Super Bowl-winning backup QBs

Many were quick to write off the Houston Texans once rookie T.J. Yates took over for injured quarterbacks Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart. But the Texans are 2-0 with Yates as the starter, and a last-second win over the Cincinnati Bengals has them hoping he can lead can lead them to Super Bowl glory. The Texans aren't the only team mounting a playoff push with its backup QB. The Tim Tebow-led Broncos are 7-1 since switching to the second-year signal-caller.

Few thought Drew Bledsoe's Week 2 injury would be the catalyst for the most dominant run in New England Patriots history. But that's exactly what happened when Tom Brady (right) took over and led the Patriots to a Super Bowl upset of the St. Louis Rams.

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Tom Brady replaces Drew Bledsoe and wins Super Bowl XXXVI

Few thought Drew Bledsoe's Week 2 injury would be the catalyst for the most dominant run in New England Patriots history. But that's exactly what happened when Tom Brady (right) took over and led the Patriots to a Super Bowl upset of the St. Louis Rams.

Associated Press

The Ravens were known for a dominant defense during their Super Bowl run, but someone had to play quarterback. Midway through the season, Tony Banks (left) was replaced as starter by Trent Dilfer, who managed Baltimore to a title.

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Trent Dilfer leapfrogs Tony Banks, manages Ravens to Super Bowl XXXV

The Ravens were known for a dominant defense during their Super Bowl run, but someone had to play quarterback. Midway through the season, Tony Banks (left) was replaced as starter by Trent Dilfer, who managed Baltimore to a title.

Associated Press

Doug Williams' epic performance as the MVP of Super Bowl XXII overshadowed the fact that he started only two games during the 1987 regular season. Williams (right) didn't start consecutive games that season until replacing Jay Schroeder for Washington's playoff run.

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Jay Schroeder out, Doug Williams in, as Redskins win Super Bowl XXII

Doug Williams' epic performance as the MVP of Super Bowl XXII overshadowed the fact that he started only two games during the 1987 regular season. Williams (right) didn't start consecutive games that season until replacing Jay Schroeder for Washington's playoff run.

Associated Press

Jeff Hostetler (right) was No. 2 on the Giants' depth chart, but his facial hair certainly was No. 1 in many hearts. His mustache got a chance to shine when Phil Simms went down in Week 15 of the 1990 season, as Hostetler led the Giants to a 5-0 record en route to a title.

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Jeff Hostetler subs in for Phil Simms, wins Super Bowl XXV

Jeff Hostetler (right) was No. 2 on the Giants' depth chart, but his facial hair certainly was No. 1 in many hearts. His mustache got a chance to shine when Phil Simms went down in Week 15 of the 1990 season, as Hostetler led the Giants to a 5-0 record en route to a title.

Associated Press

Jim Plunkett (right) was no more than a disappointing Heisman Trophy winner when he took over for Dan Pastorini six games into the 1980 season. But flash forward three months and Plunkett was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after leading the Raiders to a Super Bowl win.

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Jim Plunkett relieves Dan Pastorini, wins Super Bowl XV

Jim Plunkett (right) was no more than a disappointing Heisman Trophy winner when he took over for Dan Pastorini six games into the 1980 season. But flash forward three months and Plunkett was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after leading the Raiders to a Super Bowl win.

Associated Press

Everyone always equates Bob Griese (left) with the Dolphins' perfect 1972 season, although it was Earl Morrall who actually led Miami to a win in Super Bowl VII. Morrall went 11-0 as a starter that season after taking over for the injured Griese.

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Earl Morrall replaces Bob Griese, secures perfection for Dolphins

Everyone always equates Bob Griese (left) with the Dolphins' perfect 1972 season, although it was Earl Morrall who actually led Miami to a win in Super Bowl VII. Morrall went 11-0 as a starter that season after taking over for the injured Griese.

National Football League

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