Keep QB struggles in perspective

[DolFan619]

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2008/07/there-is-this-p.html

Keep QB struggles in perspective

There is this perception out there that I hate John Beck because of how critical I am about his shortcomings and my stance that he shouldn't have been starting last season because he increased the possibility that the Dolphins would go winless in 2007. But that perception couldn't be any further from the truth.

The truth is I dislike ALL QUARTERBACKS, and always have. I'm a defensive football guy at heart. During games I rarely ever watch the ball. Skill players are premadonnas. I PROUDLY watch line play during games, which allows me to see who opens the running lanes, who missed a block, and which defensive lineman collapses the pocket.

I suspect that's why I relate so much to Tony Sparano, another straight talker who also likes trench warfare.

I enjoy talking about ALL 13 positions on a football team, but as a reporter I'm FORCED to talk about one - quarterbacks - 40% of the time, and I've always resented it. That position gets too much credit during the good times, and too much blame during the bad.

My dislike for QB talk is why I'm glad I wasn't responsible for Sunday's practice report because it wouldn't have been flattering to Beck considering he threw three interceptions. If I had been critical the pro-Beck camp would have held it against me and not valued the insight I would have brought.

But I'm not pro-Chad Henne or Josh McCown. I'm just anti-quarterback, and figured this was the perfect time to make that admission, and explain the benefits of it.

Since I'm not infatuated with quarterbacks I can keep things in perspective when things go bad, like it did Sunday for Beck. To me, more troubling than Beck's struggles was the offensive line's struggles blocking for its quarterbacks (seven sacks in 25 team plays).

But IT WAS JUST ONE PRACTICE. And in fairness to Beck, it wasn't like Henne's performance was much better. He threw an interception as well, and his was probably the worst because there was one receiver surrounded by five defensive backs when he forced the throw. The rookie also fumbled a snap. But luckily for Henne, Beck's stink-bomb makes him smell like roses.

However, Dolphins nation should not overreact. It was just one practice, and an early one, which means the defense is SUPPOSE to be ahead of the offense. Also, NO QUARTERBACK has looked good yet.

NONE. When one finally looks good I'll mention it. Promise.

I'm not saying that Beck's struggles on Sunday should be ignored. Actually, this is good for Beck because it'll challenge him to recover, and allow the coaches he see how he reacts. How he responds will be telling. Does he tighten up, tightening the noose Dolphins fans are placing around a Davie tree limb. Or does he make the necessary corrections, and erase his poor showing?

Come back soon, and hit F5 to get my practice report and observations from Monday morning's training camp session and I'"l let you know. And please do share the things you'd like me to pay attention to and report about. I actually care about what you guys and gals want to know, so hit me with them and I'll hunt down an answer.

Deuces.

> Posted by Omar Kelly at 1:50:24 AM