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JasonB wrote:GG obviously didn't play great last year, but if you take the 5 drops per game into account, his percentage completion would be about 10% points higher, which is much better.

I am excited about the fact that if Gilbert struggles, Burcham can step in and play, and is extremely accurate.

If Thompson struggles with drops, Taylor will play.

If Holman struggles, Halverson will play

If Darious struggles, Deion will play

If JJ struggles, Stewart will play.

The depth on the team is going to push people on offense to be more consistent. We are much, much deeper at OL, QB, WR, and RB than we have been in quite some time. Last year, we had noone else to go to at a lot of those positions if people struggled. Now we have the depth to make changes and see who performs on the field.

Depth is very important but if a pass is dropped on 3rd down, you still have to punt regardless of how deep you are.

And if GG struggles, as high as I am on Burcham, other than the A&M game 2 years ago (and there were some extenuating circumstances) when was the last time Jones replaced a QB that was not injured.

I know you get to see the players all the time Jason but I think that is putting you a little too close to the situation. Facts show that Jones does not substitute, and he does not turn over play calling. Until I see these changes I will not believe they will occur.

All that said, I still believe we are a better team than last year and we should show improvement.

mrydel wrote:

JasonB wrote:GG obviously didn't play great last year, but if you take the 5 drops per game into account, his percentage completion would be about 10% points higher, which is much better.

I am excited about the fact that if Gilbert struggles, Burcham can step in and play, and is extremely accurate.

If Thompson struggles with drops, Taylor will play.

If Holman struggles, Halverson will play

If Darious struggles, Deion will play

If JJ struggles, Stewart will play.

The depth on the team is going to push people on offense to be more consistent. We are much, much deeper at OL, QB, WR, and RB than we have been in quite some time. Last year, we had noone else to go to at a lot of those positions if people struggled. Now we have the depth to make changes and see who performs on the field.

Depth is very important but if a pass is dropped on 3rd down, you still have to punt regardless of how deep you are.

And if GG struggles, as high as I am on Burcham, other than the A&M game 2 years ago (and there were some extenuating circumstances) when was the last time Jones replaced a QB that was not injured.

I know you get to see the players all the time Jason but I think that is putting you a little too close to the situation. Facts show that Jones does not substitute, and he does not turn over play calling. Until I see these changes I will not believe they will occur.

All that said, I still believe we are a better team than last year and we should show improvement.

Well said Mrydel.

Absolutely understand the skepticism. But I would argue that in the past, when Jones has had a backup QB he deemed as capable, he has pulled the trigger. Not only the A&M game, but also BLM for Padron. We all know the depth at QB hasn't been spectacular in the past.

And at least if a WR drops a pass now on third down, he might not get the opportunity to drop in on the next third down. Both Phillips and Mumme like to rotate receivers and play faster, so I think the tide will turn on that front.

JasonB wrote:Absolutely understand the skepticism. But I would argue that in the past, when Jones has had a backup QB he deemed as capable, he has pulled the trigger. Not only the A&M game, but also BLM for Padron. We all know the depth at QB hasn't been spectacular in the past.

And at least if a WR drops a pass now on third down, he might not get the opportunity to drop in on the next third down. Both Phillips and Mumme like to rotate receivers and play faster, so I think the tide will turn on that front.

BLM got hurt when Pardon replaced him so JJ did not pull him for performance reasons.

I can only imagine Hal will install some wrinkles and I certainly hope so. They probably dont want to verbalize it yet

Several positives about GG at the end of the season. He was 24-55 in the last two games but one could argue those were against some of our better opponents last year. In those same two games, he rushed for 209 yards on 30 carries (includes sacks). 30 rushing plays over two games is a lot of rushing for a QB. In his last 5 games of the season he didn’t throw an INT. He did have 2 in the bowl game.

So he expanded his game by including the rush, made much better decisions as the INT’s dropped (2 in the last 6 games vs. 14 in the first 7 games). Over the last 6 games he’s completion rate was 56.6%. Below the 60% minimum for this offense but much improved over the first 7 games.

His play will need to improve to be sure. His improvement at the end of the season (gaining confidence, not losing confidence) is a positive going into this season.

And if the receivers catch a few more this year, GG could have a very remarkable year.

Don't forget that Zach Line provided 1,278 yards rushing, caught 33 passes for 229-yards and scored 13 TDs last year and kept some heat off GG. That's good chunk of offense to replace. The Ponies will need Shead to step up right away.

I agree with mrydel that I will believe JJ will pull GG for Burcham when I see it. I also cannot see JJ giving up the reins on calling plays.

If Shead has the speed everyone is bragging about - sure would be nice to have a guy go to the house every now and again like Shawnbrey

he has speed-but not Shawnbrey speed.

I think Shead will have a good year.

Stallion wrote:he has speed-but not Shawnbrey speed.

Darn

Isn't he bigger than Shawnbrey? I remember Shawnbrey being quite a slender RB. I might be wrong but I'm hoping Shea's can bring some other elements to the running game.

He might feel fast when he lowers his shoulder