OT: What is wrong with Connor Cook?

but the lack of ":good vibes" is not limited to one man's take. In your post preceding this one, you noted how he had a lackluster performance, but the noticeable failing on his part in that particular game was the Michigan D - and much of his yardage was the result of a bend, but don't break(exactly what happened on the long TD run off the short pass), common practice when you are trying to check their most dangerous weapon - was UM shutting him down in the last drive, only to  be saved by the punt. I do realize thought that he was throwing to one superior receiver and the other had a few drops.

However, I was going to post in a manner that backed up many of your thoughts, using our own HC as an example. There is no doubt he is considered by some of his colleagues as an ass hole of the highest order, but  yet is one hell of a coach, and all those that might not invite him to the poker game, will agree on that point. But I am still going to agree with you to far more than a degree because I think these possibilities are extremely interesting.

 He has had this personality for three years, never named a captain, apparently considered a locker room presence that does not bother them, but probably wouldn't notice if he were not there. In other words, no one member of the team causes a desire on his part to bond or in some way become friends with.

However, during that three year period, he also became MSU's all-time leading passer, set records as to receptions, yardage, TD passes, TD to int ratio off the chart and in so doing became their all time leader in number of wins at the QB position. And he was known, for at least two years, as being outside the "norm" as possessing the tangible assets you seek in a QB.

I am not going to disagree with those that make a living analyzing NFL talent. But the only reason I am not doing so i because they are basing their evaluation off guide lines, parameters and priorities for each  position, including desired personality types at all positions, with that of a qb something like this: At QB, you desire a man that when he steps into the huddle, all  players look at him and immediately gain a sense of confidence and awareness he is our leader and will make the correct reads, check-offs, etc., to lead us down the  field. He personifies leadership. In pressure packed situations, he doesn't even give the faintest hint that he has anything but the answer to whatever question might present itself. These individuals, possessing these traits are rare but so too are the skills they possess to be NFL QBs. This player, off the field is the type that is liked and respected by all his team mates, both those on the defensive side and the offensive players. Largely considered born leaders, these are the type the other children are drawn to and probably among the reasons their first coach, at the lowest level of Rocket Football select them to be their qb. Obviously, they are the captains of their teams, regardless of level. My  question to them is how in the  hell did he pull off every one of the accomplishments listed above without possessing not even one of these traits?  Jabrill Peppers was, I'm assuming most thought this way, our best defensive player last season and I don't think he was a captain.

Now I was a high school qb, three years and two year captain. I was a good athlete and possessed many of the traits considered as desireable as described above. At the same time, in a unit composed of 11 players, I find no shame in stating if it were up to me, and not the result of the coach naming both defensive and offensive captains, I could look around that huddlle and would have picked at least 6 - want to be over 50% - that I felt were better "natural(whatever the hell that means) leaders than myself. The one thing Connor and I had in common was we were both winners far more often than we were losers and he won more than anyone in his school's history. And this did come immediately on the hells of the previous record holder.

My question to those in the NFL that are concerned, especially with this captain thing, is it possible that you can have an extroverted qb, seemingly more content being alone or belonging to  a group outside his football team, yet still be a winner? Based on his resume, obvious answer is yes. Has he pulled any Ryan Leaf like signs of immaturity that you feel he might repeat in the future? Same with Mallett I guess? Remember, both of these exhibited traits while in college that suggested they were wound rather loosely. What was the feedback of his head coach? Even more telling, because you all know Harbaugh, respect his take and know he possesses unquestioned integrity, when you questioned him, did he suggest he saw signs that point to a strong likelihood that Connor possesses latent behavorial abnormalities that are more than likely to surface down the  road that will spell disaster to the team?

It is not like it's a secret you've had assholes, respective to societal norms, at every  damn position on your squad and this included many head coaches. At the end of their initial contract, what's the  percantage that were offered extensions?  Does the possibility exist, a trait that is not uncommon in every profession, Connor does not possess a great love for the game? However, he realizes he is among the best at his age group and level of experience and his continued playing at the pro level is based on this awareness. If such is true, does that not answer many  questions you have and might not that be the reason for his success? Unlike the majority, he is not subjected to the same level of passion, thus far less likely to allow a mistake on his part or on the part of a teammate to stay with him. Instead of dwelling on what is history the moment it happens, his professional approach allows him to  carry on in a manner as if it had never happened, and as an extension of that, he will not be subjected to the  ups and downs of all new qbs that enter the league and the expectations for consisent level of play are far greater with him than that of someone who allows these mistakes to  fester?

I pose these all as legitimate questions, while admitting if I were evaluating a player, I would want him to be more like the type we are used to. And like those doing the evaluating, because he does differ significantly comared to those who have come before, i might be concerned. Not being named a captain wouldn't concern me. I believe almost all of his offensive team mates, at some point were captains of theer team and I found the best teams I was associated with,either as a player or a coach, seemed to share a common bond, goals were stated and obvious and can't recall any time where there was a need to separate any two. Captain is a title of respect. If all share the same in regard to each  of their  team mates, I think I would desire that than someone, as a result of a popularity contest ,recognized as captain, therefore our spokesman when it comes to deciding whether to accept or decline penalties, but the truth is results of a vote will not guarantee that one is considered to command more respect than the other 10. I loved having a qb that remained unchanged throughout the game, with nothing seeming to effect his focus. That is a large part of the position. And despite the concerns voiced as to this, has he ever appeared out of control during a game and has he exhibited a tendency to fold as a result of the unforseen more than others?  I know what his resume says.

I think, too, he owns a win over OSU.

Of course all of the above is based on something that could have merit but doesn't apply to Cook at all. His team mates like him, and despite not being a captain, there was not a damn thing said about him until he snubbed Arhie Griffen accidentally, and for which he phoned and apologized the next day. Truth is he was a little upset that he won that trophy and fel it should have gone to the offensive line, something he remedied when he returned to the  holtel.

It becomes more evident why certain teams in the NFL always lose. However, with no mention of Cook having a personality at odds with teammates and people in general, overnight, due to an error in vision, not judgment he didn't shake Archie's hand. Now every NFL GM knows he lacks what it takes to be a NFL QB. Good luck filling your rosters with those whose character is beyond reproach.