60% of the time, Pat Hill makes sense every time
As Ron Burgundy infamously said in Anchorman, "That doesn't make sense." After reading Pat Hill's quote from today's Official Sports Report announcement that junior left-hander Ryan Colburn will start at quarterback in the opener against UC Davis -- I'd like to second that.
Here's the quote:
"As I met with the quarterbacks I made it very clear I don't want them looking over their shoulder," said Hill. "I don't want them thinking they have to impress us. They need to execute the offense and let the game come to them. I also made it clear that because of our talent at quarterback if the team is struggling or for some reason the quarterback productivity is lacking, I will not hesitate to bring in the back-up if I feel he can change the game and win for us. I would have done that in the past if I felt we had that type of player on the sideline."
Wait a minute. Let me get this straight. So Hill doesn't want Colburn looking over his shoulder thinking he has to impress the coaches, but he won't hesitate to bring in Derek Carr if Colburn's not productive? Umm...is there a difference between "impressing" coaches and being "productive?" Isn't productivity what impresses coaches?
It's one of the two -- either Hill is sticking with Colburn through thick and thin, or he's sticking with him as long as he keeps playing well. After reading that quote, I still don't know which option Hill's choosing?
Then, consider that last nugget of the quote:
"I also made it clear that because of our talent at quarterback if the team is struggling or for some reason the quarterback productivity is lacking, I will not hesitate to bring in the back-up if I feel he can change the game and win for us. I would have done that in the past if I felt we had that type of player on the sideline."
Hmm...so I remember Colburn being on the team last season as the back-up. And he never came in. So I deduce that Hill didn't feel Colburn could come in a change the game and win for Fresno State when Tom Brandstater was playing poorly. But Colburn can a year later? I'd like to know what changed?
(To inject my personal opinion here, I'd argue there's a strong possibility Colburn could have come in and changed the game for Fresno State at times last year. He just never got the opportunity -- ever. And that's caused him to be an unknown this season.)
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There are a lot of reps a QB needs to take to get comfortable in any offense, but mostly it's with dropping back and passing the ball. Knowing the speed of the game. Learning to not be defensive. Knowing the play calling, the rhythm of the offensive packages, who's in who's out, etc., takes time. Knowing where the WRs will be (and knowing each WR's strength), knowing where he can dump off passes to a RB, where the TE is, where the OL will be. Knowing the playbook.
ReplyDeleteWhat I hope is that Hill/Grady gives Colburn (now that he's the starter) and opportunity to gain confidence in the game with Davis. His development and confidence is key for us against Wisconsin and Boise out of the gate. But we also need to pass/run block, run, and all the other things a team needs to do to win big.
My problem is that if Colburn gets shaken up (even just a little) during any play, why would Pat and Jeff be willing to take a play off and just have the QB do the safe hand off play while he regains his bearings? Ideally he would come off the field and Carr would be ready at an instant to come in with a prepared package. Just like you would with a receiver or running back. But just because you get dinged up for one play should not limit your use, just because the Coach wants to instill toughness (this is stupid). OC/spotters sitting in the booth with TV or on the field can see if the QB is stung, and should make the substitution call. How many times does this happen in games(hopefully not more than a couple times)? Why give the opponents DC a gimme? Why make the QB have to play hurt (or fear losing his playing time)? The QB position should be more selfless, not selfish.
CSB
You're right, it's pretty amazing really to think about just HOW MUCH info has to filter in and out of a QB's head every single snap. It takes a gift to be able to do that, and have a strong, accurate arm and mental toughness.
ReplyDeleteThat said, the reason I thought Carr slightly outperformed Colburn in fall camp was that at first Colburn's big advantage was the mental part, the playbook knowledge and the comfort level and command. A week into fall camp, Carr looked right there with him and seemed to have teammates' respect as well.
I wouldn't be surprised if Carr doesn't take a snap against UC Davis. The only thing important to me is that Fresno State is led by a QB who makes an impact, can take the game into his own hands and be a game-changer. That was missing the past three years with Tommy Brandstater.