In A Year Of Qb Turmoil, Some Backups Still Wait

JIM SORGI , Colts
Experience Fourth season
Career passes 92
Salary $850,000

A star at Wisconsin—his 141.2 passing efficiency is the school's standard—he has spent his NFL career as a backup to Peyton Manning , who has started 151 straight games. "When Peyton's taking practice reps, I take mental reps," says Sorgi , 26, of living vicariously. "During the game I watch the defense to see what coverages they're playing." Sorgi , who just signed a three-year extension, believes even an idle apprenticeship to Manning has benefits. "He has instilled his work ethic in me," says Sorgi . "Whatever the future has in store ... I'll embrace it."

SENECA WALLACE , Seahawks
Experience Fifth season
Career passes 170
Salary: $800,000

Last October, Wallace , who has played behind Matt Hasselbeck his whole career, was pressed into action (Hasselbeck knee injury) against the Vikings. "The hardest part of being a backup is that you don't get practice reps," Wallace says. "You just have to go in, play fast and make plays." Wallace was picked off twice in that game, a 31--13 loss, but threw eight TDs while going 2--2 in the Seahawks ' next four games. This season Wallace is diversifying: Moonlighting as a wideout, he has two catches for 47 yards.

TROY SMITH , Ravens
Experience Rookie
Career passes 0
Salary $285,000

This time last year Smith had thrown 22 TDs, led Ohio State to a 9--0 start and was on his way to the Heisman. Now, he plays behind Steve McNair and Kyle Boller . "I'm at the bottom of the totem pole, and I have that understanding," he says, adding, "I have a great relationship with Steve. He's teaching me how to be a professional, how to be a man." Smith also says that he doesn't feel the weight of his trophy: "It doesn't put pressure on me.... We had a good college season, but it's not about that anymore."