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It was interesting to hear this new coach . . .
talk about what he is looking for in a QB.
The Indianapolis Colts hired Shane Steichen as their head coach this week.
He served as the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator the last two years, and the Los Angeles Chargers OC the year before.
In his introductory press conference in Indy, he described what characteristic he looks for in a QB.
“Accuracy, decision-making and the ability to create are the three things I look for in a quarterback,” Steichen said.
How does Zach Wilson measure up in these areas?
Right now, his accuracy needs some work, as does his decision-making. He’s pretty good at creating when the play breaks down.
One of the surrogates for Derek Carr’s agent in the media announced today that the QB will visit the Jets this weekend.
The former Raiders QB is 63-79 as an NFL starter.
The Athletic’s Zach Rosenblatt let us know earlier this week that the Jets view Carr as a “significant upgrade” over Wilson.
Whoever said that from the organization should be fired or suspended.
Why? Because even if it’s true, what difference does it make right now, considering the Jets aren’t looking for Wilson to be their starter in Week One this year? They are taking a step back with a QB, and work with him on his mechanics, footwork and other elements of his game. He was rushed into action as a 21-year-old who came out after his junior year following a season he lit up a soft schedule at BYU. He was not instant coffee.
So not sure what the point was in saying that Carr is a “significant upgrade” over Wilson right now? Many QBs will be until Wilson’s mechanics and footwork are fixed. So why insult Wilson like that now with a gratuitous attack? Whatever veteran QB the Jets sign, won’t be competing with Wilson.
Stupid thing to say. Fire or suspend whoever said it. Culture.
Getting back to Steichen on quarterbacks:
“The players I’ve been around – Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Phillip Rivers, all have one thing in common, they are obsessed with their craft and if you can find that in your quarterback, you’re probably going to have some success.”
Is Wilson obsessed with his craft?
“I’m not sure Zach Wilson understands completely yet what it takes to be a professional quarterback in the NFL,” former NFL GM Mike Lombardi said during last season. “He’s not detailed enough or understands how to be detailed enough. I’m not saying he’s not going to get it, but it’s a process you have to do through and the preparation you need to play QB in the National Football League goes far beyond the 2.5 hours of practices you take to the field. I think there are other things in Zach Wilson’s life that kind of deter that from him.”
Perhaps getting benched twice last year will be a wake-up call for Wilson to take his work ethic to a higher level.
Don’t get the wrong idea. Wilson does put a lot of work in, but perhaps he’s not at the Drew Brees kind of level. The former Saints QB would open and close the facility.
February 17, 2023
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