DMN: Phillips starts, Eckert to play more

[Stallion]

as soon as Eckert gets about 5 sacks and he throws a few into double coverage I'm sure that will be the next option. Heck he played 3 last year switching back and forth about 6 times IN ONE SEASON.

[PlanoStang]

McCowan was looking over his shoulders after he personally contributed 8 turnovers in two weeks after an 0-7 start. Big Difference. And No most coaches figure this out 2 weeks into fall drills-this ain't the preseason try-outs. There simply is no such thing as "balance" in playing QBs-one is the starter and one is the backup.

Not true! Both Mac White (better at the run), and Mike Livingston (great passer who later played for Kansas City) saw a lot of playing time during our 66 SWC championship year. White was the starter, and Livingston came in during obvious passing situations like the 2 minute drill, 3rd and 20, and down in the 2nd half by 2 TDs.

[Hoop Fan]

where do some of you guys get this thoery that Phillips can't throw? I got news for you, no one can throw effectively when you can't slow down the blitz. Tech was not only all over our qb, they were covering our recievers like a wet blanket. TCU will be the same way. There were very few open receivers in that Tech game that Phillips didnt hit. Phillips did an outstanding job of getting positive yardage and limiting sacks and turnovers. A lesser qb or a less physical qb would have been a deer in the headlights out there when Tech was bringing it. They were not bringing the rush when Eckert came in. Like I have said before, if Phillips isn't ready then redshirt him and play the jucos. Phillips is far too talented to jack around with. And I gotta say that Phillips playing well is the only chance we have of beating TCU. For all of the pretty throws Eckert might make, there will be 3 times as many plays in the game which will require making something out of nothing in the pocket.

[PlanoStang]

They were bringing the rush. Eckert, a classic drop back passer just is used to stepping up in the pocket to let it go around him. Nobody's saying Chris doesn't have an arm, its just not as accurate as Eckert's. Bennett has said as much in the DMN article this morning, and I've got a feelin what Bennett says goes.

[Hoop Fan]

SMU hasnt shown it can protect a class drop back passer. Bartel was a classic drop back passer too, with no pocket to throw from. The notion that Eckert was stepping up in the pocket just proves it was garbage time in the game. The interior of our Oline routinely has been pushed back on most passing plays for several seasons now. And Phillips steps up and avoids the rush plenty and usually gains signifcant yards scrambling from that point instead of chucking a prayer into good coverage.

[PlanoStang]

SMU hasnt shown it can protect a class drop back passer. Bartel was a classic drop back passer too, with no pocket to throw from. The notion that Eckert was stepping up in the pocket just proves it was garbage time in the game. The interior of our Oline routinely has been pushed back on most passing plays for several seasons now. And Phillips steps up and avoids the rush plenty and usually gains signifcant yards scrambling from that point instead of chucking a prayer into good coverage.

Something tells me you'd like to run the power I, or the wishbone.

Eckert threaded the needle into good coverage which is why he went 6-9 for about 70, and a TD. His record at TJC has shown that's what he does, and he's good at it. If the interior of our Oline routinely is getting pushed back, then they probably aren't going to consistantly open many holes for running yardage either.

Trouble with our O is that it has been one dimensional. Not having a threatening vertical passing attack is why we average 12 points a game.

[FloridaMustang]

I'm afraid Stallion might be right about this particular issue, but I still have confidence that Bennett will eventually choose a starter and stick with him.. and hopefully its the right choice. Stallion, don't you think Rusty Burns has a say in this? I think Eckert surprised the hell out of them on Saturday.. maybe he's not been so efficient in practice. That's not saying much for his consistency, but I guess Bennett's focus is winning the WAC.. why not toy around with personnel during this ooc stretch?

[Hoop Fan]

Something tells me you'd like to run the power I, or the wishbone.

Trouble with our O is that it has been one dimensional. Not having a threatening vertical passing attack is why we average 12 points a game.

Not at all. Not interested in the wish bone one bit. But its a pipe dream to talk about this vertical passing game unless receivers get separation and the oline allows the qb to deliver it. Sorry, I just dont see it. SMU better develop a qb who can throw, run and take a big hit. Phillips is that guy.

[rich_alum]

There is something to be said for not forcing errors and getting first downs which is what Phillips did. By not throwing the ball away and making runs out of nothing we were able to stay in that ball game. If we had anyone else in there we would have lost by thirty.

Again, our receivers are not big targets nor are they exceptionally talented (except maybe Lowery).....they must go find soft spots in the defense and sit down. Rarely did they get open on Sat., which is why Phillips had so many incompletions.....he did the right thing by throwing the ball away.

The last thing we need to do with a team like TCU is to have Eckert force some balls for int's to have TCU's high powered offense on the field.
When plays break down and no one is open, which will happen all the time, better hope that Phillips is in to make a play running the ball.

[Greenwich Pony]

We should keep Phillips as the starter. It's the first game of the season, in a new offense, behind a retooled OL, with a not-to-shabby (if not-too-classy) opponent for a guys who has started six games, and the kid almost willed us into a win. I am not against bringing in the JUCOs as relief- they sound excellent and I am sleeping better at night knowing that we have more than one deep on the depth chart for a change, but let the young man play the game. He's talented, he doesn't seem to make bad decisions or turnovers. Let's give him some confidence and support and I think it will be alright. It will be even better when we get this young man a few wide recievers.

[Greenwich Pony]

Oh, and a tip of the hat to Rich Alum. Nice to see you posting on this board...

[rich_alum]

good to be back....I raise my martini to you.

[PonyTales]

.... I am sleeping better at night knowing that we have more than one deep on the depth chart for a change ....

You and me both!

.... but let the young man play the game. He's talented, he doesn't seem to make bad decisions or turnovers. Let's give him some confidence and support and I think it will be alright. It will be even better when we get this young man a few wide recievers.

He's got all my support. I haven't been this excited about our QBs in years.

[The PonyGrad]

Actuall this is a refreshing debate... who is the better QB? In the past we have heard... that guy is a bum get (fill in the blank) in there.

So far both QBs that have played look like they deserved to be in there.