Can it be that, like 2008, the NFL will have two highly priced rookie quarterbacks staring in the same year? The situation in Detroit, where first overall pick, Matt Stafford is making a strong claim to the position, is still up in the air. What was settle last week was the Jets’ QB position, regardless of what the coaching staff said.
QB Mark Sanchez had an outstanding debut for New York this past week. The former Trojan star completed 3 of 4 passes, one of them, a 48-yard bomb to WR David Clowney. Overall, the fifth pick of the draft threw for 88 yards.
If the number does not tell the story, the way his teammates, the fans and the coaching staff reacted to him did. Sanchez, a cool customer by all accounts, simple looks like a New York quarterback. He moves well in and out of the pocket and has a better than average arm. But is his demeanor that has everyone in the Big Apple salivating at the prospect of a big 2009 playoff run.
Jets Head Coach, Rex Ryan, announced that it will be Sanchez, not Kellen Clemens, who will start the team’s next preseason game against the Baltimore Raven on August 24th. A clear sign of where his desire rest. Ryan had original committed to Clemens as the starter for the second exhibition contest.
Showing posts with label nfl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nfl. Show all posts
Monday, August 17, 2009
The new 'go to guy' in Oakland
It took a year and two drafts, but it seems the Oakland Raiders might have found a number one WR for JaMarcus Russell and it’s not highly priced, first round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey, not yet at least. The job belongs to a ‘little’ known flier Al Davis took in 2008.
The diamond in the rouge is Chaz Schilens, who came up big in the Raiders preseason opener slicing the improved Dallas Cowboy’s secondary for five catches, 52 yards in less than two quarters of play. Schilens, a 6’4” 225 pound physical specimen has also shined in recent Raiders training session prompting coach Tom Cable to open up the passing attack.
The 2008 seven round selection out of San Diego State is quickly developing a rhythm with Russell in practice. Chemistry that was on display against the Cowboys.
In some ways, he has become the young quarterback’s first option. A process that began last year when he became a full time starter late finishing with 15 receptions for 226 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite his inmense size, Schilens is a fluid athlete who, contrary to his report card coming out of college, has displayed great hands and body movement. In fact, he has consistently catch the short-to-intermediate range pass, a ‘must do’ for a go-to WR.
The diamond in the rouge is Chaz Schilens, who came up big in the Raiders preseason opener slicing the improved Dallas Cowboy’s secondary for five catches, 52 yards in less than two quarters of play. Schilens, a 6’4” 225 pound physical specimen has also shined in recent Raiders training session prompting coach Tom Cable to open up the passing attack.
The 2008 seven round selection out of San Diego State is quickly developing a rhythm with Russell in practice. Chemistry that was on display against the Cowboys.
In some ways, he has become the young quarterback’s first option. A process that began last year when he became a full time starter late finishing with 15 receptions for 226 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite his inmense size, Schilens is a fluid athlete who, contrary to his report card coming out of college, has displayed great hands and body movement. In fact, he has consistently catch the short-to-intermediate range pass, a ‘must do’ for a go-to WR.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Despite the awful display, Orton still safe in Denver
Kyle Orton couldn’t have picked a worse moment to have a meltdown. The former Bear QB and new Broncos head coach Josh McDaniel’s pet project had a disastrous debut against the San Francisco 49ers throwing for three bad interceptions in his first three series during Denver’s 16-17 loss last Friday. To make matters worse for MacDaniels, who was already in the hot seat for the way he handle the Jay Cutler’s affair, backup Chris Simms played almost flawless football.
The box score on both signal callers read as follow: Orton 9-16 for 89 yards 0-3 (TD/INT) ratio and 32.6 passing rating, Simms was 11-17 for 14 with 2-0 ratio and a 130.0 rating. Aside the obvious discrepancies in numbers, it was clearly evident that the Broncos’ were a more fluid squad with the 6’3” Simms at the helm. The new style of offense also seems more suited for the son of Hall of Famer Phil Simms.
After the game, the 32-year old coach stressed that this was just the first exhibition game. That maybe true but he forgot to mention that since being appointed the number one QB last June, the ex-Purdue Boilermaker star has fail to impress in simple passing drills.
Maybe is the pressure of replacing a Pro Bowl quarterback just hitting his prime, or the constant booing by the diehard Denver fans, or knowing that his coach’s fate is tied up to his success. Whatever the reason is, Orton looks uncomfortable in the pocket which is a real cause of concern after having practiced with the first team unit for more than two months.
MacDaniels will not make a quarterback change, because he knows what will come after it. But, both he and Orton should get their house in order, and soon, because owner Pat Bowen will not tolerate mediocrity for long. Just ask Mike Shannahan.
Orton should improve, but how much better he can become is up in the air. And the air is thin in Denver, for both he and his head coach.
The box score on both signal callers read as follow: Orton 9-16 for 89 yards 0-3 (TD/INT) ratio and 32.6 passing rating, Simms was 11-17 for 14 with 2-0 ratio and a 130.0 rating. Aside the obvious discrepancies in numbers, it was clearly evident that the Broncos’ were a more fluid squad with the 6’3” Simms at the helm. The new style of offense also seems more suited for the son of Hall of Famer Phil Simms.
After the game, the 32-year old coach stressed that this was just the first exhibition game. That maybe true but he forgot to mention that since being appointed the number one QB last June, the ex-Purdue Boilermaker star has fail to impress in simple passing drills.
Maybe is the pressure of replacing a Pro Bowl quarterback just hitting his prime, or the constant booing by the diehard Denver fans, or knowing that his coach’s fate is tied up to his success. Whatever the reason is, Orton looks uncomfortable in the pocket which is a real cause of concern after having practiced with the first team unit for more than two months.
MacDaniels will not make a quarterback change, because he knows what will come after it. But, both he and Orton should get their house in order, and soon, because owner Pat Bowen will not tolerate mediocrity for long. Just ask Mike Shannahan.
Orton should improve, but how much better he can become is up in the air. And the air is thin in Denver, for both he and his head coach.
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