Each NFL team’s QB we expected better from
By Brad Weiss
Denver Broncos: Brian Griese
Brian Griese established himself as a clutch quarterback during his time at Michigan, compiling a 17-5 record as a starter, while being named the Most Valuable Player of the Rose Bowl. Leading the Wolverines to a share of the national title, Griese was expected to be selected in the 1998 NFL Draft, but ended up not being selected until the third round.
Playing behind both Bubby Brister and John Elway as a rookie, Griese found himself winning a Super Bowl, and when Elway finally retired after winning back-to-back rings, he took over as the starter. Griese put together a 75.6 passer rating as a rookie, and went to the Pro Bowl during the 2000 season, a sign that he had all the markings of a franchise quarterback.
The son of Miami Dolphins legend Bob Griese, the younger Griese had a pretty good career in Denver, but the fan base must have expected more. It was not accuracy that was the problem for Griese, as he completed over 60 percent of his passes on a regular basis, but it was instead the untimely interceptions.
When you add to the fact that he had to deal with some injuries during his time in Denver, it is no wonder why he never reached his full potential. In the end, Griese was released by the team in 2002, clearing the way for Jake Plummer to take over as the starter, and for him to find his way to South Beach where his dad once dominated.