MIX AND MATCH

By T.J. SIMERS

Aug. 30, 1997 12 AM PT

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

Fourteen of the NFL’s 30 teams will begin play Sunday with different starting quarterbacks than a year ago, and had Rick Mirer not flunked his exam with the Bears, Chicago also would have had a new opening-day pitcher.

“I think what you’re finding is that there’s very little patience left in the NFL,” Chicago offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh said.

Brad Johnson’s the man now in Minnesota, and Warren Moon is sitting behind John Friesz in Seattle. Elvis Grbac looked as if he was being groomed to replace Steve Young in San Francisco, but he’s starting in Kansas City, and last year’s opening-day Chief quarterback, Steve Bono, will be playing behind Brett Favre in Green Bay. Jim Kelly is history--he retired--in Buffalo and Todd Collins’ era begins.

Arizona will open the season with its 13th quarterback in 13 openers, and although you probably don’t know much about Kent Graham, why bother? There will be a new guy there next year.

Jacksonville and Carolina will have different field generals because of injuries to their regulars, but the Raiders, a team that has gone through Marc Wilson, Jay Schroeder, Todd Marinovich and Jeff Hostetler, probably have made the biggest change of them all.

In Jeff George, the Raiders have a quarterback that both scares and comforts the opposition. When he throws the ball, he looks like an advertisement for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but under close scrutiny, he falls apart.

It looks like a gamble, banking your entire organization on a guy given up as lost by so many. But the Raiders have history on their side and, just maybe, another Jim Plunkett.

Plunkett, the last quarterback to lead the AFC to a Super Bowl victory, had played seven years in the NFL--just as George has--before seeking redemption--just as George is--with the Raiders.

“We both had fallen on hard times and were both looking for fresh starts,” said Plunkett, who declined an offer from the Raiders to coach George this season, saying he wanted to spend more time with his young children.

The Raiders, well known as a haven for wayward players, went after George, who was suspended in the third week of last season for yelling at then-Atlanta Coach June Jones, to run their vertical passing game.

“They just picked me off waivers because no one else wanted me,” said Plunkett, who was acquired for $100 in 1978 after having been released by the 49ers. “I was beat to hell, and wasn’t even sure I wanted to keep playing.”

George was also roughed up, but it was his reputation that had taken the beating after stories surfaced about his having problems getting along with teammates and being temperamental.

“That’s all part of my growing up and I wouldn’t want to change any of it,” George said. “Maybe I have been too sensitive at times, but I like the situation I am in now and I am not concerned about what has happened in the past.”

Like George in Indianapolis, Plunkett had been the No. 1 player taken in the draft, by New England. He played well early on for the Patriots, then began to get sacked and hurt before being dealt to the 49ers five years into his career. After two miserable seasons, he got another chance with the Raiders.

“The difference is, he’s younger coming here than I was,” said Plunkett, who was 32 his first year with the Raiders. George is 29.

Plunkett, however, was known for his toughness, and he earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XV with a victory over Philadelphia. He came back again to lead the Raiders to a Super Bowl XVIII victory over Washington in 1984. He was cut before the start of the 1988 season.

“Raider expectations are something else,” Plunkett said. “I followed [Daryle] Lamonica and [Ken] Stabler and if you are down by 21 with two minutes to go, they still expect you to pull it out. That’s something he will feel.

“I think he will do fine, but it’s just like Jay Schroeder. He had a strong arm and the coaches bent over backward to protect him on the field, calling draw plays on third down. Sorry, but you can run that once in a while and get away with it, but if you’re paying a guy millions, he’s got to have big shoulders and let’s see what he can do.

“That’s what we don’t know about this guy yet.”

The NFL’s starting quarterbacks from worst to first:

30. Chris Chandler, Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons gave away fourth- and sixth-round draft picks to get Chandler. I checked, because I thought it was a mistake too. I thought Atlanta got fourth- and sixth-round picks to take Chandler off the Oilers’ hands, but the NFL says no. The Falcon record for most interceptions by a quarterback is 25 by Bobby Hebert. You’ve got to like Chandler’s chances to beat that.

Record as a starter: 28-42.

Backup: Billy Joe Tolliver.

29. Heath Shuler, New Orleans Saints: Mike Ditka loves the guy, which suggests that Shuler might be better suited to running through a brick wall than guiding an offense downfield. He has been criticized for not being very bright, but the Saints are not concerned because they do not run a sophisticated offense. It’s caveman football on Poydras Street. This is Ditka’s team.

Record as a starter: 4-9.

Backup: Danny Wuerffel.

28. Kent Graham, Arizona Cardinals: He lived on the same street as former Detroit quarterback Chuck Long in Wheaton, Ill., and obviously the two stiffs were drinking water from the same reservoir. Dan Reeves dumped Graham in New York, and that was to keep Dave Brown.

Record as a starter: 4-8.

Backup: Jake Plummer.

27. Dave Brown, New York Giants: Punt. Just get it over with. The difference between successful teams and the Giants is what their starting quarterbacks do in the fourth quarter with the game on the line. Brown folds. He has thrown for 35 touchdowns--and 46 interceptions.

Record as a starter: 20-27.

Backup: Danny Kanell.

26. Trent Dilfer, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: He has the fifth-longest starting streak among active quarterbacks--as if that’s a good thing. He threw four touchdown passes in 1995 and 16 interceptions--you have another year like that and you’re filing unemployment forms. So far in his young career he has thrown for 17 touchdowns and 43 interceptions. That’s promising.

Record as a starter: 13-21.

Backup: Steve Walsh.

25. Todd Collins, Buffalo Bills: He beat the Cowboys last year by handing the ball off. More of that is in order. He completed 64% of his passes at Michigan, whipping up on Illinois and Iowa. Now he’s completing 54% of his passes.

Record as a starter: 2-2.

Backup: Billy Joe Hobert.

24. Vinny Testaverde, Baltimore Ravens: This guy went to the Pro Bowl last year--come on, picture Dilfer making the trek to Hawaii some day. Just laughable. OK, so he has 50 touchdown passes and 29 interceptions over the last two years against career numbers of 157 touchdowns and 168 errant throws, but why does he always end up playing for a team that loses?

Record as a starter: 44-75.

Backup: Eric Zeier.

23. Rob Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark Brunell was the only quarterback to take every snap in the NFL last year, which leaves Johnson, a former Trojan, a little rusty going in as his replacement. He has seven NFL passes to his credit, and completed three of them--and one to the other team.

Record as a starter: 0-0.

Backup: Steve Matthews.

Injured: Brunell.

22. Ty Detmer, Philadelphia Eagles: It’s not his fault he’s pint-sized. His mother calls him, “Texas tough,” and that makes for a nice made-for-TV movie some day about the guy from Brigham Young who set 59 NCAA records and won a Heisman Trophy. But this league is for grown-ups.

Record as a starter: 7-4.

Backup: Rodney Peete.

21. Brad Johnson, Minnesota Vikings: Mr. World League has outlasted Warren Moon to get his big league shot. He looked impressive in early auditions last year, throwing 17 touchdown passes in eight starts and completing 62.7% of his passes.

Record as a starter: 5-3.

Backup: Randall Cunningham.

20. Steve Beuerlein, Carolina Panthers: One of the best backups in the game, he has the temperament to make himself even more valuable. He survived both Buddy Ryan and a stint with the Raiders. He went 3-1 in relief last year, and in 1991 stepped in for an injured Troy Aikman to win the last four games and a playoff berth for Dallas. In 10 seasons he has 61 touchdown passes and 54 interceptions.

Record as a starter: 25-25.

Backup: Shane Matthews.

Injured: Kerry Collins.

19. Steve McNair, Tennessee Oilers: Showed flashes of brilliance when offered the chance to play, prompting management to set Chandler free. He has been slow to develop, but running back Eddie George should give him time to grow into the job.

Record as a starter: 4-2.

Backup: Dave Krieg.

18. Elvis Grbac, Kansas City Chiefs: He was touted a year ago as the heir apparent to Steve Young and was so highly regarded that there was thought of giving him a lot of money and not extending Young’s contract. He went 10-4 in games in which he started or relieved, and yet the 49ers ultimately turned their backs on him.

Record as a starter: 6-3.

Backup: Rich Gannon.

17. Kordell Stewart, Pittsburgh Steelers: He blew everyone away with his play in exhibitions, but keep in mind, he has thrown only 37 passes in the NFL, and completed only 16. He went one for 11 in the playoffs last year. Run, Jerome, run. Better yet, run, Kordell, run.

Record as a starter: 0-0.

Backup: Mike Tomczak.

16. Tony Banks, St. Louis Rams: He’s the picture of confidence, but it would not be a good idea to let this guy carry an infant. He set an NFL record for most fumbles in a season. Only Kerry Collins, Mirer and Jim Zorn passed for more yards as a rookie than Banks, though, so the Rams go as he goes. Look for a bumpy trip.

Record as a starter: 5-8.

Backup: Mark Rypien.

15. John Friesz, Seattle Seahawks: It’s hard not to like Friesz, but in Moon, the locals get old-time University of Washington memories and 254 NFL touchdowns with 208 interceptions. Friesz had the Seahawks on an upswing last year with a 4-2 mark, but then went down for the year with a shoulder injury, and the team soon followed.

Record as a starter: 12-24.

Backup: Moon.

14. Gus Frerotte, Washington Redskins: He played 998 of his team’s 999 plays on offense last season, and finished the year throwing for 346 yards against Dallas’ defense. But now he has a fight on his hands with Hostetler looking like a guy who just might be a little better.

Record as a starter: 13-18.

Backup: Hostetler.

13. Erik Kramer, Chicago Bears: He wasn’t sure he would play again after suffering two herniated disks a year ago, but he could be wearing a full body cast and still beat out Mirer. Kramer, who began his career by being released by the Saints in 1987, has good numbers--67 touchdowns against 48 interceptions--and a winning record, but he’s temporary help until Mirer learns the offense.

Record as a starter: 22-20.

Backup: Mirer.

12. Neil O’Donnell, New York Jets: Known best for not throwing interceptions, O’Donnell must now regain the confidence of New York-area fans after last year’s injury-plagued season. He had a separated shoulder and a torn calf muscle. He never has been in double figures in interceptions, which should endear him to Bill Parcells. He has thrown 72 touchdown passes and 46 interceptions.

Record as a starter: 39-28.

Backup: Glenn Foley.

11. Jim Harbaugh, Indianapolis Colts: The Bears had him, cut him, and now they have only problems. Harbaugh won the Halas Award for courageous play and overcoming adversity. He would have preferred a better offensive line. Has thrown 89 touchdown passes and 78 interceptions.

Record as a starter: 53-47.

Backup: Paul Justin.

10. Stan Humphries, San Diego Chargers: The guy wins football games, although he looks like a linebacker in need of more work in the weight room. Fickle Charger fans and new Coach Kevin Gilbride appear to have taken a liking to Jim Everett, who is prettier. Humphries has thrown for 84 touchdowns against 78 interceptions, and that’s with a corps of receivers who would drive most quarterbacks out of the game.

Record as a starter: 47-26.

Backup: Everett.

9. Jeff George, Oakland Raiders: If there is one opinion universally shared around the NFL, outside of Oakland, it’s that George will malfunction. He lasted three games a year ago before being suspended for yelling at his coach. He can explain that away, he says, and his athletic ability is unquestioned. The Raiders have either struck it rich, or Al Davis has lost it.

Record as a starter: 30-54.

Backup: David Klingler.

8. Scott Mitchell, Detroit Lions: An enigma. He left Miami and the bidding for his services reached huge numbers, although he was coming off a shoulder injury. He didn’t live up to expectations in 1994 but came back with a monster year in ‘95--32 touchdowns and a dozen interceptions. Then he got tubby and floundered. Has thrown for 71 touchdowns and 49 interceptions, and should be free to throw because defenses have to respect Barry Sanders.

Record as a starter: 21-25.

Backup: Frank Reich.

7. Drew Bledsoe, New England Patriots: Tommy Knecht is the only quarterback who ever started ahead of Bledsoe--in seventh grade at Walla Walla (Wash.) Junior High. In two of his first four seasons he has topped the 4,000-yard mark, and last year, in games when he completed more than 55% of his passes--including playoffs--the Patriots were 13-0. He has thrown 29 touchdown passes to tight end Ben Coates, and has a touchdown-interception ratio of 80-73.

Record as a starter: 32-27.

Backup: Scott Zolak.

6. Jeff Blake, Cincinnati Bengals: He’s possibly one of the game’s next superstars. The Bengals went 7-2 down the stretch, and in the last eight games had the NFL’s No. 1 offense. If he gets any kind of help from the running game, he might draw more respect. He has started 41 consecutive games and has thrown for 66 touchdowns against 41 interceptions.

Record as a starter: 18-23.

Backup: Boomer Esiason.

5. Troy Aikman, Dallas Cowboys: He’s a fantasy football trap. Looks like one of the top picks, but he hasn’t piled up the touchdown numbers. Has 110 in 70 games with 98 interceptions. Team has won five consecutive division titles under his leadership, although he didn’t look like an Elway-type guy who could carry Dallas a year ago when Michael Irvin and Jay Novacek were missing.

Record as a starter: 70-43.

Backup: Wade Wilson.

4. Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins: He’s no longer the gunslinger, firing bullets everywhere. He is coming off only the eighth surgery-free season in his 15-year career. Miami is 9-17 when the opposition keeps Marino from throwing a touchdown pass, 114-59 when he throws at least one. He has quietly accepted his new role under Coach Jimmy Johnson as a limited passer to allow the running game to develop. Has a record 386 touchdown passes against 218 interceptions.

Record as a starter: 123-74.

Backup: Craig Erickson.

3. Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers: He’s a complex package of talent to defend, as well as the nicest, most approachable athlete in the game. He won his fifth NFL passing title last season, has thrown for 174 touchdowns and run for 24 more. Has thrown only 85 interceptions. His first name is really Jon. The Buccaneers traded him to the 49ers in 1987 for second- and fourth-round picks, as well as cash. How much has it cost Tampa Bay over the years not to have Young in the lineup?

Record as a starter: 69-41.

Backup: Jeff Brohm.

2. John Elway, Denver Broncos: He throws as much fear into an opponent as anyone besides Favre. Known best for his 41 fourth-quarter game-saving drives and three Super Bowl appearances without a victory, Elway begins his 15th season with a ruptured biceps tendon in his pitching arm. He doesn’t have Marino’s numbers and it bugs him, and he blames former coach Dan Reeves’ controlling offense for that. He’s a sure-fire Hall of Famer, though, with 251 touchdown passes, 205 interceptions and more wins than any other quarterback, 126.

Record as a starter: 126-76-1.

Backup: Jeff Lewis.

1. Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers: Ron Wolf watched Favre warming up for Atlanta in an exhibition game and, in his first act as Packer general manager, traded a No. 1 pick for him. Favre has been the league’s MVP the last two seasons, and he’s only 27. Has started 87 consecutive games, including playoffs, and is 19-0 when the game-time temperature is 35 degrees or lower--which is all the time in Green Bay. Has 147 touchdown passes and 79 interceptions in his career. Had two interceptions and no touchdowns while stranded in Atlanta.

Record as a starter: 50-27.

Backup: Steve Bono.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

NFL ’97 / SEASON OF CHANGE

* THURSDAY: The teams

* FRIDAY: The coaches

T.J. Simers Ranks the QBs

1. Brett Favre, Packers

2. John Elway, Broncos

3. Steve Young, 49ers

4. Dan Marino, Dolphins

5. Troy Aikman, Cowboys