While watching preseason football that it is important not to get overly excited or depressed about by a player or a teams performance. I don’t mean to suggest that preseason football is pointless, because it does provide some insight into how a team might perform when the regular season comes around, but it is really important to remember that teams focus more on putting their players in a position for evaluation then they do trying to win the game. That being said…
I think…
I liked what I saw from Cam Newton during his first professional game. Often when a quarterback who in college was quick to run the ball himself after making his first read, they sometimes have trouble breaking that habit at the pro level. I figured that Newton would have this same issue early in his career and I was impressed to see him stand in the pocket and make passes during his first game on Saturday night. Not once did he try to run the ball and he showed that he can stand in the pocket and make plays with his arm. It will be interesting to see if he is able to continue developing his pocket presence as he starts facing stronger defenses and more elaborate schemes and blitz packages.
I think…
I am torn on the idea of creating these power conferences in the NCAA. Over the weekend we heard rumors that Texas A&M and Florida State were trying to join the SEC. Part of me thinks that this will really harm smaller conferences who depend on the bigger name schools to draw interest, while the other part of me thinks developing fewer conferences could eventually help lead to a playoff format being used for deciding the National Champion. I am a strong advocate for abandonding the current format and implementing a playoff, but I would never want this to come at the expense of smaller schools. In fact a playoff should only be used to provide a greater opportunity for these schools.
I think…
If the 49ers do sign former NFL quarterback Daunte Cullpepper that it wont be as bad as a signing as some are suggesting it to be. Does it come accross as desperate? Absolutely, but the 49ers are in fact desperate. I was shocked when they decided to bring back former first overall pick Alex Smith, but I was impressed to see them trade up in the second round to draft Neveda quaterback Colin Kaepernick. The signing of Cullpepper would help to push Smith’s game and it would also provide mentorship to the rookie Kaepernick who has a very smiliar skill set to Cullpepper’s. I cant envision Cullpepper winning the starting job in San Fran, but he could serve as a valuable third stringer who has the ability to play if called upon, while also providing vetran leadership to the rookie. It is clear that new coach Jim Harbaugh does not want to be in a position where he has to “feed his young quaterback to the wolves”. Kaepernick is a prospect who needs time to develop and if he is forced to start this season behind the 49ers dismal offensive line, then his development could take a major blow.
I think…
I was intrigued to see how many different players were predicted by the staff here at WTFP to win the Heisman this year. There were numerous names selected and it should be interesting to see who does walk away with the hardware at seasons end. If you want to check out all of the 2011 College Football Predictions click here.