jwade
04-19-2008, 11:15 PM
There's been, understandably, a lot of discussion and apprehension over who will ultimately lead the team in the fall. While I share some of those concerns, I would also offer the following food for thought.
Of the past eleven seasons (1997-2007, inclusive) nine of them have been led by Couch (97-98), Lorenzen (00-03) and Woodson (05-07). These are three of the greatest QB's, and arguably the three greatest QB's, in the history of UK football. Couch had an NFL career, Lorenzen is in the NFL, and Woodson seems likely. On top of that, Bonner threw for over 3200 yards in 99.
The point is this: we've enjoyed an embarrassment of riches at the QB position in recent history and have become spoiled by the sheer talent we've seen on the field. Other teams, successful teams, don't have an NFL-caliber QB year after year after year. It's unrealistic to think that we will. And yet, those teams are successful and there's no reason to think we can't be just as successful.
This team is moving slowly, inexorably, toward playing what RV calls "big boy" football. Solid defense, solid running game, solid special teams - and solid passing game. No longer will the passing game be required to carry a disproportionate share of the load in order to achieve success. Those days are coming to an end.
Following the scrimmage a week or so ago, Coach Brooks said something to the effect of "we need to pass well - not necessarily great." RV made a similar observation that same day, saying in effect this offense needs the threat of the long ball in order to be successful. Both statements dovetail with the point I'm trying to make - that we're becoming a more balanced team less dependent upon any single unit.
That's not to say we don't need good QB play - of course we do, just as we need good play from all other positions. It simply means we're becoming less dependent upon the QB to carry the load. This is a good thing, and part of our natural evolution.
So, don't fret too much if Pulley and Hartline don't develop into the next Couch/Lorenzen/Woodson. They don't have to. They, along with the WR corps, simply need to develop into an efficient unit that consistently completes the short and medium range passes, maximizes yards-after-catch, and completes the occasional long ball to keep the opponent's safeties honest. If our offensive skill players can do that, this offense and this team will be just fine.
Jim
Of the past eleven seasons (1997-2007, inclusive) nine of them have been led by Couch (97-98), Lorenzen (00-03) and Woodson (05-07). These are three of the greatest QB's, and arguably the three greatest QB's, in the history of UK football. Couch had an NFL career, Lorenzen is in the NFL, and Woodson seems likely. On top of that, Bonner threw for over 3200 yards in 99.
The point is this: we've enjoyed an embarrassment of riches at the QB position in recent history and have become spoiled by the sheer talent we've seen on the field. Other teams, successful teams, don't have an NFL-caliber QB year after year after year. It's unrealistic to think that we will. And yet, those teams are successful and there's no reason to think we can't be just as successful.
This team is moving slowly, inexorably, toward playing what RV calls "big boy" football. Solid defense, solid running game, solid special teams - and solid passing game. No longer will the passing game be required to carry a disproportionate share of the load in order to achieve success. Those days are coming to an end.
Following the scrimmage a week or so ago, Coach Brooks said something to the effect of "we need to pass well - not necessarily great." RV made a similar observation that same day, saying in effect this offense needs the threat of the long ball in order to be successful. Both statements dovetail with the point I'm trying to make - that we're becoming a more balanced team less dependent upon any single unit.
That's not to say we don't need good QB play - of course we do, just as we need good play from all other positions. It simply means we're becoming less dependent upon the QB to carry the load. This is a good thing, and part of our natural evolution.
So, don't fret too much if Pulley and Hartline don't develop into the next Couch/Lorenzen/Woodson. They don't have to. They, along with the WR corps, simply need to develop into an efficient unit that consistently completes the short and medium range passes, maximizes yards-after-catch, and completes the occasional long ball to keep the opponent's safeties honest. If our offensive skill players can do that, this offense and this team will be just fine.
Jim
