Clayton: Confident Sanchez has solid showing - Page 6

**Tribal Warfare** · 02-22-2009, 07:08 PM

Confident Sanchez has solid showing
A ball of nervous energy, USC QB Mark Sanchez had a good throwing performance Sunday at the combine.

ESPN.com
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INDIANAPOLIS -- One of the neat things about having a top quarterback participate in the combine is seeing how his personality is exposed before scouts, coaches and GMs for 32 teams.

USC's Mark Sanchez clearly showed his competitive nature Sunday.

Sanchez was in a group that featured 10 quarterbacks, but the only one who didn't throw was Matthew Stafford of Georgia, a close friend of Sanchez's who is competing with him to be the top pick in the draft.

Instead of throwing at the combine, most potential first-round QBs elect to hold their own throwing session in March at their college campuses with receivers they know. Peyton Manning, one of the most competitive quarterbacks in the game, skipped the combine workouts when he turned pro in 1998 and advised Stafford to do the same. Stafford did only the running drills and vertical drills Sunday.

Sanchez, a ball of nervous energy during the drills, elected to do all of them.

"That's just me," Sanchez said Friday, two days before his workouts. "I've got to do this. I feel like I want to do it. I'm a competitive person. I want to win, and that's what I'm about. It would kill me not to throw.''

Sanchez wasn't great in the throwing drills, but he was good enough. He proved he could make all the necessary throws to be a top NFL quarterback. His slant passes to his right were the strongest. He held the ball high and displayed good mechanics. He completed both of his go passes to the right side at 31 and 32 yards. His 40-yard go patterns to his left were accurate and had nice arc. Very few of his passes hit the ground, showing that he has a catchable ball.

I could tell this week that the competitive fire within Sanchez still burns after he had one of the best games of his career in the Rose Bowl. Sanchez completed 28 of 35 passes for 413 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-24 victory over Penn State. He was ready for his next challenge, so he applied for the NFL draft and skipped his senior season.

"I feel like this really was the right time for me," Sanchez said. "That was obviously the pinnacle of my career. I felt very tuned in, dialed in for that game. I visualized things very well, and we played at heck of a game as a team first. We peaked at the right time, and it was a good way to go out."

Sanchez showed confidence in his throwing motion and mechanics Sunday. He also had a good fan base, led by, of all people, Stafford, who cheered Sanchez when he ran his 40 and encouraged him during the throwing session. Although Stafford didn't throw, he took time to help Sanchez loosen up before the drills. Their friendship goes back to the Nike Elite 11 camp in high school.

Stafford edged Sanchez in the 40-yard dash, running 4.84 seconds twice. Sanchez ran a 4.88 and 4.97. Sanchez topped Stafford in the vertical jump, leaping 32.5 inches to Stafford's 30.5.

Should Sanchez go ahead of Stafford in the draft?

"Absolutely," Sanchez said. "I'd better think that. And I think he should think that, too. That's what we've got to think. As a competitor, that's all I want to do is be the best that I can be. And the best you can do in this draft is be No. 1.''

milkman · 02-22-2009, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I don't really think it's possible for him to surpass Stafford, Stafford is the one with the jawdropping natural ability, all of Sanchez big plusses over Stafford are things that aren't shown in workouts.

That's probably true, but Sanchez is showing his competitive nature by competing to at least make that attempt.

I guess that's just another sign of immaturity.

Mecca · 02-22-2009, 10:59 PM

What exactly were you looking for I was watching his mechanics and feet...his arm strength didn't show through and the bad timing I was fully expecting since he wasn't familiar with any of the receivers.

I think the only thing he really needs to do is consistently show his arm strength more.

Mecca · 02-22-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

That's probably true, but Sanchez is showing his competitive nature by competing to at least make that attempt.

I guess that's just another sign of immaturity.

Depends who's evaluating him, some people think his confidence is cockiness.

**doomy3** · 02-22-2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

What exactly were you looking for I was watching his mechanics and feet...his arm strength didn't show through and the bad timing I was fully expecting since he wasn't familiar with any of the receivers.

I think the only thing he really needs to do is consistently show his arm strength more.

His arm strength was my biggest concern going into today as I have repeatedly said. He actually showed WORSE arm strength today than what I was expecting, and I didn't expect much in that category. If it isn't significantly better in his pro day, that is a huge concern.

TRR · 02-22-2009, 11:02 PM

I watched all of Sanchez' throws today and thought he did a great job with his footwork, and keeping the ball high. Gruden seems to really like Sanchez, and what he brings to the table.

In the end, I think that with Crabtree measuring at 6'1, and surgery looming on his foot, he is almost undraftable at the #3 spot. If he waits until after his Pro Day to have the surgery, he may not be ready for Mini Camp. That being said, I think KC would be crazy to pass on a competitor like Sanchez. He has good intangibles, toughness, will only get better with more experience.

I came away liking Sanchez more today after his workout than before. I would be upset to see KC draft another LB like Curry or reach for another player when a QB like Sanchez is waiting and ready to impact a team.
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milkman · 02-22-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Depends who's evaluating him, some people think his confidence is cockiness.

FTR, the immaturity shot was sarcasm aimed at SensibleChief.

**doomy3** · 02-22-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

That's probably true, but Sanchez is showing his competitive nature by competing to at least make that attempt.

I guess that's just another sign of immaturity.

I definitely like that he is competing and respect him for that. I just wish he would have competed better. When your arm strength looks inferior to guys like Pat White, then maybe you should have saved it.

**doomy3** · 02-22-2009, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Depends who's evaluating him, some people think his confidence is cockiness.

I want a cocky QB. But I want a cocky QB that can back it up.

Thigpen has also been overconfident this offseason. That doesn't equate to success though.

Mecca · 02-22-2009, 11:07 PM

I still didn't think his arm strength came off as poorly as same are making it out to be, it wasn't like he was Chad Pennington out there, his arm looked league average to me in todays workout.

I'd say he has an above average arm and needs to show that, he's probably already been told that 100 times by people coaching him.

**doomy3** · 02-22-2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I still didn't think his arm strength came off as poorly as same are making it out to be, it wasn't like he was Chad Pennington out there, his arm looked league average to me in todays workout.

I'd say he has an above average arm and needs to show that, he's probably already been told that 100 times by people coaching him.

He underthrew deep balls worse than ANYONE else in the drills today. Also the post corner, other than the one he threw out of bounds. And he was competing with mostly guys who won't be playing QB in the NFL.

BleedRed · 02-22-2009, 11:17 PM

When I watched Sanchez throw today I watched his feet and his release first. His five and seven step drops looks fluid to me. He had good spacing between his steps and didn't seem to stutter or take a few long or short steps. And he held the ball at a good height, right under his chin. Compared to some other guys that threw the ball, like that kid from 'Bama Gruden was jerking off, Sanchez looked poised in his drop back. As absurd as that sounds.

As for his arm strength, I thought he threw the ball well on the out routes and the post corner. The first deep throw he made had a lot of air under it, but I honestly think that had more to do with him floating it up there for the receiver to run under than anything else. And I say that because more than half of the receivers running routes rounded off on the second cone and its hard for a QB that has no timing with said WR to know where he is going to make his break and then place the ball accordingly.

BleedRed · 02-22-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doomy3

He underthrew deep balls worse than ANYONE else in the drills today. Also the post corner, other than the one he threw out of bounds. And he was competing with mostly guys who won't be playing QB in the NFL.

Personally, I think you are a bit stuck on the deep balls he threw. I wouldn't get so caught up in that. There are a lot of good NFL QB's that throw soft deep balls.

Arm strength really is more important on the 15+ yard deep out routes and digs. And I think he showed he is capable of making those throws.

Besides, if he was that horribly inaccurate and weak armed, would he really have been as good as he was at USC this year? The guys on NFL T.V. said it best, the tape doesn't lie. You simply cannot judge anyone by a few throws at a combine with players he's never worked with. I mean, why is it said year after year in preseason how important it is for a QB and WR to establish timing?

KCwolf · 02-22-2009, 11:22 PM

I PRAY to CHRIST the Kansas City Chiefs DO NOT draft a QB with the #3 PICK in the draft.....THERE is NO QB in the Draft that warrants the #3 PICK period! I'm not at all sold on Stafford either......YES it is a HUGE need ..... but NO NO NO.....there is no QB worth that pick in the 09' DRAFT! Please don't let this happen.....Please.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 02-22-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doomy3

He underthrew deep balls worse than ANYONE else in the drills today. Also the post corner, other than the one he threw out of bounds. And he was competing with mostly guys who won't be playing QB in the NFL.

Oh bull ****ing shit.

The two fly routes he threw were perfectly accurate, the WR had to take the slightest of hesitations to get there. Not one QB hit their guy in stride on the 9, and Pat White was the only one without a semblance of an underthrow.

**doomy3** · 02-22-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Oh bull ****ing shit.

The two fly routes he threw were perfectly accurate, the WR had to take the slightest of hesitations to get there. Not one QB hit their guy in stride on the 9, and Pat White was the only one without a semblance of an underthrow.

No, they weren't. Not even close. They were most definitely behind the receivers.

02-22-2009, 07:08 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3037187	Clayton: Confident Sanchez has solid showing Confident Sanchez has solid showing A ball of nervous energy, USC QB Mark Sanchez had a good throwing performance Sunday at the combine. ESPN.com Archive INDIANAPOLIS -- One of the neat things about having a top quarterback participate in the combine is seeing how his personality is exposed before scouts, coaches and GMs for 32 teams. USC's Mark Sanchez clearly showed his competitive nature Sunday. Sanchez was in a group that featured 10 quarterbacks, but the only one who didn't throw was Matthew Stafford of Georgia, a close friend of Sanchez's who is competing with him to be the top pick in the draft. Instead of throwing at the combine, most potential first-round QBs elect to hold their own throwing session in March at their college campuses with receivers they know. Peyton Manning, one of the most competitive quarterbacks in the game, skipped the combine workouts when he turned pro in 1998 and advised Stafford to do the same. Stafford did only the running drills and vertical drills Sunday. Sanchez, a ball of nervous energy during the drills, elected to do all of them. "That's just me," Sanchez said Friday, two days before his workouts. "I've got to do this. I feel like I want to do it. I'm a competitive person. I want to win, and that's what I'm about. It would kill me not to throw.'' Sanchez wasn't great in the throwing drills, but he was good enough. He proved he could make all the necessary throws to be a top NFL quarterback. His slant passes to his right were the strongest. He held the ball high and displayed good mechanics. He completed both of his go passes to the right side at 31 and 32 yards. His 40-yard go patterns to his left were accurate and had nice arc. Very few of his passes hit the ground, showing that he has a catchable ball. I could tell this week that the competitive fire within Sanchez still burns after he had one of the best games of his career in the Rose Bowl. Sanchez completed 28 of 35 passes for 413 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-24 victory over Penn State. He was ready for his next challenge, so he applied for the NFL draft and skipped his senior season. "I feel like this really was the right time for me," Sanchez said. "That was obviously the pinnacle of my career. I felt very tuned in, dialed in for that game. I visualized things very well, and we played at heck of a game as a team first. We peaked at the right time, and it was a good way to go out." Sanchez showed confidence in his throwing motion and mechanics Sunday. He also had a good fan base, led by, of all people, Stafford, who cheered Sanchez when he ran his 40 and encouraged him during the throwing session. Although Stafford didn't throw, he took time to help Sanchez loosen up before the drills. Their friendship goes back to the Nike Elite 11 camp in high school. Stafford edged Sanchez in the 40-yard dash, running 4.84 seconds twice. Sanchez ran a 4.88 and 4.97. Sanchez topped Stafford in the vertical jump, leaping 32.5 inches to Stafford's 30.5. Should Sanchez go ahead of Stafford in the draft? "Absolutely," Sanchez said. "I'd better think that. And I think he should think that, too. That's what we've got to think. As a competitor, that's all I want to do is be the best that I can be. And the best you can do in this draft is be No. 1.''
Posts: 43,455

02-22-2009, 10:59 PM	#77
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-742950	What exactly were you looking for I was watching his mechanics and feet...his arm strength didn't show through and the bad timing I was fully expecting since he wasn't familiar with any of the receivers. I think the only thing he really needs to do is consistently show his arm strength more.
Posts: 115,387

02-22-2009, 11:02 PM	#80
TRR The Priest and I Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: CO Casino cash: $9420185	I watched all of Sanchez' throws today and thought he did a great job with his footwork, and keeping the ball high. Gruden seems to really like Sanchez, and what he brings to the table. In the end, I think that with Crabtree measuring at 6'1, and surgery looming on his foot, he is almost undraftable at the #3 spot. If he waits until after his Pro Day to have the surgery, he may not be ready for Mini Camp. That being said, I think KC would be crazy to pass on a competitor like Sanchez. He has good intangibles, toughness, will only get better with more experience. I came away liking Sanchez more today after his workout than before. I would be upset to see KC draft another LB like Curry or reach for another player when a QB like Sanchez is waiting and ready to impact a team. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 7,371

02-22-2009, 11:07 PM	#84
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-742950	I still didn't think his arm strength came off as poorly as same are making it out to be, it wasn't like he was Chad Pennington out there, his arm looked league average to me in todays workout. I'd say he has an above average arm and needs to show that, he's probably already been told that 100 times by people coaching him.
Posts: 115,387

02-22-2009, 11:17 PM	#86
BleedRed Rookie Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	When I watched Sanchez throw today I watched his feet and his release first. His five and seven step drops looks fluid to me. He had good spacing between his steps and didn't seem to stutter or take a few long or short steps. And he held the ball at a good height, right under his chin. Compared to some other guys that threw the ball, like that kid from 'Bama Gruden was jerking off, Sanchez looked poised in his drop back. As absurd as that sounds. As for his arm strength, I thought he threw the ball well on the out routes and the post corner. The first deep throw he made had a lot of air under it, but I honestly think that had more to do with him floating it up there for the receiver to run under than anything else. And I say that because more than half of the receivers running routes rounded off on the second cone and its hard for a QB that has no timing with said WR to know where he is going to make his break and then place the ball accordingly.
Posts: 9

02-22-2009, 11:22 PM	#88
KCwolf Finisher Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland Oregon Casino cash: $3921116	I PRAY to CHRIST the Kansas City Chiefs DO NOT draft a QB with the #3 PICK in the draft.....THERE is NO QB in the Draft that warrants the #3 PICK period! I'm not at all sold on Stafford either......YES it is a HUGE need ..... but NO NO NO.....there is no QB worth that pick in the 09' DRAFT! Please don't let this happen.....Please. __________________
Posts: 1,918

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