Dustin Vaughn and the Dearth of NFL QBs

[Phoenix]

ha ha ha, who?

You mean Dustin Vaughan?





Ironically, his (and my) alma mater is pretty much the epitome of Tecmo Bowl passing / scoring lol

 

[Galian Beast]

how many solid back ups are there?

Who knows. What constitutes solid?

 

[ShiningStar]

Who knows. What constitutes solid?

A qb that can win a few games with the team, can lead them down the field and your drop off isnt that significant. I dont see many in the league, but that doesnt mean Dallas cant do something to lead the charge.

 

[65fastback2plus2]

teddy! Just wait...he's gonna be a top 10

 

[jnday]

Great article. Vaughn is definately one I will be watching this summer. It would be soooooo nice ot have someone who would be ready to step in when Romo finally retires.

Also, now you know why Weeden is on the team. Getting proper coaching does wonders sometimes. He has some skills but going to QB hell stunted his career. Not sure I see him ever becoming a long term starter in this league but at least he can step in for a game or two if needed.

Overall the Cowboys are in good shape at QB. That conclusion could be upgraded (or downgraded) after this summer and peseason.

At Weeden's age, I think he is a lost cause. I was really hoping that Vaughan would show enough to move ahead of Weeden on the depth chart. Vaughan looked good in his limited snaps last year and I hope he continues to improve.

 

[Doc50]

OK, so going with the premise that good NFL QB's are short supply, what exactly does one need?

1) Good Arm -- Must be able to throw the deep out, have a quick release, and have compact mechanics. Needs to also have feel for touch passes and the deep ball. True spread offenses have a 5 man receiver tree that requires various types of passes in order to be successful.

2) Good Head -- Must be able to read defensive sets and shifts, pick up keys and stunts, and consistently make the right decision and throw.
The various offensive patterns and defensive strategies one sees in a spread will require an exceptional amount of reps and film time in order to master.
The average high school spread QB has a much greater understanding of O & D strategies and tactics than their earlier counterparts, due to the complexity of the systems. The head also includes leadership skills, which the excellent knowledge of O & D tends to build. Knowing how and when to run will keep a good QB from being separated from his head.

3) Good Feet -- Must be able to at least briefly avoid the rush and blitz, while quickly finding targets. Some HS QBs end up running more than the system would prefer, only because their head or arm or OL are subpar; unless the QB is one of the best athletes on his team (frequently true), this will usually not be successful.

4) Good Body -- Must have the athleticism to maintain balance and co-ordination, withstand punishment, and show durability.
Spread QBs will definitely only survive if they have these qualities.

So, while I don't disagree with the initial premise, I would say that the level of development of QBs from a true Spread is far beyond what we used to see coming from a wishbone, I, T, veer, or read-option system.

The reasons I think they aren't necessarily ready to start in the NFL for 3-4 years have more to do with physical and emotional maturity, as well as the obvious differences in speed and complexity of the pros. Some don't initially have the leadership qualities necessary to command older prima donna rich guys. Some are not initially strong enough to withstand the pounding, and need the strength program just like any other rookie.

The thing I love about football is its constant evolution.
Last year's passing game strategies will be more successfully attacked and will need to be modified.
The most dominant defense will be dissected by 31 teams, and new strategies and tactics will emerge.
The game is in a constant state of flux, and the QB has the most difficult job.

Just my opinion, but it seems that today's high school QBs from Texas who are being recruited in their highest numbers nationally are more prepared for the college level than ever before, and the Spread has had a positive impact on that. As the college offenses move toward more complexity as well, this should bode well for the continued development of NFL-caliber talent.

 

[CF74]

Vaughan looks like he might be decent as long as he can sit and learn a little bit longer, maybe 2 more seasons...

 

[guag]

Dearth of QBs is product of spread offense in college. College football is like a video game. NFL not so much.

Kind of funny you say that, because as a gamer, I actually enjoy playing NCAA football quite a bit more than Madden. Probably no coincidence there.

 

[guag]

At Weeden's age, I think he is a lost cause. I was really hoping that Vaughan would show enough to move ahead of Weeden on the depth chart. Vaughan looked good in his limited snaps last year and I hope he continues to improve.

IMO, Vaughan will either be #2 by this time next year, or we will have drafted or signed someone else if he's not capable and try again. Though I think Dallas might like Weeden as a #2 for a while, so who knows.

 

[xwalker]

Winter is coming for NFL personnel evaluators at the game's most valuable position. Quarterbacks have always been hard to find, but these days, they're a needle in a sea of haystacks.

High school and college football is ruining the position for the NFL. Permanently perched in the shotgun in simplistic, check-with-me, one-read offenses that require virtually no defensive understanding or brain power is leaving NFL general managers scratching their heads at what to do. Not only is it ugly to watch, it simply doesn't work against NFL-caliber defensive players. You have to be able to work under center and read defenses in the NFL, and these blokes can't.

This year, suddenly drafting running backs became in vogue again, and offensive linemen seem to be gaining in value early, too. Some think teams like Dallas started that trend, but I think growing frustration and hopelessness with today's young quarterbacks played a bigger role. Teams have to run because they can't pass.

The whole thing makes the Dustin Vaughn approach Dallas is taking look pretty smart.

Who are tomorrow's great quarterbacks? Aside from Andrew Luck, name me a good, young QB in the NFL that looks like he's headed for the all-time great list.

I'm not buying Russell Wilson so much, and neither are the Seahawks apparently. He's a bus driver for a team built on smothering defense and running the football. He was awful against Green Bay before that last heave. He looked woefully inept compared to Romo. He has his moments, so I'll give him a half a nod, but he looks terribly uncomfortable in the pocket, where real NFL quarterbacks play.

Collin Kaepernick is imploding. RG3 is a lost puppy. Alex Smith can't throw to wide receivers. Geno Smith is just winging it. Cam Newton hasn't developed at all. Mark Sanchez is scared. Sam Bradford was bad before he was hurt. Jay Cutler has checked out. And then there's Freeman, Ponder, Manziel, Cousins, Barkley, McNown, Gabbert, Clausen, Quinn, Locker, Mallett, and on and on it goes.

And on queue, this year's draft produced nothing but project QBs. I think Winston and Mariotta are going to bust, too.

Honestly, could Vaughn be any more far-fetched than these guys?

It's laughable how teams are unloading the cash vault for guys like Andy Dalton and Ryan Tannehill because the chasm out there is just too scary not to. The mere glimmers shown by Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr will probably make them billionaires soon, too, and Blake Bortles need only be "meh" to get his. The resume of work isn't as important as the lack of alternative. Seattle will have to do it with Wilson eventually.

It's easy not to notice because the league still features some high-powered offenses and lots of scoring thanks to Brady, Rodgers, Brees, Romo, Roethlisberger, Flacco, Ryan, Rivers, and the Manning boys. But do you notice anything about that list? Yep, they're getting up there.

Something's got to give somewhere. College football has to start playing real football again, not the chuck-it-in-a-nanosecond filth we suffer through on Saturdays. It looks like Tecmo Bowl. High schools should do the same, but they won't. (Why would an NFL team hire a college coach anymore?)

Quarterbacks are the lifeblood of the NFL, and the supply on the way looks weaker by the year.

So bring on Dustin Vaughn. He has as good a chance as any. That's sad to say out loud, but it's true.

Did you lose your blogging job? In the past you posted write-ups with a link to your blog site. Now your posts still seem like they are intended to be articles but there is no link to a site.

 

[guag]

Did you lose you blogging job? In the past you posted write-ups with a link to your blog site. Now your posts still seem like they are intended to be articles but there is no link to a site.

That thought actually crossed my mind as well...

 

[erod]

Did you lose you blogging job? In the past you posted write-ups with a link to your blog site. Now your posts still seem like they are intended to be articles but there is no link to a site.

Wasn't my site, and it wasn't a paid gig. I just did it for fun after being asked to do so.

I prefer the give-and-take with you guys here and the other board more. It's more immediate and spontaneous.

 

[xwalker]

Wasn't my site, and it wasn't a paid gig. I just did it for fun after being asked to do so.

I prefer the give-and-take with you guys here and the other board more. It's more immediate and spontaneous.

So you quit?

 

[erod]

OK, so going with the premise that good NFL QB's are short supply, what exactly does one need?

1) Good Arm -- Must be able to throw the deep out, have a quick release, and have compact mechanics. Needs to also have feel for touch passes and the deep ball. True spread offenses have a 5 man receiver tree that requires various types of passes in order to be successful.

2) Good Head -- Must be able to read defensive sets and shifts, pick up keys and stunts, and consistently make the right decision and throw.
The various offensive patterns and defensive strategies one sees in a spread will require an exceptional amount of reps and film time in order to master.
The average high school spread QB has a much greater understanding of O & D strategies and tactics than their earlier counterparts, due to the complexity of the systems. The head also includes leadership skills, which the excellent knowledge of O & D tends to build. Knowing how and when to run will keep a good QB from being separated from his head.

3) Good Feet -- Must be able to at least briefly avoid the rush and blitz, while quickly finding targets. Some HS QBs end up running more than the system would prefer, only because their head or arm or OL are subpar; unless the QB is one of the best athletes on his team (frequently true), this will usually not be successful.

4) Good Body -- Must have the athleticism to maintain balance and co-ordination, withstand punishment, and show durability.
Spread QBs will definitely only survive if they have these qualities.

You left an important one out. Experience.

There are literally thousands of dudes wandering across the U.S. with the qualities you mentioned. Most don't have the guts to play quarterback in live action. And even fewer have done it from the perspective of reading defenses. College coaches seem bent on trying to take that responisibility away from them altogether by giving them predetermined throws.

I wonder if there are guys who could make it in the NFL, but they get lost in college because they can't run fast enough.

 

[erod]

So you quit?

I wouldn't say quit. I was offered and I agreed to do participate on my own. I might do it again once things really get rolling again.

My time here might hint otherwise, but I have another pretty heavy job already in the business world.

My background was as a writer long ago, and I still like to do it. I prefer it on my terms so it stays fun.

 

[daveferr33]

Good post.

This is why it was absolutely criminal to squander the early Romo years with the likes of Wade Phillips followed by a coach (and FO) in training.

Things are looking better. I hope its not too late.

Our guy needs a ring.

 

[DFWJC]

The last two years have been weak ones for the NFL draft. So I'll leave them out.

But, I recall the days when powerhouse college programs were full of QBs that never had a any remote chance of playing that position in the NFL.
The old days, teams like Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas, Ohio State....they ran it all day long.

Starting as early as middle school, the offenses are way more advanced in the passing game than just a decade ago. The average QB is a much better passer and is way more equipped to distribute the ball to multiple WRs.

But yes, taking snaps under center has become a novelty, and is a negative for many.

 

[erod]

Good post.

This is why it was absolutely criminal to squander the early Romo years with the likes of Wade Phillips followed by a coach (and FO) in training.

Things are looking better. I hope its not too late.

Our guy needs a ring.

Nobody has ever deserved it more, but they are promised to no one.

It would be delicious to watch a nation of Romo haters have to soak up the reality of him as a Super Bowl champion. Then, his numbers would make him a virtual lock as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

They already quietly know he's elite. They're barking a lot less these days.

 

[DFWJC]

Nobody has ever deserved it more, but they are promised to no one.

It would be delicious to watch a nation of Romo haters have to soak up the reality of him as a Super Bowl champion. Then, his numbers would make him a virtual lock as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

They already quietly know he's elite. They're barking a lot less these days.

It would quite possibly be my happiest moment as a sports fan.

Top 3 for sure.

 

[erod]

The last two years have been weak ones for the NFL draft. So I'll leave them out.

But, I recall the days when powerhouse college programs were full of QBs that never had a any remote chance of playing that position in the NFL.
The old days, teams like Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas, Ohio State....they ran it all day long.

Starting as early as middle school, the offenses are way more advanced in the passing game than just a decade ago. The average QB is a much better passer and is way more equipped to distribute the ball to multiple WRs.

But yes, taking snaps under center has become a novelty, and is a negative for many.

Those were the wishbone days before coaches realized that they should stop putting all the fastest guys on offense. When they put them on defense, that ended that.

It was also during the days of the NFL long before zone blitzes and all the multiple disguises and packages used today. Teams used to just send out a 4-3 defense and leave it there. Tom Landry changed that.