It's all going to depend on the run game, just like in 2009. If the run game can keep the heat and focus of defenses it will make things A LOT easier.
This may not be too bad. 1- We get to see what Geno can do for the first 2 games (before Sanchez comes back) 2- Geno gets to sit and learn for the remainder of the 1st half of the season (the 'though' stretch) 3- Geno gets to come back after the bye kicking Mark to the curb for good. But if Geno plays beyond expectations his first two games, Mark's 'injury' will take much longer to heal, like an entire season.
I don't see the linebackers as a major strength for the Bucs. They are excellent against the run but when it comes time to rush the passer or cover some field - they can be exploited. That's why I want to see Cumberland and Winslow Jr get plenty of targets.
I don't boo either, at least not very often and I certainly wouldn't boo a rookie in their first game and I doubt many others would either, especially when this is what the vast majority of the fan base wants.
Since I can't start a thread I will ask it in here... What do you think Geno needs to do to keep starting job?
That same fan base you talk about also wanted Geno to start until Sanchez got hurt. My point is you don't what this fan base is going to do.
Not turn the ball over! If he does, they will go back to Sanchez as he moved offense better except first pick 6 and clock mgmnt end of game 2 first half.
Unless Geno absolutely shits the bed, I dont see them giving the keys to the ar back to Sanchez. I believe they are ready to ride Geno out and take the bumps and bruises that go along with a rookie QB.
That was because of all the turnovers and stepping out of bounds. Fan base is tired of turnovers and if Geno picks up where he left off, mark my words, the boo birds will fly rampid. And then, as always, the QB2 is always the most popular anyway
Geno should take a note from the book of Chad Pennington: 1) Manage the game 2) Protect the football 3) Win.
The nightmare is over and I feel good at this season. The AFC East may actually become an interesting and competitive division. Three young QBs. Hopefully Brady retires soon.
Like the above poster said, keep the turnovers to a minimum. If he starts the first 2 weeks, I would say 1 win and 3 or less turnovers, and 3 or more TDs. Either way, unless he plays absolutely horrible and repeats the Giants performance again in both games, I think the organization is sticking with Geno throughout the season.
Seriously, Geno needs to be better than 55% completion percentage with no "bonehead" turnovers. Winning games would help too. None of us is expecting "the world" out of the gate. But, we are expecting to see "flashes" of what could make him good or great. An understanding of the offense. Decisive decision making...even if it's the wrong decision. Make it and move on. I think that's the one thing we saw in preseason that got a lot of people on the Matt Simms bandwagon. Aside from the rocket arm (Geno has a plenty decent enough arm himself), we saw an understanding of the offense as it was given to him. We saw decisiveness. We saw accuracy... Geno needs to replicate that. They both threw picks or almost picks....there was plenty of rookie to both of them. So yeah, that's my opinion. I'm sure you'll see more.
I hope he plays well - 4-5 is what he needs to do in the first 9 games to make the second half worth watching. If he implodes against Tampa, NE, and Buffalo he needs to go sit and watch.