There are two quarterback situations in the NFL that I can't understand for the life of me. The first is in Chicago, with the ever sexy Rexy Grossman. The other is in Cleveland, with the recently signed Brady Quinn. I find the situations intriguing for opposing reasons: in Chicago, I can't understand why Lovie Smith is so committed to Rex, and in Cleveland, I can't believe that Romeo Crennel won't commit to Brady Quinn.
Let's start in Chicago, with the defending NFC Champion Bears. They have everything it takes to not only get to the Super Bowl, but to win it. Everything but a QB who doesn't turnover the ball. How many times did Lovie take the podium on Mondays last year, justifying his decision to stay with Rex? No, seriously. How many? I'm wondering, and I'd love to know. If anyone from the Chicago area is reading this and can contribute, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm going to guess about every week. After all, Rex did throw 20 interceptions and lost an additional 5 possessions on 8 fumbles. That's not Super Bowl caliber. Not even close. Make the change already, Lovie. This kid came into the league and sat with injuries for three years. That alone would have pushed me to replace him. He was a bad draft pick. Plain and simple. No biggie, happens all the time, especially with highly touted QB's who can't make the transition from college to the pros. You find a stable free agent to replace him (Brian Griese will do) and make the change already. You're telling me Urlacher and the rest of that defense doesn't want Rex's head on a platter? They can barely get a cup of gatorade and some oxygen before he turns the pill back over. If the Ravens can win the Super Bowl with a nasty defense and a run game, then so can the Bears. If the Buccaneers can win the Super Bowl with a nasty defense, and a really really weak West Coast offense, then so can the Bears. Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson. Arguably the two worst QB's to ever hoist the Lombardi trophy, but they were able to do so simply by protecting the ball.
Perhaps the Bears' front office has too much ego to admit Rex was a bad pick. I don't know how much money they guaranteed him, or exactly what their infatuation is, but whatever it may be, I hope it comes to end soon, so the team, and the loyal fans of Chicago, get what it deserves: an NFL-caliber quarterback.
The second situation that continues to perplex me is that of Brady Quinn. Normally, I would say it's an absolute imperative that rookie QB's hold the clip board for a year. A must. But here, in this situation, I think you throw the kid right into the fire. I'm all for bringing a rookie along slowly, like Cincinnati did with Carson Palmer. Carson came in the heir apparent, the Heisman winner, but still he sat behind Jon Kitna for year to learn the ropes, the reads, the subtleties of the offense, and of the league. And look at him now. We're talking best of the best, right up there with Peyton. The difference between Carson's situation and Brady Quinn's situation is the presence of a veteran QB. Makes all the difference. Palmer had someone to learn from, whereas Quinn is currently behind Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson. These are two terrible quarterbacks. They are two, third year guys with half the talent and zero the potential of Quinn. They are the epitome of journeymen. In 5 years time, I bet they both will have been rostered by 4 other teams. Quinn is coming into the league with the mental and physical abilities to be successful at the next level. Granted, Rex Grossman was also once this guy, but I think Quinn's two years of training under Charlie Weiss will make all the difference. Weiss was breeding a NFL guy; a QB who can look off a safety, check down to the right receiver, or audible into the best option at the line. Trust your boy, Romeo. Charlie wouldn't do you wrong like that. Make the call. Brady is your man.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Start him or Sit him?
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3 comments:
Quinn will be eaten alive just like Harrington and Aikman and Leaf and P. Manning and everyone else that "took it on the chin" their first year. I'm not a fan of bringing him in now but he needs to handle the expectations if he is ever going to make it.
On Rex, he clearly has pictures of Lovie in a compromising position. There is no other explanation. Put the Michigan guy at the helm and go get sized for your ring. Dilfer = Griese in my mind.
Also - Brady is a choke Artist and will not deliver in the clutch. It's not that I've followed his career closely since I hate NdBC (The Notre Dame Broadcasting Company) and their B.S. ND coverage but I have watched at least one of his games each year and I am telling you he will gag like a dog eating a wishbone when it really counts.
You're a biased, fool, Davecat. Michigan beat bad Notre Dame teams, it's not like Quinn was losing those games. Peyton Manning never beat Florida, and he turned out okay. I think he absolutely will take it on the chin, as you say, but better to take his lumps now and learn, then sit behind Frye and Anderson and waste away. He's their best option, and I trust Charlie Weiss' ability to breed a quarterback. In the midst of a coaching change, when Notre Dame was basically at its worst, Brady broke every passing record there. That's putting himself in good company.
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