A theory

[Frimp]

Last year, Saban rallied for Ricky Williams to return to the team. The result? One bad ass running game.

With the QB position, the only way you can swap QBs back and forth is if you have specific plays designed around the backup QB. Harrington wants to play.

My theory is that Saban will have a SHITLOAD of plays for Harrington so that he can alternate QBs. No team will know what is coming at them. Ever.

Thoughts?

[YoFuggedaboutit]

That won't work.  The QB position is a lot more complicated than RB and it takes time during the game for a QB to find his rhythm.  A lot of college coaches go with the 2 QB system (see Steve Spurrier), and many times, it is not successful

[fyo]

I can't even remember the last time a pro team alternated quarterbacks, so... no way, not a chance.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

I can't even remember the last time a pro team alternated quarterbacks, so... no way, not a chance.

The Dolphins of the early 80's did just that.  David Woodley was the starter, but he was inconsistent, so Don Strock would relieve him.  It happened so often that it became a two QB system known as Woodstrock. 

When they got shut down in the '82 Super Bowl, Shula broke it up.  Sent Woodley packing, made Strock strictly a backup QB, and drafted Dan the Man.

[mcduff81]

That was the dumbest thing I ever heard. Notjing personal.

Also, the last time this happened in the NFL, that I remember, was the Broncos in the early 90s. If I am not mistaken. I believe it was T. Maddox and Sean Jones(QB from Virginia)?  Anybody remember this?

[mcduff81]

the idea of switching quarterbacks..that is what I meant.

I surely am old enough to remember Woodstrock all too well..

[YoFuggedaboutit]

the idea of switching quarterbacks..that is what I meant.

I surely am old enough to remember Woodstrock all too well..

There is a saying that is popular in the NFL..... "If you have two starting QBs, you don't have any."

[jtex316]

This could work...but Joey Harrington is a bum, so it won't work.

[BillKilla]

I dont think he will switch them to often but I could see him pull culpepper early in games that the fins have a big lead. im not even talking mopup time I could see joey coming in the 3rd with a 20 point lead...Thoughts?

[crazy_scar_man]

i don't know... seems to me if your gonna switch quarterbacks on plays, one's a running threat and one's a pocket passer.

Both these guys are pretty much pocket passers. What would the advantage be?

[Phishfan]

Also, the last time this happened in the NFL, that I remember, was the Broncos in the early 90s. If I am not mistaken. I believe it was T. Maddox and Sean Jones(QB from Virginia)?  Anybody remember this?

Elway played until '98 so you have to be mistaken.

[JVides]

I dont think he will switch them to often but I could see him pull culpepper early in games that the fins have a big lead. im not even talking mopup time I could see joey coming in the 3rd with a 20 point lead...Thoughts?

From your lips to God's ears.

I think this is just Saban being savvy. Saban knows teams get desperate for quarterbacks.  He has a former #3 overall pick wanting to come here and rehabilitate his career.  Let's suppose Culpepper misses the first 2 or three games of the season.  Let us further suppose that Harrington has some really nice games while starting those games and while playing mop up duty (with the Dolphins on the winning or losing side).  Harrington's stock goes up, the Dolphins trade him awa after the season to some QB hungry team that picks too late to acquire a top QB.  

Let's say the Phins get Harrington for a sixth rounder, and trade him away for a fourth.  Or a third.  Saban's just doing what real estate professionals do.  Buy a beat up house cheap, fix it up a bit and make it look pretty, sell it at a huge profit.  If this doesn't work, well, the Phins lose out on a sixth rounder.  If it does work, they turn a sixth rounder into a third rounder.

[Brian Fein]

Don't you people remember?

We've been there and done that.  Ray Lucas and Jay Fielder switched alot during Ray's early days, which is why everyone wanted to see him start.

That worked out really well.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

i don't know... seems to me if your gonna switch quarterbacks on plays, one's a running threat and one's a pocket passer.

Both these guys are pretty much pocket passers. What would the advantage be?

Wrong.  Daunte is a running threat.

[Philly Fin Fan]

Wrong.  Daunte is a running threat.

Maybe he was BEFORE his knee was turned into beef lo mein.