All that being said, I’m a legitimate fan of George Kittle. He’s such an amazing athlete. I don’t care that he’s on a rival team, it sucks that he’s hurt. I love seeing highlight reels of the guy. He’s unbelievable.
Mac Jones is not going to light the world on fire, but he was playing at least at the level of an NFL backup QB, which is what he would be expected to do.
I don’t know any team happy to be going into a game with their backup, no matter who it is.
You’ll forgive me, but as a Patriots fan, I have Mac Jones PTSD.
We are long past the years of Steve Young backing up Joe Montana.
True that.
A more modern example, but I doubt anybody would have been too disappointed if Mahomes took over a few games early for Alex Smith. Though that was clearly more of a case of a successor waiting in the wings than a true backup situation.
Can’t see anybody thinking Mac Jones is something special only waiting for mentorship and development.
Pedantic exception of rookie quarterbacks. For example, when the Giants start Jaxson Dart, they will probably be happy about it.
Although, Smith led the team to the playoffs in Mahomes’ rookie season. KC went 10-6 and won the AFC West. Hard to put your starter on the bench when you’re winning.
Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes.
Reminds me of Drew Bledsoe, with a Tom Brady as backup.
It depends. If they start him because Russell Wilson is hurt, they probably won’t be very happy, otherwise they’d have designated him as the starter already. Fans might be happy though, as they are probably eager to see him out there.
As a Seattle fan, I am cautiously optimistic of Jalen Milroe’s potential as a starting QB someday. But he’s the third QB on the depth chart, the backup of the backup. I’m not happy seeing him out there unless it’s for some special package play (which is what Seattle is already doing).
Then again, you always have stories like Tom Brady’s first start after Drew Bledsoe got hurt. Things like that happen.
I’ve been assuming Tucker would end up at the Browns because why not.
Just for grins, i looked up when Bledsoe got hurt and Brady stepped in. That was the 2001 season, and Brady led the team to the AFC championship game. But in that game in Pittsburgh, Brady got hurt and Bledsoe came back in. Aided by a defensive touchdown as well as a special team touchdown, Bledsoe guided the Pats to a 24-17 win.
Two weeks later, with Brady under center, New England defeated the Rams 24-17 to win their first Super Bowl.
Maybe. Fans will be thrilled, no doubt. But I think the coaching staff will be relieved and happy for his first start regardless of circumstance.
When it comes to sitting a 1st round pick QB, I think of the vegan baseline: “as far as is possible and practicable.” Ideally you’d sit them for a year, but…
Looking back at Giants history, they handed the reigns over to Eli in week 11 of his rookie season with a 5-4 record. Let’s see how patient this crew is when they’re 0-4 in a few weeks. (EDIT: …and haven’t looked competitive or even competent in all four losses…)
I never put it past Dallas to absolutely screw up a gimme. But yeah, that’s a rough first 4 games.
If Russell looks the same against Dallas as he did against Washington, I’m wondering if we might see Jameis get the nod in week 3, with Dart staying at 2 and Wilson falling to 3.
I mean, Wilson looked really bad for the entire first half. And then in the second half had like three passes where it looked like he still had some magic. Sadly, one of those three was called back for holding, but still.
It’s going to take more than three decent throws next week to get him a third start. But the problem with starting Dart is that the first four weeks are pretty rough. I might have said maybe the Chargers in week 4 but they looked pretty good controlling the Chiefs all game.
The Saints look like the softest start if he gets pressed into service early. But I wouldn’t bet on Wilson lasting four weeks.
Oh, and of course Andrew Thomas was out. Who knows if he’ll be there in Dallas. Giants appear to be trying to set the league record for most consecutive years with a tire fire for an offensive line.
In retrospect, all that offensive production in the preseason – over 35 points per game! – was just a cruel tease.
I need to watch the Bears-Vikes game on TV, but based on my inebriated in-person assessment, I’m about ready to completely give up on him. I’ll give him say 4 games under BJ before rendering a final verdict, but the problems with him don’t seem mental or scheme related. He simply can’t throw the ball, which is the kiss of death. I would not have expected this to be his Achilles, but here we are.
Making judgments based on pre-season production? Need any bridges?
You may be right. If they’re forced into it, it might be kind of like being shoved into the pool when you’re scared to go in, or being shoved out of the airplane during a skydive. You can’t bring up the nerve to do it voluntarily, but once you are actually in it and doing it, you enjoy it.
I could see that happening I guess.
If the Giants O-line keeps playing the way they played Sunday, I don’t want to see Dart anywhere near the field.
One thing coaches hate almost more than losing is being second guessed. Like you say, there’s a big benefit to having the decision taken out of your hands.
If Bledsoe doesn’t get hurt, Tom Brady might never ever be Tom Brady.
Added — just like if Trent Green doesn’t get hurt, Kurt Warner might never be Kurt Warner. Not that Kurt Warner is comparable to Tom Brady, but Kurt Warner did pretty well for himself.