Originally Posted by cdcox (Post 5351739)

Double standards work both ways.

I love how some people on this board were calling JaMarcus Russell a bust in his first year of starting then turn around and drool all over Thigpen. They basically had the same kind of season.

Thigpen had a good season. Maybe he will develop into a franchise QB but he has a long way to go. He's still a long shot. I'd rather not invest another 2 years hoping he develops into a franchise guy. Yes, I'd be more patient with someone who has a better pedigree. The chances of success are much better because they are bringing something to the table that the 7th rounder just doesn't have.

I also see an inherent weakness in Thigpen's deep ball. He has good velocity on short and medium passes, but he constantly underthrows on the long ball. I don't think that can be fixed by coaching or conditioning.

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501 (Post 5352182)

What makes it complicated is that what happens in practice and what happens in reality are two entirely different things.

We've seen this game played before. You're assuming that if Thigpen lights it up next year, that he'll keep his job. We've seen in too many instances that first round QBs are often handed starting jobs they don't deserve.

I'm all for this strategy on the contingency that the head coach will give Thigpen a fair chance to win and keep his starting job, and that he'll be quick to replace Thigpen the minute they realize he isn't the answer. While that sounds like a simple concept, it seems like a decision coaches struggle to make ESPECIALLY when you have a GM that puts pressure on the coach to play the expensive top 10 QB pick.

Originally Posted by RustShack (Post 5352217)

Its pretty common for first round QB's to sit out their rookie years. Also I wouldn't worry about Thigpen playing lights out in practice, especially if we switch back to a real offense. I think Croyle would be our best QB in practice too...

Originally Posted by milkman (Post 5352220)

It is becoming more common for high first round QBs to be throw into the fire right away.

Years ago, they were given an opportunity to sit and learn, but the money and pressure have changed that.

Originally Posted by RustShack (Post 5352226)

I could be wrong, but I can't think of any recent ones other than Matt Ryan...

Originally Posted by milkman (Post 5352253)

Peyton and Eli Manning.
David Carr
Matt Leinart
Jay Cutler
Ben Rothlisberger

Just some names of first round QBs who were thrown into the fire at some point in their rookie seasons.

Originally Posted by RustShack (Post 5352259)

At some point, yes. Eli didn't start the season opener. Cutler didn't, Rothlisberger didn't, I'm not 100% but I don't think Leinhart did either. Payton isn't really very "recent".

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501 (Post 5352182)

What makes it complicated is that what happens in practice and what happens in reality are two entirely different things.

We've seen this game played before. You're assuming that if Thigpen lights it up next year, that he'll keep his job. We've seen in too many instances that first round QBs are often handed starting jobs they don't deserve.

I'm all for this strategy on the contingency that the head coach will give Thigpen a fair chance to win and keep his starting job, and that he'll be quick to replace Thigpen the minute they realize he isn't the answer. While that sounds like a simple concept, it seems like a decision coaches struggle to make ESPECIALLY when you have a GM that puts pressure on the coach to play the expensive top 10 QB pick.

Originally Posted by the Talking Can (Post 5352288)

i don't give a %$!@ about thigpen

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare (Post 5352295)

It's like Grbac part Deux

Originally Posted by milkman (Post 5352253)

Peyton and Eli Manning.
David Carr
Matt Leinart
Jay Cutler
Ben Rothlisberger

Just some names of first round QBs who were thrown into the fire at some point in their rookie seasons.

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58 (Post 5352315)

Flacco.

Russell.

Edwards.

V. Young.

T. Jackson.

A. Smith.


All saw action in their rookie years.