Broncos • 2006

In > Jay Cutler

Out < Jake Plummer

The situation: The Broncos were 7-4 but Plummer was struggling when coach Mike Shanahan summoned Cutler into action. The Broncos finished 9-7. Plummer retired at the end of the season at age 32.

Redskins • 2006

In > Jason Campbell

Out < Mark Brunell

The situation: Campbell sat as a rookie, with Brunell leading the Redskins to a 10-6 record. In November 2006, after the 'Skins opened 3-9, Campbell got the call. They wound up 5-11.

Giants • 2004

In > Eli Manning

Out < Kurt Warner

The situation: After opening 4-1 with Warner at QB, the Giants slumped to 5-4, when Manning was installed as the starter. The rookie struggled, and the Giants won only one of their remaining seven games.

Chargers • 2002

In > Drew Brees

Out < Doug Flutie

The situation: The Chargers were coming off a 5-11 season in 2001 when Brees beat out Flutie for the starting job in the '02 training camp. Flutie replaced Brees for part of 2003, but Brees took over for good in '04.

Eagles • 1999

In > Donovan McNabb

Out < Doug Pederson

The situation: Pederson threw for 1,276 yards and seven touchdowns in the first nine games, but still the Eagles stood 2-7 when McNabb took over. They finished 5-11, then went 11-5 in 2000 behind McNabb.