Drew Henson: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

[The Answer]

*Disclaimer: This is not a 'flame' or 'agenda' thread. This is a thorough evaluation of Drew Henson by The Answer based on the completion of his first NFLE campaign. The Answer recorded every game including the ones he missed and able to spend a lot of time reviewing the game film with a keen interest. So please, no trolling or hijacking...this thread is intended for intelligent and philosophical discussion only. And just the like the title of one of The Answer's favorite all time western's, I bring you The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.....

Henson's final NFLE Stats:

203 Attempts
109 Completions
53.7% completion rate
1321 yards
6.51 average yard gained
10 TD's
3 Int
11 sacks
84.2 QB rating.

First the good.....

Mobility: Henson has shown the ability to move well in and out of the pocket, something that our current QB is sorely lacking. He's not a statue by any means and is able to make plays when things break down. Definitely a sought after quality in this new era of the NFL that pretty much requires a 'hybrid' trait at the QB position.

Velocity: Henson is capable of throwing a pretty ball with a tight spiral, especially with his short to intermediate routes, as for the deep ball that's another story The Answer will address later.

Decisive: Goes to his first option without any regrets, and he is always determined to find his guy. Goes through the progessions very fast (sometimes to fast) to find the secondary options.

Intelligent: Seems like Henson has mastered the offensive system in place with the Rhein Fire. Showed knowledge and expertise of the playbook, was effective in relaying plays to the rest of the offense. Obviously the NFLE offenses are far from complex, but this is very encouraging that he was able to do this. Henson is also good at finding the open passing lanes to compensate for his unique throwing motions.

Confidence: Was considered a 'marquee' player in Europe this spring and lived up to billing. A monumental flop in Europe would have spelled the end of his already lackluster career.

The Bad.......

Accurracy: Only finished with a 53% completion rate, but The Answer realizes that his receivers played a part in this due to a number of drops. But the bottom line it's still mediorce and needs to improve.

Mechanics: Even though he showed some decisiveness most of the time. He still held on to the ball way too long at times and needs to learn to throw it away and live to play another down. Starring Down Receivers is a cardinal sin in the NFL, sometimes your arm strength can save you, but most times you'll be picked off more times than not in the big leagues.

Passing: Velocity is a good thing, but I saw a lot of sailing passes, not sure if it was rust, mechanics, or desperation, but in the NFL you can and will get picked off by ball hawking safeties and corners when you sail the seven seas.

Deep Ball: Henson don't really have the ability to stretch the defense, which is a major concern. His longest pass completed was for 56 yards. The 'dink and dunk' will only get you so far in this league. One of the reason's Bledsoe has been so successful is that he can make the deep pass over the middle, it's truly a requisite in this league yet so few are capable of doing it consistently.

Touch & Technique: You have to be able to put the ball in places where only the receiver can catch it. And ball placement will always impress the coach way more than just arm strength. This is where I see Tony Romo having a distinct advantage. Even Timmy Chang was able to make the fade out type of pass that got there before the safety. This is critical in the NFL.

Inconsistence: Looked poised some plays and looked totally flustered and lost at other times. After he gets knocked down a couple times he gets anxious. Throws his game off big time. Steps up when he doesnt has to, fleas the pocket when he doesnt have to, and throws the ball too early.

And finally The Ugly....

Intangibles: Seems like Henson is not a 'clutch' QB based on his inability to get it done against the NFLE's best. Call it an astute observation, but if you can't get it done against the minor leagues best, you won't be able to do it against the NFC's best.

The NFLE: My major criticism against Henson has always been why he was playing there to to begin with. Wheter he truly asked to go there voluntarily, or had no choice, it's a concern that such a once highly touted prospect was playing in a league where very few players that play there ever make it as starters (or back ups) in the NFL. Of course there have been a few anomolies to break through.

Drew Bledsoe/Tony Romo: The reason I throw this in here is because these two players (who currently are #1 and #2 on the QB depth chart) are Henson's biggest obstacle in terms of advancing his 'professional' career. There's always an 'outside' chance than Henson surpasses Romo this summer if he plays lights out and/or Romo gets hurt. But considering Henson just went through a whole NCAA length season in Europe, he might not have much energy to muster to put up a good enough fight against Romo.

In conclusion The Answer believes that Henson showed enough in NFLE to retain a spot on 2006 roster as the 3rd QB. He might get pushed by Ivy League standout Jeff Mroz this summer, but it will likely be just a nudge as Mroz finds his way to the practice squad. Henson definitely has the potential to develop into a solid back up in this league, but unfortunately it might be for another NFL team and The Answer don't view him as 'starting' material. Henson is still raw and might need another stint in NFLE next spring to polish his game. If he's still a Cowboy in 2007 than he might have a chance at the back up spot depending on if he progresses.

~The Answer

 

[sillycon]

Accurracy: Only finished with a 53% completion rate, but The Answer realizes that his receivers played a part in this due to a number of drops. But the bottom line it's still mediorce and needs to improve.

If it was a drop here and there, I'd be inclined to agree with you. However, the number of drops was significant enough to affect the percentages A LOT...

Mechanics: Even though he showed some decisiveness most of the time. He still held on to the ball way too long at times and needs to learn to throw it away and live to play another down. Starring Down Receivers is a cardinal sin in the NFL, sometimes your arm strength can save you, but most times you'll be picked off more times than not in the big leagues.

I've seen him throw balls away. I've seen him buy time with his feet.
(btw, those negatives seem to describe Mr. Bledsoe as well...) The staring down of his receivers IS a cause of concern but hopefully he'll break out of that if and when he gets more live gameplay...

Passing: Velocity is a good thing, but I saw a lot of sailing passes, not sure if it was rust, mechanics, or desperation, but in the NFL you can and will get picked off by ball hawking safeties and corners when you sail the seven seas.

I agree with you on this. His arm slot on his throws will cause passes to sail when he's off...

Deep Ball: Henson don't really have the ability to stretch the defense, which is a major concern. His longest pass completed was for 56 yards. The 'dink and dunk' will only get you so far in this league. One of the reason's Bledsoe has been so successful is that he can make the deep pass over the middle, it's truly a requisite in this league yet so few are capable of doing it consistently.

If you were watching the games, his deep ball improved as the season went on... Plus, you have to remember the receiver corp he has. They could hardly get separation. This also goes back to your 1st negative. There were A LOT of drops by his receivers...

Touch & Technique: You have to be able to put the ball in places where only the receiver can catch it. And ball placement will always impress the coach way more than just arm strength. This is where I see Tony Romo having a distinct advantage. Even Timmy Chang was able to make the fade out type of pass that got there before the safety. This is critical in the NFL.

Agree somewhat although I thought it was a little better again as the season progresssed...

Inconsistence: Looked poised some plays and looked totally flustered and lost at other times. After he gets knocked down a couple times he gets anxious. Throws his game off big time. Steps up when he doesnt has to, fleas the pocket when he doesnt have to, and throws the ball too early.

There may have been a few instances of that but frankly, you're overblowing it...

And finally The Ugly....

Intangibles: Seems like Henson is not a 'clutch' QB based on his inability to get it done against the NFLE's best. Call it an astute observation, but if you can't get it done against the minor leagues best, you won't be able to do it against the NFC's best.

No one player can truly win a game by himself. As much as we like to create demi-god players in our imaginations, the reality is that this is a TEAM game. The fact is, Henson's team was lacking in talent relative to the top tier teams in the NFLE. Stick any of the well established NFL qb's in Henson's slot and they'd be hard pressed to put up much better numbers than Henson.

The NFLE: My major criticism against Henson has always been why he was playing there to to begin with. Wheter he truly asked to go there voluntarily, or had no choice, it's a concern that such a once highly touted prospect was playing in a league where very few players that play there ever make it as starters (or back ups) in the NFL. Of course there have been a few anomolies to break through.

The guy hasn't played in a few years. He's had only a few sniffs of live action. Carrying a clipboard around is not a substitute for live game experience. Because of his hiatus from playing football, it was more imperative that he get a feel of live game action.. (even if it's only the NLFE...)

Drew Bledsoe/Tony Romo: The reason I throw this in here is because these two players (who currently are #1 and #2 on the QB depth chart) are Henson's biggest obstacle in terms of advancing his 'professional' career. There's always an 'outside' chance than Henson surpasses Romo this summer if he plays lights out and/or Romo gets hurt. But considering Henson just went through a whole NCAA length season in Europe, he might not have much energy to muster to put up a good enough fight against Romo.

Really a non-issue. Bledsoe is the quarterback of the Cowboys NOW. No ifs ands or buts... Our hope with Henson (or with Romo for that matter) is an eye towards the future. A lot of us probably lean towards Henson because he does possess more tools than Romo. But I'd be happy if either one can step up to become good quarterbacks in the future...

 

[GhettoxCowboy]

im tired of drew henson, i mean what has this guy ever done 4 us? nothing!!!!

 

[CrazyCowboy]

This will be DREW HENSON's make or break year.....something will give.

 

[AmericasTeam]

I agree with alot of the positives but tend to think you are being overly critical on the negatives. I have to get to work so I will make it short and sweet.

I believe his accuracy was good, he had a significant amount of drops, and made good decision throwing the ball away when no one was open as to not take a sack. I think Parcells will be very ipressed with Henson performance in NFLE.

The one negative I see is not in his throwing motion, but in his foot work often over striding which does affect his throwing ability. This is something he will hopefully improve.

I give Henson a b+ on his NFLE performance.

I like Henson because I think he has more tools, and this means his success potetnial is higher than ROMO. However, there are always those who just have what it takes even though they do not have the proper arm strength or other tools. My opinion though is that QBs like that (Romo) may be better fits for the West Coast Offense.

I believe this is the year Henson or Romo goes. Not because either is not good enough or gets beat out, but because the Cowboys will committ to one for the future and trae the other.

 

[Eddie]

im tired of drew henson, i mean what has this guy ever done 4 us? nothing!!!!

You're right. Same can be said for Romo.

Same can be said for TO.

Same can be said for alot of players who have done nothing for the us.

Give him a chance. He's vying for a backup spot. It's like like he's pushing Bledsoe for a starting position, and if he was, heck, we may have something special.

It usually takes about 5 years to develop a QB. Hensen is cheap. Nothing wrong in keeping him on the roster.

Any other QB out there would cost us a ton.

 

[superpunk]

Very nice post, Eddie.

There really is no harm in keeping him around.

ONLY good things can come of it.

 

[Eddie]

Very nice post, Eddie.

There really is no harm in keeping him around.

ONLY good things can come of it.

SP ... why are you up so early and don't you have work to do?

I'm busy pretending to work.

I like Hensen. He played with a nice professionalism in NFLE. He actually made me enjoy watching those minor league games. My wife, on the other hand, hates him ... cus she'd rather be out shopping.

If nothing else, he showed he deserves a chance to compete with Romo. I don't think this is his make or break year. The guy is cheap as dirt ... and we've put three years into him. Heck, even if he sits around for another 2 years, nothing lost.

 

[superpunk]

I am "working."

He looked good in the NFLE games. Despite the stats, which is all the detractor's have to go on (having not actually "watched the games" and all) he looked quite good running an offense. Didn't take many sacks, and didn't turn the ball over.

And if nothing else, he gave me football to watch until June.

 

[Doomsday101]

im tired of drew henson, i mean what has this guy ever done 4 us? nothing!!!!

He has been with the team for only 2 season, he came as a project and currently is doing everything asked of him.

 

[Redball Express]

I watched enough to see that Henson has potential and needs work to get there.

I watched him come back from his knee injury and play well. That says he's got the desire and plays with pain when needed.

So the issue about whether he's going to improve is being answered. I also thought his leadership qualities developed in his NFLEu experience. His handling of the spotlight in the media was good, he said all the right things and he took responsibility for his play, good or bad, when appropriate.

These are intangible factors that don't showup in the stats and I liked what I saw in those development areas.

I also felt that it's difficult to evaluate his overall play while playing with less talented players around him. So the best thing for him is the ability to work on his mechanics and his reading of defenses and understanding he's got to re-establish his edge for the game..even if it's NFLEu for now.

I absolutely think he's got the physical tools and that they aren't erroded with having played baseball. But the mental layoff has been the part that has regressed.

I think that this will be the first year we will really see what Henson is capable of. He's going to need to be played in the pre-season extensively along with Romo to see what needs to be improved. That's a given.

But,frankly, regardless how Henson's experience works for him, as a team, I don't think Dallas should send anymore of our QB's over to NFL Eu. B/W Hutch being injured and then released and now Henson and his knee, it's not worth the risk.

If Henson is going to contribute down the road, you don't want him to be risking season-ending injuries over nothing games like NFLEu.

That's the one evaluation that has to come out of this whole adventure. No more NFLEu for our guys. It's not really helping us, but rather hurting us.

We'll see.

parcellswaterboy

 

[Doomsday101]

I watched enough to see that Henson has potential and needs work to get there.

I watched him come back from his knee injury and play well. That says he's got the desire and plays with pain when needed.

So the issue about whether he's going to improve is being answered. I also thought his leadership qualities developed in his NFLEu experience. His handling of the spotlight in the media was good, he said all the right things and he took responsibility for his play, good or bad, when appropriate.

These are intangible factors that don't showup in the stats and I liked what I saw in those development areas.

I also felt that it's difficult to evaluate his overall play while playing with less talented players around him. So the best thing for him is the ability to work on his mechanics and his reading of defenses and understanding he's got to re-establish his edge for the game..even if it's NFLEu for now.

I absolutely think he's got the physical tools and that they aren't erroded with having played baseball. But the mental layoff has been the part that has regressed.

I think that this will be the first year we will really see what Henson is capable of. He's going to need to be played in the pre-season extensively along with Romo to see what needs to be improved. That's a given.

But,frankly, regardless how Henson's experience works for him, as a team, I don't think Dallas should send anymore of our QB's over to NFL Eu. B/W Hutch being injured and then released and now Henson and his knee, it's not worth the risk.

If Henson is going to contribute down the road, you don't want him to be risking season-ending injuries over nothing games like NFLEu.

That's the one evaluation that has to come out of this whole adventure. No more NFLEu for our guys. It's not really helping us, but rather hurting us.

We'll see.

parcellswaterboy

Guys get hurt in training camp but you don't stop going to training camp. Yes there is a risk going to NFLE but football to start with is a risk. If getting experiance and live action to help a project player is needed then you do what you have to do to get him that experiance and that is what NFLE does for these players be in Henson or Glover or any number of current NFL players who have gone over to Europe.

 

[Jarv]

I have a questions for you all. With this "New" 2 TE formation and the options it opens up for us, the QB will be making pre-snap reads based on how opposing defenses line up against it. I'm kinda refering to this thread...

http://dallascowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56059

Now, if this is new for all of the current QB's on the roster, who will adjust to it the quickest. I'm not sure were installing a new offense and terminology, but it is a change for sure...I think.

Bledsoe is by far the most experienced QB on the squad, but Henson does have the highest wonderelic (sp?) score. Will this mean he'll adjust to the new 2 TE formation the quickest ? Who knows ?

Just something to ponder.

 

[rcaldw]

Henson will adjust to that with no sweat since he played with nothing but TE's and H-Backs as receivers all NFLE season,

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

The completion rate is VERY misleading. As a very conservative estimate there were at least 2 drops per game in the 8 games he played the whole game. Add 16 completions to his totals and he is over 60%. And that is with second string NFLE receivers, since Smith and Starling barely played.

I agree on the mechanics. They are ugly. I remember an article about mid season last year when they wrote that everything just seemed to come together for Henson and he started looking better. What came together is he reverted back to his natural mechanics. He felt more confident because he wasn't thinking about mechanics. That being said, there have been a lot of QB;s with ugly throwing motions that got the job done. If he has success, there were be less concern over this.

I don't think ball placement was a big problem. He got it to the receivers more often than not in a catchable place. I think it was more a receiver issue than it was a QB issue.

I think your "Ugly" observations are just piling on. The two games against the best team, back to back, came when his two best receivers were gone with injuries. Yet he still kept them in the games. I actually think he showed more in those losses than he did in several wins.

Criticizing him for going there to play? His biggest weakness has been game time experience. It is the only way to improve that weakness. He should be applauded for going, not criticized. And the story is that Romo was asked to go and refused. I guess he needed to work on his golf game...I mean with all that practice time he was able to qualify 17th in Racine County, WI. Woo hoo.

Neither Henson or Romo is going to touch Bledsoe's job unless Bledsoe gets hurt. Remember, this is still Parcells team. But it is funny how people forget that the whole Henson/Romo contest has been back and forth. Henson was put in ahead of Romo despite having no experience two years ago. The ONLY advantages Romo had is just more time in the system and more recent playing experience. The longer Henson is here and Romo doesn't get to play live games, the less those advantages become. And don't forget, Henson is the one under contract after this year. It really is Romo that is on the hot seat. Remember that Henson is a "Jerry" guy...and Jerry will surely be here next year. Parcells may like Romo's "moxie", but Big Bill might be gone next year.

Overall, nice post. You did your homework. I don't agree about everything, but I did enjoy your take.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Oh, one last thing. Remind me how Aikman looked when he was without his top two receivers. He was one of the worst "marquee" QB's when he didn't have his best weapons. That is one of my biggest criticisms of Aikman. He had a difficult time adjusting.

 

[Tass]

im tired of drew henson, i mean what has this guy ever done 4 us? nothing!!!!

Yep...unlike that World-Beater Tony Romo, right?

 

[jay cee]

Sounds like a bunch of Henson Apologists to me.

Just jokin' guys.

 

[kartr]

*Disclaimer: This is not a 'flame' or 'agenda' thread. This is a thorough evaluation of Drew Henson by The Answer based on the completion of his first NFLE campaign. The Answer recorded every game including the ones he missed and able to spend a lot of time reviewing the game film with a keen interest. So please, no trolling or hijacking...this thread is intended for intelligent and philosophical discussion only. And just the like the title of one of The Answer's favorite all time western's, I bring you The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.....

Henson's final NFLE Stats:

203 Attempts
109 Completions
53.7% completion rate
1321 yards
6.51 average yard gained
10 TD's
3 Int
11 sacks
84.2 QB rating.

First the good.....

Mobility: Henson has shown the ability to move well in and out of the pocket, something that our current QB is sorely lacking. He's not a statue by any means and is able to make plays when things break down. Definitely a sought after quality in this new era of the NFL that pretty much requires a 'hybrid' trait at the QB position.

Velocity: Henson is capable of throwing a pretty ball with a tight spiral, especially with his short to intermediate routes, as for the deep ball that's another story The Answer will address later.

Decisive: Goes to his first option without any regrets, and he is always determined to find his guy. Goes through the progessions very fast (sometimes to fast) to find the secondary options.

Intelligent: Seems like Henson has mastered the offensive system in place with the Rhein Fire. Showed knowledge and expertise of the playbook, was effective in relaying plays to the rest of the offense. Obviously the NFLE offenses are far from complex, but this is very encouraging that he was able to do this. Henson is also good at finding the open passing lanes to compensate for his unique throwing motions.

Confidence: Was considered a 'marquee' player in Europe this spring and lived up to billing. A monumental flop in Europe would have spelled the end of his already lackluster career.

The Bad.......

Accurracy: Only finished with a 53% completion rate, but The Answer realizes that his receivers played a part in this due to a number of drops. But the bottom line it's still mediorce and needs to improve.

Mechanics: Even though he showed some decisiveness most of the time. He still held on to the ball way too long at times and needs to learn to throw it away and live to play another down. Starring Down Receivers is a cardinal sin in the NFL, sometimes your arm strength can save you, but most times you'll be picked off more times than not in the big leagues.

Passing: Velocity is a good thing, but I saw a lot of sailing passes, not sure if it was rust, mechanics, or desperation, but in the NFL you can and will get picked off by ball hawking safeties and corners when you sail the seven seas.

Deep Ball: Henson don't really have the ability to stretch the defense, which is a major concern. His longest pass completed was for 56 yards. The 'dink and dunk' will only get you so far in this league. One of the reason's Bledsoe has been so successful is that he can make the deep pass over the middle, it's truly a requisite in this league yet so few are capable of doing it consistently.

Touch & Technique: You have to be able to put the ball in places where only the receiver can catch it. And ball placement will always impress the coach way more than just arm strength. This is where I see Tony Romo having a distinct advantage. Even Timmy Chang was able to make the fade out type of pass that got there before the safety. This is critical in the NFL.

Inconsistence: Looked poised some plays and looked totally flustered and lost at other times. After he gets knocked down a couple times he gets anxious. Throws his game off big time. Steps up when he doesnt has to, fleas the pocket when he doesnt have to, and throws the ball too early.

And finally The Ugly....

Intangibles: Seems like Henson is not a 'clutch' QB based on his inability to get it done against the NFLE's best. Call it an astute observation, but if you can't get it done against the minor leagues best, you won't be able to do it against the NFC's best.

The NFLE: My major criticism against Henson has always been why he was playing there to to begin with. Wheter he truly asked to go there voluntarily, or had no choice, it's a concern that such a once highly touted prospect was playing in a league where very few players that play there ever make it as starters (or back ups) in the NFL. Of course there have been a few anomolies to break through.

Drew Bledsoe/Tony Romo: The reason I throw this in here is because these two players (who currently are #1 and #2 on the QB depth chart) are Henson's biggest obstacle in terms of advancing his 'professional' career. There's always an 'outside' chance than Henson surpasses Romo this summer if he plays lights out and/or Romo gets hurt. But considering Henson just went through a whole NCAA length season in Europe, he might not have much energy to muster to put up a good enough fight against Romo.

In conclusion The Answer believes that Henson showed enough in NFLE to retain a spot on 2006 roster as the 3rd QB. He might get pushed by Ivy League standout Jeff Mroz this summer, but it will likely be just a nudge as Mroz finds his way to the practice squad. Henson definitely has the potential to develop into a solid back up in this league, but unfortunately it might be for another NFL team and The Answer don't view him as 'starting' material. Henson is still raw and might need another stint in NFLE next spring to polish his game. If he's still a Cowboy in 2007 than he might have a chance at the back up spot depending on if he progresses.

~The Answer

I enjoyed your analysis. Some of it was fair and some not so fair, but the bottom line is that he hasn't distinguished himself as a world-beater in an inferior league where other qb's such as Rohan Davey did, yet can't find a starting gig or even a 2nd string gig. This tells you that Henson project is a waste of time cause even an underachiever like Chris Simms began to put it together in his 3rd year. Chris Simms was 3rd round pick who had first round talent, Henson is a 3rd round pick who supposedly has talent. Clearly drafting a qb last year, such as Jason Campbell or Omar Jacobs this year, both of whom were available to us would have been better options. Yes I know we already had two young qb's, but logically neither have ever been realistic options. If Henson doesn't develop, we'll have thrown away a 3rd round pick that won't even start as many as games as Chad Hutchinson. And that's pathetic.

 

[Gent]

Nice post Answer.

My overall impression is slightly more positive. I see a guy with 1st round talent that is making progress. Henson's style of play suggests to me that he can be a "Bus Driver" in the NFL. There were flashes that he could even be more than that. I'm cautiously optimistic about him.

-Gent