What can Colts fans expect from a Clipboard Jesus start? Let’s take a look at what Charlie Whitehurst brings to table (other than hair to die for).

He does not possess a strong arm (Matt Cassel-level), and he compensates with barely adequate accuracy that tails off as the length of the throw increases. His deep throws flutter and defensive backs with great closing speed can get their hands on them.

He’s fairly aware of his surroundings in the pocket, and can step up to avoid the rush, but will take a lot of sacks making up his mind. He has a distinct tendency to fumble when sacked.

Perhaps his best quality is selling play-action, which would help more if the Colts had a more potent running game.

He can run, and has some moves; but, again, ball security is an issue.

Drafted in the third round by San Diego in 2006, he has played 23 games of a possible 157. In his nine starts, he has a 2-7 win-loss record with 1 fourth-quarter comeback. He’s gone 356-195-2,190-10-7 passing (34 sacks) and 53-156-2 rushing.

Essentially, Whitehurst is just a guy. Despite Speed Blue’s advice, the Colts did not groom a developmental quarterback behind Andrew Luck — who they traumatically learned is not actually invincible — and Matt Hasselbeck — who they just as suddenly realized was 40 years old. They did invite a rook, Bryan Bennett, to camp but his preseason performance was an atrocity (49-20-222-0-5 passing). And when the need for a potential starter emerged, Whitehurst happened to be the best of what’s left. He’s been with the team since mid-November, so his familiarity with the playbook might still be an issue.

While it appears, as I write this, that the Colts are hoping Hasselbeck will be able to start (Luck is throwing, but has been ruled out). But if he can’t go, Whitehurst’s backup could well be undrafted and well-traveled Alex Tanney.

There’s also Griff Whalen, who played quarterback in high school and threw a single pass in college, but the Colts seem to like him better at center.