Notre Dame Football Quarterbacks Lose 23 Straight NFL Starts

Contending the Dolphins, the circumstances were unfavorable to the Saints rookie quarterback Ian Book when he took over the field for his NFL debut on Monday night. Besides, the history of former Notre Dame quarterbacks losing in the NFL was another factor causing the defeat. According to the ESPN Stats & Info, with the Saint’s 20-3 loss, the ex-Fighting Irish quarterbacks lost 24 consecutive NFL starts.

It begins with Brady Quinn in 2012, who lost the last four starts of his career with the Chiefs. Then, in 2014-15, Jimmy Clausen lost the previous four starts of his career. And then, in 2017, DeShone Kizer’s lost 15 starts for the Browns, thereby Cleveland to face constant defeats.

Book is the only Notre Dame quarterback drafted since Quinn, who has to shoulder the responsibility of changing the fortunes of Irish alumni in the NFL. The Saints chose Book with a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft. He was supposed to develop behind Taysom Hill, Jameis Winston, and Trevor Siemian. But, unfortunately, Jameis Winston suffered a knee injury, and Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian tested positive on the COVID test. And that is how Book had to make his debut against the Dolphins.

Book, being a novice, suffered early in his first career. He threw a pick-six on his second attempt, and New Orleans grabbed a goal in the first half. But, on the other hand, the Saints scored zero, on their next three drives, before receiving a field goal with less than three minutes in half.

New Orleans could not score a goal in seven second-half possessions with four punts and an interception before the game ended. The Book was dismissed eight times and played 12-for-20 for 135 yards and two interceptions. The Saints were 0-for-12 on third-down attempts.

Notre Dame football quarterbacks have not experienced a victory in the NFL. It has been almost ten years since an Irish QB achieved a win as an NFL starter. From Joe Montana to Joe Theismann, Notre Dame has had a glorious history. However, the times have changed.

The Saints play host to the Panthers in the 17th Week, who have lost five in a row. Carolina has been mounted with expectations to end Notre Dame’s misfortunes. Also, it is yet not clear whether Book will get a chance to start.