Say we roll with Darnold

[Sgt Schultz]

My problem last year was we showed no real progress from the year before, and probably took a step backwards.  I don't necessarily think that is across the roster, but it was certainly at OL, QB, and probably WR.

We chose to move players out of position and not look at some of the players we drafted when it was obvious the season was toast.  Even if it wasn't, the guys we apparently thought were in front of them on the depth chart weren't producing (especially on the OL).  That is all coaching.

As for Darnold, unless we can grab somebody late that can take over the #2 spot (and who knows, possibly work into being a contender for the starter, but that is a longer shot), we should roll with him and PJ.  Given the options I see, use our resources to fill other pressing needs is our best bet.

Darnold has spent four NFL seasons in some of the worst environments for a QB one can imagine.  If he is shell-shocked by being constantly under siege, I can get that.  Even the argument the he looks bad or worse when he has time is hurt by that, because the clock in his head that is based on experience and is going off whether the pocket is clean or not.  The 2-ton gorilla in the room is after four years of that, can the effects on him be broken?  Can the mental clock be reset.  At this point, I seriously doubt it.

But, we got ourselves into this mess when we exercised the 5th year.  Almost $19M is not bad for a starting QB, but right now it is probably 3-6 times what he has proven to be worth, based on comparing him to what I see in a QB 2022 earnings sort on Spotrac.

My expectations for 2022 are not high and should not be hard for them to surpass.  Basically, we are in the same place entering 2022 we were entering 2021.  Our roster is probably better on paper, but there are just as many unknowns and gaping holes.  The whole thing could come together, or the rest of the team could come together and look good despite our QB room.  Or we may have a lot more work to do.  The problem is we provided no answers or clues in 2021.

The jury is out, and neither the prosecution nor the defense has any idea what that jury is thinking.

[rippadonn]

DO NOT play him to retain any value he has in trade at some point. No. Draft a rookie. Sam can back him up and maybe you'll get something after people forget, like a 2nd or 3rd rounder.

[iamhubby1]

1 hour ago, Davidson Deac II said:

If he is looking for safe, might want to go with another profession. 

If it is a fear thing, then he is going to have to overcome it.  I doubt he will, but we will see.  But if it's simply a "he makes bad decisions" problem, the greatest oline in history won't be able to help him. 

 

If we take a Tackle at 6, Sam may just have the best line he has ever played behind. Add in Campen, and that line might just be pretty good.

 

Throw in a Healthy CMC, and Royce, and we have the running game a QB needs.

 

Plus we now have an OC that has had success with QBs in the past. And there is a chance Sam can have a solid year.

 

If the D has another solid year, we just may be competitive.

[LinvilleGorge]

You gotta be an Olympic level mental gymnast to try to convince yourself that this crew is gonna be competitive with Sam Darnold. 

[Jon Snow]

7 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

You gotta be an Olympic level mental gymnast to try to convince yourself that this crew is gonna be competitive with Sam Darnold. 

[Icege]

It's really, really hard for me to see the team have any success with Sam as the QB next season. Even with an improved OL and more experienced OC, I just can't see him being a capable starting QB.

 

[LinvilleGorge]

11 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

I don't hate Darnold, he's just not the answer. I don't hate the folks who still try to convince themselves he can be the answer because it's honestly just funny. 

[CRA]

3 minutes ago, Icege said:

It's really, really hard for me to see the team have any success with Sam as the QB next season. Even with an improved OL and more experienced OC, I just can't see him being a capable starting QB.

 

I still don't think Joe Brady was the problem.  the QB and 3 of our WRs all posted career seasons.  Teddy just wouldn't pull the trigger when needed.  Was Brady green? Sure.  But Joe Brady's track record pre Darnold in the NFL and college was impressive until Sam came to town. 

Then Sam Darnold came and did what he does.  I fail to see how McAdoo is going to alter the impact of what Sam Darnold does.  Sam isn't a MVP/Super Bowl QB.   Which is what McAdoo had success with and they were that before he arrived as OC. 

[LinvilleGorge]

15 minutes ago, CRA said:

I still don't think Joe Brady was the problem.  the QB and 3 of our WRs all posted career seasons.  Teddy just wouldn't pull the trigger when needed.  Was Brady green? Sure.  But Joe Brady's track record pre Darnold in the NFL and college was impressive until Sam came to town. 

Then Sam Darnold came and did what he does.  I fail to see how McAdoo is going to alter the impact of what Sam Darnold does.  Sam isn't a MVP/Super Bowl QB.   Which is what McAdoo had success with and they were that before he arrived as OC. 

A lot of people are overlooking these very simple realities.

[iamhubby1]

16 minutes ago, Icege said:

It's really, really hard for me to see the team have any success with Sam as the QB next season. Even with an improved OL and more experienced OC, I just can't see him being a capable starting QB.

 

 

And for the most part, you are probably right. I just refuse to go all mental and scream at e v e r y stinkin thread being made.

 

This is the time of year for optimism. But this place has sucked the life out of it. The phrase "When I was a child, I acted as a child" sure fits this place right now.

 

I would rather suffer the slings and arrows. Than act like these folks. So I will continue to be optimistic for the future, and entertained by the diversity of the Huddle.

[MHS831]

To me, Darnold has this surf nazi mentality and does not seem too determined to fix his issues.  He wants to blame fans for criticizing him--while he cashes the checks their season tickets fund. 

[LinvilleGorge]

1 minute ago, iamhubby1 said:

 

And for the most part, you are probably right. I just refuse to go all mental and scream at e v e r y stinkin thread being made.

 

This is the time of year for optimism. But this place has sucked the life out of it. The phrase "When I was a child, I acted as a child" sure fits this place right now.

 

I would rather suffer the slings and arrows. Than act like these folks. So I will continue to be optimistic for the future, and entertained by the diversity of the Huddle.

Damn. Now that's a stunning lack of self awareness being displayed.

[iamhubby1]

45 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

You gotta be an Olympic level mental gymnast to try to convince yourself that this crew is gonna be competitive with Sam Darnold. 

 

24 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I don't hate Darnold, he's just not the answer. I don't hate the folks who still try to convince themselves he can be the answer because it's honestly just funny. 

 

You truly have no qualms about insulting people do you? 

[LinvilleGorge]

4 minutes ago, iamhubby1 said:

 

 

You truly have no qualms about insulting people do you? 

Dude... do you even read your own posts?