Schefter: Don't count out Moore and Thigpen (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

Adam posted some interesting thoughts on Tyler Thigpen and Matt Moore potentially earning starting jobs in Kansas City and Carolina, respectively. Before everyone dismisses this out of hand, keep in mind that EVERYONE thought the chatter about Tony Romo looking like the Cowboys best QB was all early training camp hyperbole, too. And let's not forget how bad Derek Anderson looked last year at this time; and how he seemed the odd man out in Cleveland (Frye got the opening day start and Quinn was the no-brainer heir apparent).



Chiefs, Panthers could turn to unheralded QBs

by Adam Schefter, NFL Network and NFL.com

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8...campaign=ec0005

The ultimate quarterback sneaks are the ones in which players go from late-round pick or undrafted free agent to the top of a team's depth chart and beyond.

Former sixth-round picks Tom Brady, Matt Hasselbeck, Derek Anderson and Marc Bulger did it.

So did undrafted free agents such as Tony Romo, Kurt Warner, Jeff Garcia and Jake Delhomme.

Now, two other virtually-unknown quarterbacks -- one in Kansas City and the other in Carolina -- are vying to do the same.

Former Coastal Carolina quarterback Tyler Thigpen, Minnesota's seventh-round pick in 2007, has impressed Kansas City enough to make the Chiefs think he could challenge for, and even win, the team's starting job.

Former Oregon State quarterback Matt Moore, an undrafted free agent that spent last summer with Dallas learning under Romo before being released, could do the same with the Panthers.

Thigpen and Moore could be to this season what Anderson was to last season.

The 6-foot-1, 224-pound Thigpen impressed the Chiefs throughout last year, but especially in Week 13 when he drove the Chiefs down field on one drive against San Diego before throwing an interception in the endzone.

With a good arm and a strong presence, Thigpen has impressed them enough to make them think he could unseat Brodie Croyle as the starter in Kansas City. Thigpen's chance will come this summer, as will Moore's.

Last season, while Delhomme was recovering from Tommy John surgery, Moore started three games and won two. Moore's strength is his poise in the pocket. At 6-foot-3 and almost 200 pounds, Moore stands tall and the ball comes out high. He has questionable arm strength, but enough moxie to make some think he could emerge as the Panthers starter.

Of course it is much easier to play quarterback in April and May than it is in November and December. But some of the same things that are being said about Thigpen and Moore were once being said about Brady, Hasselbeck, Anderson and Romo.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I know the Vikes were extremely disappointed that Thigpen didn't make it onto their practice squad.

Of course, the dummies should have cut Bollinger and kept Thigpen, but whatever.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Moore acquitted himself very well as a strong game manager type when he got to play last year, and the Panthers making no big moves at QB despite Delhomme's elbow being a question tells you what the current regime thinks of him - he's definitely growing on me as I rewatch his film from last year.

Thigpen does have quite an arm (DYK he threw to Jerome Simpson in college?), and anything can happen in KC... would love to see him push Croyle, although they still have a strong veteran backup in Huard, so I would expect him to get the call is Croyle struggles unless Thigpen just blows them away in camp.

 

[Andy Herron]

Ya, I hated to see Matt Moore leave Dallas.

They had hoped to keep him, but they didn't have the roster room at final cuts last year.

They had hoped to slip him thru the waiver wire and then sign him to the practice squad, but it didn't work. Carolina obviously grabbed him up.

I remember thinking at the time, "I hope this doesn't turn out to be another "Jimmy Smith" story.

Sure, we have Romo, but it never hurts to have two good QBs in this day and age. Especially when Moore could have been signed to a minimal contract at least to begin with.

I think he could turn out to be a pretty decent QB, and wouldn't really surprise me to see him win that starting job in Carolina.

 

[Bojang0301]

Moore acquitted himself very well as a strong game manager type when he got to play last year, and the Panthers making no big moves at QB despite Delhomme's elbow being a question tells you what the current regime thinks of him - he's definitely growing on me as I rewatch his film from last year.Thigpen does have quite an arm (DYK he threw to Jerome Simpson in college?), and anything can happen in KC... would love to see him push Croyle, although they still have a strong veteran backup in Huard, so I would expect him to get the call is Croyle struggles unless Thigpen just blows them away in camp.

Moore was Jaws favorite QB last year and I put some stock into what he says.

 

[MAC_32]

Moore doesn't surprise me.

Thigpen though...guess I really didn't pay ANY attention to KC last year. Didn't even know what happened to him after he was cut by the Vikes. Good info.

 

[renesauz]

Another guy I stashed on my roster late last year

 

[switz]

Adam posted some interesting thoughts on Tyler Thigpen and Matt Moore potentially earning starting jobs in Kansas City and Carolina, respectively. Before everyone dismisses this out of hand, keep in mind that EVERYONE thought the chatter about Tony Romo looking like the Cowboys best QB was all early training camp hyperbole, too. And let's not forget how bad Derek Anderson looked last year at this time; and how he seemed the odd man out in Cleveland (Frye got the opening day start and Quinn was the no-brainer heir apparent).

I know the Panthers staff is VERY high on Moore. It would not surprise me if he got a chance if Delhommes arm doesn't respond well this year.

 

[MAC_32]

I know the Panthers staff is VERY high on Moore. It would not surprise me if he got a chance if Delhommes arm doesn't respond well this year.

Which is why I never understood why so many kept talking about the Panthers QB situation being a need. They had their #1 coming back, a #2 they really liked, and this year's class was widely considered weak. Based on reports I've read they're cautiously optimistic about Bazanaez too.

 

[Banger]

Good info. It'll be interesting to see what happens in KC. I think it's going to be a rotating mess most of the year....

 

[TheFanatic]

Adam posted some interesting thoughts on Tyler Thigpen and Matt Moore potentially earning starting jobs in Kansas City and Carolina, respectively. Before everyone dismisses this out of hand, keep in mind that EVERYONE thought the chatter about Tony Romo looking like the Cowboys best QB was all early training camp hyperbole, too. And let's not forget how bad Derek Anderson looked last year at this time; and how he seemed the odd man out in Cleveland (Frye got the opening day start and Quinn was the no-brainer heir apparent).

I know the Panthers staff is VERY high on Moore. It would not surprise me if he got a chance if Delhommes arm doesn't respond well this year.

This could explain Delhomme really putting some zip in the ball to prove he's healthy in the most recent mini camp. Nothing like a young buck circling the does to keep the old guard on his toes....

 

[packersfan]

I know the Panthers staff is VERY high on Moore. It would not surprise me if he got a chance if Delhommes arm doesn't respond well this year.

Which is why I never understood why so many kept talking about the Panthers QB situation being a need.

It's also why I never understood why it took them so long last season to give him a chance to start. Even if he wasn't 100% ready, it was obvious to everyone Carr was absolutely putrid so there was no way Moore could be any worse. And as it turned out, he was quite a bit better in my opinion. Interesting stuff about Thigpen. I think Croyle's worthless so if Thigpen shows something in camp he could get a real shot at that job. That would also be huge for Bowe's fantasy value. I think Bowe has Top 10 potential if he can just have an average QB throwing to him.

 

[BassNBrew]

The only way Moore sees the field is if Delhomme has an injury. Moore can't beat out Delhomme this year and you can bank on that.

 

[TheFanatic]

The only way Moore sees the field is if Delhomme has an injury. Moore can't beat out Delhomme this year and you can bank on that.

I can agree with that. I think this is Delhomme's job to lose. But if he misses any time he may never see the field again in Carolina...

 

[brock]

shoot. thought this might have been a yancy thread.

 

[PSULions]

I like Matt Moore, but I think the chances of him taking over as the starter are slim. I know that Jake started throwing and was quite active at the recent mini-camp. Reports of him feeling great are coming from multiple sources and he, himself is saying that he feels stronger and better than he has felt in several years. Fox and Hurney are in a make it or break it year and I just can't see them putting Moore out there against SD in early September, if Jake, the seasoned vet, makes it through camp without any setbacks.

That being said, I believe the Panthers are very happy with their QB situation between Jake, Matt Moore and Brett Basanez (also rehabbing from injury and reported to be doing well). Many draft experts had mentioned that the Panthers may take Henne, Brohm or Flacco with their 2nd round pick, but they traded it away to get Otah at #19. They didn't even take a flyer on a Dennis Dixon or Josh Johnson later in the draft so they feel very secure with Matt Moore being an upgrade at backup QB compared to David Carr and Vinny T. from last year.

Do they feel like Moore can be a starter at some point? I would think the answer to that would be "Yes" but I would see him growing into the role when Jake is on the last year of his current contract, but by September is only going to happen if Jake has an issue with his elbow.

 

[Steady Mooobin]

I read the title and thought somebody bumped a thread from 10 years ago! (Yancy & Herman)

 

[TheFanatic]

I read the title and thought somebody bumped a thread from 10 years ago! (Yancy & Herman)

Herman was SUCH a stud!!! 1995 or 1996 he was GOLD!!!Wasn't a fan of Yancy other than his name!!

 

[renesauz]

The only way Moore sees the field is if Delhomme has an injury. Moore can't beat out Delhomme this year and you can bank on that.

I can agree with that. I think this is Delhomme's job to lose. But if he misses any time he may never see the field again in Carolina...

Name ONE other NFL QB who has successfully returned after TJ surgery?It's too early to say that it's Jake's job to lose....it MIGHT well be Moore's. (I don't believe that, but I do think that we need to be objective enough to recognize that there are still significant questions regarding Delhomme's successful and complete return.)

 

[BusMan]

The variable for Moore is Delhomme's elbow. Pre injury last year, Delhomme was absolutely ripping it up.

 

[Banger]

The variable for Moore is Delhomme's elbow. Pre injury last year, Delhomme was absolutely ripping it up.

I wouldn't get too carried away with games vs. St. Louis, Houston and Atlanta. He's an average starting QB.

 

[TheFanatic]

The only way Moore sees the field is if Delhomme has an injury. Moore can't beat out Delhomme this year and you can bank on that.

I can agree with that. I think this is Delhomme's job to lose. But if he misses any time he may never see the field again in Carolina...

Name ONE other NFL QB who has successfully returned after TJ surgery?It's too early to say that it's Jake's job to lose....it MIGHT well be Moore's. (I don't believe that, but I do think that we need to be objective enough to recognize that there are still significant questions regarding Delhomme's successful and complete return.)

I thought I read somewhere that Delhomme was the first QB to ever have the TJ surgery. If that's the case, then none. But we have pitchers that do it all the time, and I would think that chucking a baseball every 5th day for 6 months is more of a strain on the elbow than what most QB's put their arms through....This is from a Moore owner who would have no problem if Moore took over the starting role. I just don't know if this point is pertinent. Then again, I could be wrong about no QB having TJ surgery...

 

[TheFanatic]

The only way Moore sees the field is if Delhomme has an injury. Moore can't beat out Delhomme this year and you can bank on that.

I can agree with that. I think this is Delhomme's job to lose. But if he misses any time he may never see the field again in Carolina...

Name ONE other NFL QB who has successfully returned after TJ surgery?It's too early to say that it's Jake's job to lose....it MIGHT well be Moore's. (I don't believe that, but I do think that we need to be objective enough to recognize that there are still significant questions regarding Delhomme's successful and complete return.)

I thought I read somewhere that Delhomme was the first QB to ever have the TJ surgery. If that's the case, then none. But we have pitchers that do it all the time, and I would think that chucking a baseball every 5th day for 6 months is more of a strain on the elbow than what most QB's put their arms through....This is from a Moore owner who would have no problem if Moore took over the starting role. I just don't know if this point is pertinent. Then again, I could be wrong about no QB having TJ surgery...

OK, I did some research. So far I can only see that Rob Johnson has had it. I don't know if he really counts...So did CRaig Krenzel. Again, does he count?

 

[Bojang0301]

The only way Moore sees the field is if Delhomme has an injury. Moore can't beat out Delhomme this year and you can bank on that.

I can agree with that. I think this is Delhomme's job to lose. But if he misses any time he may never see the field again in Carolina...

Name ONE other NFL QB who has successfully returned after TJ surgery?It's too early to say that it's Jake's job to lose....it MIGHT well be Moore's. (I don't believe that, but I do think that we need to be objective enough to recognize that there are still significant questions regarding Delhomme's successful and complete return.)

Matt Leinart? Although that might have been shoulder surgery after high school. Anyway there is a laundry list of succesful returns in the MLB and they throw with a lot more torque and power than NFL arms do why do you think it's such a gimme he won't come back.

 

[bjabrad]

Moore acquitted himself very well as a strong game manager type when he got to play last year, and the Panthers making no big moves at QB despite Delhomme's elbow being a question tells you what the current regime thinks of him - he's definitely growing on me as I rewatch his film from last year.Thigpen does have quite an arm (DYK he threw to Jerome Simpson in college?), and anything can happen in KC... would love to see him push Croyle, although they still have a strong veteran backup in Huard, so I would expect him to get the call is Croyle struggles unless Thigpen just blows them away in camp.

Set me straight but in my reasoning, KC would view this season as a means to an end and that end is not necessarily winning this season. Wouldn't it make more sense that even if Thigpen doesn't beat out Croyle for #1 that he's the #2 so that they can then see if he's got anything? I know they are paying Huard big bucks but I don't think that matters anymore to KC since they are in rebuilding mode and not winning mode. Additionally, I would think that actually winning would hurt their draft position in 09 and even though pick 5-8 is pretty good,,,picks 1-3 are a whole lot better when you want to draft the #1 QB in the draft. I know that Herm will "try" to win but I sure hope that Herm is smart and that Huard is the last guy off the bench.

 

[The Jacket]

Set me straight but in my reasoning, KC would view this season as a means to an end and that end is not necessarily winning this season. Wouldn't it make more sense that even if Thigpen doesn't beat out Croyle for #1 that he's the #2 so that they can then see if he's got anything?

It's very likely that the Chiefs play Thigpen before Huard if Croyle were to bomb. They're building for 2009 and beyond.

I know they are paying Huard big bucks but I don't think that matters anymore to KC since they are in rebuilding mode and not winning mode.

Huard is making peanuts, and as you said they're going with young guys. They won't waste valuable playing time on Huard, only in emergency.

Additionally, I would think that actually winning would hurt their draft position in 09 and even though pick 5-8 is pretty good,,,picks 1-3 are a whole lot better when you want to draft the #1 QB in the draft. I know that Herm will "try" to win but I sure hope that Herm is smart and that Huard is the last guy off the bench.

Yes, exactly. All good points which should hold true.

 

[BassNBrew]

Anyway there is a laundry list of succesful returns in the MLB and they throw with a lot more torque and power than NFL arms do why do you think it's such a gimme he won't come back.

Actually this isn't true. Saw a sports science show where Big Ben actually had a faster arm rotation than some 90+ mph pitcher and it wasn't even close.

 

[Lott's Fingertip]

ESPN had some lady commenting on various players' injuries going into camp and their expected prognosis... she directly commented on Delhomme, pointing out the lack of comparable QBs and that many pitchers have come back from TJ surgery, and that pitchers experience more stress on the elbow than QBs, so that seems to be a positive.

For what it's worth...

 

[FUBAR]

Anyway there is a laundry list of succesful returns in the MLB and they throw with a lot more torque and power than NFL arms do why do you think it's such a gimme he won't come back.

Actually this isn't true. Saw a sports science show where Big Ben actually had a faster arm rotation than some 90+ mph pitcher and it wasn't even close.

For each deep pass / fastball, I think that's correct, but it seems pitchers throw hard more often than QBs.

 

[renesauz]

The only way Moore sees the field is if Delhomme has an injury. Moore can't beat out Delhomme this year and you can bank on that.

I can agree with that. I think this is Delhomme's job to lose. But if he misses any time he may never see the field again in Carolina...

Name ONE other NFL QB who has successfully returned after TJ surgery?It's too early to say that it's Jake's job to lose....it MIGHT well be Moore's. (I don't believe that, but I do think that we need to be objective enough to recognize that there are still significant questions regarding Delhomme's successful and complete return.)

Matt Leinart? Although that might have been shoulder surgery after high school. Anyway there is a laundry list of succesful returns in the MLB and they throw with a lot more torque and power than NFL arms do why do you think it's such a gimme he won't come back.

Read my statements again..I'm simply pointing out that it isn't a gimme that he WILL successfully come back...that the jury is still out.FWIW...I think Delhomme is more likely to have a succesful return then not to...but if I were a Delhomme owner, I'd be nervous, and targetting Moore.

 

[BuckeyeArt]

The 6-foot-1, 224-pound Thigpen impressed the Chiefs throughout last year, but especially in Week 13 when he drove the Chiefs down field on one drive against San Diego before throwing an interception in the endzone.

That's a bit of a stretch. He completed his 1st pass, had a pass interference on the next, and was intercepted on the next one. Not really what I'd call "drove the Chiefs down field".

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Totally different arm mechanic between throwing a football and a baseball. If you're throwing the pill like you throw a 4-seamer you're setting yourself up to have some serious trajectory issues. Ask Kerry Collins.

To play the Devil's Advocate: The "beauty" of the Carolina QB situation is that if you ARE a Delhomme owner and feel nervous enough to need to roster Moore, you can almost assuredly target Moore with your last, or near last, pick and be practically guaranteed he'll be available in a start one QB league. If you already own Jake, the shine for Moore goes away for almost any other owner(who isn't just out to **** you. And of course, those types exist.)

 

[barista]

That's not Yancy!

 

[barista]

God bless Yancester for that drop against the Packers... last game of the season? Made 'em to the playoffs!c