Should The Chargers Bring Back Billy Volek?

Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

After releasing Billy Volek in March, did the Chargers put all their backup eggs in one basket by signing Charlie Whitehurst or “clipboard Jesus” as some writers affectionately call him, back from the Seattle Seahawks to be their 2nd team backup quarterback?

Billy Volek was traded to San Diego in 2006 from the Tennessee Titans. Since then, Volek had seen spot duty behind Philip Rivers.

During the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts on January 13, 2008, Volek replaced the injured Philip Rivers and led a fourth-quarter comeback over the defending champions.

He completed 3 of his 4 passes, including a 15-yard pass on his second pass attempt. He also scored his first touchdown of the year on a one-yard quarterback sneak which allowed the Chargers to win the game 28-24, and go to the 2007 AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.

Whitehurst was a third round draft pick in 2006 and was their third string backup quarterback behind Billy Volek and Philip Rivers until 2009.

Whitehurst was acquired by the Seattle Seahawks on March 17, 2010, in exchange for a 2011 third-round draft pick to San Diego, and the two teams switched second-round picks in the 2010.

He was signed to a two-year, $8 million contract for a quarterback with essentially no starting experience.

On November 7, 2010 Whitehurst started and played in week 9 against the New York Giants due to an injury suffered by starter Matt Hasselbeck.

Whitehurst started on January 2, 2011, in a Sunday Night game against the division rival St. Louis Rams to determine the NFC West champion. In the game, Whitehurst had a 61-yard pass to Ruvell Martin.

Whitehurst was 5-for-5 for 85 yards on the opening drive and finished the first half going 16-for-21 with 138 yards and one touchdown.

Prior to the 2011 preseason, Whitehurst was named the backup to Tarvaris Jackson, the former Vikings quarterback whom Seattle acquired in the 2011 offseason.

Jackson and Whitehurst were expected to compete for the starting job once Whitehurst became familiar with the new offensive schemes.

Whitehurst went 14-of-19 passing with one touchdown to put Seattle on the board against the Vikings in 2011’s second preseason action.

Whitehurst took over for an injured Jackson during a week 5 matchup at the New York Giants.

In that game Whitehurst outscored Jackson’s 14 points in the first three quarters by putting up 20 points in the fourth quarter, going 11-for-19, 149 yards, and a 27-yard touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin, securing a 36-25 Seattle victory.

Coach Pete Carroll had named Whitehurst to take over as starting quarterback until Jackson healed from a pectoral injury.

In week 7 against the Cleveland Browns, Whitehurst was named starter after Jackson could not recover from his pectoral injury suffered in the Giants game.

Whitehurst did not fare well in the start, going 12 of 30 for 92 yards, with no touchdowns and two turnovers. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

I have to believe that the only reason the Chargers released Volek was to make room under the salary cap.

Is Charlie Whitehurst good enough to be the Chargers 2nd string quarterback behind Philip Rivers?

Should they consider bringing back Billy Volek at a reduced rate?