Very rarely do three-way QB battles work. Receiving one-third of the reps through off-season OTAs (organized team activities) and then during training camp is not the ideal way to prepare two young quarterbacks trying to prove themselves nor a veteran looking to grow for an NFL season. Its also difficult on a locker room who has their own opinions on who should be leading their football team.
The Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins are two teams looking to dispel the three-way QB battle debate as training camp fast approaches.
My co-host Zig Fracassi and I caught up with RBKR specialist Leon Washington of the Seahawks on SiriusXM NFL Radio to get his thoughts of how the battle is unfolding in Seattle.
Ill tell you what now, its a battleIts a battle, Leon said, Tarvaris Jackson, Im telling you what man, Tavaris has turned it onHe has turned it on and has not made this easy.
Jackson is coming off his best NFL season statistically as he heads into his seventh year as a professional. Many considered Jackson a raw prospect when he was drafted 2nd round by the Vikings out of Alabama State in 2006. Playing last year with a torn pectoral muscle Jackson was able to win seven games while completing 60.2 percent of his passes for 3,091 yards with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Jackson is only 29 years old, has led a team to the playoffs in the past and should be embarking on the prime years of his NFL career.
This offseason, Seattle signed free agent quarterback Matt Flynn of the Packers to a three-year, 26 million deal, 8 million of which is guaranteed Flynn in 2012. Its hard to imagine Flynn holding a clip board for that type of money. The Seahawks also drafted Russell Wilson from Wisconsin in the third round, who head coach Pete Carroll declared, hes in the competition, he showed us enough, after the teams recent rookie mini-camp.
Carroll continues his mantra of promoting competition, but could he be adversely affecting his team early in the 2012 season until a decision is made? The Seattle locker-room is already evaluating the situation as it is unfolding and picking their leader.
Leon Washington assessed the situation further and weighed in on the new additions at quarterback by stating,
On Jackson: To me, right now, Tarvaris looks the best, thats just my opinion right now.
On Flynn: You can tell his swagger. You can tell he came from Green Bay where a great lineage of QBs comes from thatthat philosophy, that system.
On Wilson: Man, wow -- if hes three inches taller, I mean, he possibly could have been the best QB coming out in the draft. That kid has it all. He puts the ball on the money, has swagger in the huddle and commands respect as a rookie.
Leon finished the interview with, I cant speak for coach Carroll, but it is a battle right now. Whoever comes out of this on top, its gonna be right for the team.
Most head coaches like to decide on their starting quarterback by the third preseason game. Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin recently told the Palm Beach Post that's the case because that is when the starting offense plays most of the game.
Conceptually, a three-way quarterback battle may be right due to fairness, but is it properly preparing the team at the most critical position on the field? Lets wait patiently as Seattle and Miami prepare to settle this debate once and for all.