GET UP | "Shedeur Sanders TRADE INCOMING!" - Ryan Clark on Browns naming Joe Flacco starting QB

Summary

The conversation centers on the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation, with a focus on Joe Flacco starting over rookies like Shador Sanders and Dylan Gabriel. Analysts discuss the challenges of starting a rookie without sufficient preparation, given the injury setbacks and lack of practice time. The debate includes whether the Browns should continue with Flacco or shift to one of the rookies as a future starter. Additionally, concerns arise over the Bengals' underperforming defense, with experts fearing that their lack of improvement could waste Joe Burrow’s prime years.

Takeaways

• 😀 Joe Flacco is seen as the wrong choice for the Browns' starting quarterback, as it’s believed the team should focus on evaluating their drafted rookies, Shador Sanders and Dylan Gabriel, to find a future franchise QB.
• 😀 Injury concerns have limited the rookies’ ability to compete fully for the starting position, which is why Joe Flacco is starting the first game, though the door remains open for the rookies later in the season.
• 😀 The Browns' backup QB situation is important, with the team needing to figure out who the next man up is, considering the rookies' development and potential to step in if necessary.
• 😀 If a rookie QB is elevated to QB2, they may need special practice preparation to be ready for real-game scenarios, as their time with the starting offense has been limited.
• 😀 The depth chart at QB should not be split during the season; the Browns need to choose a clear backup QB who is prepared for the possibility of being thrust into the game unexpectedly.
• 😀 There is a concern about the rookie QBs, specifically Dylan Gabriel and Shador Sanders, not having enough reps with starting players, which could hinder their development if they are called to play.
• 😀 The situation in Cincinnati is equally dire, as the Bengals' defense remains weak, and Joe Burrow is expected to score a high number of points just to keep the team competitive.
• 😀 The Bengals’ defensive struggles are compounded by the absence of key players, like Trey Hendrickson, who has not been re-signed, making it harder to build a strong defense around Joe Burrow.
• 😀 Despite the Bengals' offensive weapons, including T. Higgins and Jamar Chase, the lack of defense has led to concerns that they will waste Joe Burrow’s prime years.
• 😀 The Bengals’ defense is noticeably slow and inefficient, allowing huge gains and looking out of sync, which raises concerns about their ability to be competitive throughout the season.

Q & A

Why do the speakers believe Joe Flacco starting for the Browns is the wrong decision?

The speakers believe Joe Flacco starting for the Browns is the wrong move because it would be a 'comfortable familiar decision' instead of evaluating the potential of younger rookies, like Shador Sanders or Dylan Gabriel, to potentially be the future franchise quarterback.

What concern do the speakers have about the timing of the rookie quarterbacks' involvement?

The concern is that the rookie quarterbacks, Sanders and Gabriel, haven't had enough practice time due to injuries, which leaves them unprepared to start. The speakers question if starting them too early, especially without sufficient reps, could set them up for failure.

What role does practice time play in determining the backup quarterback?

Practice time is crucial in determining the backup quarterback because rookie quarterbacks need sufficient reps to prepare for game situations. If they are not getting enough practice with the starting offense, they might not be ready to step in if needed, which is why it's important for the coaching staff to adjust the practice schedule.

What do the speakers suggest about having four quarterbacks on the roster?

The speakers mention that keeping four quarterbacks on the roster, including both rookies and veterans, might be a strategic move, especially in case one of them gets traded or injured. However, they also acknowledge that having four active quarterbacks is rare and could create logistical challenges.

How does the situation with Joe Flacco potentially starting impact the rookies?

If Joe Flacco starts the season, the rookies are put in a position where they might not get the necessary reps with the starting offense. The concern is that, if something happens to Flacco, the rookies will be ill-prepared to step into the game due to their lack of experience with first-team players.

What is the key factor in the Bengals' defensive struggles?

The key factor in the Bengals' defensive struggles is the lack of improvement on defense, despite having a top-tier quarterback in Joe Burrow. The defense looks slow, with poor gap control, bad angles, and missed tackles, which has led to significant issues.

Why is there concern over the Bengals' handling of Joe Burrow's career?

There is concern because, despite Joe Burrow being one of the best quarterbacks in the league, the Bengals' defense has not improved, and the team may waste the prime years of Burrow's career. The offense needs to score an excessive number of points to win, which is not sustainable long-term.

What role does Trey Hendrickson's contract situation play in the Bengals' problems?

Trey Hendrickson's contract situation is an additional issue for the Bengals, as he is one of their few impactful defensive players. While there is optimism that Hendrickson will stay, the unresolved contract talks add to the team's overall uncertainty and defensive struggles.

What are the speakers' thoughts on the Bengals' defensive depth?

The speakers express frustration with the Bengals' defensive depth, as the team looks slow, disorganized, and incapable of executing basic defensive responsibilities. This is compounded by the absence of key defensive players like Hendrickson, which weakens the defense even more.

What would have been an ideal approach to handling the Browns' quarterback situation?

An ideal approach would have been to run two separate competitions throughout training camp: one for the veteran quarterback position (Flacco) and one for the rookie quarterbacks. This would have allowed the team to make a more informed decision about who should start and who should back up, based on a fair evaluation of both options.