Coach Speak
Like many of you I am eagerly awaiting the Florida State game this week. Part of the anticipation is to see what will develop at quarterback.
I have tried to move the conversation to other areas often on my radio show in the past week, but many want to gravitate back to the issue and I don't blame them.
Monday during his press conference, Clemson offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Chad MorrisChad Morris
Offensive Coordinator / QBs
View Full Profile made a couple of comments that caught my attention.
Morris said, "If it goes like it's gone all year long, this is the way you're going to see it."
But then Morris added a contradictory statement when he added, "It's about getting your team in the end zone. It don't matter how pretty it is ... You've got to be able to make something out of nothing. That's why they call it the quarterback position. ... What is getting us into the end zone? Who is getting us into the end zone?"
That has not been the case in the first two games.
Watson has been more productive. Stoudt has thrown for one touchdown and one interception. Watson has thrown for four touchdowns and no picks. Stoudt has led 19 drives with five resulting in TDs and three in FGs for a total of 44 points. Watson has led seven drives with five resulting in TDs for a total of 35 points.
Stoudt is only 11-31 when throwing the ball beyond the line of scrimmage. Watson is 7-10 when throwing the ball beyond the line of scrimmage. Stoudt is only 3-16 when throwing the ball beyond 15 yards. Watson is 5-6 when throwing the ball beyond 15 yards.
Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile said after the SC State game that the gap is not that big between Stoudt and Watson, but the snap totals so far have been. Stoudt has taken 117 snaps while Watson has taken 36 snaps.
On top of that it is very obvious to a lot of people watching that it looks different when Watson is in the game. The energy level is different.
I wonder what the players really think. I wonder what the staff really thinks.
A second point here is the idea that fans and media should not second guess a coach. I will be first to admit that I am not professionally trained to coach football. However, I can't play the guitar either, but I can listen to it and tell who can. I can't cook but my taste buds tell me who can.
I don't think you have to be a coach to see the difference in the two players at this point.
If we should never second guess a coach, then a coach always makes the right decisions? Did Clemson's staff make the right decision in holding back Nuk Hopkins in the first half of his freshman season? Is the starting tailback the right choice in the first two games this season?
In society, we second guess politicians, preachers, teachers and bosses. This is what we do. No one is beyond criticism.
Finally, what is so different about the quarterback position? Monday Morris was talking about his freshmen at running back and wide receiver and stated, "They've definitely proven that the moment is not too big for them."
Hasn't Watson proven the same?
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