The realistic expectation of a backup QB is that they not damage their own team if the starting QB goes down, it's expected that the offense will take a hit and rely on the running game, if the QB can make some passes here and there all the better.
That said, I think Mallett will just wind up throwing picks that actually do us harm. BB would always prefer someone who doesn't make mistakes than a QB who makes some big mistakes along with some big plays, the phrase "game manager" comes to mind.
Mallett threw that incredibly bad pass that was picked in the end zone and also missed a very easy pass to Boyce on the left side of the field, those are 101 level plays that an NFL QB should be able to make. He's simply extremely limited, he can make some magnificent throws but they come at the cost of plenty of very bad ones. You'd think he'd work at and imprrove in these areas but it's been the same thing with him for a while.
No, I'm not afraid to say "...it hasn't been the same thing with him for a while." You can say there has been no improvement, but I have seen lots of it.
Mallett's footwork has markedly improved with coaching, so he doesn't use his strong arm while off balance, with consequent sailing passes. He is reading Defenses pretty well, now. That testified to Belichick's observation and Mallett's newly awarded parking space, that he is committed and works hard, breaking down film. Furthermore, it indicates that he understands what he is seeing.
I often say that 90% of a QBs job occurs between his ears. After all, wasn't that concern about maturity and effort the only reason that he didn't go Top Ten? I think those concerns have been resolved.
Even if he is not yet completing 66% of his passes, they are generally going to the receiver that they should, and on time. It is clear that the game is not too fast for him.
It is also clear that Mallettt is trying to follow coaching instruction, and learn to complete his passes low to prevent INTs, and preserve the health of his receivers. Brady excels at this, and many of the good ones in the League don't even try to do so. As you would expect, it narrows the target window. Mallett is also trying to take some steam of his short passes, at the same time.
That particular accomplishment is still a work in progress, as he seems to aim too low on some of his short "touch" passes. That is keeping his completion percentage in the high 50s instead of the 60s. It is also a coachable improvement.
Mallett may not yet look as pretty as you would like, but the team responds to him, and he consistently has lead the Offense on length of field scoring marches. That my friend, is what the true measure of a successful QB has to do.
Without being traded, or suddenly required to play full time, the schedule for all the polishing that he needs, is about one more pre-season. In short, he should be ready to go or stay after the 2014 season, when his cheap rookie deal is finished.
What Tom Brady is today at 36, might not be the same when Brady is 38, going on 39. Only then will the Pats have to make a decision. :snob:
