Why Colin Cowherd is picking Shedeur Sanders over Dillon Gabriel for Cleveland Browns | THE HERD NFL

Summary

This script delves into NFL preseason performances, focusing on Caleb Williams' growth with the Chicago Bears and the impact of coaching styles. The quarterback's development is compared to Jared Goff and Brett Favre, emphasizing the importance of avoiding negative plays. The discussion also highlights the challenges of 'celebrity backup quarterbacks,' using examples like Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, and Shadur Sanders. Additionally, concerns are raised about the Dallas Cowboys' readiness due to the absence of key players. The overall message stresses the importance of focus, discipline, and handling media distractions in the NFL.

Takeaways

• 😀 Caleb Williams showed growth in the preseason game, looking decisive and avoiding negative plays, especially with smart decisions like 'dirting' a screen pass.
• 😀 The Bears are adjusting to a new system under a new coach, which has led to a rough camp, but the preseason showed a glimpse of potential progress.
• 😀 Comparing Caleb Williams to Jared Goff: His game management and avoidance of mistakes make him an effective quarterback, but he's still learning to balance freelancing with a structured system.
• 😀 Coaches like Ben Johnson must find a balance between allowing a talented QB to improvise and ensuring they operate within the system to avoid negative plays.
• 😀 The relationship between Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson may never be perfect, but both are coachable and can make it work with growth in the right direction.
• 😀 Quarterbacks need to avoid turnovers and stay on schedule to succeed at the NFL level, as raw talent alone isn't enough to secure consistent performance.
• 😀 The example of Brett Favre emphasizes that while a QB can be a gunslinger, they still need to play within a system to avoid costly mistakes.
• 😀 Backup quarterbacks should not become 'celebrities,' as the media hype around them can be detrimental to team focus and decision-making, as seen with Tim Tebow and Colin Kaepernick.
• 😀 Dylan Gabriel's comment about 'entertainers vs. competitors' was misinterpreted by the media, but his message was about the distractions caused by media focus, not a shot at Shadur Sanders.
• 😀 Successful backup quarterbacks must be able to win when called upon without creating unnecessary distractions or attracting media attention.
• 😀 Preseason games are more about player development than team success; the focus should be on reducing mistakes and showing growth rather than simply winning.

Q & A

Why was the preseason game between the Bills and Bears considered a 'blowout'?

The preseason game was considered a 'blowout' because it was clear from the early stages that the Bears weren't at their best, and the game didn't hold much significance beyond the first few series. The Bears' performance was far from ideal, highlighting a rough camp and a new system under a new coach.

What did the speaker think of Caleb Williams' performance during the game?

The speaker thought Caleb Williams looked decisive and sharp. He highlighted a moment when Caleb Williams 'dirted' a ball on a screen play, which was seen as a smart decision to avoid negative plays. The speaker praised his ability to get rid of the ball and avoid unnecessary risks.

What was the comparison made between Caleb Williams and Jared Goff?

The speaker compared Caleb Williams' play to that of Jared Goff, noting that both quarterbacks have a similar style of getting rid of the ball quickly and avoiding negative plays. While Caleb Williams is not Jared Goff, the comparison was made to highlight Williams' progress in making more calculated decisions under pressure.

How does the speaker view the relationship between Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson, the offensive coach?

The speaker sees the relationship between Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson as one where Johnson, a new coach, will win many early arguments due to his position of authority. However, the speaker believes that the key to success lies in allowing Williams to 'breathe' and be himself, similar to other creative quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson.

What is the significance of 'getting out of negative plays' for quarterbacks, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that avoiding negative plays is crucial for a quarterback's success. By not attempting to make something out of a bad situation, quarterbacks can keep their team in manageable situations, like second and six instead of second and 15, which are vital for avoiding losses and maintaining momentum.

How did the speaker feel about Caleb Williams' growth compared to his performance last year?

The speaker believed that Caleb Williams showed growth compared to his performance last year. A key moment that demonstrated this was when Williams opted to 'dirt' a screen pass rather than forcing a play, which showed maturity in avoiding negative outcomes.

What does the speaker think about the media's portrayal of Dylan Gabriel's comments?

The speaker argues that the media misinterpreted Dylan Gabriel's comments, blowing them out of proportion. Gabriel's statement about 'entertainers' versus 'competitors' was not a shot at Shadur Sanders, as many believed, but rather a comment on the nature of media, which tends to prioritize entertainment over competitive focus.

What does the speaker believe about the potential of Dylan Gabriel and Shadur Sanders in the NFL?

The speaker views Dylan Gabriel as a more serious, business-like quarterback, but has concerns about his size and ability to build a team around him. On the other hand, Shadur Sanders is considered underdrafted by the speaker, with a better physical profile and mobility, making him the preferred option for a future NFL career.

How does the speaker define the qualities of a good backup quarterback in the NFL?

A good backup quarterback in the NFL, according to the speaker, should be able to win one game if needed and remain low-profile enough to walk around in public without drawing attention. The speaker highlights that backup quarterbacks should not be celebrities or distractions, and they should be able to step in and perform when necessary.

What are the potential negative impacts of a quarterback becoming a 'celebrity' on their career?

Becoming a 'celebrity' can hurt a quarterback’s career by creating unnecessary distractions and media circus, which can lead to friction with coaches and teams. The speaker references Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, and Colin Kaepernick as examples of quarterbacks whose celebrity status ultimately hindered their careers, despite their talent.