Proving Ground: Stephen McGee

[cowboyjoe]

Proving Ground: Stephen McGee
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys
July, 14, 2010 Jul 149:34AM CTEmail Print Comments By Tim MacMahonEighth in a 10-part series focusing on young non-starters who have a lot to prove during training camp (series):

Wade Phillips declared this offseason that he was pleased with Stephen McGee ’s progress because the young quarterback was making quicker decisions. His passes weren’t on the money that often, but at least he was getting rid of the ball on time.

Consider that evidence of just how much work McGee has to do.

McGee needs to show the Cowboys this summer that he’s a worthy developmental project. If he can’t do that, it’s likely that the Cowboys will look to replace him with a mid-round draft pick next year.

The Cowboys love McGee’s physical tools and character. He’s got a big arm, good quickness and looks the part of an NFL quarterback. He’s a smart guy who works hard.

Now it’s time to see the talent translate into performance. That didn’t happen much at Texas A&M, where McGee was miscast in a Zone Read-based scheme for three seasons and spent most of his senior year on the sideline after injuring his shoulder. That didn’t happen much during training camp and preseason last year, when McGee usually looked afraid to make a mistake.

The Cowboys are in big trouble if they have to count on McGee this season. He needs to give them hope that won’t be the case in the future.Share

 

[Hagman]

His passes weren’t on the money that often, but at least he was getting rid of the ball on time.

Talk about damning with faint praise. "He can throw incompletions and interceptions a lot faster than he did last year."

I didn't like the pick at the time, and don't really see any reason to be optimistic about his future.

 

[joseephuss]

Jerry has been criticized for not trying to find a QB. Some say you should draft a QB every year to develop. Dallas did and got the best one possible for where they picked. There were not a ton of choices in 2009.

1st round Matthew Stafford DET
1st round Mark Sanchez NYJ
1st round Josh Freeman TAM
2nd round Pat White MIA
4th round Stephen McGee DAL
5th round Rhett Bomar NYG
5th round Nate Davis SFO
6th round Tom Brandstater DEN
6th round Mike Teel SEA
6th round Keith Null STL
6th round Curtis Painter IND

 

[SDCowboy]

Am I the only one sick of hearing about McGee? We have a relatively young franchise QB who's one of the best in the league. I've never heard so much news about a 3rd string QB nobody should care about. I get Romo was a backup but he was discovered when we didn't have a QB. McGee will be in his 30s by the time Romo hangs them up.

 

[ElGatoGrande]

Am I the only one sick of hearing about McGee? We have a relatively young franchise QB who's one of the best in the league. I've never heard so much news about a 3rd string QB nobody should care about. I get Romo was a backup but he was discovered when we didn't have a QB. McGee will be in his 30s by the time Romo hangs them up.

I agree that the 3rd string QB position doesn't rate that high in importance, though I must admit I'm interested in seeing McGee progress and take Kitna's place. Developing an understudy QB seems to be the best way to find the franchise's next signal caller or to use in a potential trade.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Jerry has been criticized for not trying to find a QB.

I am not taking exception to your statement.

but Jerra, in case no one was noticing, has gone to great lengths in assembling this superb team.
He could re-assembly a team worthy of the teams he was putting together in the Super Bowl years of the 1990s and some would still criticize his lack of getting the best ground crews and hot dog vendors.

Jerra has done the best he can. but having depth at every position is awfully difficult. I salute Jerra and thank him for giving us this potential Super Bowl team.

 

[joseephuss]

Am I the only one sick of hearing about McGee? We have a relatively young franchise QB who's one of the best in the league. I've never heard so much news about a 3rd string QB nobody should care about. I get Romo was a backup but he was discovered when we didn't have a QB. McGee will be in his 30s by the time Romo hangs them up.

It is not always about having the QB ready to take over after Romo calls it quits. It is having someone to take the reigns of Romo is injured. It is also about possibly trading away a young prospect to a team in need and getting good draft picks back in return. Many a team has turned a young low round QB into a future high round draft pick. Plus I have not seen that many threads about McGee.

 

[dropshot001]

It is not always about having the QB ready to take over after Romo calls it quits. It is having someone to take the reigns of Romo is injured. It is also about possibly trading away a young prospect to a team in need and getting good draft picks back in return. Many a team has turned a young low round QB into a future high round draft pick. Plus I have not seen that many threads about McGee.

i agree. having depth is never a bad thing as it can mitigate the effect that injuries have and can also result in draft picks. i mean, look at whitehurst

 

[Chief]

Talk about damning with faint praise. "He can throw incompletions and interceptions a lot faster than he did last year."

I didn't like the pick at the time, and don't really see any reason to be optimistic about his future.

 

[CCBoy]

Shoot, it's when there is NO news about underlings that troubles creep into an organization. I bet Philadelphia would have wanted more about some of their high profile picks that recently haven't shown up for work at levels projected.

I like McGee a lot and he is a hard working 'Aggie.' Let's just wait until camp and then Exhibition Games to see the degree of his progress. I think that the second halves won't be nearly as boring as in the past, now...