I posted this in another thread, but it is more relevent here. It kinda puts his numbers into perspective. Everyone needs to realize that we averaged about 6 dropped passes per game this season. Let's do the math. Here are JR's official stats. 311-188 completions 9 int's 60.5% 2443 yards 15 TD's 12 games x 6 = 72 drops 188 + 72 = 260 311-260 = 83% completions God knows how many more yards or TD's, and three of his INT's (that I remember for sure, could be more) were tipped by his own receivers hands.
Many people feel better after they bitch a little. As, fans it's about all we can do. If a player is disappointed, he can play harder. If a coach is disappointed, he can plan better. All the fans can do is complain. Russell was a man among boys in high school, but the SEC is a different animal. It was unrealistic to expect him too jump in and be polished as a freshman. He has made steady progress, with flashes of brilliance. The important thing is that he as the tools and the talent--one is stuck with what he was born with. His game management, consistency, and defense-reading are things he can improve. He knows he must if an NFL career awaits him and he has plenty of time left to become a more complete quarterback.
There will always be a group of fans that want to see the backup QB -- unless the starter is a superstar. I would absolutely love for JR to blossom next year as a QB. But at the risk of being lumped in with the fans who 'hate' JR, I have to say he frustrates me because I have seen only limited improvement in the following this year: 1. He takes some really bad sacks instead of throwing the ball away. 2. He still seems to stare down his receiver. 3. He seems to be very slow in making a decision to pass or run. Hey his numbers are good and he hasn't thrown that many interceptions. He is definitely not a bad QB. And no one really knows if Flynn or RP would be any better. But I have seen numerous posts that echo my concerns above. It think there are a group of us wo do not 'hate' JR or 'love' Flynn. We just would feel better if JR had improved in the areas above this year. It is just my opinion, but he really did not.
In all fairness, he did improve from last year, just not as much as most fans thought he would. As far as no one knowing whether RP and Flynn are better than JR, I would think that the coaches do, and that's the reason JR is the starter.
I can not believe that you guys have not mentioned that HE IS STILL HURT! Les is conveniently keeping this a secret as he apparently does with all of his injuries. It is a little difficult to throw a ball when your throwing hand is injured. I do agree that he needs to get rid of the ball instead of taking sacks.
Russell is always looking to make a big play. That's why he actually made a lot of big plays for us this year ... and it's also why he takes some unnecessary sacks. He simply hangs on to the ball too long. Experience will solve this problem. Most young college QBs do this. He has gotten better this year, but still does it too much. I (and the UGA DB) noticed Flynn staring down a WR too. Experience will solve this problem. See number 1. He doesn't want to run, he wants to make a play downfield. He'll never be a runner, but he did improve this year. Look back to last year when he looked goofy running. He even lowered his head and tried to run over those little DBs a few times. Experience will solve this problem. There is no substitute for playing experience. He'll only get better with more games. Same can be said for Flynn and Perrilloux and any other young QB.
Yes, I would agree with your first statement. In my post, I was discussing this year's progress. Not sure that I agree with your assumption in the second. I think it is impossible to know what you have until we see Flynn or RP in action against the opposition's first string. Tom Brady is a good example.
Maybe, maybe not. Experience will generally bring improvement but my contention is that we didn't see significant improvement this year. And I absolutely disagree that experience helps all QB's. Some are limited by their own ability. In the pro levels, Quincy Carter was a good example
Compare his stats to last year ... his numbers don't lie. If that is not significant improvement in one year, then I don't know what is. Experience is the one thing that can help him become the best his talents will allow him to be. If he works hard at it, he'll be playing on Sundays.
In the 2006 season, if our receivers can actually catch the ball and JRock doesn't throw fireballs like he did early on this season, we could definitely be a big time passing threat.
