AJ McCarron not as sharp early in camp, but remains confident

[Arkansas Bengal]

AJ McCarron not as sharp early in camp, but remains confident

 

 

CINCINNATI -- AJ McCarron has a one-word message for all the reporters and fans who watched a training-camp performance from him Sunday that even he would classify as inconsistent.

Relax.

"It's the third day," the backup quarterback said. "It's going to come. We just need time with it."

Although it still is early in the Cincinnati Bengals' preseason, McCarron wasn't as sharp as he was the previous two days. A series of highlights and lowlights defined the workout. At times, he overthrew receivers. At others, he put the ball exactly where it needed to be.

Most of his struggles came early in the practice when he had a series of passes he threw well out of range of receivers during comeback and out routes in a drill that only featured quarterbacks and pass-catchers. With NFL Network broadcasting the practice live, those who were watching got a heavy dose of the inaccurate throws.

McCarron was significantly better later in the day, connecting with receivers on deep passes in 11-on-11 drills.

Some of his inconsistency was the product of playing with shoulder pads for the first time this year. Like the rest of the team, quarterbacks and receivers were in them for the first time since the end of last season. McCarron just started breaking in a new pair of pads and still is adjusting to their feel. His inconsistency also stemmed from passing to receivers whose speed and idiosyncrasies he's still figuring out. At this stage of training camp, rhythm can be slow to develop.

"The timing's going to be off and everything a little bit," McCarron said, "but we've just got to keep working through it. We're fine. The second group, we just have one good play and then one not-so-good play."

Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson isn't panicking, either.

"I'm not at that point. It's Day 3," Jackson said to reporters. "At the end, he'll be fine. I respect what you guys see and how you go about it, but I might see something different when I go back and look at the tape."

Here are a few other observations from the practice:

• Aside from Michael Johnson's injury bullet the Bengals believe they dodged, they also had a couple others miss some time Sunday. Running back Cedric Peerman wasn't in uniform at all, but was in attendance. He also didn't spend any time on the rehab field with injured players. Perhaps we'll know more about him Monday. Defensive end Wallace Gilberry also missed a portion of the practice with what appeared to be a leg injury.

• The corners and receivers had several good battles in their first day in pads. The ones that drew the most attention came during one-on-one drills about halfway through practice. Moments before Johnson went down on another part of the field, receivers were testing out their moves. A.J. Green started it off by spinning off Adam Jones at the line of scrimmage and creating several yards of separation on a deep pass into the middle of the field. Minutes later, Green broke left on an out route against Jones that ended with a well-placed pass that forced Green to toe-tap as he dove for the ball and the sideline. It was the clear play of the day.

• Undrafted rookie receiver Jake Kumerow continues to impress, too. In that same drill, he caught a one-handed pass on a Go route in which fellow rookie Josh Shaw was matched against him.

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/18148/bengals-aj-mccarron-consistency-sharp-early-training-camp-coming

 

[MaddChatter]

That's the first time I've ever heard having to wear shoulder pads used as an excuse.

[HairOnFire]

 

Aside from Michael Johnson's injury bullet the Bengals believe they dodged....

 

Bengals are trying to flip the script on Michael Johnson and bullet dodging.

 

Last year, as mentioned in my posts about two dozen times, they dodged a bullet by letting MJ leave.

 

This year MJ returns and they dodged the same kind of bullet that helped doom the Bucs.

 

Forget tickling Pandora's box.

 

Does Karma own a gun?

[HairOnFire]

That's the first time I've ever heard having to wear shoulder pads used as an excuse.

 

Bengals say forget what you just saw with your own eyes.

 

Keep reminding yourself McCooter has "it" factor.

[VonBlade]

*sh

[|SF2|]

 
Bengals say forget what you just saw with your own eyes.
 
Keep reminding yourself McCooter has "it" factor.

Maybe if you understood what the "it" factor is and how it translates into greatness as an NFL QB, you would think differently. ~ Chris Leak, QB University of Florida. BCS Champs.

[HairOnFire]

Maybe is you understood what the "it" facto was and how it translates into greatness as an NFL QB, you would think differently.

 

The "it factor is an undefinable thing that people point to in an attempt to explain unexplainable things.

 

Like McCooter marrying Katherine Webb for one example.

 

Or McCooter winning a national championship for another.

 

Bottom line, it's the type of fuzzy intangible that helps explain how high profile players like Manziel can win so many college games and career awards but in the heat of battle when it matters most can't hit a fan with a water bottle.

 

Yesterday was McCooter's water bottle moment.

[|SF2|]

 
The "it factor is an undefinable thing that people point to in an attempt to explain unexplainable things.
 
Like McCooter marrying Katherine Webb for one example.
 
Or McCooter winning a national championship for another.
 
Bottom line, it's the type of fuzzy intangible that helps explain how high profile players like Manziel can win so many college games and career awards but in the heat of battle when it matters most can't hit a fan with a water bottle.
 
Yesterday was McCooter's water bottle moment.

Careful Hair, you most certainly are setting yourself up for the "Oh yeah, what about Tom Brady" retort. In 15 years with 186 QBs drafted, there isn't one who was as good as Dalton chosen after the 3rd round or was anything close to a top 1/3rd QB.

[fredtoast]

Careful Hair, you most certainly are setting yourself up for the "Oh yeah, what about Tom Brady" retort. In 15 years with 186 QBs drafted, there isn't one who was as good as Dalton chosen after the 3rd round or was anything close to a top 1/3rd QB.

 

I agree 100% with the point you are making, but you should not ignore Tony Romo just because he was not drafted at all.

[HairOnFire]

Careful Hair, you most certainly are setting yourself up for the "Oh yeah, what about Tom Brady" retort.

 

Pretty sure Tom Brady could hit a fan with a water bottle....especially if someone poured some of the water out of the bottle before he threw.

[big_dish]

That's the first time I've ever heard having to wear shoulder pads used as an excuse.

I heard David Carr talk about it yesterday on NFL Network. I had never heard it before (or didnt pay attention) but apparently its a thing.

[big_dish]

Careful Hair, you most certainly are setting yourself up for the "Oh yeah, what about Tom Brady" retort. In 15 years with 186 QBs drafted, there isn't one who was as good as Dalton chosen after the 3rd round or was anything close to a top 1/3rd QB.

Not saying many of them would amount to much, but part of the reason they havent hit the radar in their careers is because they arent given a real opportunity. Just the way it is for backups.

[|SF2|]

Not saying many of them would amount to much, but part of the reason they havent hit the radar in their careers is because they arent given a real opportunity. Just the way it is for backups.

Sorry but contrary to popular myth the overwhelming majority of NFL coaches know talent when they see it. We are talking about a very small organization people wise that generates almost $10 billion in revenue. Owners, other than in Oakland and Cleveland, hire competent people at a very high salary.

It's why 3rd rounder Russell Wilson starts in Seattle and 1st rounders Christian Ponder, Blaine Gabbert and Jake Locker are bench warmers or retired.

I have coached sports for 30 years, it takes about 10 minutes to spot the talent if you know what you are looking for.

[|SF2|]

I agree 100% with the point you are making, but you should not ignore Tony Romo just because he was not drafted at all.

LOl, keep in mind Centerville and Springboro High School have almost the same sized stadiums and sell more tickets than Eastern Illinois.

[scharm]

lol,  so threatened by AJ McCooter.

[HairOnFire]

lol,  so threatened by AJ McCooter.

 

After yesterday it's hard to imagine anyone being threatened by McCooter.

 

That said, beyond mocking the click bait/hype that followed McCooter I'm not putting too much weight on the Bengals 4th day in camp.

 

Plenty of time for McCooter to get used to wearing shoulder pads before his preseason debut.  

 

Baby steps.

[big_dish]

Sorry but contrary to popular myth the overwhelming majority of NFL coaches know talent when they see it. We are talking about a very small organization people wise that generates almost $10 billion in revenue. Owners, other than in Oakland and Cleveland, hire competent people at a very high salary.

It's why 3rd rounder Russell Wilson starts in Seattle and 1st rounders Christian Ponder, Blaine Gabbert and Jake Locker are bench warmers or retired.

I have coached sports for 30 years, it takes about 10 minutes to spot the talent if you know what you are looking for.

In a sense, yes. In a sense, no.

Wilson wasnt starting for Seattle.
Brady wasnt starting for New England.

THey were bench players and when they got their shot, they ran with it.

Obviously they are exceptions to the rule- but most players like McCarron have decent to great starters in front of them. Not saying he should have a shot, just saying thats why many backups never get to prove their worth. They simply dont have the real opportunity.

[|SF2|]

In a sense, yes. In a sense, no.
Wilson wasnt starting for Seattle.
Brady wasnt starting for New England.
THey were bench players and when they got their shot, they ran with it.
Obviously they are exceptions to the rule- but most players like McCarron have decent to great starters in front of them. Not saying he should have a shot, just saying thats why many backups never get to prove their worth. They simply dont have the real opportunity.

Wilson has started every game since arriving in Seattle. Matt Flynn was signed to be the starter but Wilson beat him out in camp.

Bledsoe was never a great QB at New England and had been pretty bad the previous 2 years. Started off 2001 poorly and even without the injury his days were numbered. Keep in mind they let him go without batting an eye.

[|westside bengal|]

 

I have coached sports for 30 years, it takes about 10 minutes to spot the talent if you know what you are looking for.

 

I remember a few years ago watching a sports talk show and this topic was their subject.  They had several HOF and some future HOF players.

The one consistent note was they all agreed that they could usually tell the first week of camp who could play NFL football and who couldn't.

 

So that brings up my question....lets pretend just for S & G that McCarron absolutely lights it up during camp.  He looks like Peyton, Tom and Drew combined.  And Andy looks like absolute doggy doo.  It is obvious that AJ is the better QB.

 

The question:  Would the Bengals name AJ the starter and let Andy with a $9 mil cap hit ride the bench all season long?  I don't think so.

[big_dish]

Wilson has started every game since arriving in Seattle. Matt Flynn was signed to be the starter but Wilson beat him out in camp.

Bledsoe was never a great QB at New England and had been pretty bad the previous 2 years. Started off 2001 poorly and even without the injury his days were numbered. Keep in mind they let him go without batting an eye.

Wilson was given a chance to play though- despite the "starting" QB just signing a decent contact (and was it a trade as well or FA?)and despite Wilson being a 3rd round pick. Thats what I'm saying- most dont get a legitimate CHANCE to prove themselves (and most wouldnt even if given the chance)... but generally none ever really get the opportunity. Occasionally when they do they take over the starting role and never look back.

[big_dish]

 
The question:  Would the Bengals name AJ the starter and pay Andy $13.6 mil with a $9 mil cap hit to ride the bench all season long?  I don't think so.

Not a chance. The Bengals are one of the most stubborn teams regarding this stuff

[happyrid]

Wilson was given a chance to play though- despite the "starting" QB just signing a decent contact (and was it a trade as well or FA?)and despite Wilson being a 3rd round pick. Thats what I'm saying- most dont get a legitimate CHANCE to prove themselves (and most wouldnt even if given the chance)... but generally none ever really get the opportunity. Occasionally when they do they take over the starting role and never look back.

 

Gotta disagree with you here. I can't think of a single later round draft pick who is just sitting there waiting to be a top notch QB but not getting the chance. The others are right. Teams recognize talent and let the best player's play the vast majority of the time. Bengals have plenty of starters who were undrafted. Guys get a chance in preseason to show what they can do and any backup QB who shows real flashes ends up getting an opportunity to start within a couple years because so many teams are so desperate for any semblance of hope at the position.

 

With the exception of Russell Wilson (who fell to the 3rd round due to being 5'11), there isn't a good QB in the NFL right now under the age of 33 who was not an early draft pick.

 

With scouting as in-depth and exhaustive as it is now and the QB position valued so highly, it's damn near impossible for a great QB to fall through the cracks of the NFL draft and make it to day 3 or go undrafted. 

[|Bunghole|]

 

Gotta disagree with you here. I can't think of a single later round draft pick who is just sitting there waiting to be a top notch QB but not getting the chance. The others are right. Teams recognize talent and let the best player's play the vast majority of the time. Bengals have plenty of starters who were undrafted. Guys get a chance in preseason to show what they can do and any backup QB who shows real flashes ends up getting an opportunity to start within a couple years because so many teams are so desperate for any semblance of hope at the position.

 

With the exception of Russell Wilson (who fell to the 3rd round due to being 5'11), there isn't a good QB in the NFL right now under the age of 33 who was not an early draft pick.

 

With scouting as in-depth and exhaustive as it is now and the QB position valued so highly, it's damn near impossible for a great QB to fall through the cracks of the NFL draft and make it to day 3 or go undrafted.

Unless of course they have that "it" factor.

:lol:

[membengal]

 
Pretty sure Tom Brady could hit a fan with a water bottle....especially if someone poured some of the water out of the bottle before he threw.

Quality

[sparky151]

 

Gotta disagree with you here. I can't think of a single later round draft pick who is just sitting there waiting to be a top notch QB but not getting the chance. The others are right. Teams recognize talent and let the best player's play the vast majority of the time. Bengals have plenty of starters who were undrafted. Guys get a chance in preseason to show what they can do and any backup QB who shows real flashes ends up getting an opportunity to start within a couple years because so many teams are so desperate for any semblance of hope at the position.

 

With the exception of Russell Wilson (who fell to the 3rd round due to being 5'11), there isn't a good QB in the NFL right now under the age of 33 who was not an early draft pick.

 

With scouting as in-depth and exhaustive as it is now and the QB position valued so highly, it's damn near impossible for a great QB to fall through the cracks of the NFL draft and make it to day 3 or go undrafted. 

 

I'll disagree here. QB is such an important position in the NFL that teams will take a look at anyone who can upgrade their team. Draft evaluation is such a crap shoot that it doesn't mean a lot. If teams could accurately evaluate player's potential, then all the starting QBs would be early first rounders. But plenty of starting QBs weren't top 10 picks, ie other teams could have traded up to draft them at a reasonable price. Manning and Brees were free agents. Rodgers was 25th overall. Flacco was a mid first rounder, Roethlisberger went 11th or 12th. 

 

Dalton was an early 2nd rounder and good value. But 1 or 2 other starting QBs were taken after him in 2011 (Kaepernick and perhaps Mallett). Meanwhile Locker, Ponder, and Gabbert have busted. Matt Cassell was undrafted and might be the starter in Buffalo (until they find an upgrade). Foles and Wilson were drafted late by QB standards in 2012. The Browns have certainly invested enough high picks in QBs, they just can't find good players and get stiffs like Quinn, Weeden, and Manziel.