Did anyone else notice that we only play one QB (Kentucky's Vandagriff) that was rated in the bottom 7 worst rated QB's for week 2? We play all the top QB this season...
And ftr, I regret using the phrase “head case”. He becomes one when the line breaks down and that’s not COMPLETELY his fault but DJ doesn’t and that’s what I believe from my eyes of both and their known attributes. I believe playing both which it looks like what’s gonna happen gives us less chance of winning the big games ahead. yeah looks like he’s playing both at about 4:30 https://www.youtube.com/live/UalBoMiAFDk?si=X6uaoJMLnytdJGfB
If this was Lane or Spurrier or Heupel playing both then I’d be interested- but it’s Naps so I’m guessing he will play both at exactly the wrong times, pull the hot one, bring DJ into difficult situations to run a condensed playbook that the defense will know after watching one game of film. I will say - DJ’s comments that “he knows which receivers like which routes “ and seeing more creative rout combos in that game gave me hope that Callaway and Dj may be able and to cook. I love Mertz- I like what he can do but I hate what I cannot do and that’s stretch the D or run- and with Napier at the helm that means every team will do exactly what Miami did - sit on routes and blitz. Zero fear of spreading the field with Mertz
So many words on this thread to just say that DJ is better, play him and let the cards fall. When I think of all the guys that eventually went on to play in the NFL that were on our team over the last decade, I cringe. Why is this different than Jones getting the start over AR? The difference in goodness might even be greater than those two (diff between DJ and GM) and AR is now lighting it up in the NFL and went early first. So remind me why Jones started over Anderson in 21. To me you play the better option. Plain and simple and I’ll root for of course either way but doesn’t mean I have to get behind whatever move BN decides.
I’ll agree DJ looks to be the better option, but wouldn’t say AR is lightning it up in the NFL. He has the arm to make all the throws, but wasn’t his issue at UF, and maybe still is in the NFL, is he doesn’t see the whole field? Someone mentioned he’s now started 18 games since high school. He needs more games under his belt. Career nfl stats passing 5td/2int and two fumbles. He has a long way to go to develop into the qb we all want him to be. I love DJ and his work ethic, kid will be a superstar.
Didn't notice that, but, I guess it shouldn't surprise us. But, Kentucky wins or loses with its lines, anyway, so, it might not be as big of an impact for them to be the only opponent without a standout QB.
I was at the game but I was enjoying myself too much to dissect this. Lagway probably has the most atrocious footwork I've seen for a Florida QB, maybe ever. Thankfully that is the easiest thing to coach and nearly always gets demonstrable improvement year to year for all QBs. If Mertz ever gets pulled, the staff should never look back and let Lagway start the rest of the season. The kid has the guts to drive the ball downfield. He is LAUNCHING the ball. A vertical passing game? Seems like something foreign and only a memory from years, perhaps decades past....
Both of the videos above just show me what I saw. The dude is next level and quite possibly the best QB we’ve had since Tebow. (well it was directly above me when I posted this) ha
say what?!?! The worst footwork of any Gator QB ever? Dude whatever you are smoking, throw it away. It’s dangerous for you. Watch him instinctively step a couple steps left and feel someone behind him and step forward keeping plays alive that most of our old QBs would have curled up and took a sack or “wisely throw it away” while he’s just staying alive so he can throw his darts 35+ yards 6 times and the rest were 20 and so on. He had nearly 500 yards total. THAT you cannot teach. Your post confuses and scares me.
Shane says that Spurrier said he would start Mertz. Edit: not clear if Shane means Spurrier would start, or Billy would start.
His dropback steps are very wide, which in my observation makes himself a larger target for edge rushers to get to him. When he climbs the pocket, I notice he steps up, pauses, then continues to climb. Rigid instead of fluid movement. I am no expert but these things stand out to me. All things considered he is a true freshman and literally everything else he does EXCEPTIONALLY well. Footwork is something very coachable and he'll get better with more reps and time. I am extremely excited to see him grow and progress hopefully with us for a few more years.
Anyone else watch those highlights and see a ton of plays that will NOT work against SEC defenses? I’m over the slow developing fake toss sweeps and reverse rollouts with one wr streaking- why is Napier obsessed with it?
