If Tim Couch is so good then why..........

[Phantom]

I haven't seen any Qb on our roster in the past 6 seasons that would constitute us not bringing in another Qb for a workout.................

 

[DuderinoN703]

Can't you say the same thing for Ty Law?

 

[NathanHunt]

You guys are crazy..he was a number 1 pick for a reason. I am from Kentucky and watched him all through college, he has unbelievable talent and arm strenth, he just hasn't been playing in the system in the NFL that he was in college. Hal Mumme ran a wide open, throw almost every down offense (including fourth) and Couch made it work. I'm not saying he is a pro-bowler or anything, just that for what we might be able to get him for ($) compared to what it woulda costed a few years ago....why not? He might be hungry for a last chance to prove everyone wrong, and it Linemans offense, he could excel. You never know....

I'm from Kentucky too. Went to a few of his games and watched many more. Couch is nothing more than a 15 yard and under dink-and-dunk passer. He has good vision, timing and accuracy. However, he does NOT have great arm strength. Many of his collegiant yards were RAC or within 10 yards. Hal Mumme's offense piled up yards but it also consumed a lot of clock. There's only one way a passing offense can accumulate 300+ yards/game and still dominate in time of possession... short yardage gains.

The main difference between Holcombe and Couch (when the great shuffle was going on) was arm strength and leadership. Holcombe had a deep touch and was a gritty leader. 2 qualities Couch never had. Granted, Cleveland's OLine was not the greatest, but the offense still did not call for deep passes. Those are adjustments made in practice and camp due to things coaches see then. Coach simply doesn't have the arm for the NFL deep route. Couch is a career backup and, fortunately for him, still commands attention from his college days.

As many "great" college QBs soon discover, stats <> NFL ability. For Couch, he holds High School National Records and Collegiant Records. But, that does not mean he has the physical tools to excel at the professional level. The Mannings, McNabbs and Culpepper's of the world are great because they are complete QBs. They can do it all good or great, not just some parts.

Regarding a previous post, Manning came out in '98. Couch in '99 with the "great QB class".

If AJ cannot beat out Gus, then it's time to realize we will be drafting or trading for a QB soon. And, whomever it is, his last name will not be Couch.

 

[tcdrover]

Saban may be looking to upgrade the backup qb position.

It wouldn't surprise me if he thinks that maybe Couch would be an upgrade over Feeley...:evil:

Next year we'll be getting a better QB.

 

[bdmagnum]

Neither defending NOR supporting Couch with this post. But in his defense(and this can go for any player at any position on any team) HERE GOES: Just how good were those teams he played on in Cleveland? Did the offensive style fit his style of play? How much pressure was he under on a consistent basis. Did he have more than an average running game in his worst year(s). From how far behind was his team playing? Was he forced to pass alot, therefore becoming one-dimensional? If I recall correctly, Couch had to throw the ball alot and he made his share of mistakes, but the guy has ability. In the right system, he could do well. Is it Linehan's system? Maybe. He could shine in the right offense. He wasn't BAD in Cleveland, he mirrored his teams overall performance by being inconsistent. That can be attributed to more than just his ability. There are way more variables involved. Tim Couch is a smart QB with above average skills. He would, of course, need a line to play behind because scrambling isn't his strongest skill. He would need a good running game for support and the guy can make some plays with his throws. HE's a pretty accurate passer - hovering around the 60% mark for his career. His biggest problem is his tendency to force passes. That can be corrected. But he has all the intangibles a QB needs to be successful. But to outright say he sucks just doesn't make sense to me. This post isn't about grabbing Couch and anointing him our new starter. It's about giving a guy with some potential a HARMLESS look to see what he has to offer and how his skills fit into our philosophy.

For a moment there, I thought you were talking about Feeley's situation last year.:)