How Bad Is Brunell Really?

Everyone keeps focusing on the quarterback, which is fine, but you have to remember Gibbs' mentality here: his first worry, when it comes to offense, is *always* how well his offensive line is playing. If the OL is tight, then the QB situation usually resolves itself. The line isn't doing all that great these days, and it's clear that Gibbs is more worried about that than anything else. When reporters ask him about Brunell's poor start, Gibbs usually dodges the question and talks about pass protection.

For the record, I hope Ramsey starts soon. I love that kid--he's such a gamer and plays with a lot of heart, and he's got a gun of an arm.

I was unable to see the game last week DB, but I know Portis ran for over 170yds. if that doesn't classify as good line play I give up, I also know that Brunell couldn't break 100yd's passing in that game as well, from what I could gather from the rest of the guy's here he had pretty good protection, that game removed all doubt about Brunell for most of us.

he threw away with plenty of time and missed wide open receivers pretty consistantly :( that's about as short a summary as i can provide for his last two games...

he had run support, he had decent playcalling, and he had time.

Let me start by saying I don't think we can put all the blame on Brunnell. Dropped passes, bad routes, fumbles and poor blocking have all contributed to our offensive woes.

Brunnell just compounds the problem with his poor play. Like some have already said it appears that he hasn't fully recovered from the hamstring injury and it's affecting his passes. You add to that the fact that his arm strength is not what it used to be and you get a QB whose throws sail in the air (quack quack) and who just does not look confident throwing into coverage. He's having the worst season of his career.

Our offense has become 1 dimensional and to have any shot at winning we have to run the ball effectively. Opposing defenses know this so they focus on shutting down Portis. Brunnell IMO is a big factor as to why Portis isn't putting up the same #'s he did in his first two seasons with the broncos.

Bottomline, Brunnell is the L.V.P. on offense and with the schedule getting tougher we can expect to be in games where we will have to overcome second half deficits. Anything over 14pts would be asking too much of Brunnell. With Ramsey in there, at least we'll have a chance.

By no means is the season over, not with this defense. Gibbs needs to make a change already and give us some hope.

:coach:

except that vinny has 400 more yards, less lost yardage to sacks, less fumbles taken back for TDs, over twice as many 20+ yard throws and a 22 point higher QB rating... not to mention he was 42$million cheaper.

400 more yards and three going on four straight losses. With Testerverde in there they may not win another game this year.

he threw away with plenty of time and missed wide open receivers pretty consistantly :( that's about as short a summary as i can provide for his last two games...

he had run support, he had decent playcalling, and he had time.

What Brunell didn't have was pass protection. Alex Brown was manhandling our O line and consistenly flushed Brunell out of the pocket to rush his pass. It is obvious that Brunell is still suffering from the hamstring injury. He didn't plant his feet on most of his passes. If he doesn't heal within the next week, look for Tom Tupa to replace him. :silly: Tupa looked good against the Patriots in the 1999 season opener. He threw a TD on the next play after Testerverde went down in the second quarter. Anybody but Ramsey.

I don't like Brunell but in all honesty I don't think he is that bad.

I think his confidence is suffering. And the fact he may still be a bit niched up. I think that his lack of confidence has caused his bad throws or early throw aways. He has lost the ball several times this season when sacked and he is probably thinking that it is better to throw the ball away early rather than take a sack that could result in a fumble and possible TD scored by the other team. Truthfully I can see why he is making these decisions. If I were a QB, I would much rather throw the ball away than try to force something and lose the ball. As far as him missing wide open receivers, the only thing I can think of is that he is "Thinking" entirely too much and not trusting his arm or instincts. Brunell does or did have a good arm and he is trying so hard NOT to make a mistake that he is second guessing his own abilities.

The question is how will he or if he can gain his confidence back. That is the real question. We have the talent all around him. He just needs to step up and play and stop second guessing himself.

But this is just my Opinion.

I was unable to see the game last week DB, but I know Portis ran for over 170yds. if that doesn't classify as good line play I give up, I also know that Brunell couldn't break 100yd's passing in that game as well, from what I could gather from the rest of the guy's here he had pretty good protection, that game removed all doubt about Brunell for most of us.

Gibbs is talking about the pass protection which is not run blocking. If we want to see the passing game open up, Brunell and definitey Ramsey will need time.

The Oline was not very good on passing plays. Alex Brown stayed in the backfield on the passing plays. One reason Walter Rasby isn't a Redskin today is because Gibbs will not tolerate TE's who are suppose to help protect the QB allowing their man to beat them consistently. What passes Brunell threw, were passes he threw on the run. I can't recall a pass thrown while Brunell was in the pocket. So much for the Oline and it's successful of passing plays.

400 more yards and three going on four straight losses. With Testerverde in there they may not win another game this year.

AND YET, DALLAS STILL HAS A BETTER RECORD THAN US!!!! (and no running game)

and now its 700 more yards... first you blamed the running game, now you're blaming injury and pass protection for brunell sucking hard... garcia has even worse protection and is doing much better... our pass protection is actually pretty decent, but no protection is perfect 100% of the time, and i find it really convenient that every play protection breaks down happens to be the long bomb death shot for a sure TD... brunell hasn't hit open guys at medium range much less bombs or a hail mary.

I'm a nightmare.