How do you feel about DT?

[STOMP]

If I think of historically "great" quarterbacks I think of pocket passers. The style of offense that Oregon runs is not conducive to have a pocket passer. Someone with the ability to read the zone and create space to get the fast weapons they have in the open field. Its past the days of Harrington and Clemens. Being able to pass out of the pocket is just icing on the cake in a Chip Kelly system.

Kelly has said many times that he wants his QB to be a thrower who can also run not a runner who can also throw. He has praised Thomas's ability to operate out of the pocket and to make plays with his feet. It seems you and Chip have very different views of whats happening on the field

I think Bennett is better with his legs and better in the pocket than DT. Its why I think its impairative that next year there's a battle at the quarterback spot from the get go and we don't just give DT free reign because of his past. Its going to be shaky giving a player with the potential of Bennett only his senior year at the helm.

Bennett is a Redshirt Freshman while Thomas is a Jr. so he'll have two years of eligibility left after DT goes to the NFL.

Dating back to before last season started, everyone including Chip and DT has acknowledged that Bennett is faster and has a stronger arm then Thomas. The other obvious factors in judging QB play are the mental aspects... decision making and ability to execute under pressure. Thats where Thomas gets the most praise from Chip

I'm just don't think a college quarterback should just be grandfathered in to a position because of past success. When the better player could be the guy getting overshadowed and was just never given his opportunity. Football is a team sport after all.

who is arguing for that? Certainly not Kelly who has stated umpteen times that he plays his best players. Pretty sure thats what he's doing

STOMP

 

[Targus]

Great stuff from everyone here. I enjoy reading everyone insight!

I would be very surprised to see Thomas lose his starting position during his SR year. Kelly has made it clear that DT is his #1 and he's very happy with his progression with the offense. Even good QB's have meltdowns. Would you consider Lucks's picks and stats vs Oregon a mini? What about Harrington's five picks in the Civil War? It happens. Even to the best of NFL QB's.

The tough thing for the avg fan to gauge is what the tradeoff would be for a great pocket passer vs an avg option reader/runner. I'm guessing, we won't understand DT's true worth as a QB until time has passed and we've been able to see other QB's running the show. Guys with knowledge of the system like Fisher and obviously Kelly have said he is just damn good at the option - and that is our entire system. I think, if we were to have an awesome pocket passer, exchanged for a very good option QB - we'd notice a drop off.

If Bennett's composure was foreshadowed in the games we've got to see him in this season -- we're in for an awesome three more years with him!!