What's the real reason Saban benched Culpepper?

[Finole]

The way I see it, there are several theories floating around as to why Culpepper is riding the pine right now. I'm wondering what the consensus is here on FinHeaven.

1. The company line - Saban says Culpepper injured his shoulder from taking all those sacks. Looking back, it's now obvious that Culpepper was not 100% at the start of the season, and to avoid further injury, Saban is resting him, not benching him, so his knee can fully heal. Saban still believes Culpepper is the man, and is protecting our QB of the future.

2. The ego - Most NFL QBs have a huge ego, and Culpepper is no exception. Saban had to find a way to bench Culpepper without bruising his ego, so he is using the injury as an excuse to rest Culpepper until he is 100% because Culpepper at 70%-80% is not good enough to win games.

3. The conspiracy theory - Saban realized he made a big mistake in acquiring Culpepper. Saban was finally convinced Culpepper sucks, and will never be the QB he was in 2004, and used the injury excuse to bench him so the Fins at least have a chance at winning with Harrington. Saban will try to trade Culpepper next season.

4. Harrington is just that good - Saban always wanted Harrington to start, but had to start Culpepper to save face.

5. None of above. Some other theory. Please explain...


What do you believe is the true reason Culpepper is not the starting QB right now?

 

[Tailgun]

Rigged poll. Obviously, as a Culpepper supporter, you neglected to include the option that he was benched because Saban was finally convinced he sucked.

 

[dominizzo]

number 4

 

[Finole]

Rigged poll. Obviously, as a Culpepper supporter, you neglected to include the option that he was benched because Saban was finally convinced he sucked.

That's #3, the conspiracy theory. I EDITED it for you.

And yes I am a Culpepper supporter. Because he's the QB for the Fins. I also support Harrington.

 

[fins33]

Rigged poll. Obviously, as a Culpepper supporter, you neglected to include the option that he was benched because Saban was finally convinced he sucked.

:stupid:

 

[ckparrothead]

I can't believe 4 people actually voted for the conspiracy theory, as laid out.

 

[sounds7]

Back in the offseason Saban said the reason they went with Culpepper is that he's a playmaker and suggested that Drew Brees wasn't. He also questioned Brees' ability to come back from the injury, while Brees had a repuation around the league as an extremely hard worker. It was an easy decision and Saban screwed himself by going for the sexy choice. All the Dolphins needed (like the Saints) at QB was someone to manage the game and not make mistakes. Culpepper has been one of the league leaders in fumbles since he's been starting, so Saban had an idea of what he was getting and gave up a second rounder for the wrong choice. Culpepper being benched is the realization by the coach that his QB is not right. Maybe its because of the injury or maybe Culpepper just blows with out Moss to make him look good. Time will tell.

 

[Quick Release]

#1 The company line. The injury is real. Saban wants what is best for the team, and his players. Culpepper is the future. Get used to it.

 

[CitizenSnips]

#1 The company line. The injury is real. Saban wants what is best for the team, and his players. Culpepper is the future. Get used to it.

i agree. the injury is real. Culpepper would have kept playing throught it though if we didn't have joey i believe.

 

[Finole]

I can't believe 4 people actually voted for the conspiracy theory, as laid out.

Me either. But what's wrong with how it's laid out?

 

[ItsOurTime32]

well obviously he lacks the confidence and everything that goes along with it
he didn't step into his throws whenever he was playing, thats one sign that he wasn't ready, after the pittsburgh game i noticed he was moving a bit slower then he was during the pittsburgh game, another sign, he doesn't make quick reads or take chances down field, lack of trust in himself and receivers around him. sitting him out a year will let him get a chance to practice with the receivers that we have and let his knee heal fully while seeing if joey is the next starter in this offense or to make trade bait out of it

 

[KTOWNFINFAN]

The way I see it, there are several theories floating around as to why Culpepper is riding the pine right now. I'm wondering what the consensus is here on FinHeaven.

1. The company line - Saban says Culpepper injured his shoulder from taking all those sacks. Looking back, it's now obvious that Culpepper was not 100% at the start of the season, and to avoid further injury, Saban is resting him, not benching him, so he can fully heal. Saban still believes Culpepper is the man, and is protecting our QB of the future.

2. The ego - Most NFL QBs have a huge ego, and Culpepper is no exception. Saban had to find a way to bench Culpepper without bruising his ego, so he is using the injury as an excuse to rest Culpepper until he is 100% because Culpepper at 70%-80% is not good enough to win games.

3. The conspiracy theory - Saban realized he made a big mistake in acquiring Culpepper. Saban was finally convinced Culpepper sucks, and will never be the QB he was in 2004, and used the injury excuse to bench him so the Fins at least have a chance at winning with Harrington. Saban will try to trade Culpepper next season.

4. Harrington is just that good - Saban always wanted Harrington to start, but had to start Culpepper to save face.

5. None of above. Some other theory. Please explain...


What do you believe is the true reason Culpepper is not the starting QB right now?

It's the law man the law. The law is the reason Saban benched Danute. The law of the land in the country which we live plainly states it is not legal to take a QB out back and put him out of his misery like you would a horse with a broken leg. Horses and QBs are different animals. People believe, right or wrong, that QBs have other value to the human race. Therefore since Nick didn't have the ability to legally put him down he HAD to bench him. It's the law of the land, WHATCHA GONNA DO?? :D

 

[Quick Release]

well obviously he lacks the confidence and everything that goes along with it
he didn't step into his throws whenever he was playing, thats one sign that he wasn't ready, after the pittsburgh game i noticed he was moving a bit slower then he was during the pittsburgh game, another sign, he doesn't make quick reads or take chances down field, lack of trust in himself and receivers around him. sitting him out a year will let him get a chance to practice with the receivers that we have and let his knee heal fully while seeing if joey is the next starter in this offense or to make trade bait out of it

The only thing Culpepper lacked was a supporting cast. Maybe you haven't noticed, but Harrington hasn't fared any better.

 

[CitizenSnips]

well obviously he lacks the confidence and everything that goes along with it
he didn't step into his throws whenever he was playing, thats one sign that he wasn't ready, after the pittsburgh game i noticed he was moving a bit slower then he was during the pittsburgh game, another sign, he doesn't make quick reads or take chances down field, lack of trust in himself and receivers around him. sitting him out a year will let him get a chance to practice with the receivers that we have and let his knee heal fully while seeing if joey is the next starter in this offense or to make trade bait out of it

I'd have to say a guy like chambers should really take a few shots for culpeppers lack of production early on. Most the passes were to him. He didn't get to many of them though.

 

[colmax]

I have the feeling that Saban thinks Culpepper is a BIG FAT POOPIE-HEAD! (This is JMO) :goof:

Honestly, I think that it could be a combination of the first three. Culpepper upheld a facade that made everyone think he was very close to 100% prior to the season. I bet that Saban realized in game 2 that Culpepper would not get much better physically but stuck by him because it was the right thing to do (Chance for redemption for both Saban and C-pepp, Saban's patience, C-pepp's competitiveness, etc.). Unfortunately, I feel that Saban made a GINORMOUS mistake in taking in Mularkey. Firstly, the O-line issues. Secondly, the O-line issues. Thirdly...well, I think you know where this is going.

Anyhow, I do not know exactly why Culpepper has struggled in this offense, but he has. I am a firm believer that if what you are doing is not working, change of plan. I feel the coaches (including Saban) are being a little too stubborn when it comes to ways of approach. Whatever they are doing is not working. Does it take 6 games to realize that?