If QB's had to "flat out win the job" then a lot of young QB"s with talent would never get on the field. There are times where coaches have to play the younger guy with potential instead of a veteran who make look more comfortable, but has been in the league long enough to show that he is only mediocre. Frerotte in some ways was comparable to Kelly Holcombe in Cleveland a few years ago, who won the QB battle with Tim Couch and yet only aspired to play mediocre ball. That's probably a horrible example cause Tim Couch sucked, but you have to go with young guys with potential unless the veteran is incredible. Another example would be in SD, where Flutie was obviously the more crafty and comfortable QB, yet when he was given a chance to start played like........Doug Flutie. It took a while for Brees, but the young guy had to get a chance to develop.