After two consecutive losses, a handful of Hokie fans are beginning to question Brewers decision making and ability to lead the team to an ACC title. Some of the fans have suggested that redshirt sophomore Brenden Motley be giving a chance to lead the team.
Despite the fact that he is a junior, this is Brewers first year starting for a college team. He needs more time to get comfortable in the offense. He only had one off-season with team. He has made questionable decision under pressure, but he is the first one to admit he should have done better. Offensive line protection has not been great. When he has time to throw the ball, he has been very accurate. As a first time starter of a college program, Michael Brewer needs time to grow within offense and establish better timing with the skill players.
Should Michael Brewer be benched for Brenden Motley?
Should Michael Brewer be benched for Brenden Motley?
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No.
Move him to TE
Wouldn't Leal be first in line?
And also...
Motley? he's third string.
But, no, Brewer is the QB.
No.
"As a first time starter of a college program, Michael Brewer needs time to grow within offense and establish better timing with the skill players."
In comparison, the 2013-14 summary on Brenden Motley, from hokiesports.com: Dressed for all 13 games as a back-up quarterback, but didnt see any game action ... Moved to the top of the depth chart midway through spring practice.
The words "didn't see any game action" stand out. You want to replace a QB who's generally been good and has won two games this season with someone who hasn't played a down of football in a live-game scenario because it's the current starting QB's first season starting for a college team? That's like wanting to replace Iceman with Cougar in the final dogfight in Top Gun...just doesn't make any sense. (Not to mention the fact that Brewer's timing routes are generally excellent. As French points out this morning, it's his check-down decision-making that's currently hurting us.)
Should he be benched? No. But should we see at least one other QB this weekend against Western Michigan? Absolutely! I actually hope that we see time from both Leal and Motley, but I'd be happy if just Leal and Brewer got a half each, as long as we are winning the game.
I fully subscribe to the theory that we should be playing more than just the first team at any point in a game. It's the Bear Bryant school of readiness: the only way any second- or third-string player is going to be ready to play is by getting them experience, regardless of the game situation. Bear was famous for throwing in the second string after a deep punt and telling them to drive the 90-some yards down the field. After all, every single player on the field is one bad hit away from no longer being a first-team starter, and not enough coaches remember to employ that mentality. If Leal had gotten more snaps in true game action last year, maybe we don't shit the bed when Logan goes down against UCLA.
If I remember correctly, Mark Leal did see some playing time against Western Carolina last year. He didnt wow anybody. Leal is a good team player but not a starting QB. With Brenden we dont know what we are getting. The only way to find out is to give him some playing time.
That's a nice idea, but I would argue nearly impossible, certainly in today's college football.
When Bear was coaching,
players were paid much betterer, I mean, there were virtually unlimited scholarships handed out, from numerous sources. So the top programs were LOADED. The second or third string Bama player back then could probably have been a starter nearly anywhere else.The 2014 Virginia Tech football program, however, is not that lucky.
And no, Brewer should not be benched. He beat the guys that had been here, so those two are riding the pine for a reason.
Double legs! (not really) to negate the downlegs (really, people, you cant just downleg for disagreeing with the poster).
I want (nay, need) to see other QBs taking some playing time this weekend. Yes, it is all about Brewer so far this season, but opening up the competition at QB ought to make for improvement from all of our QBs.
Actually, that just says you don't trust your starter and you end up with a LOLUVA-type QB situation. That's how you get your team to implode from a lack of leadership and you limp along to the offseason and stay home for Christmas. Just my 2 cents.
Completely agree with this ^
No, I think what he's trying to say is that we're playing a team that we should shut down well before halftime. We should be able to comfortably start putting backups in during the second half to get some game reps.
That being said, if we were playing someone other than Eas--no, Cent---no, I don't think that's right....screw it, directional Michigan, then I'd be concerned by those comments.
If that's the case, then yes, I'm all for it! Playing time for ALL THE BACKUPS!
Should Brewer be replaced by Motley? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!!! Not by Motley or anyone else.
Should he be benched? Not yet, I don't think. And I don't think we'll think he needs benching after the WMich game, either. But after that, we get four straight rivalry games with UNC, Pitt, Miami, and BC. If he isn't stepping it up with ball security by UNC, I think my opinion will start to shift pretty significantly.
How sweet would it be, though, if we get partway through a competitive game and need a spark, they send Motley in and we run an old school VT option offense.
I'm sure that the coaches know more about the QB position than the fans.
But I'm sure there is another QB on this roster that can manage a 1/1 TD:INT ratio and average 2 picks a game.
That 4th quarter was painful to watch. That screen pass was terrible and the first down throw where he had a receiver underneath and tried to force it into the man over the top was just awful. Just awful decisions.
That being said, get ready for Brewer under center. This is not a Tyrod/Glennon situation. I think he is the best VT has at the moment.
I think every week should be a competition. But, with only so much practice time available, there are a limited number of snaps to go around each week. Leal, by everything I have heard about fall camp, was neck and neck with Brewer. He is the guy. If Motley is the 3, that means that Motley has not received enough snaps in practice to even consider getting a look until he gets a full week with at least normal #2 reps.
If they like Ford and/or Durkin at QB isn't now the time to make a position change for Motley? Wasn't he a really good safety coming out of HS?
Don't forget that Motley might be starting this year if not for an injury this fall.. he had already beat out Leal in the Spring, and it would have been Brewer battling with Motley instead of Leal this fall... I wouldn't give up on him at QB yet, let him battle next Spring, and if is gets passed by younger guys on the depth chart then consider his options
EDIT: not sure why the downvote, I'm not suggesting Motley should start, only that he should be given his chance next Spring to compete for the job.. there's simply no way he has enough reps since his fall injury to compete for the job right now
Based on the rest of the thread, there's a downvote troll lurking so I wouldn't worry about it. For the record (and despite what might be interpreted from my other posts), I agree with your take on Motley. He should get a chance at QB in the spring, but with his lack of practice time this fall I don't see how he would be in a position to step in as the starter this season.
Honestly, Brewer isn't that bad of QB. He is accurate and darn good on third down. But man oh man, these interceptions are brutal. He is the best option we have right now to keep us in and hopefully win games, but as we saw on Saturday he can also lose them too. I also hope we see some of Leal and Motley on Saturday, but unless Brewer really screws up this sometime this season, he is the QB.
Brewer should be the QB. He just needs to STOP with the hero ball. Every good qb knows that sometimes the defense wins, and you just chuck it into the stands for another down. Once he learns this, he'll be much better.
It also would help him if we could have any semblance of a running game
Benched? No. Evaluated for a concussion(s)? Absofuckinglutely.
I agree... he has had some moments. The shot he took when he ran and got the 3rd and long was frightening and he looked like he was rattled a bit. Of course, they also scored a touchdown on that drive, so I am not much of a video doctor.
No. Frank Beamer said there would be some growing pain before we see improvement. Now that weve seen the pains, its a matter of time before we see improvement for the whole team.
Exactly. Two games ago, he is Captain America. This week, he is a bum. The fanbase drives me nuts sometimes. You have to go by what happens in practice and then in games. Benching a guy in game should always be a last result that occurs because it is clear that the guy being benched can't have success and that the backup may be able to have some success. Brewer was having a great game minus about five or six throws, and the last INT was the last possession. Unfortunately, some of the knuckle dragging idiots in my twitter feed believe that accountability is making a kneejerk decision and potentially poisoning any trust you have in your kids by adding the fuel of embarrassment to the fire with a mid-game benching. Fact is, the defense holds on 4th and 15 and we are not having this discussion about Brewer today. And, if the staff is, the solution is to get Leal more reps this week and have him be prepared to possibly play on Sunday, not bring him off the bench to try and steal a win late when he hasn't played a snap all season.
Apparently some folks on Twitter think otherwise. Hence, they are now blocked and I don't have to read their fire everyone bench everyone ARRRRGGHHHH nonsense. I do this because it is fun. I don't need Hokie football to make me miserable (that is what hockey is for.) Everything I saw on the field Saturday was correctable, so I am not upset. My bad mood was directly as result of the ignorant folks who think bashing a bunch of kids and the coaching staff (which is a work in progress, but much better than 2 years ago) is how the program is fixed when all they are doing are acting as a barrier to improvement. The top recruits that don't pick Virginia Tech not only because of the product, but mostly because of the perception that these jackalopes reinforce with their commentary and negativity. Be critical, but be constructive with a clear understanding of context. Short of the Auburn quick fix (cough cough wink wink nod nod), this is going to take time.
Well said French. They said the same thing about Logan Thomas after 4 INTs against Duke and now they are missing him. Fans will always be fans. The coaching staff knows better.
Hear, hear. Well said indeed.
And...if any of you bandwagoneers are mad enough to let some Western Michigan tickets go cheap, let me know. My calendar is now cleared for a trip to Blacksburg for football and a Mike's burger.
If you're interested in a change of pace, try Due South Barbecue in Christiansburg, on Rt. 11, just beyond the turn for Rt. 460. Great pork Q, with your choice of sauces. South Carolina sauce (mustard based), eastern North Carolina sauce (vinegar), western North Carolina (spicy tomato base), & Memphis (sweet tomato base).
Mike's is hard to beat, for nostalgia's sake, but good BBQ is too!
Had Due South BBQ this weekend...its by far one of the best BBQ in the NRV.
I think they're the best in the NRV or the RoVa. One of my guidelines is - You know it is good when you eat it with NO sauce, and it is tender, moist, & flavorful. Then you can add sauce if you wish, but the meat is the base, and their pork is cooked really really well.
That, plus the good news is that they sell it at basketball games in Cassell. I'm not sure if they supply it for the games at Lane or not. I keep meaning to check, but I haven't yet this season.
Awesome! I had no idea they were selling at Cassell. Will have to
keep this in mind. Also, there is a new BBQ in Radford I thought was
very good as well. They are beside of Sal's. Awesome sweet potato
waffle fries.
http://www.hannifansbbq.com/home.html
May have to check it out on the way home. I'm getting my Mike's burger, though. Nothing can stop me.
Nothing.
That place is amazing! I wish I had discovered it earlier.
Thank you so damn much for saying this. I've been shaking my head for two days now after reading some of the asinine comments on FB and the like. Even here I feel we've lost a bit of sanity, but overall TKP is still the shelter from the storm.
I'm looking forward to reading your review at lunch. Thanks for the all the time and effort you put in to help people like me better understand the game and what specifically went right/wrong. If I ever meet you I'll buy you a pie.
Well said!!
I'd turkey leg this post over and over if I could. After last week's loss to ECU, there was no way in hell I was going to play the social media game after the loss to GT. I was so determined to avoid social media after the game, I went to lowes and bought as many as I could find maroon and burnt orange mums to decorate the front of my house. Why? Because I love the Hokies, win or lose, and I do believe in this team. We have a young team that is going to make mistakes, period. IMO, if you're going to make them, now is the time to do it. We really do have a lot to look forward to with this team as they mature and get better, and they will. Patience is key...
ETA: To answer the original question - Not just no, but HELL NO!
YES!Football is a complex sport and there are a lot of working parts that go unnoticed. Blame can be placed on a lot of people.
For instance:
If Isiah Ford hadn't juked himself out of a 1st down then Brewer wouldn't have thrown a pick 6 several plays later.
Like French said, there are plenty of things that can be worked on in practice. The fan base must have patience.
This picture will always get an open vote from me..
French's new theme song:
This is still my wrestling video regarding my TKP observations:
1) Right about benching Thomas for Leal
2) Right about Edmunds as the best back on the roster last year
3) Right about Facyson last season
4) Right about right about Cam Phillips, Isaiah Ford, Shai McKenzie, and Marshawn Williams before they enrolled
5) Right about Corey Marshall at DT
6) Right about Peyton Manning Playoff Meltdowns- Joe can attest to me calling my shot like Babe Ruth.
I just need RVD and Teller to start moving and a shaking and I can really start gloating.
Tell 'em, French.
7) Right about pie
Correctomundo!
Love this so much...I love watching football but I don't for one second think I could make better decisions than Coach Beamer. I think Madden and NCAA games have empowered fans to think they can coach when in reality they pick out over simplified images ("plays") and the team executes as well as the person presses buttons. Imagine the college football landscape if that was all it took! Don't get me wrong I played those games and enjoyed them. But leave them in the context they belong.
That being said when LT was getting all the hate I would get tired of all the people calling for Leal. Two weeks ago everyone loved Brewer now they want motley, or leal? I just have to laugh because LT never lost to GT or ECU but people wanted him out, now he is looked upon as a great rookie in the NFL. But the bottom line that I want this fan base to realize is that being a Hokie means being a part of the family. The football team are part of that family. One person doesn't win and lose a game and we shouldn't be tearing players down. Mike Glennon (for better or for worse) did not attend VT because of the way fans treated his brother. That to me, regardless of the player, is classless and opened my eyes more to sportsmanship. This franchise needs to support wholeheartedly and stop questioning and tearing the team apart with scrutiny after every loss. /rant
I love my hokies and I love the respect we, as a fan base, have earned across the nation. It is time to stop this trend...
Seans treatment may have had something to do with it but I remember Sean saying Tyrod had something to do with it as well. And to be fair didn't we boo Mike when they put him in after we rattled Russell Wilson?
Russell Wilson got benched for Mike Glennon? Completely forgot about that then
I totally agree with your point of treatment towards our Hokie family and Hokies Respect means so much more than just a logo slapped on the scoreboard and t-shirts. That is unfortunate for Mike Glennon and I am even guilty for mean treatment toward Sean verbally speaking (my guess is most Hokies were as well, not that that makes it right). With that said though, no one is treating Brewer poorly to what I have heard. Second-guessing, yes. But being disrespectful towards the guy, probably not. We are simply contemplating a possible scenario here with the guys behind Brewer. However, I definitely think Hokie Nation should stand up and support our guy, because that's exactly what he is: our guy.
Well most fans aren't going to be as rational as you they are going to be more reactionary. Nor are they going to watch hours of film tape, they are just gonna watch the game live on TV or in the stands and form a quick opinion. Nor are they going to write out well thought out posts like yours, they are just gonna FB bomb and tweet out gut reactions.
It just is what it is, most people have much lower attention spans and less football knowledge than rock stars football gurus such as yourself. Us average football observers are a little more ADD when it comes to our involveme.... HEY!!! LET'S GO RIDE BIKES AND BENCH BREWER!!!
Little known fact ... while the INTs didnt help. The game tying touchdown was scored after the defense failed to hold on a 4th and 15!!!!!!! with just over 2min left. We would have simply run out the game. But no we were forced to drive again to get into field goal range. Was it a bad INT ... yes. Was it a horrible defensive performance to close the game ... yes!
Though the offense fell on the sword, defensive stats mean nothing if you cannot make stops in the fourth when you have the lead.
To beat it all that 4th and 15 was against a rushing team that probably only passes it about 4 times per game. Honestly I thought it was embarrassing that the defense let them pass for 17 yds in that spot. The QB is the lightening rod of the team where they get all the blame for the bad and all the glory for the good.
Any one notice this happened IMMEDIATELY after they played Enter Sandman in the 4th qtr? Bad omen. We need to reserve that for when we really have things in the bag. I understand it was to get the fan base pumped for ... a Key Play! But man it was quiet after that catch.....
The jokes are real.
The downvote troll needs to stop. None of the posts to this point with downvotes merit them. We're talking opinions here, people. Upvoted every one of you.
In response to the OP, the answer is no. Like French has said, every one of these mistakes is correctable. Brewer bounces back after mistakes. Unless the guy gets a serious case of the yips and the coaches feel that Leal (not Motley, Leal is the #2) can clearly do better, we stick with Brewer.
It has begun!!!
No.
Yeah, I can't believe this has started already.
I believe we already have a weekly end of the world forum this could have been posted on?
No.
Still getting to know the team.
I think he's worried about his protection and is rushing into some decisions.
He only carried this team to its greatest on the road win in history, yes absolutely bench him. /sarc
My only real concern with Brewer is did he suffer some sort of concussion a few weeks back, with all those blows taken to the head?
He's the offense's best chance to win the game, and the coaches obviously used their professional experience and judgment in making him QB1. He also has shown to have the leadership and mentality you want in your starting QB. That's good enough for me. I was not expecting this team to win 15-games this year, but our remaining schedule is very much winnable if we play our cards right.
Here's my thing. That anOSU was one for the ages. What a great time, one of the best nights I've had watching this team in a decade and a half. It was awesome, one of those things you'll remember forever. Brewer's performance was incredible and much deserving of all the praise he received for it...
But I don't necessarily think that means he's simply bequeathed the job for the rest of his career. He absolutely needs to take better care of the football. It should be his #1 job. We know what he can do, both good and bad. He's going to need to limit the bad more.
He shouldn't be benched now, but if he can't limit the multiple turnover performances it shouldn't be out of the question.
Brewer was throwing up on the sideline after the first big shot he took vs ECU. The kid is not 100% right now and it is showing. Should he be benched? No. But if the kid is really struggling with post-concussive symptoms someone needs to step in and save him from himself. There are bigger things than football and I'd hate to see this kids noodle get scrambled because no one sat him when/if they should have.
I 100% agree with French...everything was all happy go lucky this Spring/Fall and now (after only 4 games, one of which was the program's best showing in YEARS) we have people grabbing the pitchforks and lighting the torches. Be real fans, people!
Why is no one talking about the fact that Brewer is constantly being put in 3rd and long positions and CONVERTING them at an astounding rate?
Agree, plus I seem to remember at the beginning of the season everyone had, I guess, reasonable expectations for the season as this was supposed to be a rebuilding year with a lot of new faces. We were all about 2015 being our year. I think the Ohio win gave us hope that this team, this year, would be going all the way. That, unfortunately and regrettably, will not be the case.
The good part for me this year is that I have never felt during any game that we were out of it. And that has made me feel good about this team. Maybe next year when everyone has more experience under their belt we will go all the way, but regardless, I will still watch every game I can and be proud to support them.
Brewer is the only QB we have had in years that can make plays and throw it on time. A lot of his completions come on passes thrown before the receivers come out of their break. Have we ever had a QB that could anticipate and make accurate throws?
I was as pissed as anyone after those awful INTs this week, and Brewer's decision making is clearly his weakness and needs to be improved, but there is absolutely no chance we beat OSU and have a chance against ECU with anyone else under center.
Have we ever had a QB that could anticipate and make accurate throws?
Mike Vick .Tyrod Taylor. Logan Thomas in 2011. Vt has had its share of accurate QBs.
Logan benefited his first season from having the two best WRs in Hokie football history playing with him in their senior seasons. Tyrod's accuracy in his junior/senior seasons was markedly superior to his accuracy in his frosh/soph seasons. Michael was... just Michael.
As Sean Connery said - There can only be one.
Hell, Marcus Vick was a world-class shithead off the field, but his name belongs on that list too.
Sadly, he has the highest career completion percentage at 59.8% too. Edging out Glennon at 58.8%. Brewer currently sits at 64.6% but is on pace to break the int record.
Throwing to guys who are already open is not the same thing, and I know Brewer has had a lot of open throws too (thanks Loeffler).
Tyrod (57.2% completion in career) was close at times but would spend most of the game holding on to the ball and not throwing on time.
Vick (56% completion in career) was just the best athlete on the field by far and had a cannon.
2011 LT (55.6% completion in career, 59.8% in 2011. He also had 4 tackles in 2011???) is hard for me to remember after seeing the accuracy issues in 12-13. Thomas may have had the most QB potential as anyone, but just got a late start at the position.
I'm not saying I don't love those guys. Tyrod (3rd and 31, "Tyrod did it Mikey!!!") was as fun to watch play as anyone since Vick, and LT showed flashes of a star NFL QB and a lot of toughness.
We've had guys that were pretty accurate, but not many that threw it accurately on time. It's still only 4 games into Brewer's career. I just believe he has a lot of potential if he'll quit throwing to the wrong team.
Not for now, but I don't think his leash should be that long. Starting Jobs on football teams should be earned and repeatedly earned every week. I think it was Joe on here, but it might have been someone else - mused to the effect of: if the QB competition was as close as the coaches were saying it was...you'd have to think that Brewer got the edge for his poise and his ability to take care of the football. If he stops being able to take care of the football, does he still have an edge on the job?
Now that said, it feels like half of our problems on offense are due to consistency and rhythm issues, with all the illegal sub penalties and such, so yanking your starting QB too quickly won't help with that at all.
French said all the mistakes were correctable. He should get a couple of games to try and correct them, if he can't then he needs to sit down. If the competition was as close as they say...You just can't throw three picks and be the Hokies Starting QB. He needs to figure out how to take care of the ball or we need to find someone who can.
Bucky Should start at QB
Osterloh at TE!
Haha. He was my resident last year. Nice guy.
I'm over them...
Over Macho Grande?
Please stop.
No
Is the answer on offense as simple as slowing down the process while using the same personnel? Since the beginning of the year, we have been running no huddle which is dependent on making good decisions and doing so quickly. Maybe by huddling and slowing things down a bit, it will allow us to gather ourselves a bit more and cut down on the mental mistakes this team continues to make across the board. Add in keeping the same personnel on the field for the drive and maybe we can create some consistency.
do we have a TE that can play QB? heheheh...no Brewer should not be benched just yet and no I don't miss Logan Thomas. LT's interceptions were almost always overthrowing the ball. Brewer is under-throwing and sometimes just not throwing it away. I think some of it is just him being new to Loeffler's offense. Loefller also makes some weird play-calling especially when we have momentum, all of a sudden some slow developing running play with JC Coleman or that WR screen which we don't need at that point. Missing Stinesspring!!!!!!
No
But its not as automatic a no as it was 2 weeks ago.
Brewer is the guy, ride him as long as you can. But if he keeps making these horrendous decisions and giving the ball to the other team and legitimately throwing games away, we might not have a choice but to see what the other guys have. You can't have a QB making the throws that Brewer has made and continue to stay the course. If he keeps this up, its in our best interests to go in another direction. And lets be honest, Brewer was lucky he didn't have 5 INTs against GT, with another pick-6 tacked on. He's forcing the ball into some bad, bad spots right now.
No way. The backup QB (in this case, the thrid string QB) is always the most popular player on the team. A lot of people were calling for the bench for LT last year and when we were forced to put Leal in the bowl game, well, we all know what happened.
Straight from the horses mouth...Loeffler added that both guys are going to be needed during the season. Washington Post, Aug. 23
Did he think wear and tear would create the need for both QBs during the season? Performance? What???
It has to be wear and tear. I think he said something about not having a 6'6" 240lb QB this season.
H to the NO..... game should have been over before the last turnover. Lets clean up the penalties and go FASTER!!!! Thats what Mike has been bred for. We look good the faster we go...... give me a back that catches out of the backfield and lets GO!!!!! Quick game. Oline is required to hold as long. Let them get their legs!!!! Grow up a tad bit more. We are doing enough to win. The penalties are killing us far more than the turn overs. Give me a syringe and lets inject these boys with some nasty!!!! We should have the eye of assassins..... Lets put some HOKIE poop on the rest of the teams we play!!!!!
Now I have to admit that I am not up to date on all the nuances and rules of the game but I am pretty sure only WVU is allowed to throw poop on opposing players?
Correct...Its a West Virginia state law...Poop throwing is not only allowed, its ENCOURAGED!
I have a better question. Should this thread exist?
It has stimulated some well thought out replies and a quality French post.
Yes, it should exist. It has shown its worth on here.
Not every thread on TKP needs to be rose-colored whimsical reminisces about the greatness of VT sports. Legitimate complaints and criticisms have their place, too.
But was there really any legitimate reason/discussion in the OP why Motley would start over Brewer (even ignoring the fact that he's 3rd string and Leal is the backup)? The OP stated...
True, Michael Brewer was a first time starter against W&M. You know who else would be at this point? Brenden Motley. Motley, who missed fall practice with an injury, would have established timing with the WRs, such as Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillips who weren't on campus until the fall? It only takes a second to think about that and realize it doesn't make sense.
In summary, Motley should start over Brewer even though he would literally be starting his first game (Brewer has started 4 now) and has no way of having established timing with 2 of the top 3 WRs. I don't think it's outlandish to say if a thread is created to bring up the question of starting Motley, it would probably help to support the post using some semblance of reasonable thought.
It is a legitimate question. During the spring, Motley beat out Mark Leal for the starting QB position. There is no doubt that Motley would have been in the conversation as a starter if he was fully healthy. Replacing your starting QB is not as farfetched as you think. I was watching a thrilling game between FSU and Clemson over the weekend, and Dado Swinney did not hesitate to bench his starter for a redshirt freshman after some mistakes. Nobody is saying Brewer should be replaced, but it is a topic worth debating among Hokie fans.
One problem with that example. He replaced him with a high 4* quarterback and the #1 DT QB in 2014 whereas Stoudt was a serviceable backup while Boyd was there. To put it into perspective, they were in a very similar place to where we were at the end of last season. They lost their star QB but had some talent coming in. The backup was nowhere near where the last QB was, just they gambled with him instead. The difference is that they also had Swag Kelly who got kicked off the team over the Summer too. I believe Kelly would have been the QB had he not been kicked off and Watson would enjoy a redshirt year learning the system.
The point is: just because a coaching staff named a starting QB doesnt mean the evaluation process is over. Ongoing-healthy competition is good for the team. Starting QBs get benched all the time if they are having a bad game. Brewer is the best option right now, but if hes throwing INTs non-stop, the staff should look at other options for the rest of the game or the season.
I understand and I agree that this year especially should be an ongoing competition every week. Just had to point out the similarities and yet drastic differences between our situation and Clemson's.
Read my post and you'll see I never said the question wasn't legitimately, but none of the reasons listed in the OP for benching Brewer for Motley are.
Starting experience? Brewer has started 4. Motley has never taken a snap at the FBS level.
Established timing with WRs? Brewer has been excellent on timing patterns and both Ford and Phillips have quickly developed into the best receiving threats we've had in years. Motley was injured in the fall so he never even practiced with the players who are now the starting WRs.
Time to grow within the offense: Frankly, I fail to see how benching Brewer is provide this or what advantage Motley would have in this arena.
My whole point was that if we're going to pose the question, shouldn't we point to something tangible instead of blindly hoping the grass is greener (like those calling for Leal to start over LT3 last year)? Maybe we can look back to the spring game and see that Motley has the arm strength to complete some of the passes Brewer has struggled with or that he's a running threat that could inject life to our struggling running game. I think those are questions that are more worthwhile to discuss and perhaps breakdown. Honestly I can't recall hearing much about Motley this fall and am not even sure if he's 100% healthy since he's still 3rd string. In my opinion, that's a better place to start before we're asking if he should start over Brewer (something that would never have been considered all of 2 weeks ago).
The reason for not jumping Motley over Leal is Leal was excellent (from all accounts, just as good as Brewer) in fall camp. That set the rotation for getting snaps in practice. It is probably broken out with Brewer getting 60% plus of the reps, Leal 35%, and Motley 5%. Hence, Leal has gameplan reps that Motley doesn't right now.
Now, if Motley is practicing really well, or Leal's attention to detail or practice quality decreases, the staff can revisit how they distribute practice snaps. If Motley gets enough practice work, then he becomes an option. But no QB can really be well prepared to start getting 3rd team reps. And, by all accounts Leal has not fallen backwards to justify a switch in the pecking order.
Yes, it has stimulated some good replies. However, I don't think at this point we look at a kid with no in game experience to take over as starting QB. That being said, I would love if we just completely roll over WM and Brewer sits at halftime at the latest. Then get whoever the coaches believe is number 2 half a game worth of snaps. I'm not ready to give up on Brewer yet. I will also admit that this could possibly be a very valid question down the road. All I'm getting at is I do not believe it is even worth bringing up quite this early.
Made me think of the Jeff Goldblum line in Jurassic Park: "Yeah, yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should."
CHAOS THEORY!
" Frank Beamer says QB Michael Brewer played "probably his best football game since he's been here, but the 3 mistakes hurt deeply." #Hokies
All I can think about when I saw this thread:
HELL NO!!!!!!!
No.
In other news, Mike London is still employed by LOLUVA, which will always be a good thing.
WE ARE OK....... DONT THROW THE BABY OUT WITH THE BATH WATER..... WE ARE YOUNG AND WILL MATURE...... PLEASE STEP BACK FROM THE LEDGE.... Dont jump!!!!! Better days are ahead!!!!
Great to see that you are back around!
Just no. Brewer has been one of the most accurate passers I ever remember Tech having. Even with the 3 INT's on Saturday, he was well above the national average for accuracy. Clean up his mistakes a little more and just not force it as much as he did on a couple plays. The loss on Saturday was not his fault alone, the 12 penalties were a huge factor in that loss and those reflect on all the players and the coaches.
As Big Willy said, the football team needs to be more picky during practice and pay attention to the little things.
I could stand up and applaud this ^
Some QB Stats from last weekend:
Michael Brewer 28-39 (72%) 297 yds 3 ints
Matthew Stafford 22-34 (65%) 246 yds 2 ints
Peyton Manning 31-49 (63%) 303 yds 2 TDs, 1 int,
Joe Flacco 19-31 (61%) 217 yds 1 TD, 1 int
Michael Brewer will be alright if he limits the INTs. Some INTs are pick 6 or that put defense in bad position and lead to loses.
Plus Brewer had a rusing TD. Sort of.
To be fair, Peyton probably would've been able to put up better numbers if he was throwing against GT's defense. Provided of course that it wasn't a playoff game.
Brewer is the guy! This kid from Texas came here and was not given the starting job, he earned it, fair and square. Take away the INT's and his numbers are awesome! He just needs to make a few better decisions and not force the play when he does not see it. He also needs a little better protection from the offensive line....and let me tell you this kid has heart! He has taken a few brutal hits and he keeps on getting up. He will be fine and this team, as young as it is will be fine. I truly believe that Brewer will lead this team into the ACC Championship game this year. GO HOKIES!
LEGS
French, did you just support-meme yourself? This is the equivalent of liking your own post on Facebook. Facebook Moms applaud you!
Because I don't think the collective fan base can see this enough
Louis CK always gets a leg
No. But the back-up should get at least a half in the game this week. Need to keep him ready in case of an injury and Brewer needs a little rest.
Several players need rest across the board, hoping VT gets out to a big enough lead early to allow that to happen
I am just hoping we pitch a shutout to continue the streak. We have never let this team score on us.
I've stayed away from TKP for a few days because my neck can't take the g-forces from the whiplash style reactions that come from being 2-0 to going to 2-2. Most of what we're seeing is the result of playing a lot of youth. It's never as bad as it seems and it's never as good as it looks, folks.
Leg.
This is basically the equivalent of post win/loss coach speak, "Never get too high after a win or too low after a loss...it's a LONG season."
No.
I think every time MB drives the team down the field for a score he should be allowed to sit on the bench while the defense plays..
Absolutely not. Brewer reminds me a lot of Brian Randall and the same stage of their career. Forget the running and I don't mean in skills, because I think Brewer is far better thrower of the football. I mean in their approach and how they react under pressure. Randall made some really good plays early in his career and then would turn around and make a boneheaded interception. It wasn't until after the WVU game in 2004, where he threw that pick six inside our own 40 where something seemed to click. Both are grinders and tough as nails. We need that right now; we need to get back to the Hokies teams that would punish you win or lose.
Some stats to consider, which definitely make me believe in Brewer:
- Brewer has already exceeded 1000-yards in the air (officially 1045yds) in just his first 4 games as VT's New QB; I can't remember the last time someone did that for us in their first year starting for VT
- His current seasonal completion rate is on-track to be VT's all-time best, at 64.6%
- He is currently averaging 261.3 yds/game; I could see that average being 300yds+/game later on in the season
http://www.hokiesports.com/football/stats/2014/?season
http://www.hokiesports.com/football/records/passing.html
The only way I would support Brewer being benched is if he has a concussion, which is a very real possibility. If all things are equal, meaning he's fine, don't bench him.
Benched NO, let BM have playing time YES. Why BM and not ML? BM brings a real running threat to the game. I also believe after last years bowl game having another QB comfortable and ready to play is a plus. Neither BM or ML have real playing exp and if MB gets hurt we will be in trouble. Just my two cents and for the record I'm a big fan of MB!!
Thought about this for a few days... and while I was never in favor of benching Brewer, we have an OC that is supposed to be a QB guru type guy, helping put several guys in the NFL. Let's let him have a chance to work with Brewer before we start calling for his back-up. We all saw the bowl game, and Leal didn't really impress in any open scrimmage or practice, Motley missed most of fall practice and likely isn't getting enough reps to even consider him for a starting role. It's Brewers job as long as he is healthy enough to play, let's see what Lefty can do with him
I agree with most of what you said and I look forward to see how good Brewer will be after a season under his belt. But I still believe we need to have another QB with playing exp ready to go. BM looked pretty good this spring and he brings the running threat into play. Plus why should we waste a scholarship on a guy standing on the sideline. If he has skills lets use them. At the end of the day its Brewers job and I do believe he's the man for the job but you cannot put all your eggs in one basket. What if you drop the basket and the eggs break? Would it not be a good idea to have another basket ready?
Maybe we should stop playing with eggs?
Then I'll be lonely.
I agree with having a back-up available, the problem for Motley is that he's not the back-up, Leal is.. Motley dropped to 3rd string during fall camp when he was hurt. The coaching staff had to do what they could do make sure there was a healthy #2 QB ready, and that person is Leal, mainly because of Motleys injury... and with all the work the staff has to do at the QB position, you simply can't have every QB on the roster get a lot of snaps, so it's highly unlikely that a 3rd stringer, coming off of injury and missing fall camp, has enough reps to come in and run much of the offense
But for the record, I was pulling for Motley over Leal in the Spring, and a lot of that was the mobility he brings to the position.. Motley can always battle for the job next Spring, where I'd assume he'll start out as the #2 QB
Point taken. It would be hard to bring Motley up to speed; I guess it was wishful thinking. Next spring will be a crowded competition and I'm excited to see how it shakes out.
I know it's been said but I'm going to say it again. This is the best VT site/Blog!!
AHEM... *coughs* no. Michael Brewer may have made some bad plays the last two weeks, but the thing is, our defense is giving up plays that we shouldn't be giving up, and sometimes, his interceptions or mistakes aren't exactly his fault. Yes, we COULD blame him for offensive woes during bad offensive stretches, but during the ECU game, he brought us back to a point where we could have gone to OT with them (whether we should have been there in the first place is another story), and the Georgia Tech game was just really unfortunate. I don't think we can pin all the problems of this team on the quarterback, especially since the offensive line play is spotty at best. If, and only if, it gets to the point where he is actually making more bad plays than good plays, we can consider it, but from my perspective, he is giving this team the best chance to WIN over any other quarterback. On his rushing touchdown, he showed something I (and most of HokieNation) haven't seen since Tyrod Taylor. He just has an aura about him that makes him special. But if you want to put his head at the gallows now, and throw off the chemistry of this team only one-fourth of the way through a very young season, be my guest. Just my 2 cents. And not to say that I'm saying Brewer should be a Heisman winner: he doesn't need to play like that for out team to win, but I'm just saying that he is doing more than enough most games to put us in a position to win, and that's what separates Michael Brewer from the other QB's on this roster at this moment.
Exactly; football at the end of the day, is a team sport. Blaming the QB alone for wins or defeats is ridiculous.
This is the, for a less of better verbiage, crappy thing about being a VT student. Half of them are not "football literate," and wouldn't know the difference if the rest of our team sucked and QB was great or vice versa. It's a sad life
ive met a lot of students from different colleges and Hokie fans seem to be very literate about their team. But sometimes passion takes over when team failed to meet expectations.
Yeah, some of them are very well versed, but all the ones I sit around, at least, are fairly emotional when it comes to this. That's why I said half, not all. BUT, at least we aren't UVA students
At this point, I'd just rather see one guy get the reps. Everyone giving Brewer a pass is saying "he doesn't have enough reps with the team" or something along those lines. If a directional Michigan team isn't the best day to get reps, I don't know when else would be. I mean seriously, what do we have to lose? Earlier in the week I said that if Brewer doesn't light it up this week, we should look elsewhere. I am starting to retract that thought and stick with our guy. Is that not the Beamer way? Motley is the future, but the here and now still rightfully belongs to Mr. Michael Brewer and for good reason. Not to mention like so many others have already stated, Motley is third-string so just dodging Leal would have many people's heads turning. Even if it's 63-0, Hokies on Saturday, I'd still rather see Brewer play the entire game. He needs not only the reps, but the assurance that he was chosen the starter for a reason... a very good reason at that.
Reps are important, but after the beating that Brewer has taken in the first few weeks, if we're up a few scores, pull the kid so he doesn't get clocked or hurt himself doing something else. I know WMU doesn't look like they've got a great pass rush, but don't risk it if you don't need him to win the game. If we're up 63-0 (don't think that's likely but I'll go with it), there is zero reason to have Brewer in the game, because obviously he's in sync enough to score that many TDs.
On Monday asks is Brewer should be benched for a guy who has never taken a collegiate snap and was injured for all of the summer drills.
On Friday, asks if the coaching staff is setting Brewer up for failure by asking him to do too much (because throwing the ball is asking a lot).
Believe it or not, TKP members are not the only fans asking those questions. There is no agenda. Just having thoughtful discussion about the Virginia Tech Hokies and hoping to learn along the way.
Next week, "Would it be classy of the Virginia Tech staff to bench Michael Brewer for Brenden Motley?" I kid, I kid.