Quarterback-What to do?

[The Jackal]

In baseball they talk about how your defense starts up the middle with your catcher, pitcher, shortstop, second baseman and centerfielder.

In football it works the same for both offense and defense. Our offense is missing all-conference level players at center and guard, a top, experienced QB, and half of our inside running tandem from last year. On defense we are missing our top tackler at a key position - LB.

It is going to take time. On offense, especially, there was too much glossing over the losses from some fans. We need some patience and we need some guys to step up.

I think that will go along way. Hendrix talked in the preseason about needing leadership on offense. I think I counted that Furman started 1 senior (Dirks), and two juniors (Godwin and Gordon) against Elon. It's still a really young team and they need some guys to step up and take the reigns.

[Flagman]

We haven’t had any real on-field leaders for sometime. I think about players like Blankenship and Bouton. There are others I’m sure. I’m talking about natural leaders and I’m not sure you can coach that.

[FUBeAR]

Another question that sort of bugged me. Last season Quarles was in the booth with Cronic on the field. This season Quarles is on the field. I wonder what, if any, difference that may make.

Thought about that too, my friend. Here are my thoughts. There is absolutely no way possible an OC can see the field better on the sidelines than in the box. If the OC's most important task is diagnosing defenses (fronts/coverages) and calling plays/making adjustments, then his rear-end needs to be up in that box.

BUT...if the OC is also the QB Coach and he's got 2 young pups that he needs to guide with face-to-face instruction between each series, and, even between each play...then he needs to be on the sidelines where he can look them in the eyes, put his arm around their shoulders, and speak directly in their ear(s).

There IS NO SUBSTITUTE for the latter. Only the QB Coach can do that job...well, a 3 year starting QB, who became a GA, who the youngsters trust, could work, but we don't have that.

The info needed for the former (diagnosing Defenses, etc.) can be provided by someone else over the headset. It's not ideal, but it can work. I would assume we have someone (or two) doing that this year with Coach Quarles OC'ing from the sidelines.

So...I think Coach Quarles, as the OC, being on the sideline, IS the right Coaching alignment for this season.

[apaladin]

Since the coaches haven't settled on one guy, why not give Hamp some playing time Saturday? As pitiful as we are on Offense, it couldn't possibly hurt and might even help.

I agree with this. Why not? Lincoln and Grainger seem very limited in their passing and running the option. Sisson may or may not be any better but tell you the truth I myself am panicking, lol. Albeit against 2 good teams neither have shown anything to make me believe they are the future of Furman football and can lead this team the next 4 years. Of course things could change and we all hope they do. We have a total of 111 yds passing in the 2 games. Probably an all-time low for 2 games. We need to do something in a hurry.

[The Jackal]

Since the coaches haven't settled on one guy, why not give Hamp some playing time Saturday? As pitiful as we are on Offense, it couldn't possibly hurt and might even help.

I agree with this. Why not? Lincoln and Grainger seem very limited in their passing and running the option. Sisson may or may not be any better but tell you the truth I myself am panicking, lol. Albeit against 2 good teams neither have shown anything to make me believe they are the future of Furman football and can lead this team the next 4 years. Of course things could change and we all hope they do. We have a total of 111 yds passing in the 2 games. Probably an all-time low for 2 games. We need to do something in a hurry.

I don't have a crystal ball, but this is a time when I presume that the coaching staff has a better read on who is ready and who isn't.

If the offense is going poorly, putting in a less-ready offensive player usually doesn't help matters.

[gofurman]

I realize the two-deep is somewhat fluid.... BUT the QB is no longer listed as the old "(or)" this week - Grainger is listed as the starter w Lincoln as the backup

[sluggo]

I realize the two-deep is somewhat fluid.... BUT the QB is no longer listed as the old "(or)" this week - Grainger is listed as the starter w Lincoln as the backup

Makes sense.
I'm not saying who is best but it looked like Grainger did better over the last two games.
Having one QB take most of the snaps in practice is needed to sharpen up this offense.

[The Jackal]

I realize the two-deep is somewhat fluid.... BUT the QB is no longer listed as the old "(or)" this week - Grainger is listed as the starter w Lincoln as the backup

Makes sense.
I'm not saying who is best but it looked like Grainger did better over the last two games.
Having one QB take most of the snaps in practice is needed to sharpen up this offense.

That's my thought. After an entire preseason and two games, it's time to pick a horse to ride.

[AstroDin]

Might be worth refreshing our memory about Darren Grainger… below is the hudl video of his senior highlights… fast forward to 2:13 mark — that's a 50 plus yard strike that drops perfectly out the sky to a receiver in stride.

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4722301/59 ... 18d4839fa9

By the way, there's probably at least four more long deep balls he throws on the money, as well as he shows off his zip on a bunch of balls, he also has the ability to throw pretty well on the run.

[The Jackal]

Might be worth refreshing our memory about Darren Grainger… below is the hudl video of his senior highlights… fast forward to 2:13 mark — that's a 50 plus yard strike that drops perfectly out the sky to a receiver in stride.

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4722301/59 ... 18d4839fa9

By the way, there's probably at least four more long deep balls he throws on the money, as well as he shows off his zip on a bunch of balls, he also has the ability to throw pretty well on the run.

There is no question he's got an arm.

I think he'll continue to grow and develop. Have to be more careful with the ball. He's got a long delivery and you know defenders are coming around the edge waiting for him to drop that arm so they can swat the ball.