American Football: Maddox and McNabb suffer perils of quarterback profession

The quarterback is one of the most vulnerable players on the field, a moving target for defenders to pursue and hunt down. Following a spate of serious injuries in the mid-1990s, the rules were tightened to offer greater protection for the passer, but the nature of the position means that they remain constantly exposed, and this weekend's action provided further evidence of how fragile their careers can be.

In the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh's Tommy Maddox was hit by Keith Bulluck as he attempted to throw. There was nothing illegal in Bulluck's play, but Maddox fell forward, landing heavily on his head, remaining motionless for 15 minutes while medical staff attended to a neck injury.

The extent of the damage remains unclear, although Maddox was talking to doctors while being taken to hospital, where early indications are encouraging. "There are some preliminary reports that are positive,'' said Pittsburgh's head coach, Bill Cowher. "He's getting some feeling back in his upper extremities and we are all cautiously optimistic.''

Trailing 31-7 at the time, the Steelers revived under the guidance of Maddox's replacement Kordell Stewart, but Tennessee held on for a 31-23 win.

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb faces a lengthy absence after breaking his ankle on the third play of his team's 38-14 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals. Amazingly, he insisted on returning to action and completed 20 of his 25 passes for four touchdowns. However, he will pay a price for his bravery, and is expected to miss at least the next six weeks.

Another quarterback forced out of action was Denver's Brian Griese, although his sprained knee is unlikely to sideline him for long. The Broncos have proven cover in Steve Beuerlein, and the veteran showed his poise by throwing two touchdowns in his side's comfortable 31-9 stroll over the Seattle Seahawks.

Brett Favre, Green Bay's inspirational quarterback, has defied the odds in not missing a game through injury since 1992. No physical damage was done against the Minnesota Vikings, but the Packers were still victims of a major upset, falling 31-21. So often the hero, Favre was once culpable, tossing three interceptions.

An emerging quarterback presence is the New York Jets' Chad Pennington. Since replacing Vinny Testaverde, Pennington has revived the Jets, who have won their last three games. The youngster was simply too good for the Detroit Lions, throwing four touchdowns in his side's 31-14.

Atlanta's passer Michael Vick had the edge over his cousin Aaron Brooks, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. Both threw two touchdown passes, but Vick also ran for a score himself, and that proved the difference in the Falcons' 24-17 verdict.