Andy Benoit of SI is angry at Browns Coach Hue Jackson for saying “Tyrod Taylor’s the starting quarterback of this football team, and that won’t change.” Bonoit writes, "If they actually believe in their scouting process, why not declare [#1 overall draft pick Baker] Mayfield the starter right now?"
John Middlekrauf of the 3 and Out podcast was equally angry at Jackson, but he did not say Mayfield should be installed at #1 on the depth chart. Instead, he observed that the other coaches with high-round quarterbacks will have a chance to compete for the starting job.
And that's how it should be. Middlekrauf noted Pete Carroll's signed Matt Flynn for lots of money in 2012 but then installed 3rd-round rookie Russell Wilson as the starter because he won the competition during training camp. It was part of Carroll's "compete every day" philosophy, and it's how several positions are decided in training camp unless there's a returning starter who had proven himself.
If a low-round or low-paid quarterback is clearly better than a high-round or high-paid one, to start the latter is not a commitment to winning, it's an emotional commitment to an investment mistake. If they are equal, go with the high-round pick because you do believe he has the potential to be much better with experience.
To rush in the young guy, however, may hurt his career. He must be ready, and it's hard to predict how quickly he absorbs the playbook or adjusts to the speed of the game.
Finally, to say the competition isn't open can harm the motivation of either the incumbent or the rookie, or both. The one thinks he won't be challenged, and the other doesn't think he will be given a fair chance. Both could be less focused and dedicated in their preparation for the season.
It's better to just let them compete.
John Middlekrauf of the 3 and Out podcast was equally angry at Jackson, but he did not say Mayfield should be installed at #1 on the depth chart. Instead, he observed that the other coaches with high-round quarterbacks will have a chance to compete for the starting job.
And that's how it should be. Middlekrauf noted Pete Carroll's signed Matt Flynn for lots of money in 2012 but then installed 3rd-round rookie Russell Wilson as the starter because he won the competition during training camp. It was part of Carroll's "compete every day" philosophy, and it's how several positions are decided in training camp unless there's a returning starter who had proven himself.
If a low-round or low-paid quarterback is clearly better than a high-round or high-paid one, to start the latter is not a commitment to winning, it's an emotional commitment to an investment mistake. If they are equal, go with the high-round pick because you do believe he has the potential to be much better with experience.
To rush in the young guy, however, may hurt his career. He must be ready, and it's hard to predict how quickly he absorbs the playbook or adjusts to the speed of the game.
Finally, to say the competition isn't open can harm the motivation of either the incumbent or the rookie, or both. The one thinks he won't be challenged, and the other doesn't think he will be given a fair chance. Both could be less focused and dedicated in their preparation for the season.
It's better to just let them compete.
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