I stumbled on this today and, while I'm super happy for Darnold, why couldn't this have happened while with the team he was drafted? Us? Link Here I love how he gave the lion's share of credit to Purdy but Purdy didn't come into the league knowing "how" to be an NFL QB, did he? How to do film study. How to carry himself. This could explain how he was able to come in and excel from the beginning. Having an understanding, adding Shanahan's "sauce," and off he went. This is the 2nd or 3rd article, this offseason, I've read about film study. There was an article talking about Caleb Williams in Chicago and that regime's lack of understanding how to teach their QB "how" to study film. Is this something that is not being taught in college? Especially with all that $ now flying around in the NIL? Seems to me that this is what we need to be looking for. That one guy or team of people who are capable of TEACHING QB's how to do things, like film study. It's very clear to me that this is a problem league wide. Just thought I'd throw something football related up during the "dark period."
That says a lot about Purdy. That another player a veteran can say he learned so much from such a young player.
I think it has a lot more to do with Shanahan and his staff than it does Purdy or any of the QB’s he referenced. He just used it as a way to give a nod to guys he’s friends with. Purdy was with Shanahan a full year before Darnold got there. Brandon Allen has been all over the league.
No matter what is true or exaggerated about Darnold and his time here, its clear he had some growing up to do. And these comments show that he has done that. Darnold was only still 20 years old when the Jets drafted him.
Like most QBs, if you give them good protection they thrive. If Sam goes back to Jet level protection he becomes the same ol Sam.
I looked all over that post twice and missed it. Not sure if I want to blame it on my eyes or my mind. Thanks.
i think the college game has become so simplified that there arent a ton of multi reads that are made. there isnt the same level of reading and prep it takes to be an nfl qb. thats really the biggest thing for young qbs is the mental part of the game. things happen to quick to have to think about it.
You are on to something here. The college game, more so than ever, really reminds me of the ole' Steve Spurrier "Fun n' Gun" offenses of the 80's. It's kind of odd, if you think about it for more than 5 minutes. These QB's in college have taken a step back, football wise, while now finally getting paid for the blood, sweat and pain left on the field. I just thought it was pretty cool of Darnold to give the props he did to Purdy. Everyone knows it's all Shanahan and his staff. Of course, it didn't hurt Purdy to have played as much college football as he did, in one "regime." These kids, thanks to the portal, may be coming out with the raw skills and talent but they are far less prepared for the NFL. That translates into the franchises and ESPECIALLY we the fans to be a whole lot more patient. As a whole, MOST of them will not be viable until year 4 or 5. Which means those 1st round kids will be getting PAID while still not fully panning out. I'm keeping an eye on Trevor Lawrence. He was supposed to be generational and we all can see what he looks like, so far. Jacksonville took an incredible risk paying him that kind of coin without the resume to go with it.
I don’t know that they are coming out with far less preparation though. Going to different schools can be good in that it gives them a different perspective and prospects are able to play for a lot longer in college due to the endless waiver eligibility extensions they keep handing out like candy. They also have a huge advantage of film study and advanced technology they didn’t have years ago. PLUS there’s so much money out there for these guys to make in college let alone the pro ranks that they’re preparing in high school like they would in college. Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and Penix are good examples of this. Two 5-year starters and one 4-year starters.
Some pros, some cons. In the NFL if you had a different offensive coordinator every year it stunts your growth, so we are seeing some of that with this ridiculous transfer portal. They aren't as refined in their game but there are developmental positives as you mention: they become "professionals" earlier, they are more adaptable and (sometimes) used to diverse schemes. Nix is a great example of weird it has gotten. -He starts off with 2 year in Gus Malzhan's distinctly college-style, rushing based offense, -Then he plays 1 year under Bryan Harsin's pro style offense, -Then back to Malzahn's style with Oregon's OC Dillingham, Malzahn's former OC - Then completely different RPO pistol air raid passing offense his super-senior year I thought he would suck in the NFL because of that but he had a good rookie year, who knows anymore
Man, have we ever really known? it seems a NFL QBs success based on their college background/success is so freaking random, with a few exceptions (Elway,Payton,Luck).
I thought film study was a big part of being a football player. I never played football, except with my friends when I was a kid. And we didn't have a camera to film ourselves playing. LOL. So, what do I know? Nothing.
Biggest unknown coming out is what's between the ears. If we can't focus on the gray matter, then focus on the pink matter. QB physical size (height, weight, hand size, etc) Arm strength Foot speed (extending plays) Durability None of that matters much if the guy has a brick for a brain. But on the off chance he has a brain, than at least make sure he was born with the machine to back it up. A prospect like Josh Allen is a good example. A true beast with a cannon. Get him on the field and see if his brain can figure stuff out. If he can....Look Out! Start there I guess with what you can measure. But drafting a shrimp like Zack Wilson or Kyler Murry and hoping the stars align.....yikes
