In fairness, most backups are journeyman. Unless a team is lucky enough to have a lifelong (long-term) backup. I'll tell you one thing, it's nice to be debating over the backup QB for once.
I actually think Saleh has handled things near perfect so far when it comes to QB. When Mike White had poor pre-season and training camp, he started Flacco with Zach hurt. As soon as Zach is back, he put him in. And he gave Zach a real chance to show he can take a step forward this year. Moved Mike to #2 when he did better than Flacco in practice. When it was clear Zach was struggling mentally, he gave him a rest and time to "reset" and elevated White. This Sunday it will be a month since Zach played last. This should be enough time to reset at least to the point where he is clearly better than Flacco. Also, if any one of us entered the game and handed off the ball to Knight, we would have done significantly better than Flacco did on Sunday. It's time to reinstate Zach onto active roster as a #2 guy and place Flacco on inactive one. Then ideally give Streveler some reps with the team. In case something does happen to White, I want Zach to start and Streveler to back him up. Flacco is done as NFL player.
Yes, most backups are journeymen, but my list was trying to underscore the poor shape we're in if MW can't play, or plays and gets hurt. IOW: While I think JD has done a great job overall, I think he made a big mistake in not getting QB insurance.
I won't come down on either side of this, but will point out just one thing: I've heard folks in this thread characterize Zack's time as starter as doing very little. Throwing for 100 yards kind of stuff, while Mike White throwing for nearly 300 yards a game. Huge improvement. But I question how much of that difference was caused by LeFleur. For example, during Zack's 5-2 run we had the nation's top running game and top lineman to back it up. LeFleur had created a safe space for ZW to develop slowly, nothing complex, and taking care of the ball. For the most part, Zack was doing exactly what was asked of him, and doing it pretty good. Then Bryce and AVT when down, and just like that LeFleur could no longer grow Zack in a safe place and would have to call on Zack to carry the team. With his new responsibilities, he lost the first Pats game (but there were extenuating circumstances, like the JFM ruffing the passer that took 3 points off our board and added 6 to theirs just before half time). I recall fans blaming JFM for that loss, not ZW. Even with Zack 3 ints towards the end of the game (one he was trying to throw away) and us fans, for the most part felt ZW had done enough to win a close, tight game if not for JFM Next up for ZW was our first Bills game, which Zack won while playing a normal game. LeFleur still stayed with the run especially on that final drive (8 runs in a row) but then on a critical 4th down Zack hits Mims with a beautifully thrown ball, preserving the series that led to the winning FG. Zack, the team, and us fans were on top of the mountain after that huge win. Last up was Zack's really bad game in the strong wind up in NE. Neither QB could sustain ANY drives, although Mac Jones had better numbers. Both teams had been shut out, save for a FG each. 3-3 late in the 4th qtr (defense played great). Then the punt return for the win. That's it. Many felt the Bears game could be a huge 'get right' game for ZW after just playing the two toughest defenses....Pats twice and Bills. A get right game against a weak defense which would allow Zack Wilson to show off how far his development had come. But it was not to be. It's the Mike White show now. So in short, when we compare how little Zack was doing during his 5-2 run versus White's first 3 games, keep in mind this was by design from the very top.
