How Long For Brunell?

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by RiggoRules

But I've gotta tell you, I am nothing short of stunned by this thread. Exactly what game where you people watching? Of all the broken pieces and parts, why are you discussing QB play at all?

For example:

Betts: 8/22 yards, 1 Fumble (how come no one is calling for his head?)
3rd Down Defense: 9/17
3rd Down Offense: 4/13
Secondary play: Enough said.

Compare that with what MB did:

17/28/163 with 0 fumbles, sacks or INTs.

Sure, not Peyton like numbers, but he sure wasn't the reason why we lost.

When did Betts fumble? Either way, it was not a fumble lost. Brunell and Portis did fumble an exchange, but they recovered it. Unless I've missed something, we had no turnovers against the Vikings.

Now, as to Brunell, regardless of his final stats, the type of play we saw isn't going to win games. The point is that by and large, you need dynamic quarterback play if you expect to go anywhere in the NFL today. Brunell wasn't dynamic in '05 -- far from it. Our defense and the running game was what got us to the divisional playoff round.

No, Brunell wasn't the sole reason we lost. But you cannot dismiss the fact that a better quarterback might have able to complete some throws into tight coverage and keep some drives going. Isn't Brunell a part of the 3rd down stats and red zone offense?

It's still hard to knock Brunell and his arm though...considering the Super Bowl winning QBs who were/are not known for arm strength: Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer...

Not a good comparison. I would submit that Dilfer and Johnson were playing at a higher level than Brunell is now. Not only that, the strength of the Ravens and Buccaneers in their Super Bowl seasons was the defense. Dilfer was better than people give credit for, ditto for Johnson. Right now, Brunell is playing like a very average quarterback.

Here's the thing, you can throw the ball away, and you can be good at avoiding interceptions, and still be ineffective as a quarterback.

As you guys have posted above he did throw for over 60% Monday night and did not get sacked or throw a pick. Which kept us in the game.

What kept the game close were Viking mistakes, nothing else. Throwing for 60% means nothing when there's only 16 points and failed red zone trips to show for it.

Let me say again, I am in no way calling for Brunell's head, nor am I calling for Campbell to start. Brunell is the best quarterback we have right now.

And that's the problem.