The problem is gameday "active" roster spots.

They can list Stanzi as the emergency QB, which allows him to not consume an "active" roster spot, yet still play if the other 2 QBs go down. So theoretically, Stanzi would have to move up to the #2 on the depth chart, and Haley would have to be comfortable enough to have Palko only available in the event of 2 QB injuries.

Realistically for Stanzi to get in a game, one of a few things has to happen.

1. Both other QBs get hurt in game, making him active as the emergency QB.

2. A QB is hurt enough to be inactive, thus moving him up the depth chart by default.

3. Something has to shake up the depth chart.

I think the most realistic possibility at this point is #3. If Cassel continues to play like this, Haley is going to have to make a change. Whether through Cassel continuing to fail, or Stanzi progressing in practice, a shake-up to the depth chart is his best chance.

Ryan Leaf was the #2 pick in the draft and started his rookie year. So did David Carr. Akili Smith....the list is a long one.

I think they did away with the emergency QB thing this year. Stanzi would take up a roster spot if he is active.

you should swallow a shotgun

Huh? The Steelers lost to the Patriots in the playoffs Bens rookie year. He "won" the SB the next year when he had one of his all time worst performances.

Any QB that we could "ruin" due to starting him (last I checked, Stanzi is an NFL player) is a QB that isn't our QBOTF anyway. Legit, franchise QB's can emerge from these types of situations. Throw him in there. See if he takes the reigns...learns from adversity/mistakes and emerges as a franchise QB. If not....well...bye. Thanks for helping us get the # 1 pick. If he's lights out and causes us to win some more games than we would with Cassell, then who cares about the # 1 pick?

I still favor NOT throwing him to the wolves. But I have to also say that reportedly one of Stanzi's positive points is that he does have "short memory" when it comes to his mistakes. He is probably more equipped than, say, Carr to not get his head messed up, but still....

If being thrown to the wolves "ruins" your quarterback, he was never the guy to lead you to the promised land, anyway.

You have to possess the ability to fight through adversity and keep moving forward.

I think Stanzi should start after the bye week.

JMO

Nothing personal, but the NFL is a cold bitch. He's a 5th rounder. If he's ruined big whoop.

imo Cassel has been handled like glass. It didn't work. I don't want them to start Stanzi at all this season. I'd love to have Andrew Luck but I'd hate to get there.

Stanzi reigned in the interceptions during his senior year. He does need to get acclimated to the speed.

I won't agree with anyone who says to keep Check Down in there. You are giving up by keeping him in. If Stanzi isn't ready, even Palko has to be a better choice. You know Check Down is a fail, you don't keep going back to him. Make Stanzi the backup so he gets more reps.

Did Newton and Dalton have the off season to learn their offenses? Hell, both of those two look far better than what we have right now. I say play him. Play him now.

EXACTLY

Stanzi has had just as much time as Newton and Dalton and has every tool a QB needs to be successful. Stanzi could play just as well or better than Dalton, easy. His short memory should ease the mind of those who think "he'll be ruined". That is just ridiculous, if any QB on our roster looked like he was ready to play this season in the preseason, it was Stanzi.

I know all the comparisons Stanzi gets are to Brady, mostly b/c of the way he steps up his game in big games, and the fourth quarter. Also, his work ethic and knowledge of defenses. Some of you might be a bit more comfortable with a comparison to Matt Schaub as his ceiling. I think it's a little low compared to where I think it truly is, but more believable.