Whether it's a rookie getting his first start, a struggle veteran, or someone intangibly affected from his team's injuries, QBs are going to struggle in the NFL. Period.
The question obviously lies within as to whether they actually do overcome adversity. Nonetheless, for as much as the ball is tossed around these days, QBs are under even more pressure.
With that in mind, here are the top four QBs who will struggle in Week 7.
4. Matt Schaub, Texans (at Titans)
Despite not having Andre Johnson against Baltimore, Houston's Matt Schaub had a pretty decent game. However, it was evident that Johnson's absence hurt, as the Texans lost 29-14 on the road (one TD coming off a fumble recovery).
This week Schaub goes against another solid defense in Tennessee, who shut down the Ravens in Week 2. Houston may be victorious in this game, but much of it will be contributed to the defense and ground game with RB Arian Foster.
With Johnson out, Tennessee knows they'll be able to slow the passing game, which in turn will force coach Gary Kubiak to run the ball.
Prediction: 170 passing yards, 53% completions, 1 TD, 2 INTs
3. Christian Ponder, Vikings (vs Packers)
It has got to be exciting for rookie QB Christian Ponder who's getting his first start this week. But it also has to be nerve-wracking, as it's against the Green Bay Packers.
Make no mistake about it, Ponder has some excellent potential, but Minnesota has no threatening WRs and Green Bay's defense has been improving with each game.
RB Adrian Peterson is going to be fed a lot of carries in this one, and the Packers are aware. Expect them to try and slow Peterson early, thus forcing Minny to rely on Ponder late.
That is where he'll struggle as the Pack will have a good lead heading into the fourth quarter, because without Peterson isolated, Ponder has to beat their DBs such as Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams.
Prediction: 155 passing yards, 51% completions, no TDs, 2 INTs, 1 fumble
2. Kevin Kolb, Cardinals (vs Steelers)
It's a Super Bowl XLIII rematch, but, unfortunately for the Cardinals, instead of Kurt Warner, a struggling Kevin Kolb is under center.
And even though the Steelers' defense has been skeptical this season, not only have they been getting better but Arizona's offense is significantly underachieving.
WR Larry Fitzgerald only has two TDs and Kolb has thrown six picks to just five TDs. Also, the running game has been practically invisible—Beanie Wells has only gained 381 yards in five games.
Kolb struggles because Pittsburgh will not only stop the run, but effectively blitz all game since Arizona has trouble blocking to begin with.
Prediction: 146 passing yards, 49% completions, no TDs, 1 INT, 2 fumbles
1. Blaine Gabbert, Jaguars (vs Ravens)
Rookie QB Blaine Gabbert has been playing rather decent since taking over in Week 2, and although he was methodically effective last week against Pittsburgh, the Ravens are even better.
Baltimore has a Top 10 defense, will shut-down RB Maurice Jones-Drew (who Jacksonville is going to rely on a lot) and Ed Reed will welcome the rookie to the NFL with some big hits and picks.
Getting WR Mike Sims-Walker back somewhat helps, as he and WR Mike Thomas along with TE Marcedes Lewis should complement one another rather well.
However, the Ravens will bust out some of their more complex schemes this week to cause mass confusion on Gabbert's part. That is where the nucleus of the struggle against Baltimore begins because he's going to be feeling the pressure all night long.
Prediction: 137 passing yards, 43% completions, no TDs, 2 INT, 2 fumbles
Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.
And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.
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