How long do you give a QB

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

Inspired by some shoutbox convo, how much time do you think a QB deserves before you can fully evaluate him as a pro quarterback?

I say 4 years. It could be different with different players/teams but on average I would say if a guy isn't showing signs after 4 seasons it's time to look elsewhere.

Edit: 4 years should be equal to 3 1/2 seasons as a starter.

Suntan Superman

WC's Resident Samoan

I'm pretty sure as a coach, there is no timeframe. If they guy stays for two years, but never gets any better, and makes the same mistakes over and over, are you going to keep him? Hell No. Whereas if a guy keeps improving over time, I think you should keep him until he reaches his potential.

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

Yes, of course if he's showing signs of greatness you are going to keep him.. I meant if yu aren't seeing much improvement..

Slimdust

I think you have to give them some time. 5 years is too much. But like blade said 4 years eems good.

Look at Alex Smith. He could be a great qb in the nfl, but people want to throw him under the bus already. He has been through like what, 3 offensive c's already?

Another QB that I think would eb great but isnt really been given a good chance cause of the system he is in and the injury he had last year is Chris Simms. Let him play in a system where he can go in shotgun and he can make some stuff happen.

Dr. Giganto

Well, if a guy looks like a total shitbag, then you dont have to give him much time. He has to prove he's at least somewhat adequate.

Eli Manning has proven to be somewhat adequate. It does not appear as if he'll ever come even close to the level that his brother has reached, but I think he's established himself as a leage-average, maybe slightly above-average QB. Yet, there were plenty of Giants fans calling for a new QB last season.

Same with Alex Smith...Smith has shown some positive signs. Plus, he's only 23...who knows what his celing is yet.

I read a GREAT article yesterday (I think it was Tim Keown from ESPN's page 2) about how Alex Smith was in an innovative, exciting offense at Utah, but he's in a plain vanilla offense in the pros that isnt suited to his talents. It really made you think

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

See.. that's why I don't understand how anyone can call Tim Tebow a project. As a Niner fan I don't want to give up on Smith just yet.. but back to Tebow, he's running the same offense as Smith did for Meyer at Utah.. the only difference, Tebow was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school.