The virtue of patience

[SC Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

Whenever comparisons are made, they are usually made with someone who is the exception to the rule. Disappointment is inevitable in most cases. If comparisons were made with the norm, there wouldn't be so much reason for panic. You would understand that most receivers take 2-3 years to develop. That the WCO takes 2-3 years to become efficient. That QB's do better when playing in the same system instead of changing every year or two. This isn't bad, it's just normal. Impatience says we want it to happen now, not after the time it has been proven to normally take. But then again there's always the exception to the rule, and that's what we continue to make comparisons to. "Well Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco took their teams to the playoffs in their rookie years and they had a new system." Once again, an exception to the rule. Drew Brees did'nt. Peyton Manning didn't. Troy Aikman didn't. Realistic expectations based on history make for a sound outlook. Unrealistic expectations based on the exceptions of a few create anxiety and disappointment.

Most receivers who had rookie statistics comparable to Devin Thomas' never become adequate NFL receivers. Steve Smith and Brandon Marshall are actually exceptions in that regard. Few receivers have tremendous rookie campaigns, but 25-40 catches for 400-600 yards is something you would like to see from the 34th pick. So it is actually bending statistics in the other direction when you simply say it takes 2-3 years for a WR to "develop." Yes and no. It typically does take time before you get big production, but you also don't typically see a guy go from completely lost to suddenly becoming a stud receiver.

But that is fine. We all hope they both become contributers. I mean I haven't see a single serious person suggest that either Thomas or Kelly should get jettisoned at this point. Expressions of concern about Kelly's knee are not calls for his release. I think the descriptions of fan "impatience" are overstated, at least judging by serious people on this site (who cares about other people). The most serious impatience this offseason has been the front office's very public desire to dump Campbell before giving him a second year in Zorn's offense.