BillyC

For those of you sick of reading about Aaron Brooks. Stop reading NOW!!


This is really for WhoDat and Gator, but anyone is welcome to comment. I'm also going to ask some questions and I'd like for you to give me your honest answers.



I can handle the truth. Really I can. But, show me the whole truth. Nothing but the truth. So help you (and me) God.

This might be beating a dead horse here guys, but I'd like to approach this subject one more time. I'm going to make some arguements as to why I think Brooks deserves to be our QB and how I think this whole thing has got blowed out of proportion after the Bucs game Sunday.

Here's some observations.

1. No one was really saying to cut Brooks before the Bucs game. Now there are fans coming out the woodwork wanting him gone. Even the people that were on the fence seem to want him gone after watching the Bucs game. Could this be an overreaction or was this the straw that broke the camel's back? Be honest.

2. It has been stated that Brooks has regressed. If not for the fumbles would that statement be true? Isn't the real truth that Brooks has progressed in the passing game? He does lead the league in fewest interceptions and most passes per inteception ratio. Also, the receivers have hurt him, more than they have hepled him. I think I can honestly say that they have dropped more easy passes than they have caught difficult passes. Or at the very worse it's a push.

3. When you say that Brooks needs to be cut because of turnovers, and even some of the division leaders have MORE turnovers than him. Do you think it's fair to say get rid of Brooks and make excuses for those other QB's. (not saying you are making excuses)


I'll say right now that I am not pleased with Brooks fumbling the ball. Everyone knows how big of a Brooks supporter I am. I'm asking some honest questions, because it's possible I might not want to see some of his flaws. To be fair I'm now going to list what I think are Brooks biggest flaws.

Flaws:

1. Tends to hold the ball too long wating on receivers to come open. Dosen't anticipate routes.

2. Not enough pocket awareness. Doesn't feel pressure and doesn't step up in the pocket enough. Tends do drift back too much into the outside pass rush.

3. Reading defenses: If the primary receiver isn't open, he doesn't progress through his reads quick enough.

4. Not vocal enough. Needs to hold everyone accountable on the field. Also needs to lead by example. By that, I mean he needs to hold himself accountable for his mistakes.

5. Doesn't display the best touch on the ball. Tends to put too much heat on the ball, when he should just float the ball over a defenders head.

I have not listed every flaw. I have listed the ones I feel are the most important ones. Not neccessarily in order.

Now I am going to list his positives:

1. Can make all the throws that some QB's can't.

2. Very mobile and can turn a busted play into a big play.

3. Can thread the needle in tight coverage.

4. Has shown he can lead a team from behind on several occassions.

5. Doesn't throw into double coverage much. Don't have to worry about him throwing many intercetions.

6.has the ability to beat you with his legs. Has rushed for over 100-yards in one game. Doesn't run much anyomore but he can.

I have not listed all the postives, but I have listed the ones I feel are more important.


Comments: I think the toughest thing for a QB to learn is reading defenses. Most young QB's throw into double coverage and have the ball intercepted too much. I feel like Aaron has progressed as far as making dangerous throws. That I feel is the # 1 thing a QB needs to do in order not to hurt his team.

At the sametime he struggles progressing through his reads. He should be further along but I think he has progressed somewhat in this area but not enough. I also have seen Aaron make several touch passes this year. It's not like he can't do it, but he seems intent on throwing line drives. He and his coaches need to work on this.

All in all I think Brooks has progreesed in the passing game. The fumbles is something he's got to correct. I think this is very correctable and is no reason at this point to cut him. Maybe going to the bench would be good for him.

For those of you who think he's had enough time, there have clearly been other QB's that have done worse than Brooks at the same point in their careers. So, my opinion is that Brooks should remain the starter and also have an open competition at the beginning of next season. It's fair and I feel it's the best thing for the team, just in case Brooks doesn't get it together. Now, I say anyone that is saying we should cut Brooks now, is clearly jumping the gun.