Ok.......
Let me start this off by saying that I have no preference about who our QB is in Miami. I like what 've seen in Jay Fiedler when he is healthy for the most part, but I also do not believe he has played so well that it is a certainty that he will remain our starter (all season). I've said before that my biggest concern with Jay is that he has not shown the durability to play all season. Maybe Dan Marino spoiled me, but I think if a QB misses 4-6 games per season that has a major effect on a teams ability to score point and move the ball. That said, If Jay is going to get his big contract payday a big part of it is not only playing well (IMO), but also staying healthy this season. His age isn't helping him, and if he misses 4 games this year it will be the 3rd or 4th time in as many years that he's missed too many games, and I think that will lead to his departure following the year. On the other hand, if he plays well, and leads us deep into the playoffs, or to a SB victory, he'll likely get his payday and remain our guy.
However, I'm going to go on record and say I think he is likely to miss another 4 or so games this year, likely mid or end of season.
To me, another injury is unacceptable (I understand nothing he can control), and I do think he'll try to play hurt (He likely wont play well if he does as his talent level isnt such that he could do that) and it will go downhill from there. If he goes down mid or late season, that will give Griese time to learn the system more, and I suspect we'll see alot of Griese this Pre season. Far more than a #2 QB usually gets to go....just a hunch.
I watched our Denver game again today, and I watched alot of Griese rather than just the Fins. I was impressed. His first half in particular left me with a feeling that if all things were even knowledge wise (which they are not) that I'd prefer him as a starter over Jay.
The things that impressed me about him were qualites that our system emphasizes. His play-action fakes were OUTSTANDING. Far better not only than Jay's, but I'd say he has to be the best, or one of the best play action fake QB's in the league. I'd encourage any of you with that game tape to watch for your self and see. He is great there.
I also thought his reads were excellent, and quick. He gave the Broncos players the ball so quickly on those mid and underneath routes that they had big opportunities to do something with the ball. That quality can't be overlooked when evaluating this guy. Making throws so that the guy doesnt have to slow down makes plays Dolfans, and Griese does it well. Joe Montana made the HOF doing just that. It was his mind and accuracy that made him special. Count how many times Brian's throws were perfectly in stride to his receiver or RB in the first half alone. The guy was being harrassed by Taylor and co. all game, and throwing against the best CB tandom in the NFL (IMO) and he looked great. He was also facing the most blitz happy play calling scheme we showed all year. He still shined. I found myself watching slowly saying to myself, If I'm totally honest, and this is how Griese usually plays (Which I do not know for certain, havent watched him enough)...then I'd have to say we're better with Brian (once he knows the system).
I also thought Brian had more zip on the ball (Before Jay was injured) and that he was able to throw those short routes at a masterful level. Far superior to Jay. I think he's just a little stronger armed than Jay, and I also think he's more accurate. Add to that his Play Action ability, and I see an upgrade at QB if he can lead us.
I'm not on the "Start Griese" band wagon, but I call them like I see them. Both QB's make throws they shouldn't, but then again don't they all. Both guys showed the ability to lead a comeback successfully, and the rest I observed I listed here already.
I can't say enough how much I was impressed by his play action fake, and I am surprised not to have read more about it here already. Check it out if you have the game Dolfans and let me know what you think of what I observed.
To finish this, I'll say if Jay goes down this year, I will not be surprised to see a Brady/Bledsoe deal pop up where we play very well with Brian and decide to stay with him. But I do understand Wanny's loyalty to Jay. However, Wanny also brought in Brian, so the guy is also Wanny's Guy......I'm sure Wanny wants a SB more than he wants to make Jay's Xmas list anyhow if he comes to believe Brian gives us an edge.
One wildcard I will add to this though is this : Jay is a competitor. I won't be surprised to see him have his best year this season with Brian on his back waiting......Jay fought hard to make the NFL, and harder to start. He won't back down.
We'll see soon enough.
Let me start this off by saying that I have no preference about who our QB is in Miami. I like what 've seen in Jay Fiedler when he is healthy for the most part, but I also do not believe he has played so well that it is a certainty that he will remain our starter (all season). I've said before that my biggest concern with Jay is that he has not shown the durability to play all season. Maybe Dan Marino spoiled me, but I think if a QB misses 4-6 games per season that has a major effect on a teams ability to score point and move the ball. That said, If Jay is going to get his big contract payday a big part of it is not only playing well (IMO), but also staying healthy this season. His age isn't helping him, and if he misses 4 games this year it will be the 3rd or 4th time in as many years that he's missed too many games, and I think that will lead to his departure following the year. On the other hand, if he plays well, and leads us deep into the playoffs, or to a SB victory, he'll likely get his payday and remain our guy.
However, I'm going to go on record and say I think he is likely to miss another 4 or so games this year, likely mid or end of season.
To me, another injury is unacceptable (I understand nothing he can control), and I do think he'll try to play hurt (He likely wont play well if he does as his talent level isnt such that he could do that) and it will go downhill from there. If he goes down mid or late season, that will give Griese time to learn the system more, and I suspect we'll see alot of Griese this Pre season. Far more than a #2 QB usually gets to go....just a hunch.
I watched our Denver game again today, and I watched alot of Griese rather than just the Fins. I was impressed. His first half in particular left me with a feeling that if all things were even knowledge wise (which they are not) that I'd prefer him as a starter over Jay.
The things that impressed me about him were qualites that our system emphasizes. His play-action fakes were OUTSTANDING. Far better not only than Jay's, but I'd say he has to be the best, or one of the best play action fake QB's in the league. I'd encourage any of you with that game tape to watch for your self and see. He is great there.
I also thought his reads were excellent, and quick. He gave the Broncos players the ball so quickly on those mid and underneath routes that they had big opportunities to do something with the ball. That quality can't be overlooked when evaluating this guy. Making throws so that the guy doesnt have to slow down makes plays Dolfans, and Griese does it well. Joe Montana made the HOF doing just that. It was his mind and accuracy that made him special. Count how many times Brian's throws were perfectly in stride to his receiver or RB in the first half alone. The guy was being harrassed by Taylor and co. all game, and throwing against the best CB tandom in the NFL (IMO) and he looked great. He was also facing the most blitz happy play calling scheme we showed all year. He still shined. I found myself watching slowly saying to myself, If I'm totally honest, and this is how Griese usually plays (Which I do not know for certain, havent watched him enough)...then I'd have to say we're better with Brian (once he knows the system).
I also thought Brian had more zip on the ball (Before Jay was injured) and that he was able to throw those short routes at a masterful level. Far superior to Jay. I think he's just a little stronger armed than Jay, and I also think he's more accurate. Add to that his Play Action ability, and I see an upgrade at QB if he can lead us.
I'm not on the "Start Griese" band wagon, but I call them like I see them. Both QB's make throws they shouldn't, but then again don't they all. Both guys showed the ability to lead a comeback successfully, and the rest I observed I listed here already.
I can't say enough how much I was impressed by his play action fake, and I am surprised not to have read more about it here already. Check it out if you have the game Dolfans and let me know what you think of what I observed.
To finish this, I'll say if Jay goes down this year, I will not be surprised to see a Brady/Bledsoe deal pop up where we play very well with Brian and decide to stay with him. But I do understand Wanny's loyalty to Jay. However, Wanny also brought in Brian, so the guy is also Wanny's Guy......I'm sure Wanny wants a SB more than he wants to make Jay's Xmas list anyhow if he comes to believe Brian gives us an edge.
One wildcard I will add to this though is this : Jay is a competitor. I won't be surprised to see him have his best year this season with Brian on his back waiting......Jay fought hard to make the NFL, and harder to start. He won't back down.
We'll see soon enough.
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