State of the Roster II: Bills Quarterbacks

by Brian Galliford on May 13, 2008 3:07 PM EDT in Opinion

Edwards enters Year 2 with starting experience (Photo Source)

Prior to the 2008 NFL Draft - in fact, prior to the free agent signing period of this past March - we took a look at the Buffalo Bills' roster position by position, breaking down then-current personnel, finding holes, and building our community needs list.

Now that free agency and the Draft have been completed, and the Bills have infused their roster with new talent, it's time to repeat our process. Where has Buffalo gotten better? Where have they gotten worse? How will additions impact which Bills veterans remain on the roster? These are questions that we'll attempt to answer over the next week or so.

We'll start the positional discussions off today by looking, of course, at Buffalo's quarterback situation. To see our previous discussion on Buffalo's quarterbacks, bang it here.

Trent Edwards: Buffalo's second-year starting quarterback has a lot of pressure on his shoulders. We all are keenly aware of where Edwards' strengths lie - he's got excellent pocket awareness, a very solid (if unspectacular) arm, the ability to read defenses, and that dreaded "p" word, potential. We're also keenly aware of Edwards' weaknesses, most notably his lack of statistical production - both on a personal level as well as a team offense level.

Clearly, Edwards - who still has less than a full season's worth of NFL starts under his belt - has a lot of growing up to do, not only in terms of increasing Buffalo's mediocre scoring output, but blossoming into a team leader as well. Despite all of the question marks, however, Edwards is clearly and irrevocably (do you hear that, Coach Jauron? irrevocably) Buffalo's starting quarterback.

J.P. Losman: After making it known that he'd much prefer a trade out of town this past January, Losman remains a Bill, and he is clearly and irrevocably (do you hear that, Coach Jauron? irrevocably) Buffalo's backup quarterback. Losman struggled in his '07 starts after an '06 season that showed marginal growth on his part. He will likely only be a Bill for one more season (his current contract expires after 2008), and he'll then hit the open waters as an unrestricted free agent. Due to the lack of an appealing veteran option, and the lack of a trade partner, and the fact that he's the best man for the job, Losman is the team's best bet at backup quarterback.

Gibran Hamdan: Signed during the '07 season after the team released Craig Nall for a second time, Hamdan currently resides at third on the depth chart. The coaching staff likes Hamdan, but does he hold enough sway with the coaches to keep his job safe from the likes of Matt Baker and Luke Drone?

The Additions: Matt Baker, Luke Drone
We mentioned prior to the events of the off-season that should the Bills trade Losman, adding a backup quarterback with experience. Clearly, the Losman trade did not happen, and the Bills instead chose to round out their training camp depth chart by adding Baker - an NFL practice squad veteran - and Drone, an undrafted rookie free agent from Division I-AA Illinois State. Baker and Drone will enter a three-way competition with Hamdan for the #3 quarterback role in Buffalo; whether any of them ultimately makes the roster remains to be seen.

The Subtractions: None

Pre-Season Outlook: Edwards and Losman are locked in to the '08 opening day roster, and will serve in their irrevocable (Coach?) starter/backup respective roles. Whether or not Hamdan, Baker or Drone makes the roster depends heavily on whether or not the Bills keep more than two quarterbacks on the opening day roster (they entered '07 with two on the roster). At least one of the trio of Hamdan, Baker and Drone will stick around, either on the active roster or as a member of the practice squad.

Change: Negligible.

Please feel free to leave your thoughts on Buffalo's quarterback position - whether it be Edwards, Losman, the third-string trio, roster numbers, or anything else your little hearts desire - in the comments section.

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Comments

Trent

you forgot the most important attribute that Edwards possesses in my opinion….accuracy…He is accurate and combine that with his quick release, he is a perfect fit for this Bills offense. JP we all know has better arm strength and speed, but we all know accuracy is the #1 trait a QB has to have. Timing, knowledge of the offense, confidence, leadership, and ability to get the offense into “good” situations are all party of the recipe for a QB to lead his team to the playoffs, but IMO, it all starts with accuracy.

And before you JP lovers out there cry about JP’s % of 63 vs. Tren’ts of 56%, let me clarify that I think Trent’s decrease in % was due to his lack of experience and the inept play calling of SF-M. When Trent knew where to go with the football he most always threw a nice crisp ball that easy to catch for the WR’s. There is no doubt Trent lacks the ability to throw it deep like JP, but hopefully his added muscle this off-season and loss of that idiot SF-M, combined with Turk opening it up, will boost that production

MARVelous

by MARVelous on May 13, 2008 3:20 PM EDT 0 recs

Yuck… “JP lovers”? That’s message board fodder, man. Crosses fingers this doesn’t turn into yet another useless Trent vs. JP debate

I like your point about Edwards’ accuracy – it’s good, but it can still get better. There isn’t one area of Edwards’ game that couldn’t use some improvement at this point. The kid’s got potential, but he’s also got a ways to go.

by Brian Galliford on May 13, 2008 3:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

Completion %

I, myself, have made statements about Edwards’ unimpressive comepletion % in the past. I’ve had to do doubetake at that because going into the last month of the season Edwards’ numbers took a nosedive after playing in terrible weather. He was right around 63% before that.

That does not exonerate his lack of production, however, because he is always going to face bad weather at the end of the season. It’s pretty obvious that Edwards is going to have to use longer throws this year to be more effective. Whether that’s a coaching staff issue or not remains to be seen. Any added muscle is not going to help him throw better. If anything, the bulk may hinder his accuracy. Throwing stength has littlle to stronger muscles. It’s about the torque that the shoulder and core of a person creates. Just ask Randy Johnson.

by jj24 on May 13, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up 0 recs

re:

could be JP “apologists” I guess. J/k but seriously, we all know people still have their sides on this issue, I don’t see how publicly acknowledging it is a bad thing.

For Edwards the issue is more can he manage the game and do “enough” cuz supposedly this O-L and skill of Evans, Lynch and Hardy should be enough to so that Edwards doesn’t have to “win” games for this team

MARVelous

by MARVelous on May 13, 2008 3:48 PM EDT 0 recs

My thoughts

after our (very early) look at the Bills potential 53 man roster combinations, I am more confident than ever that the Bills will NOT keep Hamdan, Baker or Drone on the 53 man roster. The simple fact that you can keep 7 players on the practice squad AND an 8th player ONLY if he is a QB makes me realize that the Bills can keep an extra player (61 instead of 60) if they go the practice squad route with Hamdan, Baker or Drone.

The Hamdan/Baker/Drone competition in camp should be an interesting one to watch unfold. It could be a crucial decision if the 3rd QB ever has to play this season. I wonder who will get the most snaps early on in camp and if the Bills think one of the three is a clear favorite to win the job. If there is a favorite it has to be Hamdan right?

It seems unlikely, but I still won’t rule out the Bills adding a training camp cut from another team or even a rookie or 2nd year player that another team is trying to stash on the practice squad.

by kaisertown on May 13, 2008 3:52 PM EDT 0 recs

Monkey wrench in that theroy

Does Hamdan have a PS eligability left? I don’t think he does. So if the Bills like him the best, then he would have to be on the 53 man roster. Drone or Baker are going to have to be really good in preseason if they are going to unseat Hamdan.

The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.

by sireric on May 13, 2008 5:26 PM EDT up 0 recs

a look around the league

If the Bills are considering adding a training camp cut from another team here are the possible options:

Miami – Josh McCown, John Beck, Chad Henne
There is no way that any one of these guys doesn’t make the team

New England – Tom Brady, Kevin O’Connell, Matt Cassell, Matt Gutierrez
Cassell and Gutierrez will battle to make the team. It’s a strange situation with the winner probably being the backup and the loser getting cut. Either way the winning is just keeping the clipboard warm until 3rd round pick O’Connell is ready to take over the job of being the first QB to slap Brady on the ass after they score a TD on a deep bomb to Moss despite already being up 35 points in the 4th quarter. The idea of poaching a QB away from the Pats is VERY appealing though.

NY Jets – Chad Pennington, Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge, Brett Ratliff
This is an obvious situation with Ratliff getting cut. After doing a little research on Ratliff I found out that he was the MVP of the 2003 Tri-Counties Bank Holiday Bowl. He set the Butte college record by throwing 41 TDs. Apparently Butte wasn’t good enough because he transfered to Utah where he had a pretty nice season after Alex Smith left. I bet he finds a spot on someone’s PS, but it won’t be Buffalo’s

Baltimore – Kyle Boller, Joe Flacco, Troy Smith, Brad Roach
Brad Roach is an intriuging 6-6 245 pound UFA from Catawba college. Sadly that won’t be enough for him to make the Ravens. He is another guy likely to find a spot on some team’s PS.

Cincinatti – Carson Palmer, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeff Rowe, Jordan Palmer
Fitzpatrick is the probably backup and Rowe and Palmer will compete for a spot on the practice squad. They both have big arms, but lack the polish to be worth a spot on the Bills roster.

Cleveland - Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey
Dorsey is a potential cut who could be worth talking about. He is somewhat of a veteran (6 years in the league) and has started a few games. He is the ideal 3rd QB for a team with a young QB as the starter. I don’t know if the talent is there for him to take over the backup duties from Losman after this season, so he probably won’t be the best option out there if he does get cut.

Pittsburg – Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon, Jared Zabransky, Mike Potts
Zabransky is a likely cut, who will probably latch on to a PS somewhere and I have never heard of Mike Potts. Apparently he went to William & Mary.

Houston – Matt Schaub, Sage Rosenfels, Quinn Gray, Alex Brink, Shayne Boyd
Brink and Boyd are locks to get cut. Nothing to talk about here.

Indianapolis – Peyton Manning, Jim Sorgi, Adam Trafalis, Josh Betts
Trafalis and Betts will battle for a PS spot. Neither is worth a roster spot.

Jacksonville – David Garrard, Cleo Lemon, Todd Bouman, Paul Smith
Bouman and Smith would both be interesting options if they get cut. Bouman has experience being in the league for 10 years and Smith is a quality prospect with some potential. Jax will probably try to keep all 4 by putting Bouman on the 53 man and putting Smith on the PS. If Smith has a good showing in preseason he could get scooped up by a team looking to add a young 3rd QB to their 53 man roster.

Tennessee – Vince Young, Kerry Collins, Paul Thompson, Ingle Martin
Thompson is a better athlete than QB (kinda like VY) and he will spend a year on the practice squad while the Titans try to groom him into a similiar QB to Young and a potential backup. Ingle Martin be cut and his time in the league could come to an end.

Denver – Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey, Darrell Hackney, Cullen Finnerty
Hackney and Finnerty are competing for a spot on the PS. Hackney should find a home somewhere if he gets cut, while Finnerty might have more trouble.

Kansas City – Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard, Tyler Thigpen, David Greene
It bothers me when team websites don’t have an option to sort their roster by position. KC must like Thigpen because they grabbed him off of wiavers (from Minnesota) and kept him on the active roster all season. David Greene was a curious acquisition too. It looks like KC will keep 3 QBs on the 53 man roster again (even though they probably shouldn’t). The loser of the Thigpen/Greene competition should be able to find a home somewhere, but neither is a strong option for the Bills.

Oakland – JaMarcus Russell, Andrew Walter, Erik Meyer, Jeff Otis, Brian White
Oakland has an impressive 3 QBs on theie roster that I have never heard of. I bet they all ran really fast 40 times.

San Diego – Philip Rivers, Billy Volek, Charlie Whitehurst, Casey Bramlet
This is another team that might try to hold onto 4 QBs by keeping 3 active and Bramlet on the PS. If Bramlet somehow beats out Charlie Whitehurst, he would be a player well worth a roster spot on the Bills.

Dallas – Tony Romo, Brad Johnson, Richard Bartel
Dallas could be one of the few teams looking to add a QB if Brad Johnson’s arm falls off during camp (it’s gotta happen sometime right? I mean the guy isn’t Vinny Testaverde or anything). I have no idea who Bartel is and I didn’t even know Tarleton St. was a school until right now.

NY Giants – Eli Manning, David Carr, Anthony Wright, Jared Lorenzen, Andre Woodson
Finally an interesting situation. The NY Post recently reported that Wright or Lorenzen will be cut before training camp starts. If you could sign one before camp starts they would both be worth bringing in for a look. Carr is the front-runner for the backup job and Andre Woodson is probably a safe bet to make the roster. if they try to stash him on the PS, he almost definitely won’t clear waivers. Carr’s contract is small enough (1 year, 1 mil, a very small signing bonus) that he isn’t a lock to make the team at all, but I would bet on Carr and Woodson both making the roster while Wright and Lorenzen get cut.

Philadelphia – Donovan McNabb, AJ Feeley, Kevin Kolb
Philly will probably keep all 3. If Kolb beats out Feeley to be the primary backup, he may be available for a trade, but the Eagles just gave him an extension so the Eagles would probably demand too much in return.

Washington – Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Colt Brennan, Sam Hollenbach, Derek Devine
If Brennan has a bad camp and preseason, will Washington be bold enough to try to pass him through waivers and put him on the PS? would anyone even want Colt Brennan?

Chicago – Rex Grossman, Kyle Orton, Nick Hill, Caleb Hanie
Chicago might consider going after a veteran QB who gets cut. With Grossman’s injury history they would be smart to find a better 3rd option than Hill or Hanie.

Detroit – Jon Kitna, Drew Stanton, Dan Orlovsky
Stanton should beat out Orlovsky for the backup role, but his inexperience coupled with Kitna’s age will force them to hold onto Orlovsky and keep 3 QBs on the 53 man roster.

Green Bay - Aaron Rodgers, Brian Brohm, Matt Flynn
Management keeps saying they aren’t looking to add a vet to the mix and I believe them.

Minnesota – Tarvaris Jackson, Gus Frerotte, John David Booty, Brooks Bollinger
Bollinger is on the outisde looking in and I don’t think he is worth a roster spot on his best day. I’m surprised he has stuck around in the league as long as he has.

Atlanta – Matt Ryan, Chris Redmon, Joey Harrington, DJ Shockley
Harrington is probably safe. Shockley’s mobility made him a good backup for Mike Vick, but I think he won’t make this team. I doubt Buffalo would have any interest in a scrambler like Shockley.

Carolina – Jake Delhomme, Matt Moore, Brett Basanez, Tayler Tharp
Delhomme has yet to have a setback in his TJ recovery. I think the Panthers will just keep him and Matt Moore. They may be a team that looks to add a vet before the season starts, especially if Moore struggles in camp and preseason.

New Orleans – Drew Brees, Mark Brunell, Tyler Palko, TC Ostrander
Palko would be an interesting option if the Saints try to put him on the PS, but they will probably try to keep all 4 QBs by keeping Palko on the 53 man and Ostrander on the SP.

Tampa Bay - Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Josh Johnson, Luke McCown, Bruce Gradkowski, Chris Simms Jake Plummer is still technically on the roster too. I’m not sure what Gruden is trying to do here. Garcia will start. Josh Johnson is safe. They can’t possibly bring 6 QBs into camp so 2 will probably be released before camp even starts. Gradkowski and Simms look like goners. Simms is the cut that will generate the most buzz and he would be a great option for the Bills to consider. If he gets cut before training camp starts, I would give him a 2 year contract and basically guarantee him a roster spot. McCown and Griese will battle for the backup job in camp and the loser would be another good option to consider. I’m not a Gradkowski fan and I still remember McCown’s inability to get a single yard against the Bills, Simms and Griese would be great additions.

Arizona – Matt Leinart, Kurt Warner, Brian St. Pierre, Anthony Morelli
St. Pierre might get cut and Morelli will be put on the practice squad, but neither should be an option for the Bills.

St. Louis – Marc Bulger, Trent Green, Brock Berlin
The health of Bulger and Green will force the Rams to keep Berlin too.

San Francisco – Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, JT O’Sullivan, Drew Olsen
O’Sullivan could be a name to keep an eye on. He was pretty good in the preseason last year, but then again he is 28, has been in the league for 8 seasons and has never been able to climb very high on a depth chart.

Seattle – Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, Charlie Frye, Dalton Bell
The Seahawks like to use Wallace in some interesting ways and he might see considerable time on offense, in the slot, with Hackett gone and Brach hurt. That will focre them to keep 3 QBs and Dalton Bell will be put on their PS.

by kaisertown on May 13, 2008 5:46 PM EDT up 0 recs

to recap

The best potential options are (in no particular order):

Chris Simms and Brian Griese/Luke McCown

Other good potential options are:

Anthony Wright, Ken Dorsey, Matt Cassell/Matt Gutierrez, Jared Lorenzen, Paul Smith

Other notable potential cuts:

Brooks Bollinger, DJ Shockley, Bruce Gradkowski, David Greene

by kaisertown on May 13, 2008 5:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

This is excellent work as usual, kaiser, but I personally don’t see the Bills going after a QB cut. If we’re talking about keeping Trent and J.P. and stashing a third guy on the practice squad as a legitimate option, then I’d rather do that and keep a special teams guy at a position of little depth (see: WR, OL, LB). I’d take depth at one of those positions over a third QB who’ll never play and won’t know our system.

by Brian Galliford on May 13, 2008 5:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

your right

The Tampa situation has been talked about at length around here and the Giants situation has been mentioned as well. I was just curious if there were any other quality players that might suddenly be available. The idea of grabbing a QB from New England makes me smile ear to ear. I’m not that high on Cassell or Gutierrez, but they are probably better than any of Hamdan, Baker and Drone.

Given Trent’s injury history, finding a competant 3rd QB seems like a good idea and I’m not really sure why the Bills won’t go after a Simms or Griese. I agree with you that the won’t, I’m just not sure why they won’t. It seems like a smart move that could provide safety this year and possibly provide a decent backup for the next few seasons.

It is worth pointing out that Anthony Wright and/or Chris Simms could be cut before training camp, which would give them adequate time to learn the system.

by kaisertown on May 13, 2008 10:30 PM EDT up 0 recs

Anthony Wright

Anthony Wright has always been an excellent backup in this league. I can think of at least two separate occasions when Wright had to take on some significant playing time, at least 5 to 8 games if my memory serves me well, and performed admirably. I can also remember one of those times when I thought to myself that he was playing better than the starter. Then again I think it was when he was backing up Trent Dilfer in Baltimore. Either way, I think he’d be a great vet to help coach and backup Trent when JP is gone. Anyone want to correct me if I’m wrong on my Anthony Wright history, I’m really just going on memory and I could be wrong, I’m just sure I remember him playing well on two occasions for almost half a season.

Another 3 rounds of starters in the draft?

by poz on May 14, 2008 10:52 AM EDT up 0 recs

Wright

has played well in spots. I think one spot was a game for Baltimore against Seattle 3-4 years ago.

He’s nothing special, but would be decent insurance as a backup QB. I’m not sure he’s worth bringing in as a #3 though. If somehow JP is traded (0.06% chance of happening), then he’d be a guy to zero in on. NEXT YEAR, bringing in a guy like Wright makes a ton of sense….

by Kurupt on May 14, 2008 11:04 AM EDT up 0 recs

All teams are watching the Bucs and the 6 man battle royale taking place there

I think the losers from that fight will all be snatched up real quick by other teams and that is where the Bills will find their 3rd QB to stash on the PS, or if they feel JP and Trent are to brittle, on the team.

Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....

by WABillsfan on May 13, 2008 4:23 PM EDT 0 recs

Bucs QB's

Who? Other than Josh Johnson I don’t think any would sign to a PS, even if they were eligible. Johnson will probably remain a Buc, even if as a 4th QB, IMO.

by Kurupt on May 13, 2008 4:28 PM EDT up 0 recs

QB's

I still see NO reason to keep a 3rd QB on the active roster. Hamdan, Baker and Drone are all fringe players as it is, so no need to take up a roster spot on one of them when the PS would be just fine.

The only and I mean ONLY way a 3rd QB should be kept is if we don’t have that “emergency 3rd QB” available. Last year, Freddie Jackson “filled” the role for half of last year, which meant he couldn’t play elsewhere during the game due to his emergency QB status (I believe). He only started playing when we signed Hamdan to the active roster because of injury. I’m not sure who would fill that spot this year as Jackson seems entrenched as the #2 RB, rightfully so. I also don’t know if this emergency 3rd QB position even needs to be filled each week, but I’m pretty sure it does, and if not then I believe we keep a 52 man roster. Anybody feel like clarifying this for me????

by Kurupt on May 13, 2008 4:27 PM EDT 0 recs

I think

Teams are allowed to designate one player on their 53 man roster, but inactive for a game, as an emergency QB who you can put into a game, despite technically being inactive, if both of your active QBs get hurt.

by kaisertown on May 13, 2008 5:59 PM EDT up 0 recs

Not quite.

The emergency QB isn’t a “slot” on the 53-man roster; it’s a slot on the eight inactives that must be declared each week. If none is declared, all eight are completely inactive. If the emergency QB comes into the game before the fourth quarter, no other QBs can go back into the game. It doesn’t even have to be specifically a third QB; it could be the second or even fourth (though with four, one or two are probably completely inactive due to injury).

I believe this means last year, when Fred Jackson was the emergency QB, he could have come in and played on special teams any time during the fourth quarter without have to take JP & Trent out of the game. Possibly even at RB, though that’s hard to tell without the exact wording of the rule. So it just lets the team dress one extra player, who probably won’t play, but could if the situation is right.

by Krenn on May 14, 2008 7:13 AM EDT up 0 recs

Thanks

I knew I totally butchered that. I don’t even know why I said anything about a 52 man roster, haha. I knew that was wrong.

I’m just wondering who would be our emergency QB assuming we only keep TE/JP, if necessary. I guess we could just stick with our 45 man active roster with Freddie J as the emergency QB, though not designated as one each week.

by Kurupt on May 14, 2008 11:06 AM EDT up 0 recs

not to...

not to start a JP/Trent Edwards debate, but to throw out a discussion point: Trent has only had one injury free season in his five years in college/pro football. that’s scary. If (and i use if like “when”) trent goes down, i hope to God Dick won’t eff it up.

I was (am) unapologetically a JP supporter. I think that he was plagued by two coaching staffs that did their best to kill a developing QBs confidence.

That said, now that Trent is the QB, TRENT IS THE QB!! As long as Trent doesn’t go down for an extended period of time (like 8 plus weeks) then there is no reason for there to be a controversey. I worry, however, with Dick making the decisions. Last year he kept putting off the decision until he absolutely had to make one. All that did was divide a fan base (and to a smaller extent, a team) and alienate a vetern QB. He played it completely wrong. Had he went back to JP as soon as he was healthy, then he would have had both options on the table, without harming either one of them. This is one (of the many reasons) I don’t like Dick Jauron. This year will be the true test. If JP stays on the roster, recent history says that he will get a chance to play at some point in the season. Dick has to be strong enough to do what he didn’t do last year: throw all of his support behind his starting QB (which I think he will since Trent plays Dick’s style of football, i.e. slow/safe offense. Also it doesn’t hurt that trent is his guy).

Point of this semi-nonstructured rant. How will the Bills coaching staff react if Trent goes down with an injury (like he has in 4 of the 5 previous seasons)?

John I.

by jri111 on May 13, 2008 9:38 PM EDT 0 recs

very true

There were 20 teams last year that had their backup(s) attempt over 100 passes. I would be surprised if Losman doesn’t start a game next season.

by kaisertown on May 13, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

JP's Future

I have given JP the benefit of the doubt from the beginning and I still think he will go on to start for another team eventually. That said, I prefer Edwards and I trust Jauron to stick with his starter – especially considering that his #2 wants out ASAP.

by Optimist on May 14, 2008 12:43 AM EDT up 0 recs

Arm strength

of Edwards is not as great as JP’s—-Question does anyone know if through training if that can be increased? (my guess is no since then all QB would have rifle arms) I have also heard that if we could put Trents head on JP body we would have an ideal QB does this infer that JP is not the sharpert knife in the drawer, again I have not heard it said but infered that he’s not to bright any insite on this from anyone (his seeming inability to read defences and make the proper play). We all know he has the physical tools to play QB in this league. I just really expected a lot from him. One other possibility was the handleing by all the previous coaches screw him up?

Bills Fan in PA

by BILLS on May 14, 2008 9:02 AM EDT 0 recs

I wouldn't say J.P. is dumb

maybe he isn’t as calm, and sometimes doesn’t make the best decisions under pressure. Not being a quick thinker, and not being smart are two different things.

The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.

by sireric on May 14, 2008 9:06 AM EDT up 0 recs

I guess

that is a better explaination of the situation-I was not trying to infer that he is stupid, because listening to him speak there is not indication of that.-BUT your statement of game awareness and pressure causing him to not react properly, I really couldn’t understand in last years Pitt game why he had open recievers and would throw it into the ground or over their head

Bills Fan in PA

by BILLS on May 14, 2008 11:06 AM EDT up 0 recs

JP not dumb

but he is jumpy. He panics out there and makes bad decisions. He’s not a dumb guy though.

by Kurupt on May 14, 2008 11:07 AM EDT up 0 recs

JP v. Trent

I was a JP supporter all season until I became aware what Jauran was trying to build. Dick Jauran is trying to build the Chicago bears/Balt Ravens type team. To do that you need a ball control offense who moves the ball, controls the clock and most importantaly doesn’t make mistakes. JP just doesn’t get it., he has no GAME AWARENESS, he doesnt understand their are times when it is ok to go for it and times when you need to make the smart play and punt and not make that drastic 15 yard sack or TO. I dont know why JP has no Game awareness but I have concluded he has none. However, I still think JP has the ability to put more points up in a hurry if we are down a bunch. I think he will run a better 2 minute drill and I think he will see the field b/c Trent wont make it all 16 games, and I think he will end up being shockily effective when he comes off the bench. Expect their to be a QB debate this season again. I gave Edwards a pass on the critical INT against both the Boys and Ravens (JP would not have gotten that pass). However, Trent wont get a pass this year for those same mistakes.

by Berg79 on May 14, 2008 10:24 AM EDT 0 recs

no controvresy but JP will impress

I don’t think there can be a controversy because JP will never play in Buffalo again, I wouldn’t if I were him. But if Edwards does go down I do expect JP to impress because he knows he’ll be playing not only for a contract but for a potential starting gig on another team. Thing is, I’m just not sure JP has it in him to be spectacular for an extended period. If Trent misses 1 to 3 games I expect JP to really create a stir. But if he’s forced to start for any more than that I expect teams around the league to be reminded of why they would be hesitant to hand him a good contract or the starting reigns. Remember how many times JP has gone on fire only to cool off or visa versa, usually heating up when its barely too late for our playoff push or at the end of a game when victory is just out of sight. To be fair, I don’t think Trent ever caught on fire at all last year but then again that’s not really his thing.

Another 3 rounds of starters in the draft?

by poz on May 14, 2008 11:01 AM EDT up 0 recs

a couple surprising stats

JP has a dynamite arm, everybody knows it and I won’t try to deny it, but the difference between the statistical success of JP and Trent on intermediate and deep routes is probably closer than people think.

Last season Edwards completed 21 passes of over 20 yards, including 4 completions over 40 yards. 7.81% of Edwards’ pass attempts resluted in a gain of 20 or more yards. 1.49% were completions over 40 yards.

Losman completed 12 balls for a gain of over 20 and 2 passes for 40 or more. Thats 6.86% of his attempts leading to a completion over 20 yards and 1.14% gaining 40 or more yards.

2006 is a better example of what Losman can produce, but he still only managed to gain 20+ yards on 8.16% of his pass attempts. He did have an impressive 10 completions of over 40 yards which was 2.33% of his pass attempts.

To gain a broader view here are the percentages of attempted passes completed over 20 and 40 yards for some of the better QBs in the league.
Peyton Manning – 10.29% – 1.75%
Tom Brady – 9.67% – 2.60%
Carson Palmer – 8.87% – 1.39%
Matt Hasselbeck – 8.54% – 1.25%
Drew Brees – 7.21% – 1.23%

That isn’t the group of leaders in the league, guys like Romo, Favre and Roesthlisberger were all over 9%, but I think that is a good sampling of some of the better QBs in the league. Drew Brees has pretty questionable arm strength (plenty worse than Edwards) and he is still a very effective QB despite completing a lot less deep passes than most other top QBs.

And another thing about Edwards, if you remove the snow game in Cleveland and the rainy snowy and very windy game against the Giants, Edwards completed 129 of his 210 passes. I realize that is sort of cherry-picking and Edwards’ poor performance in those games is concerning, but that is a 61.43% completion rate which is very solid for a player in Trent’s position.

I should also point out that there are some things I could nit-pick about the stats. The biggest one is that it groups completions of 20 yards and completions of 39 yards together. There is no way of knowing if most of a QBs 20+ yard completions were 20-25 yards. And there is no way of knowing how many 18 and 19 yard completions just missed being counted.

by kaisertown on May 14, 2008 11:37 AM EDT 0 recs