by: Scott Sommers
Originally posted October, 2002(Editors Note: Scott saw the
demise of Tim Couch coming last year. I suppose we should give props
when a blind squirrel finds a nut. Actually, Scott was all over this
one. Nice call big man.) Anyone that watched Sunday night’s game
between Baltimore-Cleveland saw what happened to Browns’ quarterback Tim
Couch. I have been a Browns fan all my life, except when they were gone and
have been to countless games over the years. I was sickened and appalled by
the Browns fans did when Couch was hurt, leaving Davis to bring in Kelly
Holcomb.
After pondering the night’s events, I have come to a conclusion that may
startle a lot of people.
Butch Davis doesn’t want Tim Couch to be his quarterback.
Sure, Couch didn’t have his best game of the year and yes Holcomb came in
and did a great job in almost leading the Browns to a win. But, where was
the shotgun formation at the beginning of the game instead of the end? Yes,
the Browns did use it when Couch was in and he was VERY successful. But, the
Browns came out in a plain running formation and ran William Green. That I
will get to in a bit.
At one point during then game, ESPN showed a graphic where Couch was 9-11
for over 110 yards, but under center he was just 2-for-9. WHY? Simple Couch
is a shotgun quarterback. He played it during his high school and college
career.
That is where he is most comfortable and confident. He learned to read
defenses and coverage's while back there. Does that mean that everything
should be in a shotgun? No, he still needs to learn how to go under center ,
drop-back and make the reads. But, he looks uncomfortable and does have
happy feet in the pocket. He is unsure of reads and coverage, because he may
not see them the same way as compared to when he is in shotgun.
Does that mean he is a terrible NFL quarterback. NO! He is a quarterback
that is in a system that isn’t utilizing his best talents. He has been given
some weapons like Kevin Johnson, Quincy Morgan and Andre Davis. But, why in
the world would Davis keep putting in William Green, who is struggling in
his rookie year, when Jamel White is the best running back the Browns have.
Simple, Davis wants him to fail. Couch isn’t a Davis guy. Couch was
drafted by Palmer, who is doing an outstanding job with Carr at Houston.
Couch didn’t play at Miami, he came from Kentucky where the credo was throw,
throw and throw. If anyone thinks that this isn’t the case, just look at how
many players from Miami Davis has drafted.
Davis wants a guy that can pass when called upon, move the chains, create
the big play when it is needed and led the team. Has Couch done that? To a
point yes, but not entirely. He has made mistakes, and even though he has
tried to lead the team, they haven’t completely rallied around him.
Another factor, Couch is starting to get expensive. He is earning 4.4
million this year, but when the Browns exercised his option last year, he
got a 8.75 million dollar signing bonus, which if he is released or traded,
the bonus will only count against the cap. His salary will jump up to 6.2
next year and 7.6 in 2004 and 8 million in 2005. Also, and this is
important, this is not guaranteed.
So, if the Browns can live this year and maybe next with Holcomb at the
helm at a much cheaper rate, why not.
If Couch isn’t the guy, then who is? I think a very good possibility is
Miami’s Ken Dorsey. Think about it. Dorsey, who came out after his junior
year, was recruited by Davis and played for him a year before Butch moved
on. A Davis-type guy. He is smart, can throw and is better suited to a
traditional pro-style offense of line up in the I, a drop back quarterback
that can go into shotgun when it is called for, not all the time.
Hmmmm, think about it. If anyone thinks that this isn’t happening, just
remember when a guy by the name of Kosar was at the helm in a Browns uniform
and how he was dumped. Better yet, for recent memory, just think back to
Bledsoe of last year, who got hurt, then benched in favor of Brady.
Where could Couch end up? Several places. Arizona needs a quarterback
because Plummer isn’t getting the job done. St. Louis could be an ideal
place. Warner has been nicked up the past couple of years and he isn’t
getting younger. Also what do the Rams like to run out of a lot? The
Shotgun. Now wouldn’t that be something, letting Couch go, Martz gets him
and sure enough Couch is throwing for 40 touchdowns a year. Just look at
Bledsoe, I am sure he is thanking Kraft for trading him.
And is the same thing happens to Couch, I am sure that Couch is going to
thank Davis. OK, maybe not. |