Ratliff's mechanics are what I like about him, as well as his knowledge of the offense, his selfless ability to check down and find the open receiver, as well as buying time in the pocket and having the right timing. Why not let him start against the Eagles in the final game of pre-season. A lot of starters don't play that game, but it's still a good mix of 1st and 2nd string players. I would like to see him tested, so that we can truly gauge his potential. So far so good in terms of progress. If it stalls, like Clemens as seemed to, then he's a backup. If he continues to progress, its time to let him test the waters.
I agree- Favre isn't a guy who's game will change much from year to year IMHO and my guess it we'll have him for two years. It's tough to project QBs who will look nice two-three years down the road. Love to see Ratliff's success- he might have a shot at being the backup soon.
This is a make-or-break year for KC. If Ratliff proves himself to be better than Clemens, then we'll probably draft someone. Temper your enthusiasm if you think Ratliff is the QB of the future though. If he plays like this in the next three games and overtakes Clemens, fine, go ahead. But not yet.
Oh, I don't think anybody is going that far just yet. However, if Clemens continues (as he has virtually all of TC) to be mediocre, there is no reason Ratliff can't overtake him. Mangini will reward guys like Ratliff. Plus, it never hurts to be 6'4 when at QB. I like my QBs to have height, one battle that Clemens can't win. It might be a nice story to follow throughout the season: who will be the backup QB?
Funny though, I have more faith in Ratty than I've ever had in KC, why is that? One of the memories that sticks in my mind, and maybe its influenced the way I feel about KC, is that on Draft day he was passed over by alot of teams..yes he had an injury, but it was an injury that was always going to heal....so why did everyone pass on him? My feeling is that his smarts were found out or questionable. Hes never got to grips with our playbook. The final straw came for me last season, when he was meant to be getting a dumbed down version. I doubt that Ratty will be #2 coming into the start of this season , but it would be nice.
