Michael Brewer is a tough QB, but the past few games he hasnt been playing well. Hes been missing open receivers and throwing the ball to the opposing teams. Coach Beamer has been loyal to him until the Thursday night debacle when Beamer said "we are going to look at the QB situation. I think everything is on the table right now. Were going to look at a lot of things". After watching the game last night, I doubt that Brewer is still the best option at QB right now.
Is there a QB controversy in Blacksburg?
Forums:
DISCLAIMER: Forum topics may not have been written or edited by The Key Play staff.
Comments
To have a controversy you have to have a coaching staff willing to make a change.
We do not have that at Virginia Tech
A few years ago, I would have agreed with you. But Beamer finally moved on from Steiney and shook up the coaching staff. Brewer is a first year starter that transfered, so its not like its a recruit that the program feels any loyalty to. I'd be willing to bet that they have at least a discussion on the matter.
And I know Miami didn't just want to roll over and give Leal that TD. His throws were on target, timely, and he looked confident back there. Much improved from the last time against UCLA. Even if he doesn't supplant Brewer, good for Mark to show strong character in working hard and staying prepared.
VT was still playing it's first string on Leals drive, it appeared Miami was on it's 2nd string.. the WRs were getting open, and VT had more time to throw which makes a big difference. Brewer and Leal had basically the same completion % in last nights game, so I'm not really sure Leal did anything last night to win a starting job
Question for those who were at the game: Were our WR's even getting open downfield in the first half? I couldn't tell watching on TV.
It seems to me like to scouting report on us is we can't run, so just focus on covering up the downfield receivers and challenge Brewer to beat you with short passes until we self-destruct.
Edit: Illegal procedure, HokieJim, using Reply To on the wrong post, 5 yard penalty and HokieJim has been benched for the remainder of the half.
Have we moved on from Stiney?
Yes, I know we shook up the staff, and I know Stiney was demoted, and I know we have a new guy calling plays right now, but the playcalling we're seeing right now is very, very reminiscent of what we saw in 2012, getting to the point where it might as well be a clone. This is after showing a completely different offense to open up the year, one that was pass-heavy that, while we didn't necessarily dominate TOP, we were at least gaining >300 yards a game.
So I ask... have we moved on? For a couple games this year, it appears we did, but now? I don't see where the difference is in our playcalling from 2012 to now. Which is concerning when you have brand new coaches all over the staff except for 3 guys... Frank, Shane, and Stiney.
Frank only changed his offensive coaching staff because he was forced to do so. Leal played against the 2nd string Miami defense while they were in 'prevent D' mode at the end of a blowout game.
All I'm saying is that 5 years ago Stiney was not going anywere, even when Bud's D was still tops in the country. Frank at least nudged the needle towards moving on from him, but I agree, watching this offense makes my eyes bleed.
And Leal was going against second string D, but he at least moved the ball. I'm not saying he is the solution, but it is clear after 4 straight lackluster games what Brewer. If we are in Flames, at least see if a guy who has spent 2 plus seasons in this offense can add a spark
The big difference is Miami didn't bring any pressure against Leal and appeared to drop into zone (or very lazy man). Against four man pressure, Leal had all day to find a receiver in a hole.
That was also Miami's 2nd string defense, with our 1st string offense.
Maybe, it seems Brewer is not capable or the coaches don't trust him to throw further than 10 yds. downfield( 2passes 10 yards or more) . The statement " we are going to be a good football team " is really getting old & frustrating. Just another dismal performance by coaches and all players. The problems with these coaches & this team go further than replacing a QB.
Brewer threw for over 350 yards....if you count the distance sideways
This post gave me a really good laugh... then made me incredibly sad because of how true it is.
I disagree...replacing with the right qb could be exactly what this team needs. I'm just not sure that qb is on the roster and if he is he is a freshman. We wouldn't waste a redshirt with nothing to play for.
Jerome Wright agrees with you.
That did baffle me a bit.
We can't throw more than 10yds downfield because our offensive line couldn't block a high school JV team's rush right now. Leal came in with a team playing prevent D with 2nd teamers. Put Leal back there with 4-5 guys busting through the line while he is still setting his feet and see how well he does. This is all a manifestation of us whiffing on in-state O-line recruits. If you don't have a DECENT O-line you can't run the ball and you don't have time to throw the ball.
I said that the defense had problems tackling in the open field after the Ohio State win and it is one of the biggest factors that has played into each and every one of our losses. Too many of these kids taking bad angles then attempting arm tackles.
I'm typically the glass half full guy when I see some of the posts on Twitter from some of the Hokie "fans" but it's really hard to find any semblance of a silver lining after this one. Bitter hit on it during the game that you have a matchup nightmare with Bucky and we keep throwing him either bubble screens or fades in the endzone. Throw the ball to this kid downfield! Look what happened at Pitt when you heave one up to him. I also understand that to do that the lineman need to hold blocks longer than a second but...ah screw it.
We've all heard this before from our coaching staff, then around middle of next week one of the coaches will come out stating how (insert current QB) has improved in practice and how the last few weeks he has been dealing with (insert small injury) but seems to be on the mend. The only controversy I see year in and year out is how some of the coaches have such little fire and competitiveness to truly do or say something that isn't coach speak to the media and fans.
Probably because they actually know what's going on and have seen that simply switching out the QB won't magically fix our offense.
Last night did not give me the impression the coaches knew what was going on from an offensive standpoint.
Yes. By definition, there are some conflicting opinion over what we should do at quarterback. But perhaps that is more fan opinion than coaching opinion. Up until last night I was patient and made all kinds of excuses for Loeffler and Brewer (be patient, new, potential, blah blah). Last night was awful. Just awful. And I don't feel any better today - Loeffler called a bad game, Brewer played a bad game. The worst I've seen. Something needs to change and unfortunately we don't have a backup OC on our depth chart but we do have Mark Leal.
Gave an up its to balance out downvote, not that I agree with your statement but it's not worthy of downvote.
maybe has to do with the fact that Brewer has not thrown an interception in the last two games as the poster has stated? Still not downvote worthy, just not correct.
I don't know that I'd call it a controversy. But, I do think change is required.
Beamer always say "everything is on the table." That is a non-answer to the question. He says that after every big loss. He said it last week after the Pitt debacle, and then again last night after this Miami catastrophe. I would not read too much into his words. Loyalty is his strength. But he can also be too loyal.
it sucks that we even have to have this conversation.
i was so excited to watch MB this season after the grit he showed against tOSU. even moreso after reading that SI article on him.
In all honesty, to have a controversy doesn't there have to be someone the coaches truly think could improve this team. Yea I hear the call for Leal but are you really confident he or even Motley could succeed behind our offensive line and weak game planning. If you are going to make a change then you have to do it with the intention that Brewer is no longer the guy and be 100% on board with your next choice. If there is any hesitation then leave it as is and ride it out the rest of the season and start fresh next year because a coach that shows the inability to make definitive decisions are what kills programs and leads to dumpster fires.
The reason I don't have any confidence at all that either Leal or Motley would play better than Brewer is because I don't think they are as talented. Not because of the offensive line or the play calling. They just aren't as talented. Leal played against the 2nd string defense in their prevent D mode last night. That proves nothing. Brewer moved the sticks as well to open the second half as Leal did against the scrubs in mop up time. There's much more in play than the QB. The playcalling by Loeffler and overall offensive objectives from Frank have a major impact on production.
I personally don't know if Motley is better than Brewer because he didn't have a chance to compete against him in the fall given his injury. With regards to Leal though, my only thought is that a guy who the coaches saw for 3 weeks was picked over a guy who has been in the program for 4 years. I don't know what happened during Fall practice, but the results say that Brewer is better than Leal. Regardless, the backup is always the answer to a team's problems according to most fans.
When your starter goes 13/20 for 80 yards and a 15 QBR, thinking we should explore other options at the position doesn't feel like an illogical position to take.
13 of 20 is a very good % .. the low yardage total seems to be a direct result of the play calling
The high completion percentage could also be atributed to the play calling. I'd be interested to see his completion percentage on throws further then 10-15 yards down field.
I don't disagree, but I only remember 2 or 3 incompletions that weren't thrown away.. I was merely saying that from what I saw, Brewer did an ok job of what he was asked to do
That is true. I remember a drive when we were down around our own endzone where he had to throw it away 2 or 3 times in a row to avoid the sack/safety.
And there lies why I think we need a change in something. I don't want a starting QB that the coaches don't trust. Down by 24 in the 4th and we refuse to throw the ball down field? I felt disrespected as a fan to see my coaches give up on the game and that is why I left early. Something needs to change.
You would have gotten a leg from me for the start of your paragraph. The last two paragraphs kept me from giving it. I agree, something has to be up that for the last several games we have been completely unwilling to throw the long ball.
No offense, but I don't really care about the legs. I felt disrespected as a fan. The coaches gave up. Not sure how else you can spin it. When you are down by 24 in the 4th quarter, you have to throw the ball downfield, not run it.
Not only run it, but work the play clock down beneath 10 seconds while running it.
Motley may not be a more talented passer but he is a better in the running game. Motley would make the opposing team have to play the read option instead of knowing the RB is getting the ball each time. A running QB put us on the map and I'm thinking its going to take another to bring us back. CFB and his OC have no clue on how to run a offense. Never has never will!! Look at our O history! And please don't tell me its his scheme. No one plans on Ball control and not scoring. When we did put up a lot of points most where scored on ST or turnovers. It is time to make a change. If Chad Morris wants a shot lets give him one. If we are going to loose lets loose trying to get better/find the answer/our future HC!! CFB put us on the map and I will always respect him for that and I admire how he has ran our program but at some point it is time to exit light enter nite grip your pillow tight and concur our fears of finding a adequate HC. It's going to happen sooner or later. So if we are going to loose lets loose looking for our next leader!!
I always thought that Stinespring was the OC for much longer than he should have been because we had a mobile QB who was able to hide our terrible offensive scheme and lack of an O Line. Tyrod was able to avoid sacks and move around to give the receivers time to get open. His mobility kept the defense honnest which opened up the passing game.
I think that a good offenseive scheme should be able to move the ball with any type of QB. The fact that our offense requires a mobile QB to be successful goes to show our offensive scheme sucks.
Man I miss Tyrod
Winter Is certainly Coming.
I love your Bud quote. That needs to be applied to this team by the coaching staff...immediately
If we're effectively punting on this year and "playing for the future," Then I don't see why you shouldn't see what you have in Motley, assuming we're super concerned about having Ford/Durking in 2019. At this point, I feel like planning out to 2019 is a fool's errand, but it's not my call.
People got all mad at me last week, but nothing's really changed after this week: I just don't see what the plan is with Brewer. At most he's here one more year, and then what? In 2016 we're back to hitting the reset button on the QB...
If it was up to me, start Motley against BC, give him the bye week of full starter reps. Assuming he's decent but not a world beater this year (or even if he isn't good at all), then you have a Wide Open competition this offseason and let the best man win.
Brewer is a stop-gap. A bridge from Logan to the next generation. He is allowing us to redshirt our freshmen this year so they can bulk up and learn the playbook. If anything, next year the QB position is fair game for everyone.
I completely understand that notion, but if it's really true then there is no reason not to Take a swing with Motley or Leal at this point. They can be stop-gaps, too...
Again, I don't know if that's the answer or not. Maybe it is, but maybe it isn't. Can it be much worse? Do we want to find out?
I'm not really looking for "an answer" at this point. I'm looking for an entertaining football product. Because what we're putting out there right now, it's not entertaining.
At first I was TeamLeal because I thought he had paid his dues, but now I think I'm TeamMotley. Because I think he's the guy who gives us the best chance for random big plays (this isn't based on much, admittedly). I think there's the best chance to do something interesting every once in a while with Motley. I think we know what we have and who we are with Brewer. It's not fun to watch. I don't think trying to do the same thing over and over again and hoping the offense magically gets good or fun to watch is a good plan (not saying that you do, but I bet some do).
At this point, I think if we keep doing the same thing, we know what the outcome will be. So, let's try something else. It'll be interesting at the least.
The frustrating thing for me is that when we played OSU, I thought Brewer and the offense were fun to watch. The dink and dunk, ball control offense was great and we marched right down the field. I enjoy watching that more than a few big plays each game.
That being said, we know what we have here. And as it is just a stop gap, I am all for rewarding Leal with more PT and getting Motley some looks.
Hell I wouldn't even include Leal.
Start Motley over the next couple games. Give the kid a chance. This season is already toast, we have nothing to play for but pride and maybe a bowl game. We're in the Coastal gutter and I believe we are the first team in the division eliminated from ACC title game contention. We just got smoked by a mediocre Miami squad and very nearly got shut out by one of the worst defenses in the country. At home. On Thursday night.
We have nothing to lose by playing Motley right now. Best case, he shows he can play, and we have found our QB for the next year or so. Worst case, he sucks, we lose games, and we finish the year not going to a bowl. We're pretty darn well near that point anyway, so why the heck not? At least show the fanbase you're trying to figure out whats going on and trying to actively do something to fix things.
And no, I don't want Leal to start. He's got 4 or 5 games left of his collegiate career. I'd rather see what we have in Motley by giving him reps than Leal. At least get a head start in on the evaluation of one of our guys for next year.
Based on what I saw in the Spring I'd say Motley over Leal also, but... Motley got injured this fall and fell to 3rd string on the depth chart. This means he has not been getting many practice snaps even after getting healthy. It's really hard to ask someone with such little practice time to step in and do any better than Brewer or Leal
I don't care who is at QB , but it is way past time for changes. Hell, forget about putting an entertaining team on the field, I just want to be competive again! Foster said " football is played with great emotion". We haven't seen much passion or emotion out of this team lately.
Well, here's the thing, being competitive *is* entertaining.
The fundamental problem right now is that we're not competitive *or* entertaining. If you're going to suck, at least give me something interesting to watch in the process.
Motley gives us another demension with his running ability and believe he's got a decent arm.
If the coaching staff thought Motley were superior to Leal, then Motley would have gotten the mop up snaps last night. if there were even the tiniest possibility that the coaches thought Motley were better than Leal and a viable option to Brewer, we would have seen that last night, if not sooner.
People far too often confuse spring practice statements by the coaches for anything resembling fact. They are nothing more than coachspeak, designed to create content without calories. Motley is not as good as Leal in the coaches' minds, or he would have seen the field last night. That gives us a dismal picture at QB, but a realistic one. Brewer is a weak armed QB who's INT gun-shy, and Leal is not even close in talent. Then Motley is far enough behind the backup so as to not even challenge him for scrub activity.
It is what it is.
I don't think there's anything to lose with putting these people in the game and finding out. I understand that you do, and that's cool, we disagree.
All I care about is being entertained. This is not entertaining. If Brewer starts against BC we all know what will happen, it will not be entertaining. If Motley starts, there's a chance it could be entertaining. It's not a guarantee or anything like that, but there's more of a chance than if we just start Brewer again.
I don't care who's "better." I care about wanting to watch VT play football again, because right now that desire is waning...
Motley did not see the field last night. That may not have anything to do with his ability to play QB. Leal is a senior QB who has been a good team player. The least Beamer could do is send him out on a high note. Beamer has been loyal to his players and coaching staff. He was loyal to Leal last night. But I do believe Beamer that everything is on the table after last night beat-down at Lane stadium.
Fellow Hokie, we are on approach to said dumpster fire. I don't have any confidence that CFB will make any changes at all.
If they are purposely limiting Brewer's throws to prevent interceptions, I hope they are taking into account they are also limiting the offense and that we have become completely one-dimensional.
Coach Beamer is already looking to 2015 when the team will be good. now, I think he sticks with Brewer so he can learn and become a better QB next year.
Wrong. Beamer is starting to talk about the 2015 season - when 'some' people think the team will be good. You know, just like some people thought the team would be good this year. And just like some people thought the team would be good last year. So, the premise that the team will be good next year is based on little more than hopeful yearnings for a brighter day. Factually, though, there is not a lot to confirm that will be the case. If there were, those same claims would confirm that this season is better than last. We all know it is not. Will key players be older & more experienced next year? Sure. Just like they are older & more experienced this year than last. Just... like... they are this year... See the fault in the false premise now?
Beamer is pointing people towards next year so that they will stop asking about this year, when he has no answers. It's merely a case of - 'Hey! Look over there!' Like the commercial says - oldest trick in the book.
Except that most of the key players from this season were not on the field during last season. Brewer, I. Ford, Phillips, Williams, McKenzie.
In 2012-2013, there was very little to look forward to in terms of existing talent. Looking beyond this year, we have pieces at skill positions.
I hope so.
Time to invest in 2016 at the QB position.
No. Leal got the last drive because they wanted him to get some reps.
It doesn't matter who you put back there right now with the oline play we are getting.
Wyatt Teller played well. Farris and Wang are struggling. Conte is inconsistent. Didn't hear much from the tackles which I guess is a good thing. But the interior gets no push. Wang actually ends up in the backfield on most plays, even when he is not pulling.
Just a novice opinion, but I think Brewer has all the tools, but his confidence is shot. As a few others have mentioned, he looks like a guy who's playing tentative and has little faith in his protection. It's easy to see why some might want to give someone else a chance, but unless pass protection improves, it's easy to imagine the same thing happening to QB2. I have no idea what the fix is, but the problems with this team CLEARLY run deeper than the quarterback.
Also worth mentioning, Brewer didn't turn the ball over last night for the second straight time. Not trying to start another Shane Beamer competency argument, but the fumble-free season we had last year is looking less and less like a function of his boxing glove. There isn't much I wouldn't give for a healthy Trey Edmunds.
But we can't push the ball downfield. VT just had its longest pass play of the year, last week.
I am beginning to think that Brewer worked well @ TT, because of the quick hitting short passing game, which VT is failing at featuring. Notice how the ball moved once we went hurry - up. I think Brewer has suspect arm strength and since he can't throw the ball downfield, Loeffler isn't even calling these types of plays. Miami had all 11 guys within 15 yards of the LOS. Thats why, in the 2nd half, Marshawn was able to break a couple of longer runs, because the safeties were getting caught up in the wash and couldn't provide deep field run support. Two of those runs are TD's by Shai or Trey.
Very true, but I don't think Brewer's arm strength is the issue. He clearly doesn't have Logan Thomas's arm, but I have zero doubts that he can chuck a football far enough to take some shots down field. I'm just speculating, but I think the early-season interceptions are in his head and causing him to play overly conservative, and I don't think he trusts his O-line to keep him upright long enough for a deep route to develop.
Ok. How about one intermediate route? And if he has to take the hit, which he has been, then he might as well get the ball downfield, and see what happens.
Best comment in here. In the limited time we saw Leal, I can clearly tell that Brewer is still the better option. Leal was holding the ball for ages with the ball low and miami wasn't even sending aggressive pass rushes.
I think I may be becoming a Leal truther, dont know if I am too late though....
Seriously though, I was very much on the Logan gives us our best chance to win team last year, and Leal's performance in the bowl game made me hope Brewer had the starting job this year. At this point though, I think Leal gives us the best chance to win the last few games. I believe Ford is the future (thought he looked good in the spring and the few practice highlights they sent out) and there is really no reason to burn a redshirt right now to get reps. For recruiting purposes, and there is alot left to go in this class, I think winning now is more important to our future than any game experience for younger guys would be. Here is why I think Leal is the answer:
Practice reps. 2nd string guy gets them, third string guy doesnt. Motley or Durkin won't be ready in a week. Leal hopefully learned from UCLA last year to be ready, and honestly, last night even if he was throwing against Miami's practice squad he looked focused and sharp (with the exception of the one throw that got away from him to Ford). I especially liked his decisive throw to Rogers when the blitz was on. Might not mean that much because Miami didn't care, but I think they wanted their shutout so its not like they weren't trying.
Leal's major downside is also Brewer's major downside...not reading coverages quickly and throwing to the wrong guy. I could probably say this more eloquently but look at the interception he threw in the bowl game...same route combo as Brewer's favorite interception throw.
Finally, and the really big one to me: arm stength. Leal can make throws Brewer cannot. This team is not built to throw 15 yd and under routes. Leal throws a better deep ball and can put alot more on a ball to the sidelines or in a tight window than Brewer can. I think our guys are getting separation but Brewer is too hesitant and cant put enough on balls to get them there before the window closes. Looked better on Texas Tech film, don't know if he is hurt or what but It was the most obvious difference to me when Leal came in and that is independent of competition level.
Nah, there's not controversy, most people know that Brewer is the best QB we have. Unfortunately that doesn't mean much, he's still not that good.
Very accurately stated. Brewer is better than Leal by a large margin, and Leal is better than Motley, despite those clinging to coachspeak statements from this past spring. None of that means any of them are great. It just means that is the clear order of talent/production as defined by the coaching staff.
When things are this dire*, does it matter who's "better?"
We're not competing for the conference or even the division anymore. We're playing for the future. Beamer even said so in his presser. So, get Motley some starts that may pay off in the future. At this point it seems like all three options are clearly able to perform as poorly as Brewer has been of late, so what do we have to lose?
* - Yes, yes, "If 4 and 4 is dire, I can't wait to see you if we ever have a losing record or don't make a bowl!" If you don't think things are particularly troublesome right now, we're never going to see eye-to-eye (not directed at swvadon, more at anyone who would reflexively jump on this single word). We haven't beaten a Power 5 team at home and were almost shut out at home on a Thursday night against an average Miami Team with a bad Defense. I'd love to hear better suggestions for describing the situation if "Dire" isn't accurate.
Ha, thanks for quoting me there Duffman. I actually somewhat agree with calling the situation dire. It might sound a little bit drastic, but I can't seem to come up with a better word. There's concerns all over the place from players to coaches, but the blame can't be placed solely in any one place. The team needs to make a change, but the question is what. The only change that could give immediate benefits is a change in the players. I don't want to question any player's heart or attitude, but there needs to be a lot of both from here on out. We got punched in the teeth last night, but the season isn't over. We can still salvage some pride out of this season and move forward. The question is whether we will or not.
For What it's Worth, I wasn't targeting you with that aside...
I've been a Tech Fan long enough and participated in internet message boards long enough to see the "If you think [current situation] is [negative adjective], then I [am concerned in some fashion] when [even worse situation] more than once :)
Oh, I know you weren't Just wanted to make sure you were aware I knew that. Hey, I appreciate the mention!
I don't take that personally at all, Dman. I disagree with you on replacing Brewer, but I fully understand your opinion and even more so your frustration. At least you aren't in denial and pretending everything will be lovely if we just stop talking about it, the way some do. You're looking for options, that is commendable. I just hink Brewer is quite a bit better than Leal, despite not being that great himself. I also think the coaches told us all last night in a big way that Leal is in 2nd place, not Motley.
We certainly need action to be taken, and not just Frank telling us how proud he is of the team that is 4-4 right now. So, I don't think Brewer needs to be replaced, but I'll give you this - if we don't do something in a lot of places about our offense , then we have not reached the bottom of our fall. So... we've got to do something. In a lot of places. We know the coaches won't change under Beamer any more, so there's not a lot left to adjust.
My thing is, I don't see a single change that can be made that could potentially result in a more entertaining football product than changing the Starting QB. Again, at this point the notion of "better" to me is immaterial. I want to be entertained. I think we all know at this point that a Hokie Offense QBed by Michael Brewer will not result in an entertaining football product. I'm willing to try something else at this point to see what happens.
The problem is - that would require a bold step by Frank Beamer. Need I say more?
Oh believe me, I know. We all know what's going to happen - nothing. Absolutely nothing is going to happen. Therefore the results will be absolutely no different than what we've seen so far. Right now, best case scenario we eek out two more wins against BC and Wake. That's the *best* case scenario. BC is going to be tough for this team. Very Tough.
At this point I'm simply engaging in mostly a thought experiment on what I would do if I were in the position. We all know who Frank Beamer is and what he's going to do. We also, unfortunately, have a good idea of what the result will be.
Bobby Bowden's last five seasons at F$U were 8-5, 7-6, 7-6, 9-4, 7-6.
Analogy.
Excellent point. I feel like at other schools Brewer's poor performance would already have him riding pine. Beamer is so risk averse that we might be stuck with Brewer for the rest of this season and the following one too.
I agree with all of these statements. However:
Leal is gone after this year. There isn't any point in investing in his development at this point.
Brewer is gone after next year. There is little hope in investing in his development, as we pretty much know what we have now, and I don't think it's taking us anywhere significant next year.
Motley has been in Loeffler's system longer than anyone but Leal, whom he equals. He's a redshirt sophomore who is mobile. He isn't wearing a redshirt. But is he the QB of the future? Maybe. Maybe not.
Durkin/Ford are wearing redshirts.
Instead of making the best selection, I'm going to avoid the worst selection:
Don't burn a redshirt now. (Eliminates Ford and Durkin)
Don't invest in someone who is in his last season. (Leal, although I've been a pseudo-truther since last year)
Comes down to Brewer and Motley. I think I know what we'll be with Brewer at the helm, at least for this season. Motley is bigger, so he can take the hits that are probably coming, more mobile, so he can avoid the hits that are surely coming, has more experience in Loeffler's system, which might not matter, and will be here for two more years after this one, which I think does matter.
Vote Motley for November 2014.
Speaking of burning a redshirt needlessly - Jerome Wright had three carries for nine yards last night. Thank goodness we used him and turned the running game around and mounted that fabulous comeback. By the way, Caleb and Coleman both had zero carries last night.
I thought Caleb fumbled?
Oh, you're right, Caleb fumbled on a reception.
I agree with this completely. Why didn't we just let Joel Caleb get those carries? Makes no sense to burn another year for Jerome for just three carries.
This decision definitely has me baffled.
I know. It just smacked of desperate actions taken with little thought. Now we have him for one less season, at a younger age. All for three pointless carries. Now lets see just how few carries he gets for the rest of the season.
I don't understand everyone's hesitance to burn a redshirt. Unless one of Ford or Durkin leaves early, transfers, or switches positions one of them will never play. None of those options sounds ideal to me. We theoretically also have a highly rated recruit coming in next cycle as well. Playing one of them now provides a (very) little bit of staggering, and starts to prepare for next year. Assuming (and this may be a big assumption) that a read-option based offense like we had last year would be simpler to run, give Durkin a shot. He came here for a chance at early playing time, would allow us to remain a ground-based offense like Beamer wants, and at least would have a chance behind a porous OL. Maybe we need to wait until after the bye week, or split snaps with Brewer, or just go whole hog.
Yes! I was hoping I wasn't the only one who doesn't view a redshirt (even at this point in the season) as a sacred cow. I'm in 100% agreement regarding your point about staggering the eligibility with the two guys, no least because we'll surely be getting another QB or two (or four) in the time that either one takes to exhaust his eligibility.
I'm also a proponent of going whole hog on the next QB. See: Hackenberg, Christian; Murray, Aaron.
I am too, but I could see arguments for a conservative approach given we are starting three players (Ford, Phillips, and McKenzie) that weren't exposed to last year's offense. You know, the old "I'm going to do something crazy, but I'm going to take a conservative approach to it."
You need to step away from the keyboard.
I dont think benching Brewer will help anything. He hasn't looked good this season but neither has any part of of the offense. Its not like bringing Motley or Leal in will instantly transform our offense. The problem is coming from somewhere above Brewer (like up in the press box). The playcalling and the entire offensive scheme is a joke.
I'm not against giving Motley or Leal some extensive playing time to see what they have, it really cannot hurt the offense one bit. I just really doubt it will solve the big problem.
I agree with you. Brewer is a problem, but he's not THE problem. There's a lot more to it than that.
Just going to say this. Changing QBs will not change our absolute and embarrassing lack of a ground game. A good offense is balanced. We just have no ability to do anything consistently.
Bringing in Motley, going back to a more read option based running attack could help out the ground game. This could also open up the big play passing game as defenses are forced to respect the run.
Maybe. The thought I'm having about Motley is whether or not he's still injured. I don't recall what the exact injury was during the summer, I know it was something about his back, but could he be having lingering effects from that? I agree with others that Brewer does not look 100%, but is Brewer at sub-100% better than Motley at even-further-below-100%? Total speculation, but it's got me wondering.
Again, at this point does it matter who is "better" than anyone else? The season is over. Frank Beamer is already "Next Year"ing press conferences. He's not talking about next game, he's talking about next *year*. If we all agree that the season is effectively over, let's do something interesting, give the fans something to cheer for again. Give people a reason to watch...
Football is entertainment - be entertaining.
If he's still got the effects of a lingering back injury, then putting him out there at all, especially to run a read-option where he will take a lot of hits, is irresponsible. Of course, we're going down the rabbit hole at this point, so it's probably not productive. But I have to think that given that Motley was the #1 guy at the end of the spring, there has got to be a reason why he's not even mentioned at this point.
i think we all know what needs to happen here.
that's right. i'm talking about the ol' QB to TE back to QB switcheroo.
it's time to...
R E L E A S E T H E B U C K Y
Hahahahahahahaha. Honestly though, assuming we are going to continue down the path of not utilizing Bucky at tight end in effective ways, then why the hell not? Hahahahahahahahahaha
The only point I would make concerning this post is the lack of confidence both Brewer currently possesses and the confidence this coaching staff has left in him at all. I don't think changing to the backup QB just because we suck right now is the answer to anything. But if the coaching staff has so little confidence in Brewer to throw the ball down the field, then the next guy up is the answer. I like Brewer and I think he showed excellent poise early in the season. But the playcalling stinks right now, partly because this staff is so scared to make any mistakes. The kid has now not thrown an INT the last 2 games because you wouldn't let him. Stop being scared to fail. Either let Brewer chuck the thing, (as many of us believed was going to be his mentality about three weeks ago when many of us referred to him as a "gunslinger") or move the next guy up who does have a decent deep ball. Otherwise, there is no reason to believe this offense is going to get any better any time soon, regardless of how much potential you might have in other areas on the field
I think Brewer is scared of getting a pick. Watching the game you could see him read the D and find a match up he liked pre-snap. He dropped back and locked onto that receiver, but waited to pull the trigger because the receiver was not wide open, then D help came because he was locked on, and he had to scramble, often getting sacked. On the deep and out routes he is so worried about the pick we is trying to perfectly place the ball at the side line, and too often throws it out of bounds. It's true Leal had less pressure (maybe partly because they feared the run?), but he did not hesitate, and threw into coverage a few times, but the receivers made the play. Brewer is the better QB when he trusts himself and the receivers, but right now he is not. Many of his throws are short passes because that is what the D gives him, and he is not taking the chance on the deeper throw, even when he needs to. Some of the short passes could be (or might not be) because the coach knows he will actually make that throw, rather than hesitate. Hopefully getting some pressure from Leal will help him let go instead of tightening up. With confidence he is the right QB, but if he doesn't find some confidence in his reads, his throws, and his receivers we will be better with a less talented QB with the confidence to throw into single coverage, even if the guy has a defender within ten yards.
Controversy, maybe. Open competition definitely.
When you have lost two games in a row looking as inept on offense as we have against Pittsburgh and Miami, you can't keep the status quo and expect different results.
When the game has mattered the most in the 1st half, there's no other way to say it, Brewer has been dreadful:
And on offense you want (and Frank Beamer has always said he wants) explosive plays. Brewer only has 2 plays over 30 yards on the season and we're 2/3 the way through the schedule.
You want your opponents to have defend the entire field. Right now they only have to worry about defending 20 yards from the line of scrimmage. If Michael Brewer were playing for Boston College, I think Bud Foster and Torrian Gray would sleep very easy not having to worry about a passing attack.
And, I'm not sure if Brewer is struggling with some injuries, but if you watch the zip on the ball coming out of Mark Leal last night compared to Michael Brewer you can immediately see one of them has a much better chance to throw the ball down the field. And, I don't think it's talent this year at the receiving positions. For gosh sakes we have 9' 11'' Bucky Hodges who runs a 4.4 forty who is mismatch against any defender in the country not to mention freshmen Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillips.
While I think Brewer was absolutely brilliant against Ohio State, he is no longer performing and when that happens the coaches at least have to open the competition back up and make sure the QB performs just like any other spot. The starting quarterback position should not be a monarchy that you get to keep until you graduate or leave the program, it has to be earned week-to-week just like anywhere else on the field.
I think it is more than the better QB skill wise but who will be a better leader. Think about the locker room. Brewer is the new guy. The team respects him but just so much. Leal might have the locker room now.
What I noticed from my seat in the south end zone -- Brewer just isn't completely right mentally. When Leal came in the game, he just seemed much more relaxed. I know, garbage time and all that, so what does he have to lose? And I'm sure that on paper that Brewer has the better attributes.
But ever since Brewer started throwing picks like crazy, he's been overthinking his plays.
There was definitely one play I saw where he had two receivers, one more open than the other, but he just threw the ball away between the two where no one could have even attempted a play. I don't know what he's seeing out there.
I don't think there will be any change at the position right now, but if we drop the next two, then we might consider some sort of change at 4-6.
Leal should start and here's why. He is a good QB and certainly capable, he poor preparation in the UCLA game can be attributed to Logan being almost always there and its a good learning point for Leal. I also think that since the QB competition was close, they should give him a chance. Brewer is looking worse then Grant Noel. We at least get somewhat of a verticle gale with Leal. Also, yes the WRs were open, in fact we were all screaming Ford and Byrn all game when it was time to throw, instead we threw a 3-yard pass
I say give Leal a chance. Start Brewer in the next game and let him have the 1st quarter with the understanding that if the offense doesn't score a point or he isn't making the throws, then Mark Leal will take over the position for the rest of the game. At the very least, it might light a fire under his seat. Let's see if he becomes a better QB with the proper motivation.
Starting Leal might be a short term answer, but he is a senior. We need to see if Brewer is going to be the guy going into 2015 and if the next couple games go badly, it's time to get a look at Motely or Ford as those guys are the future.