Camp Battles and Situations I am watching with interest (1 Viewer)

[socrates]

Camp Battles and Situations I am watching with interest

QB Edition

Kevin Kolb vs. John Skelton – Coach Whisenhunt insists this is an open competition, but no doubt the Cards would love to get some kind of return on their investment in Kolb. Much has been made of Kolb’s 2-6 record as the Cards’ starter last season contrasted with Skelton’s 6-2 record, and I think that has to factor heavily into the equation. Kolb claims he feels far more comfortable with the offense and the team this season, and he has flashed more refined skills than Skelton, who is still raw and erratic. Kolb may get the early nod, but I am putting my chips on Skelton to eventually emerge the victor. The winner will make a solid QB2, but the uncertainty should net a lower price. If you can live through the growing pains (and your league doesn’t penalize you for int’s) Skelton looks like a decent investment, especially for dynasty leaguers. Twice in half a season last year, Skelton eclipsed 300 yards passing, and he had a pair of 3 TD games. The team rallied around Skelton, so he deserves a chance to grow into the position, and let’s face it, while Kolb’s completion percentage was a bit higher and his TD:INT ratio was slightly better, he is going to have to show more to keep the youngster at bay.

Matt Flynn vs. Tarvaris Jackson vs. Russell Wilson – Matt Flynn was brought to Seattle to be the unquestioned starter from day one, right? Second to that Peyton guy who signed at Denver, Flynn was the hottest QB on the free agent market this offseason, right? Not so fast! Jackson is not conceding anything to Flynn, and the rookie Russell Wilson looks like a guy who will be a quality NFL starter, despite his small stature. Tarvaris Jackson showed toughness last season playing through injuries, but I am unsure he will be given a serious audition for the starting role to start the season. Flynn’s record setting game last season may have been a bit of a fluke. I have never been particularly sold on Flynn as a quality NFL starter, but I would be shocked if he does not begin the season as the team’s #1. How long he will keep it may be the better question. Wilson is the most intriguing of the three, but he is unlikely to challenge for the starting job this preseason, but I am excited to see him get his reps. Pop some popcorn boys; this should be an interesting battle.

Josh Johnson vs. Colin Kaepernick – Neither will challenge Alex Smith for the starter’s position, but I am going to watch with interest the battle to be the backup in San Francisco. Colin Kaepernick has a year of studying at SF, but Johnson learned Harbaugh’s offense in college, so I don’t see any advantage either way there. Kaepernick looks raw and inaccurate, and while Johnson may have some accuracy issues of his own, he understand the role of a backup QB and brings some experience with him. This is a very intriguing battle. My gut tells me Kaepernick will win this battle. The winner of this battle is worth monitoring and could have some value if Smith gets injured. For dynasty purposes, I am not sold on any of the SF QBs at this point.

Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett – Hoyer is the unquestioned backup at this point, but I am interested in watching Mallett’s continued development. If Mallett can be relied upon as a backup, does that make Hoyer expendable, or might New England consider trading away Mallett? While neither is even close to Brady’s league, if Brady falls to an injury, I am certain the waiver wires will be burning up as teams try to scramble for his backup. For dynasty purposes, I like Hoyer to find a home as a starter by next season, and Mallett is an intriguing prospect who is just oozing with talent.

Blaine Gabbert – I expected Gabbert to struggle some last season, but I really expected a lot more than he showed. I am still hopeful he can rebound, and he will be given every opportunity to regain his confidence and steer this ship right. I will be watching this preseason to see if he has made any progress. He is probably nothing more than a QB3 at best this season, but I am carefully monitoring his dynasty value.

What QB battles or situations are you looking forward to watching in camps and preseason?

 

[loose circuits]

Stanzi v Quinn

Leinart v Pryor

 

[socrates]

Stanzi v QuinnLeinart v Pryor

I like both of those battles. Stanzi reportedly looked sharp in OTA’s, and the team would like to see him pushed by Quinn. Quinn has been a disappointment as a pro, but he does bring some experience with him. Stanzi, in true backup QB fashion, is a fan favorite, and it would be deflating to his confidence if he loses out to Quinn. I do not see Brady winning this battle, but he could put up a good fight at least, and if Cassell were to be lost to injury, Quinn might even be the better option.Oakland’s signing of Leinart could be viewed as very similar to KC bringing in Quinn. However, I think Pryor is still too much of an unknown for the Raiders to rely on as their backup, and Leinart is familiar with OC Gregg Knapp, so he fits well as Palmer’s backup. Pryor is still a project at this point.

 

[msommer]

Locker vs Hasselbeck

 

[saintfool]

Josh Johnson vs. Colin Kaepernick – Neither will challenge Alex Smith for the starter’s position, but I am going to watch with interest the battle to be the backup in San Francisco. Colin Kaepernick has a year of studying at SF, but Johnson learned Harbaugh’s offense in college, so I don’t see any advantage either way there. Kaepernick looks raw and inaccurate, and while Johnson may have some accuracy issues of his own, he understand the role of a backup QB and brings some experience with him. This is a very intriguing battle. My gut tells me Kaepernick will win this battle. The winner of this battle is worth monitoring and could have some value if Smith gets injured. For dynasty purposes, I am not sold on any of the SF QBs at this point.

johnson is just insurance, i think. he has an understanding of harbaugh but he's nothing special. kaepernick was in over his head in the preseason. kaepernick didn't look ready because of the lockout. he just needs time and practice because the tools are there. i will be interested to see how much kapernick has grown in the last year because he should be a sponge. IIRC, smith's contract is structured in such a way that he could be gone after this season.

 

[Shane Falco]

Garrard v. Moore v. Tannehill

Tannehill shouldn't even be in the mix IMO, he needs to sit and learn. If Garrard beats out Moore then Moore should just retire.

 

[pghrob]

#2 wr battle in Cincy. Sanu, Binns, Jones, or Tate?

 

[Ray_T]

Garrard v. Moore v. TannehillTannehill shouldn't even be in the mix IMO, he needs to sit and learn. If Garrard beats out Moore then Moore should just retire.

I dont think there's any question that a rookie can almost always benefit from sitting and learning their first year.unless the kid comes in and is so good that you're dumb not to start him immediatly. That being the case, the QB would have to be so good that nobody questions the decision.At this point it's too early to tell if he's gonna be one of those, but chances are good that he should sit at least a few games before starting.

 

[johnadams]

Josh Johnson vs. Colin Kaepernick – Neither will challenge Alex Smith for the starter’s position, but I am going to watch with interest the battle to be the backup in San Francisco. Colin Kaepernick has a year of studying at SF, but Johnson learned Harbaugh’s offense in college, so I don’t see any advantage either way there. Kaepernick looks raw and inaccurate, and while Johnson may have some accuracy issues of his own, he understand the role of a backup QB and brings some experience with him. This is a very intriguing battle. My gut tells me Kaepernick will win this battle. The winner of this battle is worth monitoring and could have some value if Smith gets injured. For dynasty purposes, I am not sold on any of the SF QBs at this point.

johnson is just insurance, i think. he has an understanding of harbaugh but he's nothing special. kaepernick was in over his head in the preseason. kaepernick didn't look ready because of the lockout. he just needs time and practice because the tools are there. i will be interested to see how much kapernick has grown in the last year because he should be a sponge. IIRC, smith's contract is structured in such a way that he could be gone after this season.

I'm not sure Johnson is just insurance. Harbaugh is definitely looking for a more dynamic offense (look at the offseason acquisitions) and Smith has yet to show he can be more than "just don't turn over the ball." There's a very real possiblility that Smith gets replaced if he struggles in an offense that needs good QB play. I'm not saying that Johnson is THE answer, but if Smith falters, the primary back-up could get a shot earlier than expected. Big if, but I don't see the niners QB siutation as complete. Plus, Kaep had a long way to go last year and it's hard to see him making that big of a leap in one year. Should be interesting.

 

[TheFanatic]

I think the most interesting battle is Blount vs Martin. And too many people are assuming a late first rounder is guaranteed the starting job.

Also, Reggie Bush, DThomas, Lamar Smith.

All are playing for new coaches that are running a new system.

 

[saintfool]

I'm not sure Johnson is just insurance. Harbaugh is definitely looking for a more dynamic offense (look at the offseason acquisitions) and Smith has yet to show he can be more than "just don't turn over the ball." There's a very real possiblility that Smith gets replaced if he struggles in an offense that needs good QB play. I'm not saying that Johnson is THE answer, but if Smith falters, the primary back-up could get a shot earlier than expected. Big if, but I don't see the niners QB siutation as complete. Plus, Kaep had a long way to go last year and it's hard to see him making that big of a leap in one year. Should be interesting.

johnson hasn't shown anything as a pro to make me believe in his future. kaep - who harbaugh drafted, btw - looked over his head because he had almost no training camp before being thrust into the preseason games. a full offseason with his teammates and the playbook ought to help him. we'll get to see how far he's come in a few weeks.i know that smith hasn't done much to warrant faith or confidence with observers but it likely doesn't matter. he'd have to dazzle and lead the team for 9ers fans to want him another year. his contract indicates how little investment there is in his future there. kaep just needs to show progress and flash for harbaugh, the FO and fans to step into a starting role (and the growing pains).

 

[nittanylion]

Christian Ponder has been named the starter in Minnesota, but I'm not sold on him. Meanwhile, I find Joe Webb to be a tremendously exciting player. I don't think Ponder necessarily has a stranglehold on the position, and many have commented that Minnesota's Coaching Staff is in a 'need to win' position...

 

[loose circuits]

I'm not sure Johnson is just insurance. Harbaugh is definitely looking for a more dynamic offense (look at the offseason acquisitions) and Smith has yet to show he can be more than "just don't turn over the ball." There's a very real possiblility that Smith gets replaced if he struggles in an offense that needs good QB play. I'm not saying that Johnson is THE answer, but if Smith falters, the primary back-up could get a shot earlier than expected. Big if, but I don't see the niners QB siutation as complete. Plus, Kaep had a long way to go last year and it's hard to see him making that big of a leap in one year. Should be interesting.

johnson hasn't shown anything as a pro to make me believe in his future. kaep - who harbaugh drafted, btw - looked over his head because he had almost no training camp before being thrust into the preseason games. a full offseason with his teammates and the playbook ought to help him. we'll get to see how far he's come in a few weeks.i know that smith hasn't done much to warrant faith or confidence with observers but it likely doesn't matter. he'd have to dazzle and lead the team for 9ers fans to want him another year. his contract indicates how little investment there is in his future there. kaep just needs to show progress and flash for harbaugh, the FO and fans to step into a starting role (and the growing pains).

Johnson's main experience came when he was a raw 2nd year player on a team that was so awful at WR they drafted 2 the next year. Leftwich looked just as bad; Freeman wasn't much better. Johnson looked good in his 1 start a year ago. I thought he would end up in a battle for a job...

 

[loose circuits]

I'm not sure Johnson is just insurance. Harbaugh is definitely looking for a more dynamic offense (look at the offseason acquisitions) and Smith has yet to show he can be more than "just don't turn over the ball." There's a very real possiblility that Smith gets replaced if he struggles in an offense that needs good QB play. I'm not saying that Johnson is THE answer, but if Smith falters, the primary back-up could get a shot earlier than expected. Big if, but I don't see the niners QB siutation as complete. Plus, Kaep had a long way to go last year and it's hard to see him making that big of a leap in one year. Should be interesting.

johnson hasn't shown anything as a pro to make me believe in his future. kaep - who harbaugh drafted, btw - looked over his head because he had almost no training camp before being thrust into the preseason games. a full offseason with his teammates and the playbook ought to help him. we'll get to see how far he's come in a few weeks.i know that smith hasn't done much to warrant faith or confidence with observers but it likely doesn't matter. he'd have to dazzle and lead the team for 9ers fans to want him another year. his contract indicates how little investment there is in his future there. kaep just needs to show progress and flash for harbaugh, the FO and fans to step into a starting role (and the growing pains).

Johnson's main experience came when he was a raw 2nd year player on a team that was so awful at WR they drafted 2 starters the next year. Leftwich looked just as bad; Freeman wasn't much better. Johnson looked good in his 1 start a year ago. I thought he would end up in a battle for a job...

 

[chickensoup]

I think the most interesting battle is Blount vs Martin. And too many people are assuming a late first rounder is guaranteed the starting job.Also, Reggie Bush, DThomas, Lamar Smith.All are playing for new coaches that are running a new system.

From a redraft perspective the Blount/Martin thing has the possibility to send a few early drafters scrambling.

 

[griff321]

Since the is THE QB EDITION, I'll stick to QBs.

Moore vs. Garrard. I'm in the camp that feels Tannehill wont be ready to start.

Graham Harrell vs B.J. Coleman. Even though Rodgers has been a reliability stud, his handcuff is still pretty important for deep leagues and to keep an eye on for waivers should the worst happen.

 

[identikit]

Christian Ponder has been named the starter in Minnesota, but I'm not sold on him. Meanwhile, I find Joe Webb to be a tremendously exciting player. I don't think Ponder necessarily has a stranglehold on the position, and many have commented that Minnesota's Coaching Staff is in a 'need to win' position...

Unless Ponder gets hurt, Webb won't be starting ahead of him.Excitement or no excitement.

 

[petenice15]

I'm kind of interested in the SD backup RB. Also interested in who will become the #1 WR in Den, Thomas vs Decker.

But the #1 battle I'm looking forward to is Rex Ruan vs the lap band. I want to see how long it takes for that slob to plow right through it.

 

[Sabertooth]

Russell Wilson vs. the World! Actually the whole Seattle situation could have value. I think Flynn wins the job but his resume is really short compared to Tarvaris.

 

[pghrob]

#2 wr battle in Cincy. Sanu, Binns, Jones, or Tate?

Sorry this is not specific to qb. I made the above post on my mobile device, which does not show theposts' subtitle. Now that I am reading this from a pc, I see wr battles do not belong here.

 

[petenice15]

#2 wr battle in Cincy. Sanu, Binns, Jones, or Tate?

Sorry this is not specific to qb. I made the above post on my mobile device, which does not show theposts' subtitle. Now that I am reading this from a pc, I see wr battles do not belong here.

I guess I did the same thing since I'm using my iPhone. I'll forgive you if you forgive me.

 

[pghrob]

#2 wr battle in Cincy. Sanu, Binns, Jones, or Tate?

Sorry this is not specific to qb. I made the above post on my mobile device, which does not show theposts' subtitle. Now that I am reading this from a pc, I see wr battles do not belong here.

I guess I did the same thing since I'm using my iPhone. I'll forgive you if you forgive me.

 

[Ray_T]

I think the most interesting battle is Blount vs Martin. And too many people are assuming a late first rounder is guaranteed the starting job.Also, Reggie Bush, DThomas, Lamar Smith.All are playing for new coaches that are running a new system.

From a redraft perspective the Blount/Martin thing has the possibility to send a few early drafters scrambling.

The big issue with Blount is personality issues. He's kind of a moron.I remember his draft year seeing some of his game tape and asking myself why this guy isnt going in the first round. I talked with someone in the know and the word is he isnt the best guy in the dressing room, he says and does stupid things on and off the field.I know he hasnt been in major trouble of late and unlike some in the NFL, he isnt likely to do time anytime soon, but he's definitely a concern. I know he appears to have been better since turning pro, but it would not surprise me if there were issues that were hushed up that led the team to draft his kid as a possible replacement.one thing is for sure, this is definitely a message to Blount and hopefully he picks up the cue and smartens himself up.I love watching him run over people when he has the ball. His style of play is certainly interesting and there is no doubt he could be a valuable addition to any team if he can stay outta trouble.

 

[DawnBTVS]

Given Peyton's neck injury, I'm keeping an eye on who locks up the backup job in Denver.

They have Caleb Hanie (who struggled in Chicago in Mike Martz's scheme), Adam Weber who spent last year on the practice squad, and their rookie pick of Brock Osweiler.

I figure the competition will mainly be between Hanie and Weber but if Peyton takes a good shot early, the backup could be an intriguing dirty QB2 option given the talent there.

 

[identikit]

Given Peyton's neck injury, I'm keeping an eye on who locks up the backup job in Denver.They have Caleb Hanie (who struggled in Chicago in Mike Martz's scheme), Adam Weber who spent last year on the practice squad, and their rookie pick of Brock Osweiler.I figure the competition will mainly be between Hanie and Weber but if Peyton takes a good shot early, the backup could be an intriguing dirty QB2 option given the talent there.

If Peyton goes down, the Broncos are screwed.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I remember his draft year seeing some of his game tape and asking myself why this guy isnt going in the first round. I talked with someone in the know and the word is he isnt the best guy in the dressing room, he says and does stupid things on and off the field.

The fact that he sucker punched a guy on national TV, knocked him out and was suspended for something like nine games might have had an impact on his draft stock.

 

[whatadai]

I think the most interesting battle is Blount vs Martin. And too many people are assuming a late first rounder is guaranteed the starting job.Also, Reggie Bush, DThomas, Lamar Smith.All are playing for new coaches that are running a new system.

Lamar Miller?+ Steve Slaton

 

[Sabertooth]

Given Peyton's neck injury, I'm keeping an eye on who locks up the backup job in Denver.They have Caleb Hanie (who struggled in Chicago in Mike Martz's scheme), Adam Weber who spent last year on the practice squad, and their rookie pick of Brock Osweiler.I figure the competition will mainly be between Hanie and Weber but if Peyton takes a good shot early, the backup could be an intriguing dirty QB2 option given the talent there.

If Peyton goes down, the Broncos are screwed.

Poppycock. They aren't going to quite playing games and the QB with Decker and Thomas at his disposal is going to score points.

 

[Sabertooth]

Any news on the Battle in Seattle?

 

[Couch Potato]

Given Peyton's neck injury, I'm keeping an eye on who locks up the backup job in Denver.They have Caleb Hanie (who struggled in Chicago in Mike Martz's scheme), Adam Weber who spent last year on the practice squad, and their rookie pick of Brock Osweiler.I figure the competition will mainly be between Hanie and Weber but if Peyton takes a good shot early, the backup could be an intriguing dirty QB2 option given the talent there.

If Peyton goes down, the Broncos are screwed.

A few weeks into the season they could trade for Tebow.Or Sanchez.Probably Sanchez.

 

[KellysHeroes]

I'm not sure Johnson is just insurance. Harbaugh is definitely looking for a more dynamic offense (look at the offseason acquisitions) and Smith has yet to show he can be more than "just don't turn over the ball." There's a very real possiblility that Smith gets replaced if he struggles in an offense that needs good QB play. I'm not saying that Johnson is THE answer, but if Smith falters, the primary back-up could get a shot earlier than expected. Big if, but I don't see the niners QB siutation as complete. Plus, Kaep had a long way to go last year and it's hard to see him making that big of a leap in one year. Should be interesting.

johnson hasn't shown anything as a pro to make me believe in his future. kaep - who harbaugh drafted, btw - looked over his head because he had almost no training camp before being thrust into the preseason games. a full offseason with his teammates and the playbook ought to help him. we'll get to see how far he's come in a few weeks.i know that smith hasn't done much to warrant faith or confidence with observers but it likely doesn't matter. he'd have to dazzle and lead the team for 9ers fans to want him another year. his contract indicates how little investment there is in his future there. kaep just needs to show progress and flash for harbaugh, the FO and fans to step into a starting role (and the growing pains).

Kaep was already a raw project and getting his pre-season cut short last yr didn't help. Hopefully he'll look better this pre-season but he might be 2 yrs away from earning that starter position. Even if JJ wins the backup Job I wouldn't give up on Keap yet, he might become that guy u gave up on and is now someone elses QB1.

 

[identikit]

Given Peyton's neck injury, I'm keeping an eye on who locks up the backup job in Denver.They have Caleb Hanie (who struggled in Chicago in Mike Martz's scheme), Adam Weber who spent last year on the practice squad, and their rookie pick of Brock Osweiler.I figure the competition will mainly be between Hanie and Weber but if Peyton takes a good shot early, the backup could be an intriguing dirty QB2 option given the talent there.

If Peyton goes down, the Broncos are screwed.

A few weeks into the season they could trade for Tebow.Or Sanchez.Probably Sanchez.

That will make all the difference.

 

[BWill]

Bowe/Baldwin

I drafted Baldwin at 19 in our rookie draft last year. I'm excited to see if he gets his shot! The guys a monster

 

[Manster]

Josh Johnson vs. Colin Kaepernick – Neither will challenge Alex Smith for the starter’s position, but I am going to watch with interest the battle to be the backup in San Francisco. Colin Kaepernick has a year of studying at SF, but Johnson learned Harbaugh’s offense in college, so I don’t see any advantage either way there. Kaepernick looks raw and inaccurate, and while Johnson may have some accuracy issues of his own, he understand the role of a backup QB and brings some experience with him. This is a very intriguing battle. My gut tells me Kaepernick will win this battle. The winner of this battle is worth monitoring and could have some value if Smith gets injured. For dynasty purposes, I am not sold on any of the SF QBs at this point.

johnson is just insurance, i think. he has an understanding of harbaugh but he's nothing special. kaepernick was in over his head in the preseason. kaepernick didn't look ready because of the lockout. he just needs time and practice because the tools are there. i will be interested to see how much kapernick has grown in the last year because he should be a sponge. IIRC, smith's contract is structured in such a way that he could be gone after this season.

I pretty much watched Kaep every game @ Nevada. While most of the time he was the best player on the field in the WAC conference, in the NFL he's a project. His accuracy was lacking on deep throws in college, although he seemingly got better each year. So he does work on things like throwing mechanics. He's got a big arm, good legs, and a good head on his shoulders, and he's a winner. While I wish he went somewhere other than SF, I think it is a good spot for him with Harbaugh. And even though I cant stand SF, I really want to see Kaep make strides and show people what he can do. Alex Smith played well last season, but ultimately he's a game manager. Kaep might be a year or two away, but his ceiling is pretty high.So yea, I'm going to be very interested in watching this scenerio.Also interested in Locker/Hassellbackiotomy.Really interested in seeing how neck beard looks in Big D. Love this signing by the Cowboys.

 

[Ray_T]

I remember his draft year seeing some of his game tape and asking myself why this guy isnt going in the first round. I talked with someone in the know and the word is he isnt the best guy in the dressing room, he says and does stupid things on and off the field.

The fact that he sucker punched a guy on national TV, knocked him out and was suspended for something like nine games might have had an impact on his draft stock.

Yeah, basically character issues. I wont argue with you on that. I wasn't going to bring up specific incidents, but that is the one that comes to mind for most. Apparently there were other issues in the dressing room and away from the field as well. I cannot say whether those issues went away when he turned pro or not, but it would not surprise me if there is more going on here than what we read in the press. That's all I'm saying.