Originally posted by dj43:Originally posted by Bluefalcon61:I agree with the logic of that but half the QBs starting in the league are no better than Alex Smith. Those sitting in backup roles are worse. I don't think Alex will agree to come back here but if he did, he would likely be better than any FA that would agree to come here. I also see no way to work a trade with Alex since he will be a UFA after this season.
Sign a Vet QB yes.
Quote:That sounds good but as we have just observed with Sam Bradford, you can draft a guy who runs a spread offense and put him with a QUALITY OC and QB coach like Pat Shurmur and he does fine.
Draft a QB - maybe.
If we are going to expend our # 1 (which I expect will be in the top 10 again), his scouting report better read "Accurate passer with a strong enough arm to make all the NFL throws, started 2 (minimum) years in an NFL style offense in a top flight college conference."
A kid doesn't have to come from a pro-style offense to succeed but he ABSOLUTELY MUST have a QB-friendly environment in order to develop. We saw on Sunday how Shurmur almost always had Bradford in short, safe drops with 3 options to throw to. The system was very well thought out in a way that made it easy for Bradford to succeed.
I believe we draft a QB but whoever is coach next year should follow the script Shurmur used with Bradford.
dj, I'll admit I didnt put much thought about which Vet QBs are out there that are a significant improvement and a good fit for us next year. Tho I disagree that 1/2 of starting QBs are no better than Alex Smith. lol. (Actually, Carson Palmer came to the top of my head - provided he's worn out his welcome in Cincy. In the NFC West - he'll do fine!).
As for a college QB coming from an NFL style offense, my thinking there is trying to limit, as much as possible, the margin of error and timeline to get a guy ready as an NFL starter even without a QB friendly coaching staff/philosophy.
God forbid, we retain MS next year, and we may well end up hiring another defensive minded HC who will once again place a low premium on a QB's development and impact on the team.
If we are forced to rely on a rookie QB as our starter next year under the worst case scenario I described above, that is the most feasible option I can see where thekid becomes an immediate starter, and plays effectively enough to help carry the team to the playoffs within the narrowing window of productivity we have left with our core players.