NFL G.M.'s have to be the slowest learners of anyone. This back-up QB as the-answer-to-all-of-your-problems phenomenon is ridiculously stupid. A team as bad as the Texans gives up two second round choices, which are usually end up as starters in thier first or second years in the league, to get a guy with two NFL starts. The most amazing thing about this is that often times these "must have" back-ups usually back-up starters that aren't that good to begin with.
Case #1 - Jay Fiedler
After one start in 1999, he signs on with the Miami Dolphins to be the man. In that 1999 season, he appeared in seven games with that one start. He went 61-for-94 for 656 yards with two TDs and two INTs. Wanna build your franchise around that? Miami did! Ask them how that worked out. Before he left for South Beach, Fiedler was the back-up to Mark Brunell in Jacksonville. Many are thinking this was Brunell's hayday. He led Jacksonville to the AFC championship game in the 1999 season right? Yes, however, a great defense and running game led the Jags that season. Brunell himself had only a 58.7% completion rate with 14 TDs against nine INTs. Not exactly Marino. You would think if Fiedler was Marino, he could beat out a guy with those numbers.
Case #2 - Rob Johnson
Everyone's favorite rags to riches story. The scene shifts back to 1997, Jacksonville, Florda. Rob Johnson, again after only one start, posts a QB rating of 111.9, which over a career would make him the GREATEST QB OF ALL-TIME!!! With opportunity for greatness knocking, and Jim Kelly running out the back door, Buffalo makes the power play to land Johnson. The 1997 Buffalo Bills stumbled to a 6-10 record under Marv Levy and QB Todd Collins. Desperation is understandable for the once great franchise. So they jump on what seems to be the best available prospect. Not so much! Once again, Johnson was available because he couldn't crack the position held by Mark Brunell. In Brunell's defense, his 1997 was much better than his 1999. He had a QB rating of over 90, but still fewer than 20 TDs and 3281 yards. Again, Brunell was a good player, but if Johnson was Jim Kelly, he would've been starting. Both the Bills and Dolphins are still struggling to find signal-callers to this day.
Case #3 - Matt Schaub?
If Schaub were nearly as good as some would have you believe, couldn't he beat out Mike "the Hype" Vick? Vick has never been a 3000 yard passer, never had a passer rating over 81.6, never had more than 20 TD throws. Vick is the most overrated athlete in the HISTORY OF THE PLANET!
I really hope Schaub works out. I hope he's better than Vick, but again, if he were, wouldn't he be the starting QB in Atlanta? If he's Vick or worse, then don't look for the Texans to win in the playoffs for at least the next six years. It takes at least that long to overcome a mistake at the QB position. Right Houston, Miami, Buffalo, and Cleveland?
This move is in an effort to excite the fan base, I think. Nothing does that more than a new, young QB. They have a lot of making up to do with passing on Reggie Bush last year.
Matt Schaub is that good, only Vick is the franchise player and locked up for the next nine or so years. Schaub will be an improvement over David Carr. A good trade for both teams. The Falcons may use the pick to grab a young QB in the draft, to compliment or eventually replace Vick.
PF - He may be that good. But you don't know! As Jim Mora Sr. said, "You think you know, but you don't know." He may be great, but you THINK that, you don't KNOW that.
John Q - Boy did Flutie ever get the shaft that playoff year. Still one of the all-time screw-jobs ever.
I see what you are trying to say. I just don't think Fiedler is the best example. Have you checked out his W/L record? It is pretty damn good and he took the Dolphins to the playoffs which is something 20 other starters did not do in that particular season.
As for "most" 2nd rounders starting I'm not sure that's true. Take a look at the 2003 draft picks:
From this list I show 19 starters although I think the numbers from 2004 or 2005 would be less. There are quite a few guys who totally blew up on this list though which shows there really is no guarantee even in picks 33-64.
Hey Xea, buddy. Ive got a post up, my take on the Arkansas coaching search. I thought you might want to check it out. You need to write something about our Hogs ; )
Proud NGS II finalist. My run to the sweet 16 was short but. . . (from the department of redundancy department) sweet.
I love all sports. The Seattle Seahawks are my main passion. I've loved them since I can remember. My teams of choice in other sports are the New York Yankees and Rangers, and the Arkansas Razorbacks. As far as the NBA, I'm just a drifter. However, I do love this game!
