I need a clarification.
I am not trying to convince anyone of anything here. But last week the glib phrase for the team was "Sheridan=DEATH" and it was an accurate saying. Nick Sheridan had been horrible. I don't blame him for that since he was an unrecruited walkon who just wanted to be a part of the program and figured he would never really see any meaningful playing time. He was put in a situation that he was physically not made to handle.
A lot of you around here started screaming that RR was an idiot for starting him at the beginning of the year and that Nick Sheridan was the harbinger of death. Now you're in love with him...after one good game against a not very good team...when he really didn't have to make more than 2-3 tough throws. Now there's a QB controversy? I'm sorry, but some of you folks are beyond irrational. I really am curious how you can go about claiming that Sheridan is a serviceable QB after one game. Minn is not that good, UM game planned extremely well, the D played great, the running game was near perfect and Minny didn't get the TO's they're used to. With all of those factors, there aren't many QB's that couldn't pull out a win. I just don't understand how bi-polar some of you can be.
Oh, and Feagin is not an option besides the occasional "Feagin Not-Obvious Run Between the Guard and Tackle"
November 9th, 2008 at 1:17 PM ^
November 9th, 2008 at 1:35 PM ^
November 9th, 2008 at 1:36 PM ^
November 9th, 2008 at 1:40 PM ^
November 9th, 2008 at 2:01 PM ^
November 9th, 2008 at 2:09 PM ^
Regardless of who's going to be the long-term starter or whatever, Sheridan arguably had the best game of any QB this year. He went 18/30 for 200+ yards, 1 TD, and zero turnovers. He also had 33 yards rushing and produced the biggest point differential of the year (with the help of the defense, obviously). Threet probably has more talent overall...but he also lost to Toledo. Sheridan at least deserves consideration. He has a weaker arm than Threet, but he's a much more accurate passer. Sheridan made two deep throws that were right on the money yesterday - one to Mathews, who made a diving catch, and one to Stonum, who dropped it - and another pretty good throw to Odoms (I think) on a post, which was also dropped. He also hit McGuffie on a 39-yard pass on the run. There's not a vast difference in talent, in my opinion.
(FYI: I haven't been a Sheridan-hater like many people have, so this isn't a complete 180 for me.)
November 9th, 2008 at 2:19 PM ^
November 9th, 2008 at 2:13 PM ^
November 9th, 2008 at 2:48 PM ^
November 9th, 2008 at 2:57 PM ^
Possibly it's been some darn good coaching that helped Sheridan perform well? Eh?
I don't think the kid improved all by himself. It seems there are too many people quick to forget that these kids are being COACHED day to day.
Lets give some credit where credit is possibly due, OK? Just sayin'.
November 9th, 2008 at 3:04 PM ^
Bottom line, Sheridan managed the game well. He doesnt have the raw skills that a typical D1 QB has, but he made relatively good decisions for an inexperienced QB. He threw the ball away wen appropriate to avoid sacks, he scrabbled effectively and at key times, he didnt miss many wide open recievers, he made good throws on the screen pass, he didnt fumble on any handoffs. Also he made smart throws and put the ball into places where either a michigan reciever would catch it or it would be incomplete. The only true mistake of a throw was that fade route to the corner of the endzone in the first quarter. Overall, what more could you ask of a walk on QB.
If you ask me, threet has not done enough to guarantee himself the starting job wen he comes back from injury. He over throws open recievers down field, he struggles with the screen pass, he makes bad decisions and very dangerous passes. he has fumbled on several handoffs. Being that neither are standout QBs, i think that RR should go with however he thinks can manage the game and minimize turnovers. And even though Sheridan has thrown quite a few Ints, i think several of them had to do with him being put into very desperate situations. I truly do think there is a legitimate debate as to who should start in the remaining two games.
But just to be clear, I see Forcier as our ultimate starter. Id project that either sheridan or threet will start the first game or two of next season, with Forcier playing off the bench, just to get him some game experience. Once he gets comfortable with the game speed, I think he will become the full time starter.
November 9th, 2008 at 6:30 PM ^
Sheridan is more apt (but still not enough) to keep the ball on the read option than Threet is, and Sheridan hits the screen passes much better. These are two very key elements to RR's offense.
However, as good as Forcier's press may be, I can't make any projections on a player who is still in high school versus players who have significant game experience. My preference (and wild ass guess) I would prefer Forcier to red shirt rather than going through another season with a totally inexperienced QB. A year of practice under his belt, then let the three battle it out for 2010.
November 9th, 2008 at 5:56 PM ^
1. Sheridan deserves all the accolades that come his way for the way he played yesterday. He did not hurt his team in their collective efforts to win the game.
2. Just because he played well yesterday is no guarantee that he will play well next Saturday. He is still very inexperienced and will have his ups and downs.
3. Minnesota played the most pathetic first half yesterday of any 7-2 team that I have ever seen. They looked like they have not practiced in a month.
4. Given our luck in the Metrodome, Bill Martin should put in a bid for its shell to be moved to AA and be placed over the Big House.
This football season has been like living life with an addiction- it is best to take it one day at a time.
Go Blue!!!
November 9th, 2008 at 6:13 PM ^
The outside bubble screens and long handoff passes are key, Threet with his baseball windup throw and inaccuracy almost elimnates a key play in the offense.
Sheridan clearly moves around better and IMO runs much harder though I dont think there is much difference in speed between them.
Sheridan has played scared out there, that is why he has been inaffective. From what I have read he consistantly looks better in practice then Threet.
The key, Shridan does not play scared he is better in this offense, that did not happen until yesterday.
I also dont like Sheridan off the bench, its like he is trying to hard and the team is usually down and not playing well, tough in any situation like that.
Let the kids practice this week, including Feagin and come up with the best game plan. Threet is not anywhere to a point where he is a lock to keep playing.