The Week of Quarterback Changes

The timing was right for Miami to move in the direction of rookie John Beck at quarterback.  Cam Cameron has gradually increased his repetitions in practice over the past few weeks since Trent Green was sidelined.  Beck brings more maturity to the field than most rookie quarterbacks and possesses exceptional natural instincts.  His intangibles stand out the most.  He’s always been a natural leader who has a passion for the game.   The only question surrounding Beck is his below average physical tools and how they will translate to regular season football.  Beck will need to have good players around him if he’s to succeed as a long-term starter. 

As for Cleo Lemon – despite not winning a game nor making many plays – proved to be at the very least a capable backup type.  He was placed in a bad situation the last several weeks, but didn’t crumble.  Lemon possesses adequate physical skills and generally knows where to go with the ball.  He just lacks the “it” factor that allows winning quarterbacks to make plays to lift his team. 

Let’s put aside the poor communication skills displayed by Bob Petrino in regards to the quarterback situation in Atlanta.  I understand why Petrino wants to insert Byron Leftwich in the starting lineup once he’s pronounced healthy again.  Joey Harrington has played well the past couple weeks, but I believe we know who he is.  Harrington has flashed at times in the past, but his poor pocket presence and subpar field vision limit his consistency.  Petrino doesn’t see any future with Harrington.  Meanwhile, he would like to have a fair look at Leftwich.  Leftwich has flaws including his durability problems and limited feel for the short-passing game.  But he’s intelligent and proven.  He can push the ball downfield.  Leftwich has enough ability and track record to become a stop-gap in Atlanta while they identify and develop a long-term answer at the quarterback position.

Should Alex Smith sit out the balance of the season and does he remain the future in San Francisco?   I believe the right decision was made to sit Smith.  And that should remain the decision for the rest of the season.  Smith can’t physically perform effectively at this stage – especially behind a porous offensive line. 

Should Smith remain in the 49ers’ plans for next season?  Yes.  He needs another year to prove himself – especially after all the controversy surrounding the offensive side of the ball right now.  But the 49ers need to upgrade the backup situation.  They need a new veteran backup.  Trent Dilfer looks finished physically unless he proves otherwise down the stretch.  And its probably wise to consider a mid-round pick on a quarterback next spring as long-term insurance for Smith.

In talking about all these quarterback situations – I wonder how rookie Brady Quinn feels in Cleveland.   Holdouts can be costly – especially at the quarterback position. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered two underrated losses this week when they placed tight end Jerame Tuman and free safety Ryan Clark on injured reserve.  Rookie Matt Spaeth took a lot of snaps away from Tuman this season, but Tuman’s experience and blocking ability – especially in tight situations was valuable.  At free safety, Anthony Smith takes over for Clark.  Smith brings more explosiveness and physical skills to the secondary.  But Clark’s instincts and consistency will be missed. 

Rookie Marshawn Lynch likely will sit out for the Bills this week, but keep an eye on another rookie runner for Buffalo this week.  Dwayne Wright doesn’t have exceptional power or run skills to become a dynamic runner in this league, but he’s a tough inside runner who does move well for his size and catches the ball well out of the backfield.  Wright doesn’t have the big-play burst f Lynch, but could move the chains effectively. 

Dwight Freeney will be missed by the Colts, but the Colts have underrated depth along the defensive line.  Most of the attention was given to the signing of Simeon Rice this week, but keep an eye on Josh Thomas.  Thomas has been a solid backup.  He is steady against the run and generates respectable pressure on the quarterback.  He’ll play mostly on run downs with Rice working in the mix on third down. 

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