How significant is this in the QB competition?

[SeniorDrill]

Here's something I would like some comments on that I heard on a local radio station this morning. How about this take? The starting quarterback will depend to a great degree on the offensive line which is totally new. I think they even said that Tennessee was the only team in the country which lost its entire offensive and defensive line. If the line can pass protect, then you might favor Worley, the drop-back passer. If they have trouble stopping the pass rush, then you may well need the more mobile quarterback in Dobbs. Will that force the issue come game-time?

 

[RiseToTheTop]

see alot of short pass game but we have alot of play makers. the O line has talent. everybody talking like the first team OL is terrible. they will be alright. i also dont think run blocking will be any problem either btw.

 

[DaddyChad]

There is no competition. Worley is your starter.

 

[BearCat204]

There is no competition. Worley is your starter.

There's absolutely no way that you could reasonably state this as a fact.

 

[Sudden Impact]

There's absolutely no way that you could reasonably state this as a fact.

Agree. CBJ leaves and breathes on competition, why would QB be any different. It is Worley's to lose and he will be challenged for it.

 

[orangeluvr]

Agree. CBJ leaves and breathes on competition, why would QB be any different. It is Worley's to lose and he will be challenged for it.

So, is Fergie outta there b/c he doesn't want to compete? :dunno:

 

[oregonvol]

I don't really see why everyone gets worked up about it. They all played awful last year. The worrisome thing is that they all seem to be around the same level again, which means either they have all taken a gigantic step forward or no one has. Obviously, the latter is more likely. And if it is the latter, then I can't see it making much difference who starts.

 

[utvols74]

From a receiver's perspective, that level of uncertainty (at game time in some situations) is terrible. QBs and WRs have rhythms they must work out. Timing at this level and beyond is critical. Without it, you end up with picks, over/under throws, throws into empty space, balls hitting guys in the back, etc.

I could agree with the philosophy of good O-line/passer QB or bad O-line/scrambler QB, but this needs to be worked out early in 2-a-days so as to allow time for QB/WRs to "jell".

 

[KBVol]

Here's something I would like some comments on that I heard on a local radio station this morning. How about this take? The starting quarterback will depend to a great degree on the offensive line which is totally new. I think they even said that Tennessee was the only team in the country which lost its entire offensive and defensive line. If the line can pass protect, then you might favor Worley, the drop-back passer. If they have trouble stopping the pass rush, then you may well need the more mobile quarterback in Dobbs. Will that force the issue come game-time?

I don't think so. It'll come down to who's more consistent, who makes the fewest mistakes, who's better at getting in and out of the right and wrong plays, who understands protections, etc. It won't come down to 40 times and lateral movement IMHO.

 

[sjt18]

There's absolutely no way that you could reasonably state this as a fact.

Right now? Yes you can. Could something happen in August to change it? Sure.

Since Jones took over, Worley has consistently gone out 1st with the 1's. Only once since then was he not the starter when healthy enough to play (or not really healthy enough vs Bama)... and that game (UF) was an absolute disaster. In fact, as much as I like Dobbs, the QB position hurt the team after Worley was out with injury last year. He's "the man" until someone "beats the man"... and no one has now for two years.

 

[BearCat204]

Right now? Yes you can. Could something happen in August to change it? Sure.

Since Jones took over, Worley has consistently gone out 1st with the 1's. Only once since then was he not the starter when healthy enough to play (or not really healthy enough vs Bama)... and that game (UF) was an absolute disaster. In fact, as much as I like Dobbs, the QB position hurt the team after Worley was out with injury last year. He's "the man" until someone "beats the man"... and no one has now for two years.

Are we talking about today? Or are we talking about a QB competition that will go deep into the summer then fall? It's absolutely ignorant to claim there is no competition right now lol.

 

[sjt18]

Here's something I would like some comments on that I heard on a local radio station this morning. How about this take? The starting quarterback will depend to a great degree on the offensive line which is totally new. I think they even said that Tennessee was the only team in the country which lost its entire offensive and defensive line. If the line can pass protect, then you might favor Worley, the drop-back passer. If they have trouble stopping the pass rush, then you may well need the more mobile quarterback in Dobbs. Will that force the issue come game-time?

1) This is not really a "new" offensive line. Four of the current projected starters have been in the program at least as long as Jones has been HC. If they aren't ready to play... no excuses for the coaches. The other OL is a Fr who beat out guys who have been in the program for at least 2 years... making him look like a pretty good player. He'll be helped by Crowder, Jackson, and Kerbyson who have played some and have maturity. Personally I would argue that Crowder and Jackson were good enough to start last fall. Jones chose to RS Jackson while Crowder got some spot play.

2) Making the correct line calls and audibles is every bit as important as QB mobility. I really like Dobbs and he will likely be a master of that skill... but Worley appears to have mastered it already.

3) Worley isn't immobile. When he's run or moved around, he's been effective doing it.

I will root for whoever wins the job. I just disagree with the way many are looking at various aspects of the OL and QB position.

 

[Sudden Impact]

So, is Fergie outta there b/c he doesn't want to compete? :dunno:

Who really knows the story here. I don't have a clue as to why Fergie departed. For a kid that has zero game experience he was getting a reputation that only the coaches and he himself knows.

He may not have even been #2 and didn't want to work to get to one. May not have had the confidence to win the number 1 slot and may not feel good about the new competition inbound.

May be more to his injury. May not be willing to transition into the new system. Wasn't recruited by Jones. May desire to live closer to home.

Who really knows except for the fact he is gone.

 

[WoodsmanVol]

There is no competition. Worley is your starter.

That may well be, but the Dobb Goblin is coming.
And he's bringing an orange storm with him.
Orange Storm II on Vimeo

 

[PeytonBerry]

Right now? Yes you can. Could something happen in August to change it? Sure.

Since Jones took over, Worley has consistently gone out 1st with the 1's. Only once since then was he not the starter when healthy enough to play (or not really healthy enough vs Bama)... and that game (UF) was an absolute disaster. In fact, as much as I like Dobbs, the QB position hurt the team after Worley was out with injury last year. He's "the man" until someone "beats the man"... and no one has now for two years.

Actually, wouldn't that be a strong assumption based on facts? Worley being the starter would be a fact if Coach Jones came out and said, "Worley is our starter." His statements (pre and post-Fergie) indicate a starter has not been named and there is ongoing competition.

Honestly, I'm excited for either one, and will support the coach's decision. Personally, I think Dobb's has a higher ceiling than Worley. Consequently, if Jones starts Dobbs, I can only see that as a great sign. Worley has a lower ceiling, but plays near that ceiling more often. Going with Worley indicates Dobbs is still too inconsistent to take the reigns.

I agree with the earlier comment about "jelling." We have a real strength in our skill positions, and for the continuity of our offense, I hope Jones is able to announce a starter early in camp.

 

[sjt18]

Are we talking about today? Or are we talking about a QB competition that will go deep into the summer then fall? It's absolutely ignorant to claim there is no competition right now lol.

There is always competition in one fashion or another. But when one guy has led the competition when healthy for over two years... it isn't a "competition" like you imply.

Unless something unexpected happens, Worley is going to start. It is absolutely "ignorant" to pretend that the competition that will "go deep into the summer then fall" doesn't have a clear leader. You can pretend that there is significant doubt about it... but there isn't... and wasn't even before RF's decision.

 

[BearCat204]

There is always competition in one fashion or another. But when one guy has led the competition when healthy for over two years... it isn't a "competition" like you imply.

Unless something unexpected happens, Worley is going to start. It is absolutely "ignorant" to pretend that the competition that will "go deep into the summer then fall" doesn't have a clear leader. You can pretend that there is significant doubt about it... but there isn't... and wasn't even before RF's decision.

The only person that knows about the level of competition with the QBs is CBJ. He's pretty clear that the position is open and that there is a competition for the spot. Is Worley ahead right now? Yes, I totally agree with that. But to say there isnt really a competition going on right now for this starting position is just throwing something out there without having a clue.

 

[fade route]

That may well be, but the Dobb Goblin is coming.
And he's bringing an orange storm with him.
Orange Storm II on Vimeo

Woods, stop calling him Dobb Goblin......its stupid.

 

[RollerVol]

So, is Fergie outta there b/c he doesn't want to compete? :dunno:

If he is so great, as expressed on here by many, he would stay and deal with the competition. I never saw what others saw so my opinion is he saw he wasn't going to be the starter and he wants to take his talents and ego somewhere else. Also, if, and if, we get this hot shot 5-star who has us listed as No. 1...he would be lost in the depth chart forever. :hi::whistling:
GO VOLS!

 

[sjt18]

Actually, wouldn't that be a strong assumption based on facts? Worley being the starter would be a fact if Coach Jones came out and said, "Worley is our starter." His statements (pre and post-Fergie) indicate a starter has not been named and there is ongoing competition.

In every action, Jones has said Worley is the current starter. I am fine with his resistance to verbalizing it to turn up the heat of competition. But there are no signs other than "assumptions" about things not said to indicate that Worley isn't currently #1 or has not been #1.

Honestly, I'm excited for either one, and will support the coach's decision. Personally, I think Dobb's has a higher ceiling than Worley. Consequently, if Jones starts Dobbs, I can only see that as a great sign. Worley has a lower ceiling, but plays near that ceiling more often. Going with Worley indicates Dobbs is still too inconsistent to take the reigns.

I like both guys. I think Worley is one of the more underestimated players by folks here of any player in my 30 years or so of following the program. He has endured through the coaching turmoil, bad supporting casts, and near constant questions about his ability. He DOES have talent, is mentally tough, is apparently a guy the team trusts to lead, and is a very good "game manager" which is far more important than most think.

I love Dobbs' potential. I simply don't think that Worley is the untalented boob so many try to portray him as.

I agree with the earlier comment about "jelling." We have a real strength in our skill positions, and for the continuity of our offense, I hope Jones is able to announce a starter early in camp.

He's already announced... just not verbally. Worley continues to go out first with the 1's. He has pretty much since Jones arrived. The only announcement that would be necessary is if somehow Dobbs caught and passed him. Possible, but unlikely.

 

[butchna]

Woods, stop calling him Dobb Goblin......its stupid.

There...that'll stop him. :yess:

 

[perico]

Dobbs is more talented, but he wasn't ready last year and Worley has the intangibles needed to be the starting QB in 2014, as well as the head on his shoulders to be the leader of this team.

It actually feels good to know what we have and a sense of direction about where we are going per the QB situation.

 

[sjt18]

The only person that knows about the level of competition with the QBs is CBJ. He's pretty clear that the position is open and that there is a competition for the spot. Is Worley ahead right now? Yes, I totally agree with that. But to say there isnt really a competition going on right now for this starting position is just throwing something out there without having a clue.

Worley has consistently gone out first with the 1's since Jones arrived. There have been no signs that anyone has come close to passing him as of yet. The only "proof" anyone ever offers is assumptions that fill the silence. When someone actually starts splitting the #1 reps equally with Worley then you can call it a competition.

I have a clue. In fact, I have ALL of the clues pointing to my opinion. It is those of you who ignore all the "clues" who are clueless.

Name one thing other than the refusal to name a #1 that points to anyone other than Worley being or having been #1. The ONLY time he has not been was one half against UF.

Any player can be passed... and not just when a coach refuses to name a starter or promotes competition in the way Jones does. Some starters are far less likely to be passed than others. Worley's job as QB is about as secure as Bray's was 3 years ago or as Ainge's was when there was a "competition" between him and Crompton. From the outside, Crompton even appeared to be winning.

 

[Rudy123]

There is no way of knowing the answer to that just yet. We may make it through the seaon with no serious injury and Dobbs may continue to grow but on the other hand, we may have injuries at the q.b. position and none of the current q.b's may be able to get the ball down field to the receivers.

It could go either way, that is doesn't affect things or that it does affect things. As long as we have a q.b. that can stay healthy and can get the ball down field to the receivers, then we will be in good shape.

 

[sjt18]

Dobbs is more talented, but he wasn't ready last year and Worley has the intangibles needed to be the starting QB in 2014, as well as the head on his shoulders to be the leader of this team.

It actually feels good to know what we have and a sense of direction about where we are going per the QB situation.

I think you are right. If you think back through the Fulmer years, there was seldom this kind of succession planning. He inherited Shuler and Colquitt behind Kelly.

Of the 4 regular starters CPF had after Colquitt, 3 started as Fr and were 4 year starters. Only once with Tee did an experienced player step up into the starting QB role.

Jones seems to place value on having QB's develop as understudies. The right Fr could obviously change that... but he seems to have succession planning in order at the QB position.