RedlessWardrobe said:

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wc22 said:

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When our defense executes, it is as good as we have seen a defense ever at Cal. Is it Alabama 2020? No. The issue is that we have played down to competition twice, for multiple quarters. Washington, USC, and Oregon can put up 28 in a quarter.

If Wilcox gets the defense to play solidly, we can be in every game. I actually expect this to happen. Which is why I expect 5 more 1 score losses. At least we will get a bowl.

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Been watching Cal footbal for almost 60 years. To conclude after 3 games that this year's team ranks this high in defense is really premature.
Also, the statement of qualifying a defense as to specifically when it executes is kind of crazy. A defense executes on a percentage of plays in a football game. The question is not what it does when it executes but how often it executes.

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We seem to be more consistently tackling well than past Cal defenses under Wilcox but otherwise, I approve this message.

The "media darlings" of the Big 12, the Kansas Jayhawks, now 3-0, went into Reno last night and pulled out a 31-24 win over winless Nevada (0-3).

That same Nevada team lost 33-6 at home to Idaho last weekend. hmmmm

heartofthebear said:

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RedlessWardrobe said:

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wc22 said:

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When our defense executes, it is as good as we have seen a defense ever at Cal. Is it Alabama 2020? No. The issue is that we have played down to competition twice, for multiple quarters. Washington, USC, and Oregon can put up 28 in a quarter.

If Wilcox gets the defense to play solidly, we can be in every game. I actually expect this to happen. Which is why I expect 5 more 1 score losses. At least we will get a bowl.

---

Been watching Cal footbal for almost 60 years. To conclude after 3 games that this year's team ranks this high in defense is really premature.
Also, the statement of qualifying a defense as to specifically when it executes is kind of crazy. A defense executes on a percentage of plays in a football game. The question is not what it does when it executes but how often it executes.

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We seem to be more consistently tackling well than past Cal defenses under Wilcox but otherwise, I approve this message.

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Just saying. When Brandon Crawford hits the ball 420 feet, he's as good of a homerun hitter that I've ever seen in Giants history.

heartofthebear said:

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75bear said:

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I think you nailed most everything.

My one thought you didn't touch on is Sam Jackson's effectiveness will always have to include his legs and running ability, but his small stature won't survive a season of hits and tackles. He missed time today after a hard hit on a QB run. As we play bigger and stronger defenses the rest of the way, I worry we'll have a banged up Sam many weeks.

If we can't run up the middle, this puts even more pressure on Sam to make plays with his legs. That isn't sustainable.

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There are very few true dual threat QBs. Most QBs tabbed as dual threat are not good passers. Jackson is a running QB, not a dual threat. Maybe Spav. can develop him into one. But he's not that right now.

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Is he playing with a hurt shoulder? I wonder if maybe we're not seeing what he's really capable of.

BearHunter said:

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calumnus said:

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Headhunters said:

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I think Jackson is starting because of his scrambling and elusiveness, not his passing. He's had a few good runs but really has not impressed me. With the tougher schedule ahead I don't see Jackson having a lot of success.

Hoping the playing time he's getting will help, but also hoping the coaches don't hesitate to play Finley/Mendoza who would be improvements in the passing game IMO.

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His TD run was a thing a beauty. His two TD throws were pretty sweet too:



I think the highlight throws and runs show his great potential.

He is our first Elite 11 since…? He has started two games in his college career (both wins). He is already better than Kyler Murray was his first year at A&M. He is only going to get better. The great runs and throws will increase in frequency and the mistakes will decrease. Timing with receivers will improve.

But yes, we need Finley and Mendoza to be ready too.

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Watching these highlights is much more fun than reading the game thread.

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Watching these highlights is much more fun than watching the entire game.

CJ Loves Cal said:

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heartofthebear said:

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75bear said:

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I think you nailed most everything.

My one thought you didn't touch on is Sam Jackson's effectiveness will always have to include his legs and running ability, but his small stature won't survive a season of hits and tackles. He missed time today after a hard hit on a QB run. As we play bigger and stronger defenses the rest of the way, I worry we'll have a banged up Sam many weeks.

If we can't run up the middle, this puts even more pressure on Sam to make plays with his legs. That isn't sustainable.

---

There are very few true dual threat QBs. Most QBs tabbed as dual threat are not good passers. Jackson is a running QB, not a dual threat. Maybe Spav. can develop him into one. But he's not that right now.

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Is he playing with a hurt shoulder? I wonder if maybe we're not seeing what he's really capable of.

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We have, not one, but 2 capable backups. If he is playing hurt, Wilcox should be fired immediately.

CJ Loves Cal said:

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heartofthebear said:

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75bear said:

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I think you nailed most everything.

My one thought you didn't touch on is Sam Jackson's effectiveness will always have to include his legs and running ability, but his small stature won't survive a season of hits and tackles. He missed time today after a hard hit on a QB run. As we play bigger and stronger defenses the rest of the way, I worry we'll have a banged up Sam many weeks.

If we can't run up the middle, this puts even more pressure on Sam to make plays with his legs. That isn't sustainable.

---

There are very few true dual threat QBs. Most QBs tabbed as dual threat are not good passers. Jackson is a running QB, not a dual threat. Maybe Spav. can develop him into one. But he's not that right now.

---

Is he playing with a hurt shoulder? I wonder if maybe we're not seeing what he's really capable of.

---

Perhaps.

I think the bigger issue may be reps with No. 1s. Remember: he was not the starter coming out of preseason. That also means the installed offense wasn't one that featured his athleticism.

We saw the effects of this most notably against Auburn. Not only were those probably his first reps with the ones in a while, but they were also live - and he hasn't had many of those in his college career.

Let's see what the learning curve is like. With conference season coming, and starting with a bang in Seattle, I am hoping our defense can keep us in games until everyone gets on the same page.

It's his non throwing shoulder. He is wearing a brace to limit range of motion, but has no impact on throwing motion. Paws discussed it at length on radio broadcast.

AunBear89 said:

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CJ Loves Cal said:

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heartofthebear said:

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75bear said:

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I think you nailed most everything.

My one thought you didn't touch on is Sam Jackson's effectiveness will always have to include his legs and running ability, but his small stature won't survive a season of hits and tackles. He missed time today after a hard hit on a QB run. As we play bigger and stronger defenses the rest of the way, I worry we'll have a banged up Sam many weeks.

If we can't run up the middle, this puts even more pressure on Sam to make plays with his legs. That isn't sustainable.

---

There are very few true dual threat QBs. Most QBs tabbed as dual threat are not good passers. Jackson is a running QB, not a dual threat. Maybe Spav. can develop him into one. But he's not that right now.

---

Is he playing with a hurt shoulder? I wonder if maybe we're not seeing what he's really capable of.

---

Perhaps.

I think the bigger issue may be reps with No. 1s. Remember: he was not the starter coming out of preseason. That also means the installed offense wasn't one that featured his athleticism.

We saw the effects of this most notably against Auburn. Not only were those probably his first reps with the ones in a while, but they were also live - and he hasn't had many of those in his college career.

Let's see what the learning curve is like. With conference season coming, and starting with a bang in Seattle, I am hoping our defense can keep us in games until everyone gets on the same page.

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He started against North Texas.

Oof. Brain fart and precoffee. Had the qbs reversed in my mind. What I said applies to Ben not Sam. I'll be in the corner.

RedlessWardrobe said:

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heartofthebear said:

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RedlessWardrobe said:

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wc22 said:

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When our defense executes, it is as good as we have seen a defense ever at Cal. Is it Alabama 2020? No. The issue is that we have played down to competition twice, for multiple quarters. Washington, USC, and Oregon can put up 28 in a quarter.

If Wilcox gets the defense to play solidly, we can be in every game. I actually expect this to happen. Which is why I expect 5 more 1 score losses. At least we will get a bowl.

---

Been watching Cal footbal for almost 60 years. To conclude after 3 games that this year's team ranks this high in defense is really premature.
Also, the statement of qualifying a defense as to specifically when it executes is kind of crazy. A defense executes on a percentage of plays in a football game. The question is not what it does when it executes but how often it executes.

---

We seem to be more consistently tackling well than past Cal defenses under Wilcox but otherwise, I approve this message.

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Just saying. When Brandon Crawford hits the ball 420 feet, he's as good of a homerun hitter that I've ever seen in Giants history.

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Good analogy and I get it

oskidunker said:

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AunBear89 said:

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CJ Loves Cal said:

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heartofthebear said:

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75bear said:

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I think you nailed most everything.

My one thought you didn't touch on is Sam Jackson's effectiveness will always have to include his legs and running ability, but his small stature won't survive a season of hits and tackles. He missed time today after a hard hit on a QB run. As we play bigger and stronger defenses the rest of the way, I worry we'll have a banged up Sam many weeks.

If we can't run up the middle, this puts even more pressure on Sam to make plays with his legs. That isn't sustainable.

---

There are very few true dual threat QBs. Most QBs tabbed as dual threat are not good passers. Jackson is a running QB, not a dual threat. Maybe Spav. can develop him into one. But he's not that right now.

---

Is he playing with a hurt shoulder? I wonder if maybe we're not seeing what he's really capable of.

---

Perhaps.

I think the bigger issue may be reps with No. 1s. Remember: he was not the starter coming out of preseason. That also means the installed offense wasn't one that featured his athleticism.

We saw the effects of this most notably against Auburn. Not only were those probably his first reps with the ones in a while, but they were also live - and he hasn't had many of those in his college career.

Let's see what the learning curve is like. With conference season coming, and starting with a bang in Seattle, I am hoping our defense can keep us in games until everyone gets on the same page.

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He started against North Texas.

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But it was a mystery until game time. Even the players didn't know for sure.

heartofthebear said:

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calumnus said:

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heartofthebear said:

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calumnus said:

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Boot said:

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He takes off early and his throws are hold your breath throws.
Finley s throws had zip and were on target. (somewhat).

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Finley was 1 of 2 for 6 yards.

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How did Finley only throw 2 passes when he played most of the N. Texas game?

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I thought we were discussing today's game.

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Why would comparing Finley and Jackson only be relevant today?

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OK, here are their full college stats to date

Passing

Finley: 115 of 199 (57.8%) 1,238 yards 5 TDs 6 INT 112.3 QBR

Jackson: 35 of 60 (58.3%) 410 yards 3 TDs 2 INT 125.6 QBR

Rushing

Finley: 14 attempts for -6 yards (-0.4 YPC) O TDs

Jackson: 32 attempts for 144 yards (4.5 YPC) 3 TDs

So far in their college careers, at least statistically, Jackson is both the better passer and is a MUCH better runner. He already has more TDs passing and running.

Record as a starter:

Finley 1 - 4

Jackson 2 - 0

And Jackson has a MUCH higher ceiling. If we are going to have a chance to beat one or more of the 7 ranked opponents we face and get to a bowl we are going to need a much more dynamic offense than Ben Finley gives us. Moreover, he has 3 years of eligibility left after this year, so as he develops as a player we could have a higher ceiling as a team. I just don't get the negativity about the highest rated young QB we have landed in a long time.

Ben Finley has good experience as a backup over the last 3 years whenever the NC State starter would go down. We may very well need him. He is definitely capable and on a better team might be all we need to have a good offense. I like him. I am glad we have him. But I am excited about our potential with Jackson.

calumnus said:

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I just don't get the negativity about the highest rated young QB we have landed in a long time.

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He's not a star immediately (so he's not Aaron Rodgers). That's basically it.

CNHTH said:

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CNHTH said:

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HKBear97! said:

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CNHTH said:

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I'm sticking with wins against
$C, furd, wazzu, and oregon st
I think we match up extremely well against those schools.
The surprise is I don't think we win the asu game

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LOL. USC, WSU and OSU will curb stomp this team. Stanfurd and ASU do not look that good, so we might have a chance there. Four wins is the ceiling.

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All 4 are top 10 in sacks allowed against scrub competition. Our d will eat against them and as such the games will be low scoring and being that the games are at home and we will have Ott back…we will prevail.

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Edit: sc furd and osu are top 10
Wazzu just won't win because they don't win in Berkeley

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Well, the Pirate didn't win in Berkeley...Dickert, OTOH, has Cal's number. As does Cam Ward. That Wazzu team housed a decent Colorado State team in Ft Collins, and beat Wisconsin.

Cal is 21.5 pt dogs at UW...they're going to be 2-3 TD dogs v USC and @ Oregon and Utah. After gagging Auburn, they're gonna need 2 of 3 v. Oregon St/Wazzu/@UCLA. We'll see.

sycasey said:

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calumnus said:

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I just don't get the negativity about the highest rated young QB we have landed in a long time.

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He's not a star immediately (so he's not Aaron Rodgers). That's basically it.

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Perhaps the greatest passer of all time, and had a year starting at JC under his belt but still had some inconsistencies his first year, some bad games, dealt with injuries, had to develop timing with his receivers and learn to take something off some of his throws. It was the INsight Bowl and 2004 where he just dominated.

calumnus said:

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heartofthebear said:

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calumnus said:

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heartofthebear said:

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calumnus said:

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Boot said:

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He takes off early and his throws are hold your breath throws.
Finley s throws had zip and were on target. (somewhat).

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Finley was 1 of 2 for 6 yards.

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How did Finley only throw 2 passes when he played most of the N. Texas game?

---

I thought we were discussing today's game.

---

Why would comparing Finley and Jackson only be relevant today?

---

OK, here are their full college stats to date

Passing

Finley: 115 of 199 (57.8%) 1,238 yards 5 TDs 6 INT 112.3 QBR

Jackson: 35 of 60 (58.3%) 410 yards 3 TDs 2 INT 125.6 QBR

Rushing

Finley: 14 attempts for -6 yards (-0.4 YPC) O TDs

Jackson: 32 attempts for 144 yards (4.5 YPC) 3 TDs

So far in their college careers, at least statistically, Jackson is both the better passer and is a MUCH better runner. He already has more TDs passing and running.

Record as a starter:

Finley 1 - 4

Jackson 2 - 0

And Jackson has a MUCH higher ceiling. If we are going to have a chance to beat one or more of the 7 ranked opponents we face and get to a bowl we are going to need a much more dynamic offense than Ben Finley gives us. Moreover, he has 3 years of eligibility left after this year, so as he develops as a player we could have a higher ceiling as a team. I just don't get the negativity about the highest rated young QB we have landed in a long time.

Ben Finley has good experience as a backup over the last 3 years whenever the NC State starter would go down. We may very well need him. He is definitely capable and on a better team might be all we need to have a good offense. I like him. I am glad we have him. But I am excited about our potential with Jackson.

---

How convenient that you use career stats and not this year's stats. Finley's stats this year, with this team, and in this offense, are significantly better. He has a much higher completion percentage and a higher yards per completion average. No question Jackson is a better runner and has a much higher ceiling. We're also looking at a fairly small sample size. I think Finley is probably the better pocket passer, at least at this stage. He's more experienced as well. Coaches should play whoever they think is going to give us the best chance to win. It really shouldn't be based on potential or upside.

AEM80 said:

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calumnus said:

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heartofthebear said:

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calumnus said:

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heartofthebear said:

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calumnus said:

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Boot said:

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He takes off early and his throws are hold your breath throws.
Finley s throws had zip and were on target. (somewhat).

---

Finley was 1 of 2 for 6 yards.

---

How did Finley only throw 2 passes when he played most of the N. Texas game?

---

I thought we were discussing today's game.

---

Why would comparing Finley and Jackson only be relevant today?

---

OK, here are their full college stats to date

Passing

Finley: 115 of 199 (57.8%) 1,238 yards 5 TDs 6 INT 112.3 QBR

Jackson: 35 of 60 (58.3%) 410 yards 3 TDs 2 INT 125.6 QBR

Rushing

Finley: 14 attempts for -6 yards (-0.4 YPC) O TDs

Jackson: 32 attempts for 144 yards (4.5 YPC) 3 TDs

So far in their college careers, at least statistically, Jackson is both the better passer and is a MUCH better runner. He already has more TDs passing and running.

Record as a starter:

Finley 1 - 4

Jackson 2 - 0

And Jackson has a MUCH higher ceiling. If we are going to have a chance to beat one or more of the 7 ranked opponents we face and get to a bowl we are going to need a much more dynamic offense than Ben Finley gives us. Moreover, he has 3 years of eligibility left after this year, so as he develops as a player we could have a higher ceiling as a team. I just don't get the negativity about the highest rated young QB we have landed in a long time.

Ben Finley has good experience as a backup over the last 3 years whenever the NC State starter would go down. We may very well need him. He is definitely capable and on a better team might be all we need to have a good offense. I like him. I am glad we have him. But I am excited about our potential with Jackson.

---

How convenient that you use career stats and not this year's stats. Finley's stats this year, with this team, and in this offense, are significantly better. He has a much higher completion percentage and a higher yards per completion average. No question Jackson is a better runner and has a much higher ceiling. We're also looking at a fairly small sample size. I think Finley is probably the better pocket passer, at least at this stage. He's more experienced as well. Coaches should play whoever they think is going to give us the best chance to win. It really shouldn't be based on potential or upside.

---

I suspect the coaches feel Jackson provides them a better chance to win. Our oline, while improved, is still a huge WIP. Having a QB who can scramble like Jackson helps overcome that.

CJ Loves Cal said:

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heartofthebear said:

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75bear said:

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I think you nailed most everything.

My one thought you didn't touch on is Sam Jackson's effectiveness will always have to include his legs and running ability, but his small stature won't survive a season of hits and tackles. He missed time today after a hard hit on a QB run. As we play bigger and stronger defenses the rest of the way, I worry we'll have a banged up Sam many weeks.

If we can't run up the middle, this puts even more pressure on Sam to make plays with his legs. That isn't sustainable.

---

There are very few true dual threat QBs. Most QBs tabbed as dual threat are not good passers. Jackson is a running QB, not a dual threat. Maybe Spav. can develop him into one. But he's not that right now.

---

Is he playing with a hurt shoulder? I wonder if maybe we're not seeing what he's really capable of.

---

I feel Jackson has the potential to be very good, but unfortunately he is a year away. He needs reps and experience.

panda said:

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AEM80 said:

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calumnus said:

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heartofthebear said:

---

calumnus said:

---

heartofthebear said:

---

calumnus said:

---

Boot said:

---

He takes off early and his throws are hold your breath throws.
Finley s throws had zip and were on target. (somewhat).

---

Finley was 1 of 2 for 6 yards.

---

How did Finley only throw 2 passes when he played most of the N. Texas game?

---

I thought we were discussing today's game.

---

Why would comparing Finley and Jackson only be relevant today?

---

OK, here are their full college stats to date

Passing

Finley: 115 of 199 (57.8%) 1,238 yards 5 TDs 6 INT 112.3 QBR

Jackson: 35 of 60 (58.3%) 410 yards 3 TDs 2 INT 125.6 QBR

Rushing

Finley: 14 attempts for -6 yards (-0.4 YPC) O TDs

Jackson: 32 attempts for 144 yards (4.5 YPC) 3 TDs

So far in their college careers, at least statistically, Jackson is both the better passer and is a MUCH better runner. He already has more TDs passing and running.

Record as a starter:

Finley 1 - 4

Jackson 2 - 0

And Jackson has a MUCH higher ceiling. If we are going to have a chance to beat one or more of the 7 ranked opponents we face and get to a bowl we are going to need a much more dynamic offense than Ben Finley gives us. Moreover, he has 3 years of eligibility left after this year, so as he develops as a player we could have a higher ceiling as a team. I just don't get the negativity about the highest rated young QB we have landed in a long time.

Ben Finley has good experience as a backup over the last 3 years whenever the NC State starter would go down. We may very well need him. He is definitely capable and on a better team might be all we need to have a good offense. I like him. I am glad we have him. But I am excited about our potential with Jackson.

---

How convenient that you use career stats and not this year's stats. Finley's stats this year, with this team, and in this offense, are significantly better. He has a much higher completion percentage and a higher yards per completion average. No question Jackson is a better runner and has a much higher ceiling. We're also looking at a fairly small sample size. I think Finley is probably the better pocket passer, at least at this stage. He's more experienced as well. Coaches should play whoever they think is going to give us the best chance to win. It really shouldn't be based on potential or upside.

---

I suspect the coaches feel Jackson provides them a better chance to win. Our oline, while improved, is still a huge WIP. Having a QB who can scramble like Jackson helps overcome that.

---

I suspect the coaches think it's about even between the two, so they went with the high upside guy.

golden sloth said:

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panda said:

---

AEM80 said:

---

calumnus said:

---

heartofthebear said:

---

calumnus said:

---

heartofthebear said:

---

calumnus said:

---

Boot said:

---

He takes off early and his throws are hold your breath throws.
Finley s throws had zip and were on target. (somewhat).

---

Finley was 1 of 2 for 6 yards.

---

How did Finley only throw 2 passes when he played most of the N. Texas game?

---

I thought we were discussing today's game.

---

Why would comparing Finley and Jackson only be relevant today?

---

OK, here are their full college stats to date

Passing

Finley: 115 of 199 (57.8%) 1,238 yards 5 TDs 6 INT 112.3 QBR

Jackson: 35 of 60 (58.3%) 410 yards 3 TDs 2 INT 125.6 QBR

Rushing

Finley: 14 attempts for -6 yards (-0.4 YPC) O TDs

Jackson: 32 attempts for 144 yards (4.5 YPC) 3 TDs

So far in their college careers, at least statistically, Jackson is both the better passer and is a MUCH better runner. He already has more TDs passing and running.

Record as a starter:

Finley 1 - 4

Jackson 2 - 0

And Jackson has a MUCH higher ceiling. If we are going to have a chance to beat one or more of the 7 ranked opponents we face and get to a bowl we are going to need a much more dynamic offense than Ben Finley gives us. Moreover, he has 3 years of eligibility left after this year, so as he develops as a player we could have a higher ceiling as a team. I just don't get the negativity about the highest rated young QB we have landed in a long time.

Ben Finley has good experience as a backup over the last 3 years whenever the NC State starter would go down. We may very well need him. He is definitely capable and on a better team might be all we need to have a good offense. I like him. I am glad we have him. But I am excited about our potential with Jackson.

---

How convenient that you use career stats and not this year's stats. Finley's stats this year, with this team, and in this offense, are significantly better. He has a much higher completion percentage and a higher yards per completion average. No question Jackson is a better runner and has a much higher ceiling. We're also looking at a fairly small sample size. I think Finley is probably the better pocket passer, at least at this stage. He's more experienced as well. Coaches should play whoever they think is going to give us the best chance to win. It really shouldn't be based on potential or upside.

---

I suspect the coaches feel Jackson provides them a better chance to win. Our oline, while improved, is still a huge WIP. Having a QB who can scramble like Jackson helps overcome that.

---

I suspect the coaches think it's about even between the two, so they went with the high upside guy.

---

At the time Rodgers supplanted Robertson as the starter in 2003, Robertson was leading the entire country in QB rating and even when the season was over their ratings were:

Rodgers 146.6
Robertson 154.2

Robertson had more experience, took fewer risks and made fewer mistakes. He had better timing with the WRs (Geoff McArthur was his roommate). However it was obvious who was playing near his ceiling and who had the greater upside. Playing Rodgers in 2003 set up a nearly perfect 2004 season.

So you play the guy with better upside, but if he gets hurt you have a backup to come in an give you a chance to win the game like Robertson did against USC, And if the high upside guy struggles as Rodgers did against OSU, by all means bring in the steady backup.

OK, so Cal has two QBs, both fairly inexperienced and each with some weaknesses in their game. And yet, Justyn Martyn would rather be 4th string at UCLA behind, among others, a starting true freshman, than compete at Cal. Is Cal football that unappealing? It's hard to believe UCLA's NIL money is great for a 4th stringer. Maybe Spav wasn't interested in Martyn, rather than the other way around?

Hey, I hope Jackson is successful, but it's pretty obvious he has a lot to learn and some bad habits to break. By the time he's a consistent, effective QB, Ott will be gone and we'll still be bumping along. Speaking of bumping along, Jackson lowering his helmet and taking on that one tackler was something that he should have learned not to do when he was running the scout team at TCU. Still, I keep hoping for the best. Watching McCoy for Idaho, I thought we maybe got a preview of what Jackson could look like next year, and I mean that in a good way.

It's kind of ironic to me that a 5'10" guy is supposed to have a higher ceiling than guys over 6 feet.

Good points. I think the high ceiling has everything to do with athletic ability and a strong arm and very little to do with anything he has done as a quarterback. It's going to be very hard to win games against mostly ranked competition with a quarterback who is learning to play the position. It was a pretty dumb idea when you think about it. Sure you want to develop players, particularly players with great potential, but the real goal is winning games. There is also no guarantee that he will ever develop into a good quarterback. I think there is a lesson to be learned. If you're going to go into the portal for a quarterback, get an experienced player. The staff was counting on a player who had no track record whatsoever, at least on the college level. If Jackson struggles the rest of the year, and that could very well happen with the level of competition, they need to go back to the portal, and get another quarterback. Just another mess in Year 7.

The last super-talented Cal QB who only played a year of HS QB was Kyle Boller and he didn't become a good college QB until his senior year. Of course, if Tedford had coached him for all four years, that development certainly would have been accelerated.

Jackson only played QB for his senior year of high school. The Jared Goffs and Davis Webbs probably started playing QB at age 10 and had private passing coaches at age 14. That's a big head-start. Did/could Jackson and his family make that investment when he only played QB as a HS senior? Jackson is a great athlete and, I assume, plenty smart. I guess I'm surprised some of his fundamentals (footwork, ball position) are so poor given he spent two years at TCU under supposed passing guru Sonny Dykes. Given the OL situation, QB escapability has to be a priority, so playing Jackson is probably the right thing to do, but I expect thrills and frustration this year, and maybe not a lot of victories until next season.