He was the healthy, popular quarterback who, while adjusting to a new offense, had thrown just eight interceptions.

Of the 10 playoff teams, only four have settled and healthy quarterbacks.

But how long that smile remains depends in large part on how healthy the quarterback stays.

"We thought our best chance to win was to have a healthy quarterback," said Beamer, whose team had a 19-game regular-season winning streak broken.

The Jets' only healthy quarterback is Brooks Bollinger, who finished the season as the starter.

With Jeff Garcia (ankle) out for half the season, the Lions are down to two somewhat healthy quarterbacks.

There are games during a season when one team seems so superior that a minor miracle, and a healthy quarterback, are needed by the underdog.

But now they own one of the few healthy quarterbacks in Super Bowl contention.

Statistically Pierce did not have a great season, but he proved that he was a sufficiently healthy quarterback who could win games.

Injuries plagued the 2003 edition of the Birmingham Steeldogs, as the team struggled to field a healthy and consistent quarterback.