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QB Jon Kitna, Dallas Cowboys

HT: 6-2, WT: 217, Born: 9-21-1972, College: Central Washington, Drafted: ---

2009 Projections

Best Case

The Cowboys struggled with Brad Johnson at the helm last year, so they made a priority of acquiring Jon Kitna's services. Kitna has been a top-10 fantasy passer in not one, not two, but three different NFL cities and is easily among the most accomplished NFL backups. Kitna won't match Romo's output if he has to fill in, but he would still be a fantasy worthy performer.

Worst Case

As with any backup, the worst case is he doesn't see the field. Kitna is no spring chicken, he'll be 37 in September, and there's always the chance he won't grasp the Cowboys offense quickly. We don't see that happening, but you always have to consider the risk when a QB changes teams.

Outlook

Jon Kitna is one of the better NFL backups and someone all fantasy owners should keep an eye on. If Tony Romo got hurt, Kitna would be able to step in and put up decent numbers. Would he be a Top 10 fantasy QB? Not likely. But would he be someone worth starting particularly against bad defenses? Absolutely.

Relevant Articles

2009 Schedule

2008 Game Summaries

Week 1 - After his team fell behind 21--0 in the second quarter Kitna was seen yelling at the offensive coaches on the sideline. After the tirade he rallied Detroit to two touchdowns before halftime, but there is only so much one player can do. Playing from behind throughout the entire game helped pump up his passing stats, which should happen on a fairly basis throughout the season if this game is any indication.

Kitna completed 24 of 33 for 262 yards and two touchdowns and achieved a QB rating of 103.03 His lone interception came when he threw inside as Roy Williams continued down the seam. Lawyer Malloy dove and made a great pick just before the ball hit the ground.

Week 2 - Jon Kitna's day was a roller coaster of ups and downs. He was largely ineffective in the first half as he was regularly subjected to a relentless Packer pass rush that his offensive line seemed unable to control. When he was able to get the ball downfield, his normally sure-handed WRs (chiefly Roy Williams) seemed to drop just as many balls as they caught. In the second half, Kitna's day seemed to turn around as he fired more balls towards WR Calvin Johnson, connecting on two fourth quarter touchdowns (both of which were the result of spectacular plays by Johnson) Kitna's continued attempts to make something happen as the clock wound down ended up fatal to the Lions' chances, however, as he delivered three passes into Packers' hands, two of which were returned for back-breaking touchdowns.

Week 3 - Jon Kitna struggled to find his rhythm against Detroit, as he completed 15 of 30 passes for just 146 yards, one touchdown, an interception and a fumble. Kitna was unable to get anything going with his talented receiving corps, and the only Detroit touchdown of the game didn't come until late in the fourth quarter. Kitna hobbled off the field late in the game following a sack with an apparent leg injury.

Week 5 - Kitna struggled leading the Lions against the Bears. On the Lions' fourth drive when they finally started to move the ball, Kitna lost a costly fumble, and found himself benched in the second half of the game, it was reported that he was suffering from back spasms. Kitna ended the day with only 74 yards passing.