I think this is one issue I have about this argument. You keep saying "other QBs" - what other second-year QBs can you honestly say would have overcome these issues that aren't a higher tier QB like Herbert, Burrow, etc? We've had this discussion about your view on Mac, with your problem being because of where he was picked, him having the whole offseason, etc. But I don't think I've seen you yet make a fair comparison to whatever "other QB" you think could have overcome the chaos here.
I mean Jacksonville is a prime example. And Trevor Lawrence is a much more talented player than Mac who couldn't overcome bad coaching and the chaos that went on down there last year. I get you're frustrated with him, and you don't like him (you say you do - yet I haven't seen you say anything positive unless you're pushed and if you're pushed too far, you got upset and instead came back with "I can't wait for the excuses").
But I just don't get why you keep ragging on the kid. He's worked hard, hasn't passed blame and he's been accountable. He's had some good moments and, yes, he's had some bad moments. It is what it is.
He's done things that have been his fault, he's had other situations where his struggles stemmed from circumstances outside his control. And my biggest issue does intersect with one of yours in that he let his emotions get the best of him this year. So I'm hoping there's some maturity growth during the offseason.
As far as who is the long-term QB? No idea. Saw enough last year to feel like he could be what they need. Obviously, after this season, none of us really know. And that's incredibly frustrating.
At the same time, everybody said the same about Lawrence last year. And his second-year was different with better coaching.
You also keep ragging on him about not having "it". I've cited a couple of times where he showed signs, but other things happened. Last week, he led a key drive to seal the game. It was enough.
That said, look around the league. All the elite ones have "it". They're few and far between. We need a guy, for now, who can put up points and keep them competitive. We had an elite guy. He's gone.
Hopefully, he'll finish strong and then take the next step next season. If he doesn't, they'll find out just in time to decide on his option. And maybe Zappe competes next fall, who knows? But either way, most of us are hoping things work out because the longer this drags on, the worse it is on all of us.
I don't care. I'm rooting for him, but it's on him to get it done. If it's Zappe, I'll be rooting for him and I'll be just as fair to him as well. As long as they care and they take accountability, that's all you can ask for. But as I've said repeatedly, we're stuck with average to good until who they have either steps up or they move on.
Welcome to being just like the rest of the NFL.
And I have no idea how you'll handle Tom's eventual retirement...I'm a little worried for you.
