Theory on Deshaun

Nov 15, 2016, 8:08 AM

First of all... I'm not trying to start controversy with this post although I'm sure those that desire it will head that direction. However I discussed this with a few people Saturday that thought the idea had merit and I thought I'd get opinions here as well.

Prior to the season there was discussion by Deshaun about not liking the term "Dual Threat QB." Tommy Bowden (among others) thought that Deshaun was getting some bad advice and the topic flamed out as the season got started. However - it's very clear from observation and stats this year that Deshaun has been much more of a pocket passer this year and less "Dual Threat." One can argue that this is because of the O line but it looks like more than that to me. I think there is some effort to focus more on passing skills and not appearing to be "Dual Threat." The problem? Deshaun was and is a much better QB as a "Dual Threat" QB. I sadly agree with Bowden that Deshaun was given bad advice and it's having at least some impact on his game. Deshaun is quite possibly the most talented QB Clemson has ever seen but he doesn't seem to be taking full advantage of his unique skill set this year. There could be plenty of reasons for this... and most likely it's a combination of all of them (including O line, play calling, defensive adjustments, injuries, etc.). I do feel, though, that the psychological impact of the preseason "bad advice" (I use quotes because im not sure if it was advice or simply a thought that entered his head) is playing at least some role.

Regardless... Hopefully we see Deshauns full skill set on display the rest of the season. We will certainly miss him when he's gone. Deshaun is easily one of the top 5 Clemson offensive players I've ever seen. Maybe the best. GO Deshaun and GO Tigers!

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It would seem that Cam is Watson's NFL role model. If he's getting any advice, that may be where it's coming from. Does Cam shy away from running it when necessary? No, he doesn't. In fact that's been his primary strength - his mobility.

Cam has something that Deshaun doesn't have - natural size and physical toughness. Deshaun is more fragile and injury prone than bigger QBs like Newton or Tajh Boyd. That's clearly why Watson worked so hard on bulking up over the off-season. Many attribute the seeming regression of his skills to this change in physiology. His deep throws haven't been as accurate, he's not as dynamic a runner (when he runs it at all), etc. All of that is pretty evident.

The question that we really don't want to ask, but at this point is the salient question: when Deshaun must put his body on the line to get yardage by running the ball to win a game, will he be willing to do that? Or is he "playing it safe", biding his time until the NFL draft?

We should be able to handle Wake and the coots on sheer talent alone. After that, the time will come where we will find out the answer to those questions.

Theory on Deshaun

What was the "bad advice"?***

Re: What was the "bad advice"?

Listening to Cam

Re: What was the "bad advice"?***

Re: What was the "bad advice"?***

Re: Theory on Deshaun

Re: Theory on Deshaun

We had too last weekend and didn't do it

Re: Theory on Deshaun

Re: Theory on Deshaun

Isn't he supposed to be real tight with Cam Newton?

Re: Isn't he supposed to be real tight with Cam Newton?

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