quarterback position, and his mobility would fit in well with the Packers’ West Coast system.

Like McCoy, Jackson possesses functional mobility in the pocket and after spending five seasons with the Vikings, his familiarity with the NFC North could be seen as another asset.

Unlike Harrell, both McCoy and Jackson offer regular-season starting experience.

While the Browns have not indicated that they are interested in moving McCoy, any reasonable offer would likely be considered. The Seahawks, on the other hand, are actively shopping Jackson, who no longer fits the team’s future plans.

If either McCoy or Jackson can be had for a low-round draft pick or expendable player, the Packers would be wise to consider the possibility. However, Green Bay will likely wait to see who becomes available after the first round of roster cuts on Aug. 27 before making any moves.

Either way, expect the Packers to add a new signal-caller to the mix before the regular season opener on Sep. 9. If Rodgers suffers an unfortunate injury at any point this season, the Packers will need someone to step up and lead the offense in order to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Through three weeks of preseason action, Harrell simply does not appear capable.

Follow Kris on Twitter: @Kris_Knox

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