Sure I am. I'm saying that, given DT's ability to put up very good (borderline great) numbers in this system, I'd love to see how a great passer would do. It's not true that all systems are conducive to allowing great passers to thrive. Troy Aikman transferred out of Oklahoma and didn't put up great numbers at either UCLA nor with Dallas, but he was a great passer that could have done serious damage in another system. Tom Brady wasn't particularly awesome at Michigan but he's demonstrated his great passing ability with NE. I believe that the Oregon system would allow a great passer to put up ridiculous, video game-type of numbers. Thomas, nor Bennett, are great passers. Do you still think that I'm not saying anything? Ed O.
Where would you rate Thomas, 1-10, as an overall passer and pocket passer and value as QB? Five being avg: Id say: 8, 7.5, 9
Where are other QBs? Is Andrew Luck a 10, 10, 10? Or are 10's reserved for all-timers? And is 5 average PAC-12 starter? Or average NCAA Division I FBS QB? Ed O.
Uh, oh. I'm in over my head. I forgot how seriously Ed O. takes his ratings! Lets say 5 is the avg NCAA Div I QB. Luck? Nah, let's go with Barkley. 9, 9, 9. And let's say the rating is for current starters, so, 10's are fair game.
I'll say Overall passer: 7.5 Pocket passer: 7 Value: 8 I think his ability to get out of the pocket and still pass decently bumps up his value as a passer... I think his ability to run (and to avoid big mistakes) makes him more valuable to the team than just his passing... but I think that we could plug in a fair number of above-average QBs and get similar results to what we've got over the last few years, given the effectiveness of the system and the weapons that have surrounded him. I'm glad he's the QB, and I'm not clamoring for him to be replaced by ANY means. Just for the record Ed O.
If I think of historically "great" quarterbacks I think of pocket passers. The style of offense that Oregon runs is not conducive to have a pocket passer. Someone with the ability to read the zone and create space to get the fast weapons they have in the open field. Its past the days of Harrington and Clemens. Being able to pass out of the pocket is just icing on the cake in a Chip Kelly system. I think Bennett is better with his legs and better in the pocket than DT. Its why I think its impairative that next year there's a battle at the quarterback spot from the get go and we don't just give DT free reign because of his past. Its going to be shaky giving a player with the potential of Bennett only his senior year at the helm. I'm just don't think a college quarterback should just be grandfathered in to a position because of past success. When the better player could be the guy getting overshadowed and was just never given his opportunity. Football is a team sport after all.
It would take some drastic mistake from DT to be benched for Bennett in his senior year. Maybe a bad bad loss in the Rose Bowl would do it, or a meltdown this Friday, but I just can't foresee him being replaced as the starter next year. As for my opinion, I like DT, he's a good player and a great leader. His poise and composure are second to none. I swear I never see him really get flustered, even when he makes a mistake or two. I've been more upset with our receivers sometimes inability to catch a pass than I have with Thomas' errant throws. Having said that, I'd really like to see where this program would go with a NFL caliber talent at QB. A Cam Newton, Terrelle Pryor, or Robert Griffin for example. I know those players only come around so often but I'm just saying. Like Stomp, I have extremely high hopes for Mariota as his size, speed, and mechanics are all great. Bennett has looked good to me at times but I've already said where I stand with the guy. For right now, I'm happy with Thomas and everything he brings to the table.
Kelly has said many times that he wants his QB to be a thrower who can also run not a runner who can also throw. He has praised Thomas's ability to operate out of the pocket and to make plays with his feet. It seems you and Chip have very different views of whats happening on the field Bennett is a Redshirt Freshman while Thomas is a Jr. so he'll have two years of eligibility left after DT goes to the NFL. Dating back to before last season started, everyone including Chip and DT has acknowledged that Bennett is faster and has a stronger arm then Thomas. The other obvious factors in judging QB play are the mental aspects... decision making and ability to execute under pressure. Thats where Thomas gets the most praise from Chip who is arguing for that? Certainly not Kelly who has stated umpteen times that he plays his best players. Pretty sure thats what he's doing STOMP
Great stuff from everyone here. I enjoy reading everyone insight! I would be very surprised to see Thomas lose his starting position during his SR year. Kelly has made it clear that DT is his #1 and he's very happy with his progression with the offense. Even good QB's have meltdowns. Would you consider Lucks's picks and stats vs Oregon a mini? What about Harrington's five picks in the Civil War? It happens. Even to the best of NFL QB's. The tough thing for the avg fan to gauge is what the tradeoff would be for a great pocket passer vs an avg option reader/runner. I'm guessing, we won't understand DT's true worth as a QB until time has passed and we've been able to see other QB's running the show. Guys with knowledge of the system like Fisher and obviously Kelly have said he is just damn good at the option - and that is our entire system. I think, if we were to have an awesome pocket passer, exchanged for a very good option QB - we'd notice a drop off. If Bennett's composure was foreshadowed in the games we've got to see him in this season -- we're in for an awesome three more years with him!!
