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Roster Thoughts: Quarterbacks

 


The following is a continuation of a pre-training camp series view of Eagle roster thoughts, here for the quarterbacks.  “The Ugly” here would consistently be “Player has a significant injury effecting performance, availability or both.”  Also, projections can be extreme (Example, who could have predicted Carson Wentz would be as bad as he was in 2020, historically bad).  I am trying to take realistic forecasts.

 

Jalen Hurts: Bad- While I do not see Jalen regressing (I just do not think this is likely), I think the worst likely case is a combination of the coaching staff NOT allowing “Jalen be Jalen,” (i.e. not taking advantage of his athleticism and forcing him to be what he is not), and Jalen not protecting the football enough, causing excess turnovers.

Good- We see better mechanics and vision from Jalen’s off season work with Tom House.  We see quicker reactions from Jalen since he has never had a second year with the same coaches/offense since high school.  We see more opportunities for Jalen given the additions of AJ Brown and the growth in a relatively young offense (The only 2 players likely to see age declination would be Jason Kelce and possibly Lane Johnson). 

 

Gardner Minshew: Bad- Minshew becomes impatient and despondent on the bench awaiting an opportunity.  He believes he can start in this league, and has already proven to be a top notch backup.  Bad play by Jalen Hurt could create the friction in the locker room that could lead to dissent and acrimony. 

Good: In an ideal world, Minshew will not play meaningful snaps.  But if called upon, Minshew has what it takes to “carry on.”  Andy Reid has said “the backup quarterback is about the 11th most important player on a good football team.”  In a very good relief performance last year versus the Jets, Minshew completed 20 of 25 passes for 242 yards with 2 touchdowns and a passer rating of 133.7.  Minshew is the insurance policy every contending team desires at this position. 

 

Carson Strong: Bad- While the NFL scouting report does indicate some flaws “Struggles with accuracy when forced to move his head away from the primary target... Must learn to take something off throws rather (at times)… Needs to improve his…touch throws.... The key element of what can go wrong for Strong is a bad knee: “Suffered a significant knee injury in high school which must be checked out.”  Strong must prove his health.

Good- Just check out the NFL scouting report: “(Aptly named) Strong-armed passer with the ability to make all the downfield throws. Sells the ball fakes, patient in the pocket, and remains poised under the rush. Keeps his eyes downfield, quickly gets the ball out of his hands, and possesses a massive arm. Launches deep throws and puts passes out in front of vertical receivers, allowing them to run to the ball.  Easily gets the ball through the tight spots, puts speed on all the throws, and powers the ball into targets. Goes through receiver progressions, effectively sets up screen throws, and takes the safe, underneath outlet if nothing else is available. Steps up in the pocket to avoid the rush and works to elude defenders.”  Once Gardner Minshew’s contract expires (2023), if Strong remains healthy, he is destined to be the Eagles backup QB, and maybe more.

 

Reid Sinnett: Bad- Sinnett is a prototypical practice squad candidate.  He lacks NFL arm strength and might need to play in a play-action heavy offense that allows him to throw to space rather than tighter windows He's not very mobile and will be ineffective with NFL pressure bearing down on him. 

Good- A cerebral player, he came out of college with surprising polish for a one-year starter.  He will take what defenses give him and is fairly accurate when the pocket is clean.  Sinnett has developmental traits and intelligence.  He has size, frame and extra-large hands.  He has experience under center in a pro-style attack and throws with a feathery touch, with varied arm slots and platforms.  Sinnett is a good candidate for the practice squad, i.e. as an emergency player who can gain experience and serve as roster depth if the Birds suffer an injury.

 

Eagle Lesson:  The biggest “If” of the season for Philadelphia is to see if Jalen Hurts can “prove it.”  He’s being given every opportunity, including a superior roster around him with no glaring needs.  Jalen must show his upside is enough to warrant a second contract from the front office. 

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