Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut
Look - I think he's wrong here. Herbert's clearly their future.
Buuuuuut - I think we've seen what Lynn thinks about his football team. He thinks this is a SB caliber defense w/ an offense that can grind out wins if his QB doesn't do anything to cut their throats.
And he's probably right w/r/t the defense - that's a hell of a tough unit. So I think he's looking at the next 6 weeks or so and thinking "okay, I don't have a full install w/ Herbert because he doesn't quite know the playbook..." and that's a fair belief. Herbert DID screw the pooch on that 3rd down inside the 5. And Herbert DID make a back-breaking rookie mistake on that interception. I mean that was a truly awful decision.
So Lynn's probably thinking that if he can pull off 4-2 w/ Taylor and his savage defense winning game 20-13 over the next 6 weeks, Herbert can come far enough along to maybe be able to add some nitrous to the offense down the stretch.
He doesn't want Herbert's growing pains to cost him a win or two over this first half of the season, a win that could keep them out of the post-season. If he can use Herbert as a bullpen of sorts, where Taylor keeps them alive for 5 innings and then Herbert comes in more fully formed over the latter 1/3 - 1/2 of the season to take things to the next level, maybe he can take advantage of the expanded playoff field and do some damage.
He's trying to get the best of both worlds, IMO. He's trying to ensure that they don't do anything to actively cost themselves a win or two that may cost them the playoffs while further coaching up/teaching Herbert so he can come in with a full playbook later on.
The starter has to deal with weekly installs - it's a different role than the holistic learning of the offense that Herbert still needs to do, IMO. If he can let Taylor focus on weekly gameplanning while Herbert continues to focus his attention on a more 1,000 mile understanding of the system, it will make Herbert more prepared for the end-game in December(ish) when he may be able to make them playoff dangerous.
I think Lynn understands how thin their margin for error here is so he's trying to walk it as best he can.
It's not what I'd do because I don't have as much confidence in his team as he does. But he clearly thinks this team can win with its D and be a truly dangerous post-season squad. In the meantime, he doesn't want Herbert making those 2-3 major mistakes/gm that could cut their throat.
Because lets face it - Herbert's 2nd half featured one good throw and 2 very significant, game-changing mistakes. And Herberts touchdowns were both on plays Taylor could've made.
I understand his reasoning here even if it isn't what I'd have done.
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If that's the case run the offense like Joe burrow. A ton of well executed short, makeable passes. Or the way the steelers kid gloved big Ben his rookie year. That I get. Herbert's floor is tyrod Taylor. So you get to develop a rookie and very good chance by seasons end you get a much better qb. Its odd to hitch your wagon to a 31 year old qb who built a mediocre career out of running the ball.
Cleveland made the qb change with tyrod and baker almost led them to an improbable playoff berth. They probably wish they could get those 2 gross weeks with tyrod back.